Manchester United began their pre-season campaign with a focus on further squad development under the management of Michael Carrick, who is preparing for his first full season as head coach. The team faced Norwegian side Rosenborg in Trondheim as part of their pre-season fixtures, following a narrow 1-0 loss to Wrexham in Helsinki last weekend. While some key players were unavailable, the matches have provided opportunities for young academy members and recent signings to stake a claim for places in the squad.
The midfield remains the primary focus of Manchester United’s transfer efforts. After missing out on targets Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes—who joined Manchester City and Tottenham respectively—United secured the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea for approximately £50 million. Santos, 22, is expected to offer defensive midfield protection that has been lacking in recent campaigns. Additionally, the club triggered a £35 million release clause to acquire Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. The 29-year-old Belgian midfielder brings Premier League experience and creativity, expected to alleviate some of the creative responsibilities on Bruno Fernandes.
Carrick and the club’s hierarchy are in pursuit of a third midfielder to complement Santos and Tielemans, particularly following the departure of Casemiro. Several candidates are being considered, including Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Tyler Adams, Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, Roma’s Manu Kone, Fulham’s Sander Berge, and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni. Tactical flexibility is anticipated, with Carrick likely to continue using a 4-2-3-1 formation but remaining open to a shift toward a 4-3-3 if the recruitment aligns.
Defensive reinforcements are also under review. Lisandro Martinez’s fitness is being closely monitored after an injury sustained in the World Cup final, while Matthijs de Ligt will miss the start of the season due to back surgery. United’s senior centre-back options currently include Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, and Leny Yoro. Carrick is reportedly seeking an additional ball-playing centre back to reduce reliance on Martinez. On the left side of defense, the club prioritizes signing a left back as Luke Shaw’s participation is expected to diminish compared to last season. Young players Harry Amass and James Overy, both linked with potential moves to lower-tier clubs or overseas, are also being evaluated.
In goalkeeping, Senne Lammens has been confirmed as the first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming season despite a high-profile error at the World Cup quarter-finals. The club’s acquisition of free agent Karl Darlow allows for the likely departures of Altay Bayindir and Radek Vitek, with Vitek’s market value estimated around £15 million. Tom Heaton remains as an experienced third-choice option to provide leadership within the squad.
The club’s youth pipeline remains a key component of squad planning. Several young players who have outgrown academy competition but are not yet regular first-team members are vying for opportunities. Midfielder Jacob Devaney has impressed during a loan spell at St Mirren and is aiming to break into Carrick’s midfield rotation. Other prospects such as Sekou Kone, Jack Moorhouse, Jack Fletcher, and Chido Obi face uncertain futures, with the club open to loans or transfers depending on progress.
On the left wing, Manchester United’s recent signing of 18-year-old Tynan Thompson from Tottenham for a fee potentially rising to £8 million adds depth and youthful promise. Thompson is regarded as a traditional winger with strong one-on-one skills, fitting United’s emphasis on developing young talents. The situation on the left flank is further complicated by Marcus Rashford’s contract, which reportedly exceeds £325,000 per week, following declined interest from Barcelona. Meanwhile, winger Patrick Dorgu is seen by the manager as best suited to wide attacking roles rather than defensive positions.
Up front, striker Benjamin Sesko is recovering from a shin injury sustained late in the previous season, creating a need for additional attacking options. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo provide cover, and Carrick has demonstrated a preference for tactics involving a false nine when the team does not expect to have majority possession. Joshua Zirkzee remains part of the squad, though the club is open to offers; the striker is noted for his positive influence in the dressing room and willingness to compete for a place.
As the new season approaches, Manchester United’s reshaped squad is poised for continued evolution under Carrick’s guidance, with strategic acquisitions and youth integration central to their rebuilding efforts.