“I know that he is a very good player but we have to get rid of him in the summer. If he remains here, the younger players won’t be able to shine. We also need to sign these players during the next transfer window” – This is according to Ruben Amorim as he prepares his ideal starting lineup for next season without Bruno Fernandes and featuring four new additions.

Manchester United are preparing for a busy summer transfer window as Ruben Amorim aims to reshape his squad. Following a disappointing season, which sees them sitting 13th in the Premier League, significant changes are expected at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag was dismissed just months after United invested over £200 million in the previous transfer window, bringing in players such as Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Manuel Ugarte.

Since then, only two permanent additions have been made under Amorim’s tenure—youngster Ayden Heaven from Arsenal and wing-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce. United CEO Omar Berrada has confirmed that the club will support Amorim with transfers this summer, but they must also offload players due to the Premier League’s financial regulations.

Defensive Reinforcements

Reports suggest that while goalkeeper Andre Onana’s performances have been inconsistent, Amorim has faith in him and will likely keep him as the No.1. However, the defense remains an area of focus, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite emerging as a top target. Should he sign, he would likely form a back three alongside Yoro and De Ligt.

Lisandro Martínez, Harry Maguire, and Heaven provide additional options, while Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are expected to leave once their contracts expire. Wing-backs Mazraoui and Dorgu are set to retain their spots, with Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw offering depth.

Midfield Overhaul

Amorim is expected to build his midfield around Ugarte, a player he previously coached at Sporting. However, the futures of Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, and Christian Eriksen remain uncertain. Eriksen’s departure is anticipated, while Mainoo’s contract situation could force United to make a decision regarding his long-term stay.

Fernandes, who has attracted interest from Real Madrid with a reported £90 million valuation, could also be sold to raise funds. If that happens, Amorim might look to reunite with Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand, whom United reportedly value at £50 million.

Attacking Changes

Amad Diallo was one of United’s standout performers before suffering an ankle injury in February, but he is expected to reclaim his starting spot upon his return to fitness. United have also been linked with Oscar Gloukh, who is viewed as a potential successor to Fernandes. The 20-year-old could slot into one of the two attacking midfield roles.

Up front, Rasmus Hojlund and Zirkzee have struggled for consistency, managing only six league goals between them. As a result, Victor Osimhen has emerged as a major target. The striker appears to have no future at Napoli, having been loaned to Galatasaray, and a swap deal involving Hojlund has been speculated.

Possible United XI for 2025-26:

 

Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Branthwaite; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Hjulmand, Dorgu; Amad, Gloukh; Osimhen.