Summary
Manchester United’s start to the 2025/26 season has been disappointing, with Ruben Amorim and his team failing to steady the ship.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who joined the Red Devils this summer, will be critical to their future success and should be kept regardless.
Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw should be sold if offers come in, and Bruno Fernandes’ future is uncertain.
Manchester United ended the 2024/25 season in a state of uncertainty. Would Ruben Amorim remain at the club? Who would take over if he left? And which players would be let go in order to make room for new summer additions as the club attempted to rebound from a disappointing 15th place finish in the Premier League? Even after a summer, the club continues to struggle with the same challenges.
Following the conclusion of 2024/25, in which the Red Devils had the opportunity to salvage some honor by competing in the Europa League final, which they lost, Amorim was given the benefit of the doubt, and many players arrived at the Theatre of Dreams. Despite spending a lot of money to sign Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, United’s fortunes have not improved.
With the end of Libson-born Amorim’s first summer transfer window approaching, it’s time to rate each player in the United squad based on their present condition. The players have been divided into six categories: ‘Must Keep’, ‘Useful to Have in the Squad’, ‘Talented Youngster’, ‘The Jury is Still Out’, ‘Listen to Offers’, and ‘Get Rid’.
Ranking Factors
Players were ranked based on the following factors:
Overall quality and what they add to the present outfit
Longevity and Future Potential
Are they good value for money based on their present performance?
Must Keep
While things may not be going well for United both on and off the field, the good news is that they have a plethora of excellent young players on their roster who are already making an impact. Leny Yoro has swiftly established himself as one of the club’s finest defenders thanks to a streak of consistent performances recently, and he has entrenched himself at the heart of the defence to quiet any doubters.
Then there is Amad. The Ivorian has surpassed other more recognized names in the squad, and he will seek to play regularly under the new administration in 2025/26. Based on his current performances, he is unquestionably a must-have for such a disjointed group, and despite many cameo appearances off the bench, he is the future on the club’s right side.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford, respectively, in the summer of 2025 to help United improve their final third performance. The former, in particular, has showed flashes of pure brilliance in the early weeks of the season, but it would be safe to conclude that he has yet to reach peak speed.
The same goes for the latter, who is largely considered as one of the Premier League’s top wingers. Mbeumo, who is dangerous on both feet and a nuisance in and around the box, might form a powerful partnership with Amad on the right side, but we have yet to see them work together in full force. Regardless, both players should be retained for as long as feasible, for obvious reasons.
Must keep.
Player
Man United Appearances (24/25)
Leny Yoro
2
Amad
3
Matheus Cunha
3
Brian Mbeumo
3
Useful to have in the squad.
Fundamentally, the players in this section are not assured a berth in the starting lineup at Old Trafford in the future, but they are all valuable additions to the squad, both on and off the pitch. So, with that in mind, why not start with Kobbie Mainoo?
There are few players in Manchester United’s squad more talented than him, and he could easily be in the ‘Must Keep’ category – the only question is where he fits in Amorim’s system, whether in central midfield or further forward. That is precisely why he has been linked with a transfer away.
Noussair Mazraoui, who is still in the early stages of his Old Trafford career, was one of the club’s most consistent performers last season, and with Amorim’s preference for wing backs – a position the ex-Bayern Munich utility man is capable of filling – his influence is likely to grow further.
Lisandro Martinez would have been a must-keep at the start of last season, but he struggled during the season and hasn’t played since February due to injury. Now in 2025/26, the injuries have persisted, and his place in the team isn’t as safe as it once was. Nonetheless, he is regarded as a valuable member of the team.
Harry Maguire was frequently chastised by fans for making numerous mistakes, but the truth is that in 2024/25, he was dependable when needed and was frequently the club’s best option in the center of defence. There were concerns about whether he would remain at the top of Amorim’s priorities following the arrival of Matthjis de Ligt in the summer of 2024, but the Englishman remained steady.
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De Ligt has plenty of opportunity for improvement, and Amorim’s decision to play a three-at-the-back system may help him. The defender is still finding his feet in the heart of the defence and, despite United’s terrible record, appears to have been a good transfer overall. Joshua Zirkzee’s finishing has been called into question, which is understandable, but his link-up play is not.
From being booed at home against Newcastle United to being cheered when he appeared at crucial moments, the Dutchman has had a mixed start to his Manchester United career, and, despite rumours of him leaving, the silky forward could play an important role in the club’s progression in the coming seasons. Keep an eye on this space.
Mason Mount has done little to persuade the Old Trafford crowd that he should frequently play in front of other midfield alternatives. However, his unusual appearance from the bench, as well as Amorim’s admiration for the Englishman, may alter the fanbase’s image of him over the season, particularly if he continues to work so hard.
Useful to Have in the Squad.
Player
Man United Appearances (25/26)
Lisandro Martinez
0
Joshua Zirkzee
1
Noussair Mazraoui
0
Matthijs De Ligt
3
Harry Maguire
3
Kobbie Mainoo
1
Mason Mount
3
talented youngster
This tier definitely explains itself. While each of the aforementioned players has the potential to become significant members of the senior squad, they are still learning their craft and gaining experience from more experienced professionals. Harry Amass was one of the young players pushed into the deep end during Amorim’s first season in the dugout, and he has the look of a Luke Shaw regen. If given the chance, he could secure the left-back position for himself.
While Chido Obi is not yet ready to play on a regular basis at Old Trafford, Carrington believes he might be the long-term solution to the club’s goal-scoring difficulties. The 2007-born talisman made a few senior appearances last season but has yet to begin his 2025/26 campaign with the first team. That cannot be said of Ayden Heaven or Tyler Fredricson.
Both centre-backs have played for Amorim this season, with the former appearing more confident than the latter. Regardless, playing in such a difficult environment at such a young age demonstrates that neither youngster is intimidated by the pressures of playing for one of the world’s most powerful football clubs. However, they may both have promising careers at the Theatre of Dreams.
talented youngster
Player
Man United Appearances (25/26)
Ayden’s Heaven
2
Harry Amass
0
Chido Obi
0
Tyler Fredricson
1
The jury is still out.
Patrick Dorgu, who joined in January, is difficult to grade right now due to the timing of his move and how little he’s shown so far. Despite his limited minutes, the young Dane has demonstrated the physicality required to play in England’s top flight. It remains to be seen whether completing a contract will be a resounding success, but after only a few months with the Red Devils, it is fair to say that the jury is still out.
Prior to his move to Old Trafford this summer, Arsenal and Newcastle United were interested in Benjamin Sesko. The lanky frontman, who is still only 22 years old, was brought in to essentially replace Rasmus Hojlund (more on him later!), but he has struggled to get started. He has not scored in three outings, one of which was a start, but it is too early to rule him out.
The same may be said for Diego Leon, an 18-year-old left-back who signed from Cerro Porteno in the summer of 2025. Glimpses of the youngster demonstrate his tenacity, but he has yet to play competitively for the Red Devils, though it’s clear that he will have plenty of opportunities to showcase his potential in the coming years – and possibly months.
The jury is still out.
Player
Man United Appearances (25/26)
Patrick Dorgu
3
Benjamin Sesko
3
Diego Leon
0
Listen to Offers.
While there is validity in keeping all seven of these players, there are several reasons why offers should be made. Luke Shaw may be a surprise addition to this list, but his injury history is cause for caution. The Englishman’s potential is undeniable; but, availability is the most important factor, and Shaw cannot promise that he will be able to stay fit. If Manchester United can find a superior alternative on the left, the 30-year-old’s place in the team could be jeopardised. He played only 12 games last season, but has already appeared twice in 2025/26.
Following a solid start in England, it may be time for United to entertain any bids for Casemiro. Over the last decade, the Brazilian has been one of the world’s top defensive midfielders, but his recent downturn in form has been nothing short of dramatic. Performances have improved marginally since last season’s severely dismal showing against Liverpool, but given his high salaries, the club would be prudent to consider selling.
Although Diogo Dalot would have been a ‘Must Keep’ a few years ago, he has slipped dramatically out of the top tier due to his disappointing performances recently. His inability to integrate into Amorim’s preferred system at Old Trafford may jeopardize his career with the club. Elsewhere, there are mounting doubts about Rasmus Hojlund’s minutes if he stays.
Despite battling many injuries in his rookie season, Hojlund has always remained dedicated to the cause, which the Old Trafford crowd cannot deny. However, consistency in front of goals is still an issue. At times, he appears to be the ideal forward for the club to build around, but the Danish international may be unproductive without adequate support. With interest in his signature, it may be time for the team to cut their losses.
Bruno Fernandes is frequently chastised for his on-field conduct and petulance, most notably after receiving his third red card of the season against Wolves. The Portuguese international, who was linked with a transfer away earlier this summer, has insisted on staying for another year, although his position under Amorim is unclear. Not in the midfield. Cunha and Mbeumo have joined the squad, possibly in one of the No.10 positions.
Should he stay, he will be critical to the Red Devils’ future success, but cashing in on his talents, if a good offer arrives at Old Trafford, would not be as dreadful as it appears.
Listen to offers.
Player
Man United Appearances (25/26)
Luke Shaw
2
Casemiro
2
Diogo Dalot
3
Rasmus Hojlund
0
Bruno Fernandes
3
Get Rid.
Antony was purchased at a high price, but has yet to demonstrate why United paid £81.3 million for him. According to Transfermarkt, he has only contributed 17 goals (12 goals, five assists) in 96 games, and the intangible side of his game is similarly dismal. Currently used primarily as a backup for other wingers stated above, it’s time for the club to cut their losses in case any interested parties arise.
Manuel Ugarte had a difficult start to life in England, and just when it appeared that he had turned things around, his performances dipped again. Not only is he irresponsible in his attitude, but his on-the-ball talent is insufficient for the Premier League, and as a result, the Ten Hag acquisition should be sold.
Alejandro Garnacho looked unstoppable under Ten Hag, but after Amorim’s arrival, his opportunities in the first team have been curtailed, and he has now been completely removed from the squad. His skill is apparent, but he has struggled to demonstrate it consistently. There are also issues about his attitude as he considers leaving the club; Chelsea appear to be the most likely suitors.
Tom Heaton, a valuable presence off the pitch, is struggling to earn game time despite Amorim’s goalkeeping conundrum. He remains the Red Devils’ third-choice between the sticks, and Senne Lammens’ potential arrival this summer will push him lower down the pecking order. It’s time to say goodbye to a devoted, long-term club employee.
Following Altay Bayindir’s terrible performance against Tottenham Hotspur last season, in which he conceded four goals, including an Olimpico, the focus has shifted even further to United’s poor goalkeeping issue.
Andre Onana has received a lot of criticism throughout his tenure at Manchester United, and there are still questions about his long-term viability as goalkeeper. The situation is still unknown, since Onana has shared 2025/26 minutes with Bayindir. Despite his talent and experience as a past Champions League finalist with Inter Milan, his streak of spectacular gaffes raises concerns that he will remain a problem in goal.
Get Rid.
Player
Man United Appearances (25/26)
Antony
0
Altay Bayindir.
2
Tom Heaton
0
Manuel Ugarte
3
Andre Onana
1
Alejandro Garnocho
0
Tyrell Malacia
0
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