Four Critical Areas Man Utd Must Urgently Overhaul Ahead of 2026–27 Season

Senne Lammens is well aware that Manchester United must be aggressive in the transfer market this summer to ensure the squad is properly prepared for their return to the Champions League next season.

The Red Devils will have played just 40 matches by the time 2025–26 wraps up, the fewest in a single campaign for the club in over a century. That has carried a clear advantage, especially since late January, as Michael Carrick's side could dedicate their full attention to the Premier League.

However, the Champions League is where United belong, and it will add a minimum of eight extra midweek fixtures to the calendar. Supporters will also expect the club to avoid early exits from both domestic cup competitions, as happened this term.

Recent months have shown that Manchester United possess the foundations of a quality side, but the limited squad depth that has been manageable so far could soon become a serious problem.

"Yes, of course [we need more players], it's a very tough league and next year will be a demanding [schedule]. You want to have people available who can step in when called upon," Lammens told reporters at the weekend.

"Personally, I think we already have a lot of quality in the squad this year. But, naturally, next season is going to be a lot more," he added, emphasising the value of squad depth after United faced Sunderland on Saturday without Casemiro and Benjamin Šeško.

"A couple of guys injured, a couple of guys who normally always feature. So those players coming in and contributing are hugely important. We want to build a strong and competitive squad for next season. But I think we've managed to do that this season too."

Four Positions Man Utd Need in Transfer Market

Central Midfield

Casemiro's looming exit is not the only factor pushing United to strengthen in the middle of the park. Manuel Ugarte has been the only senior cover behind the experienced Brazilian, and there are significant questions surrounding his own future too. The Red Devils could find themselves needing as many as three new central midfielders to partner Kobbie Mainoo — two starters and two deputies in total.

United have been connected with a wide range of targets. Finding a Casemiro replacement is the top priority, with candidates spanning from the nine-figure Elliot Anderson to the more surprisingly attainable Éderson. But building depth is equally critical given the volume of fixtures expected in 2026–27.

Left Wing

Michael Carrick has previously hinted that left wing is an area he wants to address. The right flank is well covered, with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo as the primary options, but the opposite side has proven harder to pin down.

Matheus Cunha, a player whose strengths lie in a central role, has been the go-to option in recent months due to the absence of a natural left winger. Mason Mount has also been deployed in a similar fashion. Left back Patrick Dorgu has caught the eye on the few occasions he has operated further forward, though he would still need support even if that becomes a permanent positional shift.

There remains, of course, the possibility that Marcus Rashford returns from his loan spell and is reintegrated into the squad.

Left Back

Should Dorgu be permanently repositioned as a winger — reminiscent of Gareth Bale's transformation at Tottenham Hotspur around 2010 — then signing a new left back would also become essential.

Luke Shaw has pleasantly surprised many by staying fit throughout the season, showcasing just how influential he can be when consistently available — he had previously gone over a year without a start as 2024 turned into 2025. But United require cover, and Tyrell Malacia, who has himself endured a torrid run of injuries, is set to become a free agent when his deal expires next month.

Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui both can operate on the left, but neither is naturally suited to that side.

Goalkeeper

United appear to have struck gold with Lammens. The imposing Belgian had completed just one full season of top-flight football before making the move to Old Trafford last September. Yet he made his debut the following month and hasn't looked back since, combining composure with an understated style to tremendous effect, reinforcing the value of reliability between the sticks.

Nevertheless, Lammens requires backup. Altay Bayındır has understandably been linked with a move in search of a starting role. André Onana also remains contracted to the club, though it is hard to envision the Cameroonian accepting a reserve role, or unseating Lammens as the first choice.

Even if United keep 40-year-old Tom Heaton as third-choice goalkeeper, a new second-choice option would still be needed. It is not a straightforward position to recruit for, as any incoming player would arrive knowing they will see limited action, yet must be capable of stepping up whenever required.