Manchester United's Dream Starting XI Takes Shape After Blockbuster 2025 Summer Signings
Manchester United fans will be hoping they've already experienced their lowest point of the 2025–26 season, following Ruben Amorim's team's embarrassing Carabao Cup second-round loss to Grimsby Town.
Questions still surround Amorim, whose favored 3-4-2-1 formation has yet to demonstrate it can restore the Red Devils to the consistent excellence they once knew so well in years past.
The manager's tactical consistency meant players were brought in during the summer transfer window to excel within this system, and there was clear intention to transform an attack that was historically poor last season, as United ended 15th in the Premier League without a Europa League title to show for it.
Following a reasonably active summer window, which certainly didn't address all the gaps in Amorim's squad, Sports Illustrated evaluates what United's optimal XI looks like when all players are fit.
Man Utd's Best XI After 2025 Summer Transfer Window (3-4-2-1)
GK: Senne Lammens
Amorim, understandably, lacks confidence in André Onana, but Altay Bayındır's weaknesses are currently too apparent for him to establish himself as United's long-term No. 1.
Consequently, United looked to the transfer market and secured the relatively unfamiliar Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp. The Red Devils paid a reasonable fee for his services, and the statistical evidence suggests he could become the first-choice goalkeeper immediately.
CB: Leny Yoro
This United squad possesses considerable talent, and their most gifted defender is Leny Yoro.
The Frenchman suffered an injury setback early in his Manchester career, but has impressed since returning. A commanding presence with excellent timing and outstanding recovery abilities, the young defender has all the qualities to become a cornerstone of Manchester United's defense for years ahead, regardless of the tactical system.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt
Harry Maguire remains capable of contributing in the center of the manager's three-man defense, but Amorim has shown preference for De Ligt early in the new campaign.
The Dutchman may not have fulfilled the potential he showed during his breakthrough years at Ajax, but he's a strong physical presence who thrives when assigned to mark similarly powerful attackers. He faces more challenges against agile opponents or when required to defend in wide positions.
Overall, he appears much more settled in this role.
CB: Lisandro Martínez
There are numerous defensive partnerships for Amorim to consider, but the strongest surely includes a fully healthy Lisandro Martínez.
The Argentine's stature sparked considerable discussion at the beginning of his Premier League journey, and will likely continue to be a topic of conversation regardless of his performances.
His 2025 has been hampered by injuries, and Martínez is certainly not a flawless defender, but he brings significant value in possession and can establish the team's intensity with some robust challenges.
RWB: Amad Diallo
The Ivorian was among the few bright spots in a disappointing 2024–25 season for the club, and the summer additions mean Amad's future under Amorim is at wing-back.
He executed the role effectively at the beginning of the manager's reign, but found success in a more attacking position in the front three as last season progressed.
Nonetheless, Amad has the opportunity to establish this position as his own in 2025–26. He's an energetic player who provides considerable pace and creativity down the right side.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo could be the most promising academy product in ten years, and Amorim must discover how to help him flourish within his tactical approach.
Man Utd nearly lost him, albeit temporarily, during the summer window, with the midfielder eager to secure a loan move to guarantee regular playing time before the 2026 World Cup. Mainoo played extensively for England at Euro 2024, but has been absent from selection since Thomas Tuchel assumed control.
He has areas for improvement, particularly defensively, but Mainoo should be a crucial component of this United squad.
CM: Casemiro
Casemiro's recent performances indicate he still has quality to offer after a disappointing 2023–24 season.
He's clearly benefited from Amorim's arrival, with the Portuguese coach requiring the experienced midfielder to cover less territory defensively. He shouldn't be a consistent starter at this point in his career, but United surprisingly failed to strengthen their midfield during the summer, and the other options aren't adequate.
LWB: Patrick Dorgu
Dorgu arrived at the club in January and experienced a mixed beginning to his United journey.
The Dane was expected to gain from having a complete preseason under Amorim's guidance, but the initial indicators in 2025–26 aren't particularly conclusive. It's difficult to assess precisely how talented he is, or how successfully he can fulfill this wing-back responsibility.
However, there's a shortage of options. Supporters would prefer not to see extensive use of Diogo Dalot.
AM: Bryan Mbeumo
Man Utd finally met Brentford's asking price for Mbeumo during the summer, but the Cameroonian has the potential to become a star at Old Trafford. Ultimately, few will be concerned about his transfer fee if he excels at the Theatre of Dreams.
Mbeumo has been a reliable Premier League performer and joined United following his finest season yet. He was remarkably clinical in front of goal in west London last campaign and appears well-suited for what Amorim requires from this position.
His partnership with Amad on the right could be crucial this season.
AM: Bruno Fernandes
The captain poses a challenging tactical puzzle for Amorim.
If he's part of the squad, he must be in the starting lineup, correct? He's simply too talented to exclude. However, discussion continues about Fernandes' optimal position within this system.
Deploying him in a deeper role gives United greater control during build-up play, but potentially leaves them exposed to conceding goals like Fulham's strike against them in Gameweek 2. In a more advanced position, Amorim might be limiting the build-up phase, but his creative leader has more freedom to cause problems as a playmaker.
CF: Matheus Cunha
You'd preferably want £74 million striker Benjamin Šeško in this position, but it will require time for the promising Slovenian forward to adjust. United must show patience with him.
Cunha was their primary signing of the summer, and while he might not be a traditional No. 9, Amorim has demonstrated early in the new season his willingness to employ a false nine. The link-up play between the front three should be spectacular, but this attacking line does lack physical presence in the penalty area.
Šeško needs to become the primary option once he adapts, but for now, Amorim is likely to continue with Cunha.
