United’s Summer Rebuild: Who Stays and Who Goes?

Manchester United’s focus is already shifting to a busy summer, with plenty of outgoings expected and major questions across the spine of the side. Recruitment priorities look obvious, but nothing feels settled yet.

Now that the season is almost done, we turn our attention to silly season and the swathe of outgoing and incoming players.

So far, Casemiro has confirmed he is leaving. Also expected to go are Ugarte, Zirkzee, and Malacia, and hopefully those currently out on loan like Rashford, Sancho, Onana, and Hojlund, with probably a few of the under-21s also moving on so the academy players can make the step up.

That leaves the incomings.

Goalkeeper situation

Onana is, hopefully, to be sold. Bayindir might also move on now that Lammens has secured the No. 1 spot. Does Vitek get promoted to number two, or is he sold?

Defence and the obvious weak spot

Maguire, de Ligt, and Martinez seem to be first choice, with Yoro, Heaven, and Fredricson as backup. Mazraoui, Dalot, Shaw, Dorgu (isn’t he classed as a forward now?), and Leon are the wing-back options.

Left-back seems the most obvious position they will try to strengthen, with the likes of Araujo, Diouf, Hall, or Raum all being linked.

Midfield rebuild and who partners Mainoo

Anderson, Wharton, Baleba, Tonali, and Ederson are the main names being mentioned to replace Casemiro, but who is best suited to partner Kobbie Mainoo? The latest reports say agreements have been reached for Baleba and Ederson, but who knows if that is true? Personally, I think someone like Fernandes at West Ham would be a good signing.

Attack, depth, and the striker question

Mbeumo, Fernandes, and Cunha are first choice. Diallo will hopefully rediscover his form next season, but on current form he is a squad player. I think Mane from Wolves would be a good addition, someone who can make an impact from the bench while he settles at the club.

Zirkzee will be sold, and Mount should also be sold if a decent offer can be found. Everton F. C. would be a good move for him.

Sesko is our only striker. Hushed talk of a big offer for Kane, but that is fantasy talk. Lewandowski on a free, even though he is 55. Mateta and Vlahovic are names that have also popped up. Or do we promote Chido, or is it better to send him on loan?

With the increased number of games next season, we need at least five or six quality players either to replace departing first-team players or improve the overall quality of the squad.

Written by Grim May 11 2026 11:12:39