Manchester United's squad is set to undergo major changes this summer as Ruben Amorim looks to build a team capable of challenging for the Premier League title
15:27, 17 Jun 2025
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim endured a poor first season at Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is set to have a significantly improved squad at his disposal compared to the one that ended the dismal 2024/25 season.
After taking over a poorly assembled team in November, Amorim struggled to implement his tactical vision, and despite reaching the Europa League final, United finished their worst season in 51 years with little cause for optimism.
Efforts are already being made to ensure there's no repeat of last season's disappointments. The £62.5million signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves greatly bolsters the attacking midfield options behind the striker, and the recruitment drive shows no signs of slowing down.
Bryan Mbeumo and a new centre-forward are now top of the shopping list as the transfer window reopens. However, balance is key and players will need to be offloaded not only to generate funds, but also to make space in Amorim's squad.
The lack of European football means there's no longer a need for an oversized squad. But it's clear that by the time the Premier League season kicks off on the weekend of 16 August, Amorim needs to have the best possible team at his disposal.
Here, the Daily Star Sport has put together how United's squad could look by the end of summer.
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Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Altay Bayindir, Elyh Harrison
Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa waves
Emi Martinez could leave Aston Villa this summer(Image: James Gill/Getty Images)
Andre Onana isn't a player that United are eager to offload, and he could very well remain as Amorim's first choice. However, in an ideal world, a goalkeeper as good as Emiliano Martinez would be snapped up.
The World Cup champion could depart Aston Villa, and reports from Argentina suggest he is open to a move to the club.
Altay Bayindir could stay as second choice with Elyh Harrison, who was included in eight senior matchday squads last season, also named.
Defenders: Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw, Denzel Dumfries, Patrick Dorgu, Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Amass
Amorim employs five defenders in his 3-4-2-1 formation, with the role of the wing-backs being crucial. Victor Lindelof's departure means there are only five natural centre-backs now, but Noussair Mazraoui's ability to cover means they have six options for three positions.
CAGLIARI, ITALY - AUGUST 28: Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring the goal during the Serie A TIM match between Cagliari Calcio and FC Internazionale at Sardegna Arena on August 28, 2023 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Pistoia - Inter/Inter via Getty Images)
Denzel Dumfries could leave Inter Milan(Image: Mattia Pistoia - Inter, Inter via Getty Images)
United could certainly benefit from another wing-back signing. A new left-back has been suggested, but Denzel Dumfries is one player who would fit the system perfectly.
The Inter Milan star is a natural at charging up and down the right, posing a significant threat. Diogo Dalot needs the competition, although due to Luke Shaw's injury history, the Portuguese could be the first choice at left wing-back.
Harry Amass will be keen to secure more first-team minutes during pre-season, or a loan move might be on the cards for the teenager.
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Amad, Adam Wharton, Toby Collyer
Many have said that Adam Wharton would be an ideal fit for United's midfield. However, even with Christian Eriksen's departure, another player, possibly Casemiro, would need to leave to free up funds and squad space.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 5: Adam Wharton during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Selhurst Park on May 5, 2025 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Adam Wharton has a bright future ahead(Image: Sebastian Frej/MB Media, Getty Images)
Bruno Fernandes is a guaranteed starter after turning down a move to Saudi Arabia, while Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are set to compete for a spot alongside the United captain. Wharton's arrival would add even more competition.
Amad is expected to play a significant role this season, and Mason Mount's future at Old Trafford could hinge on his success this season.
However, it should be noted that Wharton's signing could signal the end for another player. Mainoo, who has been linked with a move away due to contract uncertainty, may be let go, with his departure considered pure profit on the books.
Attackers: Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Joshua Zirkee, Viktor Gyokeres, Chido Obi
A new striker is a must for the summer and Viktor Gyokeres seems to be the ideal fit. All signs point towards the Swedish star being exactly what Amorim is looking for in a centre-forward.
Sporting Lisbon's Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Portuguese league football match between AVS Futebol SAD and Sporting CP at CD Aves stadium in Vila das Aves on February 23, 2025. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres could turn around Man Utd's fortunes(Image: MIGUEL RIOPA, AFP via Getty Images)
The introduction of a fresh number nine could signal the end of Rasmus Hojlund's stint in England, albeit possibly only on loan. There's growing interest from Italy, but it remains to be seen if clubs like Inter or Juventus could afford a permanent transfer.
Joshua Zirkzee offers useful support at centre-forward and behind the striker, with Chido Obi also available for cup matches and additional senior minutes.
Pairing both Cunha and Mbeumo with a prolific striker like Gyokeres could completely transform United's chances of making a Champions League comeback.
Potential United 25-man Premier League squad: Martinez, Bayindir, De Ligt, Martinez, Maguire, Shaw, Dumfries, Dalot, Mazraoui, Fernandes, Ugarte, Mainoo, Mount, Amad, Cunha, Mbeumo, Gyokeres, Zirkzee.
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Under-21: Harrison, Yoro, Heaven, Amass, Mainoo, Dorgu, Wharton, Collyer, Obi.
The regulations remain unchanged from last year. A minimum of eight players must qualify as homegrown (defined as having 'played for an FA-affiliated club for at least three years before turning 21'), while a maximum of 17 can be non-homegrown.
Players under the age of 21 (born on or after 1 January, 2004) will also not be included in the 25-man selection. Given United's recent recruitment drive focusing on young talents over the past year and a half, there is room.