One position that Manchester United won’t have to worry about strengthening this summer is the centre of defence.
There have been summers when Manchester United’s entire starting 11 needed to be replaced, but this is not the case in 2025.
This summer, Ineos are planning another four signings for United, following the conclusion of a deal to bring Bryan Mbeumo to the club from Brentford.
Goalkeeper
Wing-back
Midfielder
Striker
Assuming United can tick off each demand on the list, it would see a signing in almost every area of the squad and likely six in total after Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
However, one position that United has no plans to strengthen in the summer transfer window is centre-half, with Ineos already working to make the department strong in the present and the future.
With a very talented trio of young defenders promising to define the future of the club, there will be an onus placed on one player who has a vital role under Ruben Amorim.
Matthijs de Ligt shouting instructions to Manchester United teammates.
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Matthijs de Ligt will play a big role next season for Manchester United
Last summer, United signed Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich in a very exciting move, considering he has all the tools to be among the league’s best defenders.
De Ligt’s first season at Old Trafford was encouraging at times; however, he and the club will want to see improvements in the 2025-26 campaign.
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Under Amorim, for large periods of the final stretch of the season, Harry Maguire was picked ahead of the Dutchman. This is something that De Ligt must fix next season, as it is unsustainable for Maguire to play all season.
Next season, De Ligt should improve for United, with his SofaScore stats showing he had a standard first year. De Ligt should really come into his own as a leader and likely the experienced defender in a young back-line.
Infographic showing Matthijs de Ligt's stats in 2024-25 for Manchester United.
Infographic from SofaScore showing Matthijs de Ligt’s stats in 2024-25 for Manchester United.
De Ligt has spoken glowingly about Amorim, and in the 2025-26 season, United will need the Dutch international to become a rock within the back three, especially with the trio of wonderkids currently establishing themselves at Old Trafford.
De Ligt can be vital in helping Manchester United’s young centre-backs become world-class
Within United’s current back-three system, the natural role for De Ligt is in the central centre-back position, where his experience can help dictate play.
In the 2025-26 season, De Ligt could find himself starting with wonderkids Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro on the left and right of him, both of whom are under 20.
Due to this, despite already being so talented, the pair will need guidance. This is something Maguire offers in abundance, and De Ligt must place himself into this role for United.
In addition, De Ligt will be key in helping 17-year-old Godwill Kukonki to break out into the first team at some point in the next 12 months.
United’s future back three is already sorted; it just needs guidance over the next 24 months from De Ligt and Maguire to ensure it all comes good.