With the new Premier League season just around the corner, fans around the world are eager to see their recently furbished teams in action. As old players depart and new ones arrive we can now put pieces together and predict how each team could lineup on that opening weekend.
At the start of the window it looked like Manchester United had a different strategy, to sign players early. This came with the signing of Wolves attacker Matheus Cunha on the opening day of the transfer window.
However, since this signing it has become clear this was just a one off, as other teams act fast, United slip back in to their slow approach of completing summer deals, leaving fans understandably frustrated.
Noticeably, regardless of lack of signings, United are never far away from transfer rumours and speculation. With all the paper talk and pretty reliable sources linking players to Old Trafford, lets have a go at predicting the starting lineup for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign.
Goalkeeper - Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Rumours of the World Cup winning goalkeeper joining the Reds have been circulating since the end of last season. The Argentine has proven himself as one best keepers on the planet the last few seasons with his confidence between the sticks and proving himself reliable time and time again.
With a recent hamstring injury ruling current keeper Andre Onana out for a couple of months, along with his inconsistency over the last two seasons, United will most certainly be on the lookout for a new number 1 this summer, with some saying Martinez would be the perfect man to replace him.
Right Centre Back - Lenny Yoro
The 19-year-old joined United from Lille last summer for a fee of around £50 million and showed real quality and maturity throughout the season, growing in confidence by the minute. His ability to play out from the back, both finding a pass or driving into the midfield is something Ruben Amorim is keen on his defenders to be able to do, and the young French international has this ability in abundance.
Central Centre Back - Matthijs De Ligt
Similarly to Yoro, De Ligt signed last summer from the German champions, Bayern Munich. He showed glimpses of real quality last season but recurring injuries prevented him from finding full match fitness. The Dutch International will hopefully be able to get back to the top form that he has previously shown on the world stage, for the Reds next season.
Left Centre Back - Ayden Heaven
Off the back of some very impressive performances last season after signing from **Arsena**l in January, along with the injury to Lisandro Martinez, it is safe to say Heaven will be given a chance to prove himself even more next season. His physicality and composure at such a young age gives him a real chance to make that left centre back spot his own.
Right Wing Back - Amad Diallo
Manchester United's glimmer of hope last season was Amad Diallo. His willingness to create something from nothing along with his technical ability is key for Amorim's side next season. Playing as a wing-back gives him the opportunities to get down the line and show his capabilities where he is most dangerous. He provides width for the team which is vital for Amorim's system to work and also heavily contributes with goals and assists.
Central Midfielder - Bruno Fernandes (c)
After choosing to stay at Old Trafford and rejecting an astronomical offer from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, Bruno Fernandes will once again be an integral part of the United side next season. His vision and output along with the sheer amount of chances he creates is something the club desperately need.
Fernandes will likely be deployed as one of the two number eights due to incoming signings, giving him more options to create from deep.
Central Midfielder - Ederson (Atalanta BC)
The Brazilian midfielder has been linked with a move away from Italy for the last few months with Manchester United interested in the signing. In terms of the player profile United need, Ederson fits perfectly. He is an aggressive midfielder who is defensively solid but can also move the ball well - a perfect partner for skipper Bruno Fernandes who will compliment his abilities and allow him the freedom he needs to affect the game.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed United's interest in the 26-year old-but he will likely not be a cheap buy for the club, so other options may be considered by the United board.
January signing Dorgu is likely to be the clubs first choice left wing-back next season. Despite being pretty raw he does show the key qualities needed to be a top left wing-back and with some added competition from new signing Diego Leon, these qualities could shine through even more next season.
Left Attacking Midfielder - Matheus Cunha
Manchester United's first signing of the summer window and one that fans can really get excited about. It was clear goals were a problem for the Reds last season and Matheus Cunha can certainly bring them into the team this year.
His ability to create chances out of nothing, scoring every type of goal is something the club have desperately lacked. This followed by his Brazilian flare is another thing that is destined to get Old Trafford on its feet all season long.
Right Attacking Midfielder - Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)
A man that United have been chasing for weeks now is Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo. With the transfer understood to be close to completion, it is expected that we will see the Cameroonian in a red shirt next season.
His goal contributions for Brentford last year in the Premier League were impeccable. Scoring 20 goals and assisting seven. These numbers would be a tremendous boost to the team in their pursuit to improve on last seasons terrible finish.
Striker - Joshua Zirkzee
With no concrete rumours surfacing and United's main striker target, Victor Gyokeres, on the verge of a move to Arsenal, it is expected we will see a familiar face leading the line at the start of next season.
After moving to the Theatre of Dreams last year it is fair to say Zirkzee had a rollercoaster of a season. However, despite a rocky start he began to show some real quality and promise in his performances. With the addition of two new number 10s we may start to see even more of his quality if the players around him are willing to use the Dutchman and play to his strengths.
Line up created with (Lineupbuilder.co.uk)