Manchester United could have a drastically different squad to select from by the time the 2025/26 season kicks off in August.
After the season just experienced, few players can consider themselves safe from the impending summer clearout, which will ensue in the coming months.
It has been suggested that Manchester United are looking to make four big signings this summer, with further business dependent on the aforementioned clearout.
Ineos could let at least 10 United players exit permanently, in a first summer similar to the one Ruben Amorim experienced at Sporting CP, with transfer business there being key in building a squad capable of challenging.
This will be Ineos’ task, which could get remarkably easier if United come out of the Europa League final as champions of Europe this week.
The names of those who are listed for sale are widely known and comprise players not really in the first team picture anyway, barring a few, but which players are safe?
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim’s four irreplaceable players at Manchester United
When Amorim, along with Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, are combing through the squad to decide who stays and who goes, it will probably be easier simply to name who should be kept.
Now, this is what Amorim has been doing, according to The Times, with a list of just four players considered to be irreplaceable by the 40-year-old head coach.
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Amorim’s irreplaceable list has his captain Fernandes, along with Maguire, as two experienced heads at the club. Upon joining, Amorim extended Maguire’s contract at United after being impressed by him.
In addition, as one of Ineos’ summer signings from 2024, Yoro has made a huge impression at United this season, living up to his high potential billing. The final name is Amad, who has gone from unused by Erik ten Hag to one of the stars of Amorim’s team, and it was long overdue.
Interestingly, all four are players who have been backed by Ineos, either signed under the new footballing department or handed a new contract during Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s time in charge.
Amorim’s ruthless decision is hard to argue with after the performances we have to base it on.
Manchester United must end the 2025/26 season with several irreplaceable players
Having just four players considered irreplaceable is a damning look into how much work this team needs for Amorim to be happy with it. There is a real need to improve, and in order for this to happen, next season must see at least double the amount of untouchables when we get to May.
Two glaring absences from the list are Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, both of whom could bounce back next season under Amorim and become irreplaceable if they are retained this summer.
However, with recruitment, United will get guaranteed untouchables in Amorim’s team, and Matheus Cunha certainly fits that mould. United are close to signing Cunha, who could be a star player next season.
In addition, the striker position will be key, and Amorim wants Viktor Gyokeres, who would become instantly irreplaceable.
If United have 10 irreplaceables come May 2026, it probably means the season was a success.