Manchester United have made great progress this season. How do we build on it?
Whether Manchester United are meeting or exceeding your expectations for 2025/26, there is no doubt that there has been considerable improvement on 2024/25.
United finished in 15th place last season, and currently rank fourth. The team has already scored more goals and amassed more points, with a quarter of the season still remaining.
Heading into next season there will be high hopes. Can we even mount a title challenge? Win a trophy? Go far in the Champions League?
Before we even get to these lofty goals, the reality is th.at Manchester United face a battle to simply stand still in 2026/27. Here are five reasons why Ineos must acknowledge this now, and prepare accordingly…
Manchester United v Fulham - Premier League
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Casemiro
Casemiro leaves at the end of the season when his contract expires. This will leave Manchester United with a huge hole to fill. Instead of limping towards the end of his deal, Casemiro remains a key player in the starting XI.
With Casemiro gone, Manchester United must spend millions just to find a replacement.
Further midfield additions are then required to add depth and upgrade on Manuel Ugarte. But simply to stand still, United must recruit well to find a replacement for Casemiro.
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Put simply, this squad without Casemiro will fall backwards next season without an adequate successor.
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Luke Shaw
One of the surprise stories this season has been Luke Shaw starting every Premier League game, after two very badly injury hit years.
The key reason for Shaw’s improved fitness has been Manchester United’s light schedule, providing extra recovery time between matches.
Next season United will have European football and play twice-per-week, and there is a strong chance that Shaw goes to the World Cup with England too, removing his summer rest.
United will need to sign a new left-back. The best case scenario is that Shaw stays fit but his game-time needs to be managed. The worst case is that he breaks down with an injury.
Patrick Dorgu is now more effective in an attacking role and Tyrell Malacia will be released this summer. United need to find a solution, as we won’t be able to rely on Shaw each and every game.
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Competing in multiple competitions
This brings us nicely onto the next dilemma. Manchester United will have European football and the left-back position won’t be the only one that is stretched.
Without investment, Manchester United’s league form will suffer due to playing in Europe, with less recovery time between games impacting players.
We have seen before how injuries can destroy a season. Notably the 2023/24 campaign under Erik ten Hag, where an injury crisis left United having to field Casemiro in central defence for several weeks.
United must supplement the squad with extra depth, through new signings and academy promotions to prepare.
World Cup
The 2026 World Cup will also place a strain on Manchester United’s squad due to an expected fatigue factor which will hit some of the players.
Fortunately attackers Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko won’t be going, but Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha will. Kobbie Mainoo could get a call-up too after his recent form.
We saw how Mainoo endured an injury-interrupted 2024/25 season after his heroics at Euro 2024. He missed pre-season and was rushed straight back into the starting XI.
This is an extra reason why United’s players will be more strained compared to this season, especially coupled with the European fixtures.
United must recruit smartly to ensure there is extra depth capable of dealing with these demands. United’s heavier schedule next season dictates that a higher quantity of players is just as important as quality.
Are you excited for World Cup 2026 in the USA?
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