From Achraf Hakimi’s blistering pace to a Jude Bellingham masterclass, discover the dream lineup capable of restoring Old Trafford’s glory through limitless investment and world-class recruitment.
How much money could Man Utd make this summer?
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The recruitment model the hierarchy have followed has a sprinkle of symmetry about it, given it is an approach that has been tried and tested by the club in years gone by.
The brief is simple: recruit players who are either Premier League-proven or are young, with high upside potential. This trend has been a bedrock for the success of Manchester United, spanning a multitude of different eras.
When you think of Premier League-proven, you think of Eric Cantona or perhaps Bryan Robson. Two signings that changed the trajectory of United. In more recent times, Bryan Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha fit that quota.
In terms of players with potential, there is no better fit for that remit than Cristiano Ronaldo. He arrived as a boy, slight in figure, with twinkling toes, an explosive rawness and an unpredictable edge.
He left a man, a game changer, and if you had not heard of his name when he touched down in Manchester, you most certainly would have done by the time he departed for Madrid.
But forget strategies for a second. What would Carrick’s United look like if money were no object? In parts, it may look like a FIFA Career Mode, but believe it or not, the Reds have been linked to the vast majority of these players at one stage or another.
There is little need to change the goalkeeper. Senne Lammens has been signed for a reason and, at 24, has all the attributes to develop into one of Europe’s best.
At right-back, Achraf Hakimi is arguably the best in the world. He would provide constant width, blistering recovery pace and an attacking outlet capable of stretching defences on his own. It is a dream signing, no doubt, but one that would instantly elevate the right-hand side.
Leny Yoro keeps his place as a current United player, on the caveat that he fulfils his potential. United invested heavily in one of Europe’s brightest defensive prospects, and there is every chance he develops into a world-class centre-back.
Alongside him, Willian Pacho offers something similar to Yoro, but you cannot overlook him. He is aggressive, quick across the ground and composed in possession.
Lewis Hall edges the left-back spot. United have admired the England international, and it is easy to see why. Technically secure and energetic enough to contribute at both ends, he possesses all the qualities of the modern full-back.
The midfield almost picks itself. Aurélien Tchouaméni would be the perfect platform at the base, screening the defence while dictating play from deep. Jude Bellingham feels like the biggest sliding-doors signing in recent years; he has everything. He is wise beyond his years, and you get the sense he would relish the chance to take United back to football’s top table again.
There is simply no reason to replace Bruno Fernandes. He remains one of the best attacking midfielders in world football and continues to be United’s biggest difference-maker.
Out wide, Michael Olise earns his place after previously attracting serious interest from United. His creativity and X-factor make him an ideal fit, while Vinícius Júnior brings the kind of explosiveness that very few defenders can live with. The Brazilian is entering the final year of his contract, meaning his future is in a precarious position.
Completing the side is Erling Haaland. Ole Gunnar Solskjær wanted him at Old Trafford years ago. If only he had been listened to.
Full XI: Lammens, Hakimi, Yoro, Pacho, Hall, Tchouaméni, Bellingham, Fernandes, Olise, Haaland, Vinicius Jr.