Manchester United enter the 2026-27 season under Michael Carrick — the former United captain who guided the club to a third-place Premier League finish last season after replacing the sacked Ruben Amorim in January 2026. Confirmed as permanent manager ahead of this campaign, Carrick has been backed with a substantial transfer budget and has moved decisively — bringing in two key midfielders to rebuild the engine room after Casemiro’s departure.
With Bruno Fernandes still captaining the side, Benjamin Sesko, Marcus Rashford leading the attack, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha providing creativity, and exciting new additions Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans strengthening the midfield — Old Trafford is cautiously optimistic.
The Premier League title is the stated ambition. Champions League football is back. And Carrick, the club legend, is the man tasked with delivering.
A new manager. A new mission. And a squad that finally looks capable of challenging again. Here is everything you need to know about the Manchester United 2026-27 Squad.
Manchester United’s Final 25-Man Squad for 2026-27 La Liga Season
Under the leadership of Michael Carrick, Manchester United has finalized its core 25-man squad for the new season. This season sees the arrival of new players like Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, and Karl Darlow, while Marcus Rashford returns following the completion of his loan spell at Barcelona. Here is Manchester United 2026-27 Squad organized into the 4 main positions:
- Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow (#12), André Onana (#24), Senne Lammens (#31)
- Defenders: Diogo Dalot (#2), Noussair Mazraoui (#3), Matthijs de Ligt (#4), Harry Maguire (#5), Lisandro Martínez (#6), Patrick Dorgu (#13), Leny Yoro (#15), Luke Shaw (#23), Ayden Heaven (#26)
- Midfielders: Mason Mount (#7), Bruno Fernandes (#8), Andrey Santos (#17), Youri Tielemans (#18), Manuel Ugarte (#25), Kobbie Mainoo (#37), Toby Collyer (#43), Daniel Gore (#44)
- Forwards: Marcus Rashford (#10), Joshua Zirkzee (#11), Amad Diallo (#16), Bryan Mbeumo (#19), Benjamin Šeško (#30)
⚠️ Official squad numbers to be confirmed before Premier League registration deadline. Update once released by the club.
Man United’s Confirmed New Signings — Summer 2026

Andrey Santos — CM | Chelsea | £50m
The first and most important signing of the Carrick era. The Brazilian midfielder debuted in a pre-season friendly against Wrexham and immediately impressed with his intensity and technical quality. Santos has spoken openly about his role: “I prefer playing deep like a number six. I try to help my teammates without the ball, and with the ball I love breaking lines.
For me Casemiro is a legend. Now he’s gone, and I’m here. I feel that I can do like Casemiro did last season.” His passing range, pressing intensity, and defensive awareness make him the ideal long-term Casemiro replacement.
Youri Tielemans — CM | Aston Villa | £35m
Belgium’s World Cup captain arrives at Old Trafford after a standout 2026 tournament in North America. Tielemans was one of the most impressive midfielders at the World Cup — his ability to control tempo, drive forward from deep, and score from distance gives United a creative dimension that Santos’ more defensive profile lacks. Together they form a balanced, modern double pivot that Carrick has been building toward since day one.
Karl Darlow:
The 35-year-old veteran goalkeeper made the move to Old Trafford on a free transfer from Leeds United, bringing valuable experience as reliable positional cover.
Cristian Orozco:
An 18-year-old emerging midfield talent signed from Colombian club Fortaleza CEIF.
Tynan Thompson:
The 18-year-old forward was acquired from Tottenham Hotspur’s academy setup to bolster youth attacking options.
Kit Margetson:
A talented 19-year-old goalkeeper who joined the club on a free transfer from Swansea City.
| Player | Position | Former Club | Transfer Fee (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrey Santos | Defensive Midfielder | Chelsea | £50 million |
| Youri Tielemans | Central Midfielder | Aston Villa | £35 million |
| Karl Darlow | Goalkeeper | Leeds United | Free Transfer |
| Cristian Orozco | Central Midfielder | Fortaleza CEIF | Undisclosed |
| Tynan Thompson | Forward | Tottenham Hotspur Academy | Undisclosed |
| Kit Margetson | Goalkeeper | Swansea City | Free Transfer |
⚠️ Still to arrive — update when confirmed:
Manchester United is locked in talks to secure up to three more marquee signings before the window slams shut:
- Aurelien Tchouameni: The club is heavily linked with the Real Madrid star to completely anchor their midfield under new manager Michael Carrick, though alternative lower-profile targets are being lined up if a deal falls through.
- A New Left-Back: Active evaluation is underway behind the scenes to land an elite or tactical left-sided defender to provide immediate competition and depth for Luke Shaw before the September 1 deadline.
- A Backup Striker: The board is monitoring market opportunities to secure a reliable third-choice center-forward under specific tactical and financial conditions.
Permanent Transfers & Releases
Manchester United has sanctioned several major permanent departures and contract expirations to reshape the squad ahead of the new campaign:
- Rasmus Højlund: The Danish forward left Old Trafford on a permanent transfer to Napoli in a deal valued at £38 million.
- Radek Vítek: The young goalkeeper completed a permanent move to Middlesbrough for an initial £7 million fee, potentially rising to £14 million with add-ons.
- Casemiro: The veteran Brazilian international midfielder departed the club as a free agent following the expiration of his contract and subsequently signed with Inter Miami.
Season-Long Loans
Manchester United has sanctioned several departures on season-long loan deals for the 2026/27 campaign to streamline the squad and secure vital development minutes:
- Andre Onana: The Cameroonian goalkeeper rejoined Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor on loan for the entirety of the season following a successful prior temporary stint.
- Altay Bayındır: The 28-year-old Turkish goalkeeper completed a temporary season-long switch to La Liga outfit Celta Vigo.
- Harry Amass: The highly rated 19-year-old left-back was loaned out to a Championship club to continue his tactical progression.
- Toby Collyer: The young defensive midfielder secured a season-long temporary move to ensure consistent competitive minutes.
- Ethan Wheatley: The academy graduate forward finalized a temporary switch away from Old Trafford as part of his developmental roadmap.
Key Players to Watch in Manchester United’s 2026-27 Squad

Bruno Fernandes — The Captain and Creative Leader
Manchester United’s captain and most important player. Fernandes almost joined Al Hilal last summer but stayed — and his commitment to the United project under Carrick is total. The Portuguese midfielder’s ability to unlock defences, score from distance, and lead by example makes him irreplaceable.
With Tielemans and Santos now sharing the midfield burden, Fernandes may operate in a freer role — which could be the most dangerous version of him United fans have seen in years.
Marcus Rashford – Product of the Man United
After an 18-month loan spell split between Aston Villa and Barcelona, Rashford is back with the first-team squad for the 2026-27 season. With Carrick’s new attacking approach, his return brings a reliable goal threat to the left wing.
Benjamin Sesko — The Main Striker
The Slovenian centre-forward was one of Ruben Amorim’s final signings and has made himself indispensable. Sesko admitted after scoring a winning goal against Fulham that the squad’s work rate has improved dramatically under Carrick — and his performances have reflected that. Physical, technically refined, and a natural finisher, Sesko gives United the target man Hojlund could never quite be at Old Trafford.
Bryan Mbeumo — The Electric Winger
After an outstanding spell at Brentford, Mbeumo joined United last season and immediately became one of the club’s most trusted attackers. The Cameroonian winger’s directness, pace, and clinical finishing give United a right-wing threat that Premier League defenders respect. Under Carrick, expect him to produce his best United season.
Matheus Cunha — The Brazilian Wildcard
Cunha joined from Wolves last season and gave United something they had been missing — unpredictability in the final third. The Brazilian forward can play as a number nine, a number ten, or a wide forward, giving Carrick genuine tactical flexibility. His World Cup performances for Brazil confirmed his quality is not just a Premier League phenomenon.
Andrey Santos — The New No. 6
The £50m signing arrived with enormous expectation — and his pre-season performances have justified it. Santos is aggressive in the press, disciplined in positioning, and confident enough to drive forward from deep. Replacing Casemiro was always going to be difficult. Santos may be exactly the player to do it.
Kobbie Mainoo — The Academy Gem
One of the most exciting young midfielders in English football. Mainoo started the 2026 World Cup with England and returned to Old Trafford with confidence and experience that will accelerate his development. Under Carrick — a former midfielder who understands the position intimately — Mainoo could be about to reach another level entirely.
Patrick Dorgu — The Left-Back Revelation
One of Amorim’s finest signings, Dorgu arrived as one of the most exciting young full-backs in Europe and delivered consistently. The Danish left-back’s energy going forward, crossing ability, and defensive commitment give Carrick’s 3-4-2-1 the wide outlet it demands. At 20, he is only going to get better.
Youri Tielemans — The World Cup Leader
Belgium’s World Cup captain brings big-game experience that United’s midfield has lacked since the Scholes era. Tielemans arrives having been to three major tournaments and knowing exactly what it takes to perform under maximum pressure. His partnership with Santos could be the foundation of United’s entire 2026-27 season.
Manchester United’s Starting XI — Michael Carrick’s First Choice
Here is Manchester United’s first-choice predicted Starting XI under head coach Michael Carrick for the 2026/27 campaign, utilizing his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation:
- Goalkeeper: André Onana
- Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez, Patrick Dorgu
- Midfielders: Kobbie Mainoo, Youri Tielemans, Bruno Fernandes
- Forwards: Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Šeško, Marcus Rashford
Key bench options: Mbeumo, Cunha, Rashford, Garnacho, Lindelöf, Mason Mount
Carrick’s 3-4-2-1 gives United defensive solidity through three centre-backs, with wing-backs Dorgu and Dalot providing width. Santos and Tielemans anchor the double pivot — one winning the ball, one creating. Fernandes and Mainoo operate as the two number tens behind Sesko — giving United an attacking midfield combination that is among the most sophisticated in the Premier League.
Manchester United Premier League History — England’s Most Decorated Club

Manchester United are the most successful club in the Premier League era — and their overall trophy cabinet is the greatest in English football history.
Manchester United and Liverpool are joint-most successful clubs in English football with 20 league titles each. United hold a record 13 Premier League titles since the competition launched in 1992.
The Busby Era (1950s–60s)
Sir Matt Busby built the foundations of United’s greatness — winning five First Division titles and making them the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968 with a 4-1 victory over Benfica. The Busby Babes, the tragically young team decimated by the Munich air disaster in 1958, remain one of football’s most emotive stories.
The Ferguson Era (1986–2013)
Sir Alex Ferguson is the greatest manager in English football history. His 27-year reign at Old Trafford produced 13 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, and 2 Champions Leagues. The 1998-99 Treble — Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season — remains the greatest achievement in English club football history. Ferguson’s last title came in 2012-13.
The Post-Ferguson Era (2013–2026)
A painful chapter. Seven managers in thirteen years. Moyes, Van Gaal, Mourinho, Solskjaer, Rangnick, Ten Hag, Amorim — and not a single league title. FA Cup wins in 2016 and the Europa League in 2017 provided some consolation, but United’s domestic dominance evaporated. The INEOS takeover under Sir Jim Ratcliffe in 2024 brought structural reform — and Carrick’s arrival has finally changed the atmosphere.
Full Honours List:
- Premier League: 13 times (record) — 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013
- First Division: 7 times — 1908, 1911, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1965, 1967
- Total league titles: 20 (joint most in England with Liverpool)
- UEFA Champions League: 3 times — 1968, 1999, 2008
- FA Cup: 12 times
- League Cup: 6 times
- UEFA Europa League: 1 time (2017)
- FIFA Club World Cup: 1 time (2008)
Can Manchester United Win the Premier League and Other Titles in 2026-27?

Manchester United have not won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in 2012-13 — thirteen years and seven managers ago. A generation of supporters has never seen United lift the title. Under Carrick, can that finally change?
Premier League
The competition at the top is fierce. Arsenal won the 2025-26 EPL title. Liverpool are two-time defending champions. Manchester City remain a perennial threat. United finished third last season — genuinely the best of the rest.
With Tielemans and Santos adding midfield quality, and Sesko, Mbeumo, and Cunha providing goals, United have the squad to push the top two hard. Carrick has explicitly said the club believes the Premier League is winnable — and the investment behind him suggests INEOS agrees.
Champions League
United are back in the 2026-27 Champions League for the first time in recent seasons. Reaching the quarter-finals is the realistic minimum target. Fernandes, Mainoo, Tielemans, and Santos give United a midfield capable of competing with the continent’s best — and Sesko and Cunha provide a genuine attacking threat against elite opposition.
The Carrick Effect
The biggest X-factor at Old Trafford in 2026-27 is the manager himself. Carrick understands this club in a way that Amorim and the others never could. He played here. He won titles here.
He knows what the badge means and what the supporters demand. His hands-on coaching approach has already transformed the squad’s work rate and collective mentality. If that spirit can be maintained across a 38-game season — the title race is on.
The Premier League title is the mission. Old Trafford is ready. United are back.
Who is Manchester United’s manager for 2026-27?
Michael Carrick — the former United captain confirmed as permanent head coach after guiding the club to third place in the Premier League in the second half of 2025-26.
Who are Manchester United’s new signings in summer 2026?
Andrey Santos (Chelsea, £50m), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa, £35m), Karl Darlow (Leeds, free), Tynan Thompson (Tottenham, £4m), and Cristian Orozco (Fortaleza, £750k).
Is Rasmus Hojlund still at Manchester United?
No — Hojlund has been sold to Napoli for £38m in the summer 2026 transfer window.
Who isthe captain for Manchester United 2026-27 Squad?
Bruno Fernandes remains the club captain for the Manchester United 2026-27 Squad.
Is Marcus Rashford staying at Manchester United?
Yes — Rashford returned for pre-season and is reported to be excited to work under Carrick. Confirmed in the squad, but monitor for any late developments before the window closes.
How many Premier League titles has Manchester United won?
13 Premier League titles — more than any other club since 1992. They have 20 total league championships, joint-most in England with Liverpool.
When did Manchester United last win the Premier League?
2012-13 — Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge.
What formation does Michael Carrick use?
Carrick uses a 3-4-2-1 — three centre-backs, two wing-backs, a double pivot, two attacking midfielders, and one centre-forward.
