Leaked Man United XI after Jadon Sancho return and Zirkzee Done deal with Ugarte and Brainwaithe personal terms agreed – The league is coming home next season
Manchester United is gearing up for a transformative season, marked by significant changes both on and off the field. With new leadership in place, including a sporting director, technical director, and CEO, the club is under new ownership and is poised for a dynamic summer transfer window.
Manager Erik ten Hag will have the opportunity to guide a rejuvenated team into various competitions, including the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup. This season promises to be an exciting one for United fans, as the club is actively pursuing key signings to bolster their squad.
United has already made strides in the transfer market, agreeing to terms with Bayern Munich’s defender Matthijs de Ligt. They have also had a bid accepted for Lille’s young talent, Leny Yoro, and are close to finalizing a deal for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee.
In addition to these signings, PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite are under serious consideration. The club is also keeping a close eye on Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
As many as eight players might depart from the club, with several linked to potential moves. The Manchester Evening News has analyzed United’s options and proposed a possible starting XI for the upcoming season.
### Goalkeeper
Andre Onana is set to continue as United’s first-choice goalkeeper. The Cameroon international, who joined from Inter Milan last summer, had a challenging start but gradually justified the trust Erik ten Hag placed in him as David De Gea’s successor. Turkish international Altay Bayindir will remain the second-choice goalkeeper, with veteran English goalkeeper Tom Heaton rounding out the goalkeeping team.
### Right-back
Diogo Dalot, who established himself as the first-choice right-back last season, will retain his position. Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future at the club is uncertain, with interest from West Ham United and Galatasaray. Should Wan-Bissaka depart, United may look to sign a new right-back to provide competition for Dalot.
### Centre-backs
United is looking to enhance their central defense by adding De Ligt and Branthwaite, alongside the teenage defender Yoro. This would complement their existing options, including Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, and Willy Kambwala. Jonny Evans is also in talks over a new contract. However, at least one of these players is expected to leave, with Lindelof likely to move to Fenerbahce, reuniting with Jose Mourinho.
### Left-back
Luke Shaw remains United’s first-choice left-back when fit, with Tyrell Malacia as his backup. Even if Malacia leaves this summer, both Martinez and Branthwaite could fill in as left-backs if needed.
### Midfield
A potential three-man midfield could feature Ugarte, if signed, anchoring the middle with young talent Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes on either side. Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount would be strong options off the bench, with Mount needing to prove his worth after being signed from Chelsea last summer. The decision to make Sofyan Ambrabat’s loan from Fiorentina permanent is still pending, and Scott McTominay’s future is uncertain amid interest from Everton and Fulham. Casemiro is likely to move on due to interest from Saudi Arabia, while Donny van de Beek is nearing a transfer to Girona.
### Front three
United’s attack is at its best with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford on the wings. If both players perform consistently next season, it bodes well for the team’s success. Antony and Amad are expected to stay as backups, which could lead to the departures of Mason Greenwood, in advanced talks with Marseille; Jadon Sancho, attracting interest from Juventus; and Facundo Pellistri, with interest from Rayo Vallecano. Zirkzee’s arrival would create competition for the center-forward role with Hojlund, and the club might still seek another striker to strengthen their attacking options.
### Manchester United’s Dream Starting XI
– **Goalkeeper**: Onana
– **Defenders**: Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez/Branthwaite, Shaw
– **Midfielders**: Ugarte, Mainoo, Fernandes
– **Forwards**: Garnacho, Rashford, Zirkzee
