What appeared to be a season in turmoil turned into one of success at Manchester United in the end. After Ruben Amorim was sacked, the fear that the Red Devils would slip back into mediocrity was as rife as ever.
But Michael Carrick’s appointment transformed United’s trajectory, with 11 wins from his first 16 league games, dragging them to a third-placed finish and back into the Champions League.
But Carrick knows better than anyone that the squad he inherited is uneven, bloated in some areas and short in others.
Several players have been out on loan, several more have barely featured, and some big earners simply haven’t justified their place.
With Champions League football back at Old Trafford next term and the new manager now confirmed on a two-year deal, this summer represents the most important transfer window of the INEOS era.
Here, we take a look at who should stay, who should go, and who needs a loan.
GOALKEEPERS
Senne Lammens
Has dealt with the bright lights of being the Manchester United goalkeeper extremely well. There is no need to be looking for a replacement for someone who appears to finally be the new No.1.
KEEP
Andre Onana
Never fitted in during the Amorim era and was subsequently sent out on loan. With Senne Lammens drafted in to replace him and settling immediately, it does not look like there is a path back for Onana at Old Trafford.
SELL
Altay Bayindir
Adequate backup, nothing more. Made very few appearances and gave little reason to believe he could step up if called upon. With United back in the Champions League, they need a second goalkeeper of greater quality behind Lammens. SELL
Tom Heaton
Every club needs an experienced head to keep things calm during a season, Heaton does that, and is aware he won’t get any minutes under Carrick.
KEEP
DEFENDERS
Diogo Dalot
Has been one of United’s more consistent performers over the past two years. A reliable right-back with an excellent engine and genuine quality going forward. Could continue to play a sporadic role under Carrick.
KEEP
Harry Maguire
Signed a new contract recently to keep him in Manchester. He may not always be the first name on the teamsheet, but Maguire certainly has a role to play next season.
KEEP
Lisandro Martinez
The Argentine is as close to irreplaceable as anyone in this squad when fit. His problem, as ever, is staying on the pitch. When available, he sets the standard for everything Carrick wants from his defenders. The priority this summer must be keeping him fit and building the defence around him.
KEEP
Leny Yoro
Showed real promise in his first season in English football before injury disrupted his campaign. His talent is undeniable – United paid a significant fee for one of the most highly-rated teenage defenders in Europe – and patience remains the right approach. If he can get a full pre-season under Carrick, expect him to kick on.
KEEP
Luke Shaw
Another player whose United career has been defined by injury. Made just a handful of appearances in 2025-26 and turns 31 in the summer. The sentimentality around Shaw is understandable but the reality is that a fit, available left-back needs to be found this summer. If a buyer can be found, United should move him on.
SELL
Tyrell Malacia
Has spent much of the past two seasons either injured or as a peripheral figure. Struggled for game-time and, at 26, is entering the years when he should be at his peak. Has not demonstrated he is of the required quality to be a regular starter at a club targeting the top four. Should be moved on.
SELL
Patrick Dorgu
Young, dynamic and technically capable, Dorgu fits the profile Carrick is building towards. Was still finding his feet in the Premier League but has the tools to be a real asset. Keep and develop.
KEEP
Noussair Mazraoui
Played a role in a positive campaign overall for United, and provides versatility on both flanks. Could be a useful asset next season, especially with a European competition.
KEEP
Matthijs De Ligt
Missed the latter stages of the season through injury but remains a high-level defender. Alongside Maguire, Martinez and Yoro, United have a strong core at the back.
KEEP
Ayden Heaven
Picked up plenty of minutes this season due to United’s injury concerns, but with a full summer of planning already underway, the time may be right for Heaven to get himself consistent minutes at another club.
LOAN
Harry Amass
Spent the season on loan at Norwich and would likely struggle to slot back into the United team, needs more time to develop.
LOAN
Diego Leon
Like Amass, could do with some experience, preferably in English football. A loan would be the best move for him.
LOAN
MIDFIELDERS
Bruno Fernandes
The captain and, for all the criticism he occasionally attracts, still the most important player at Old Trafford. His goal and assist numbers remain elite and he was one of the few players who maintained his standards throughout the chaos of the Amorim period. Linked with a move away before Carrick arrived, that conversation should be dead and buried.
KEEP
Kobbie Mainoo
One of the few undeniable positives of the past 18 months. Still only 20 and already operating as an experienced Premier League midfielder. His composure and intelligence in tight spaces are huge positives for United.
KEEP
Casemiro
Was a significant force in United’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup victories under Ten Hag but has aged considerably in the intervening years. The legs are gone and the game has moved on. At 34, and on wages that are difficult to justify, his departure is already confirmed.
SELL
Manuel Ugarte
A mixed first full season in the Premier League. His passing range and ability in transition have been inconsistent. Still adjusting to English football but at 24, has time on his side. If there is enough interest, it may be worthwhile to cash in.
SELL
Mason Mount
The injury record since arriving from Chelsea has been desperately disappointing. Made a handful of appearances again this season and, at 27, is in what should be the peak years of his career. United cannot wait any longer. If there is a buyer willing to pay a meaningful fee, sell.
SELL
Tyler Fletcher
Made two appearances this season but spent only 17 minutes on the pitch.
LOAN
FORWARDS
Marcus Rashford
The loan to Barcelona was the right decision for all parties at the time, but what happens next is the defining question of United’s summer. Reports suggest Barcelona would be keen to make the move permanent. Bringing him back to Old Trafford creates an awkward dynamic given the manner of his exit. United would be better served letting their homegrown star leave for good.
SELL
Amad Diallo
Emerged as a real threat in the second half of the season and, when given a run in the side, showed exactly the quality that made United sign him from Atalanta. Energetic, direct and with an eye for goal, Amad looks like he is finally ready to fulfil his potential at senior level.
KEEP
Bryan Mbeumo
Brought in from Brentford last summer and justified every penny of his fee. Consistent, direct and composed in front of goal, Mbeumo has been one of United’s most reliable performers in an otherwise erratic campaign. Exactly the profile of player Carrick needs more of.
KEEP
Matheus Cunha Taken the no.10 shirt and, in patches, shown why United pursued him so hard. At his best, a creative and unpredictable force in attacking midfield. Still needs to find greater consistency over a full season but the talent is there.
KEEP
Rasmus Hojlund
The loan to Naples was supposed to revive a career that had stalled badly in Manchester. And he delivered, 12 Serie A goals this season and a part of a side that finished second. But the question is whether he returns to Old Trafford. The honest answer is probably not. United need a 20-goal-a-season striker. Hojlund, for all his athleticism, has not convinced he is that player. Napoli look set to keep him.
SELL
Jadon Sancho
The Villa loan has gone reasonably well and reminded people that, when confident and in form, Sancho is still a very good footballer. The problem is the inconsistency. He turns 26 in the summer and has too often shown that he needs everything to be right around him to produce his best. A difficult call. If Villa want to buy, let him go.
SELL
Joshua Zirkzee
Has drifted in and out of the team without ever really nailing down a role. Technically gifted but lacks the physicality and directness to lead the line in the Premier League over a full season. At 24, could still have a future elsewhere. United should cash in while they can still get a decent fee.
SELL
Benjamin Sesko
Really came into form under Carrick in the second half of the season and will continue at the club considering the sizeable transfer fee they paid for him. The talent is there, but he needs to produce consistently if United are to go up another level.
KEEP
Chido Obi
Will struggle to compete with the other forwards around the club next season. At just 18, a loan would be the best move for his development.
LOAN
