Manchester United is entering the preparation phase for the 2026-2027 season with many expectations after returning to the UEFA Champions League. After the impressive second half of last season, Michael Carrick was officially appointed head coach and began building the team according to his own philosophy.
The Red Devils" have quickly strengthened the midfield with two contracts, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but their transfer window is unlikely to stop.
While the players who just participated in the 2026 World Cup have not yet gathered, Man United has started a series of friendly matches with a defeat to Wrexham and a 5-0 victory over Rosenborg. In front of them are trials with Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds United and AC Milan before opening the Premier League with a guest trip to Hull City.
To maintain the development momentum, Carrick and Man United's leadership still have many problems to solve.
Team completion
After spending more than 85 million pounds to recruit Santos and Tielemans, Man United still needs to add more force. One central midfielder, one striker and one left-sided player are still on the priority list.
Fans expect the team to continue to invest heavily after winning a Champions League ticket, instead of repeating the scenario of lacking squad depth like previous seasons.
Resolving Rashford's future
Marcus Rashford seemed like he would move to Barcelona for a fee of about 26 million pounds, but the deal did not materialize. It is highly likely that the English striker will return to training and compete for a position in the new season.
However, things are not simple when his number 10 jersey belongs to Matheus Cunha, while the relationship between Rashford and a part of the fans has also become tense after last season.
The positive point is that Carrick has known Rashford very well since he was an assistant under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The English coach is expected to help the 28-year-old striker regain his peak form.
Review of Maguire and Shaw's abilities
Returning to the Champions League means Man United's schedule will be much denser. Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are both pillars under Carrick, but age and injury history make it difficult for both to maintain the intensity of playing 3 days a match.
The coaching staff needs to develop a reasonable use plan to avoid the risk of this duo re-injuring in the important stage of the season.
Help Lammens regain confidence
Senne Lammens had a very successful first season at Old Trafford, but mistakes in the Belgian national team jersey at the World Cup could affect the psychology of this young goalkeeper.
Carrick, who has experienced many defeats with the England team in major tournaments, is considered experienced enough to help Lammens quickly overcome the mental shock. The same can apply to Kobbie Mainoo after not being given a chance by coach Thomas Tuchel at the World Cup.
Giving opportunities to young talents
Having to fight in many arenas opens up greater opportunities for players who have grown up from the academy.
Shea Lacey impressed with a goal against Rosenborg, while Harry Amass also made his mark with a goal. If Carrick can find two or three more young players capable of regularly contributing to the first team, Man United will significantly improve the squad depth without spending too much money in the transfer market.
The integration ability of young talents after the World Cup team returns will be one of the most notable points in the pre-season period of the "Red Devils".
