Manchester United seems to be ready for another strong transformation summer in 2026. After the departure of coach Ruben Amorim in January, the "Red Devils" will enter the transfer window with a new coach.
But they are also in a fairly favorable position. Coach Michael Carrick has helped stabilize the situation at Old Trafford since being temporarily appointed, and the team currently has a great advantage in the top 4 race to return to the Champions League.
However, the gap with Arsenal and Manchester City is still very large. Man United still has a lot of work to do if they want to narrow that gap in one summer.
The squad of the Old Trafford home team may change significantly when the 2026-2027 season begins, and the question about the official head coach is still unanswered.
INEOS also wants to prove that they are taking the club in the right direction. Therefore, a clear plan is mandatory.
Decide the coach as soon as possible
Carrick deserves to be the top candidate and it would be a bold decision not to give him a chance, especially if Man United wins a Champions League spot.
However, there are still other options to consider. No matter who chooses, the decision needs to be made soon to avoid wasting time preparing for the season.
The dressing room also clearly showed support for Carrick, and that is an indispensable factor.
Contract extension with Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes is the heart of the team and can be considered Man United's best player this season.
Although he is 31 years old, there is no reason to doubt his role. The current contract is valid until 2027 with an extension clause, but M.U should proactively give him a new long-term agreement.
Besides, keeping Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo is also necessary to avoid unnecessary disruptions.
Reduce salary funds and recover funds
Returning to the Champions League means that the player will recover the salary that was previously cut. Therefore, the "Red Devils" need to proactively balance their finances.
Casemiro has confirmed his departure, while Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho are almost certain to leave the club.
Marcus Rashford wants to move to Barcelona, and Rasmus Hojlund could join Napoli.
Andre Onana still wants to compete for the number one position, but if he can recover a part of the transfer fee, Man United can completely consider selling.
In addition, the possibility of Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee leaving is also on the table.
Intermediate line reconstruction
After focusing on reforming the attack in 2025, the summer of 2026 will be the time for Man United to refresh their midfield.
Kobbie Mainoo is the foundation, but Ugarte has not met expectations. The team needs at least two more world-class midfielders.
Elliot Anderson is the top target, even though they will have to compete with Manchester City. In addition, options such as Carlos Baleba or Joao Gomes are also being considered.
Increase squad depth
This season, Man United benefits from a light schedule when not participating in European cups. But that will change if they return to the Champions League.
Playing with high density requires a team with better depth, enough to rotate and maintain form.
This may be the most expensive part of the plan, but it is mandatory if Man United wants to compete for titles on many fronts.
