Manchester United have already signalled their huge intent ahead of a crucial summer transfer window.
The Red Devils are plotting a much-needed rebuild over the next few months as they bid to bounce back from a disastrous campaign which saw them record their worst ever Premier League finish.
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The season ended on a particularly sour note for Ruben Amorim’s side, who missed out on a chance to salvage their season with defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final to deny them Champions League football next term.
This is far from the outcome the Portuguese coach would have hoped for when he took charge of the club in November, with United only four points off the top four at that point.
Despite a less than ideal start to life at Old Trafford, United have made their backing of Amorim clear by taking some huge steps to bolster his attacking options going forward.
United recently announced their agreement to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves in a £62.5million deal after triggering his release clause.
Meanwhile, they have also stepped up their pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo, having held talks with the Brentford star, who is believed to be keen on a move to the north west.
With the Red Devils looking to start the transfer window as they mean to go on, talkSPORT.com has explored how they could line up by the time the 2025/26 campaign gets underway.
Goalkeeper and defence
United will certainly be keen to address their goalkeeping situation this summer, with Andre Onana continuing to struggle.
The 29-year-old, who committed a string of costly errors, was dropped by Amorim earlier in a season which saw him concede 65 goals in 50 appearances.
In his place we could see Aston Villa stopper Emi Martinez, who is expected to leave his current club, with talkSPORT reporting that both United and Atletico Madrid are showing an interest.
Sources close to the World Cup winner say he would prefer to stay in Europe despite big offers from Saudi Arabia.
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Beyond this, a more unlikely option could be Paris Saint-Germain no.1 Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Recent reports suggest United are monitoring his contract situation as negotiations between the Italian star and the newly crowned Champions League winners continue to stall.
However, with Premier League experience and a £40m valuation, Martinez arguably makes for a more desirable option.
Moving into defence, Amorim’s side are expected to remain largely unchanged, despite their 54 goals conceded in last season’s Premier League contributing to their lowly 15th-place finish.
Harry Maguire has impressed despite being regularly speculated to leave, stepping up on occasions to stake his claim for a starting spot.
Joining him is likely to be Matthijs de Ligt, whose experience could keep him at centre-back ahead of the injury-prone Lisandro Martinez.
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Leny Yoro is poised to take the final spot in United’s back three, having impressed in his debut season at the club despite fitness issues, making 22 starts in 33 matches for Amorim.
Midfield
Perhaps the biggest boost for the Red Devils heading into next season is the news that captain Bruno Fernandes is set to stay at Old Trafford.
The 30-year-old had appeared destined for the exit door, after Saudi outfit Al Hilal were prepared to table a £100m offer to sign him.
However, talkSPORT understands the Portuguese midfielder has rejected a lucrative £700,000-per-week move to the Middle East outfit after consulting with his family.
This means Fernandes is sure to retain his spot at the heart of midfield, having carried the team during their difficult season.
He reached 19 goals and 19 assists across all competitions, missing just three of United’s 60 matches.
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Alongside him, Casemiro is likely to feature to bring some defensive security, despite previous doubts over his future.
talkSPORT understands the 33-year-old wants to stay at United for the rest of his contract, which expires next summer, with the ex-Real Madrid star prepared to snub interest from Saudi Arabia and the US.
This could therefore raise doubts over Manuel Ugarte, who endured a tough start to life at the club but featured 45 times in the campaign.
On the right of the midfield, Amad Diallo has emerged as one of the club’s brightest talents in what was a disastrous campaign.
The 22-year-old managed 11 goals and nine assists despite an ankle injury keeping him out earlier in 2025.
On the left-hand side is likely to be Patrick Dorgu, who has shown promise in his first few months in England after joining from Lecce in February, starting 18 of his 20 appearances since then.
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Attack
Up top is where United fans can expect to see a real overhaul, with two big signings set to shake things up at Old Trafford.
The first of these is Cunha, who scored 15 goals and delivered six assists in the Premier League for Wolves across the 2024/25 campaign.
His efforts helped to keep the Molineux outfit in the top-flight, while the Brazilian can play both up front or in attacking midfield.
Cunha’s arrival may well pave the way for Rasmus Hojlund’s departure, who has reportedly held talks with Inter Milan after struggling since his £72m move to United in 2023.
Though the Red Devils continue to be linked with a move for Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, the goal machine is believed to favour a move to league rivals Arsenal.
And while Hojlund’s exit would leave a gap in the centre forward position, this is a spot Cunha could fill if United do not sign a like-for-like replacement.
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The right side of attack is now primed to be filled by Mbeumo after yet another excellent season for Brentford.
The Cameroon international hit 20 goals and nine assists in the Premier League for the Bees, who will demand at least £60m from United to secure his services.
Completing the front three could very well be Mason Mount, even though he has seen his playing time limited since joining from Chelsea in 2023.
Various injuries have kept him absent and he has only scored four goals in 46 games, but he could be the only option remaining.
Young winger Alejandro Garnacho looks to be on his way out having been told to leave by Amorim, while talkSPORT understands Marcus Rashford is holding out for a dream move to Barcelona after strong loan spell at Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, United are also likely to negotiate exits for Jadon Sancho and Antony, who both spent the season on loan away from the club.
Chelsea turned down the opportunity to sign Sancho on a permanent contract after his year at Stamford Bridge, while it remains to be seen where Antony will ply his trade next term after a strong half-season at Real Betis.
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