Manchester United will be on the hunt for several new, exciting profiles next season, but the biggest search should be for an understated role.
Manchester United look set to return to European football next season, with the Champions League the aim for temporary head coach Michael Carrick. But even the Europa League or Conference League would be an improvement on last season’s 15th-place finish in the Premier League under Rúben Amorim. To make matters worse, United lost in their opening games in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup earlier this season, meaning the Red Devils will play just 40 matches all season.
Despite the struggles on the pitch, United have been making moves away from it. With no European football already confirmed, director of football Jason Wilcox managed to bring in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško in the summer transfer window, not to mention Senne Lammens, who has been exceptional since his Deadline Day arrival.
United face Everton on Monday evening, in their first trip to the Hill Dickinson, and a win could take them as high as fourth place in the Premier League, just three points behind Aston Villa in third place. Carrick will be hoping for a return to the winning side after a 1-1 draw at West Ham United thanks to a late goal from Šeško.
But the main focus for United will be preparing the squad for next season.
As it stands, a new manager will be brought in to replace Carrick, a European campaign will take shape, and several of the best players will be returning to the club after the World Cup.
With Casemiro already confirmed to be leaving and Harry Maguire’s contract expiring in the summer, a new leader must be at the top of United’s list – one who knows the club would also be desirable.
United must sign new leaders this summer
Along with Casemiro and Maguire, Bruno Fernandes has also been linked with a move away. Marcus Rashford will leave for pastures new if Barcelona don’t activate their buy option, Christian Eriksen left in 2025, Scott McTominay left in 2024, Raphael Varane left in 2024, David de Gea left in 2023, and Phil Jones left in 2023. That is nine leaders or players who know United like the back of their hand. No matter their ability, that’s a big impact on a squad.
After signing his contract extension in June 2020, McTominay said: “All I have ever known is United and I hope that my passion for the club shows every time I go onto the pitch. I’ll continue to give everything for this club whenever I pull on the shirt.”
When Maguire signed his new deal, Rúben Amorim said: “When you look at our team we are starving for leaders on the pitch. He is a leader, he has to improve that part, he has to improve his game so we are happy to continue with Harry.”
I could go on and on. These are the type of players every football club needs, especially Manchester United. The scrutiny is like no other, the pressure is like no other, and the love for the club is like no other. If United have players who don’t understand that, they will fall off a cliff. Like they did under Amorim.
Signing a leader who understands the club will be difficult, but not impossible. McTominay has already proven he understands what it means to be a Napoli player. “I still don’t know if I’ll play on Sunday. I have a tendon problem that needs to be managed; it’s not easy,” he said in leadup to Napoli’s game against Atalanta.
“I’m giving it my all to be there. As a player, it’s tough to get to the training centre and not be able to train with your teammates. I desperately want to play, but you have to be sure of my condition.”
United need that type of player.
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United must do everything they can to keep Maguire
Casemiro has already confirmed he will be leaving, Fernandes has a release clause worth £57 million and could leave after the World Cup, but speculation is quiet on Maguire. In fact, the most recent reports suggest that he would be willing to agree a deal to stay at the club beyond this season, despite being able to talk to other clubs since the start of 2026.
In recent weeks, Maguire has been a crucial player alongside Lisandro Martínez in Carrick’s back four. Against West Ham United, Maguire played the majority of the match with a hamstring issue, and he returned to action ahead of schedule for Carrick’s first game against Manchester City.
Not everyone realises how important Harry Maguire is to Manchester United, but Michael Carrick does.
Read More: Scott McTominay claims he’s “grown” after Manchester United departure as “different” claim is made
When building a strongest XI or ideal lineup, leadership is often considered. It’s an understated quality. But it’s so important, especially when looking to climb up the league and return to fighting for titles and trophies.
The return of Jonny Evans to the coaching staff would’ve made a big difference to the squad, but United need more than that.
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