Manchester United enter the 2025–2026 campaign with a squad that balances youth, experience and a clear rebuilding ambition. The blend between strong-personality leaders and a hungry new generation creates a defined identity built on intensity: speed, high pressing and rapid transitions are the core principles.

This squad page offers a full-scale look at the team: from overall tactics and positional depth, to individual player profiles, detailed data tables and an assessment of the club’s prospects for the season.

1. Overview of Manchester United’s 2025–2026 squad

Manchester United’s 2025–2026 squad is built around several major positives: the rise of Kobbie Mainoo, the explosive development of Alejandro Garnacho, the growing maturity of Rasmus Højlund and the return of key figures in defence. Alongside that, a modern game model based on pressing and pace helps turn United into a fluid, energetic collective rather than a group of disconnected individuals.

Key highlights Manchester United’s 2025–2026 squad

• Focus on the new core of young talent: Mainoo, Garnacho, Højlund.
• High internal competition: most positions have two or even three viable options.
• Experienced leadership group: Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Lisandro Martínez and, depending on form, Marcus Rashford.
• A more modern, compressed and vertical playing style: higher tempo, more direct progression, more aggressive counter-pressing.

2. Tactical systems & playing style in 2025–2026

Under the current coaching setup, United are expected to rotate primarily between a 4-2-3-1, a 4-3-3 and an attacking 3-1-6 build-up shape. The aim is to maintain a high pressing rhythm, control central areas and fully exploit the pace of the younger attacking players.

Core systems and key players in each structure

Over the 2025–2026 season, United’s game model revolves around three main structures: 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3 and the attacking 3-1-6/2-3-5 shape. Each system is not just a starting formation but a strategic choice for specific match contexts.

4-2-3-1 – The most balanced and stable setup

Objective:
Keep a secure central spine with a double pivot, allowing the attacking line more freedom without losing control of midfield.

Main strengths:

• Creates a two-layer defensive block in front of the goalkeeper.
• Gives Bruno Fernandes space to operate in the “zone 14” pocket.
• Allows Højlund to receive more touches inside the box instead of having to drop too deep.

Key players in the 4-2-3-1:

• Kobbie Mainoo + Casemiro: balance between build-up and ball-winning; one sets the rhythm, the other destroys.
• Bruno Fernandes: primary creative outlet between the lines.
• Garnacho / Rashford: provide depth and pace on the wings, stretching the back line.
• Lisandro Martínez: initiator of build-up from the back, especially with his diagonals to the flanks.

4-3-3 – When United want to raise the tempo and press high

Objective:
Increase numbers in midfield to force opponents to play in tight spaces. Ideal when United want more ball control or to press high up the pitch.

Main strengths:

• A flexible midfield triangle allows for effective pressing traps and more immediate ball recovery.
• The two wingers (Garnacho, Rashford) are always positioned to “explode” on transition once possession is won.

Key players in the 4-3-3:

• Mainoo: tempo-setter, able to receive under pressure and escape the press.
• Bruno + a box-to-box midfielder (Mount or Eriksen): form the second attacking wave, arriving late in the box when play is shifted wide.
• Højlund: primary target for cut-backs and medium-height crosses.

3-1-6 / 2-3-5 – All-out attacking shape when United are camped in the final third

Objective:
Used when United are dominating or urgently need a goal: push numbers high into the opposition half, lock the opponent in and overload the penalty area.

Main strengths:

• Six players on the highest attacking line create a dense network of triangles and passing lanes around the box.
• Full-backs stepping into midfield (Dalot/Shaw) help maintain rest-defence structure and reduce vulnerability to counters.

Key players in the 3-1-6:

• Bruno Fernandes: conductor of the siege, dictating tempo, switching flanks and looking for killer passes.
• Mainoo: the single pivot shielding the back line – must read transitions perfectly.
• Garnacho, Rashford, Højlund: the three main finishers inside the box; one split-second lapse is often enough for them to get a shot away.

3. Squad analysis & Manchester United player list 2025–2026

Below is a detailed breakdown of United’s key players for the 2025–2026 season, organised by position. Each profile is structured for UX/UI clarity into Strengths – Weaknesses – Market value.

Goalkeepers

Altay Bayındır – GK

Strengths

• Long reach and good reflexes; well-suited to defending a large goal area.
• Capable of functioning as a sweeper-keeper, supporting build-up from behind the defensive line.

Weaknesses

• Limited Premier League experience compared to more established goalkeepers.
• Can struggle under intense aerial pressure and on set-piece situations.

Market value: Approx. €8 million (estimated transfer value).

Defenders & centre-backs

Lisandro Martínez – CB

Strengths

• Excellent reading of the game, aggressive in duels, decisive in interceptions and tackles.
• Very comfortable in build-up: accurate long passing, composed on the ball under pressure.

Weaknesses

• Shorter than the “traditional” aerially dominant centre-back – can be targeted by long balls and high crosses.
• Occasionally too fiery in challenges, which increases the risk of bookings.

Market value: Approx. €35 million.

Matthijs de Ligt – CB

Strengths

• High-level international and Champions League experience; strong in duels, aerial battles and pure box defending.
• Generally steady in his decision-making, a natural partner for Martínez in a back four.

Weaknesses

• In high-tempo games, can be exposed if left without adequate cover.
• Needs strong coordination with fellow defenders to avoid being dragged out of position.

Market value: Approx. €38 million.

Diogo Dalot – RB

Strengths

• Balanced two-way full-back: pushes high to support attacks and delivers reliable crosses.
• Physically robust, capable of handling a congested match schedule.

Weaknesses

• 1v1 defending is not always fully secure; can be targeted when isolated.
• When he advances aggressively, the space left behind at right-back can become a counter-attacking channel.

Market value: Approx. €28 million.

Luke Shaw – LB

Strengths

• Vast experience, strong tactical understanding, reliable both defensively and in support of attacks.
• Quality delivery from wide areas; good chemistry with left-sided teammates.

Weaknesses

• Pace and acceleration have dipped with age and injury history.
• Hard to sustain top intensity if constantly required to overlap and then recover defensively.

Market value: Approx. €12 million.

Tyrell Malacia – LB / reserve LB

Strengths

• Quick, mobile and agile; ideal when United need a high-pressing, high-energy full-back.
• Able to cover for Shaw, offering an aggressive option both in attack and defensive recovery.

Weaknesses

• Less top-level experience than other left-backs in the league.
• Defensive positioning and crossing consistency still need refinement.

Market value: Approx. €10–12 million.

Midfield – build-up and control

Kobbie Mainoo – CM

Strengths

• Excellent tempo controller, distributes the ball intelligently; ideal as a pivot or deep-lying playmaker in a possession-based system.
• Technically gifted with strong body orientation; handles pressure well in tight spaces.
• Young, with a very high developmental ceiling.

Weaknesses

• Still developing physically and in terms of big-game experience; can be targeted in physical duels or intense presses.
• Needs time to fully adapt to the pace and physical demands of Premier League football across an entire season.

Market value: Approx. €45 million.

Casemiro – DM / defensive midfielder

Strengths

• Elite experience, superb reading of play, outstanding in breaking up attacks and recovering loose balls.
• Provides structure and protection in front of the defence, allowing more attacking-minded midfielders to operate with freedom.

Weaknesses

• Physical decline compared to his peak years; can be exposed when the team plays at very high pressing intensity.
• Less fluid in progressive build-up; sometimes a half-step late against rapid ball circulation.

Market value: Approx. €10–12 million, decreasing with age.

Bruno Fernandes – AM / attacking CM

Strengths

• Outstanding vision and creativity; excels at line-breaking passes and final-third invention.
• Consistent goal threat from range and from set pieces; a central attacking reference.
• Mentally strong, used to high-pressure environments and leadership responsibilities.

Weaknesses

• High-risk style (ambitious passing, holding the ball to find openings) leads to turnovers.
• When tightly marked and aggressively closed down, his influence can be muted.
• Relies on team structure around him; needs a stable midfield and back line to push risk higher up the pitch.

Market value: Approx. €45 million.

Mason Mount – CM / AM

Strengths

• Intelligent off-the-ball movement, excellent pressing output, and ability to stretch the midfield vertically.
• Can operate box-to-box, contributing to both defensive coverage and late runs into the area; fits a fluid, high-energy style.

Weaknesses

• Form has been inconsistent, with stretches of games where his influence fades.
• Must fully adapt to United’s pressing standards and maintain peak physical levels to be effective over a full season.

Market value: Approx. €30–35 million.

Forwards & wingers – the attacking line

Rasmus Højlund – ST

Strengths

• Strong physique, effective at making sharp runs in behind, holding off defenders and linking play as a central striker.
• Aerially competent, giving United another threat from crosses and set pieces.
• Good top speed and endurance, ideal for a transition-heavy, pressing-intensive approach.

Weaknesses

• Needs to improve consistency in one-on-one finishing and decision-making inside the box.
• Still adjusting to the relentless pace and psychological pressure of the Premier League.

Market value: Approx. €50–55 million.

Alejandro Garnacho – LW / winger

Strengths

• Electric pace and strong 1v1 dribbling; a constant threat when isolated on the flank or attacking space behind full-backs.
• Capable of sudden moments of individual brilliance, particularly in transition.
• Very young with significant potential growth ahead.

Weaknesses

• End product (finishing and final pass) is still inconsistent; needs time to refine decision-making.
• When doubled up on or tightly marked, his impact can drop; sometimes rushes crosses or shots.

Market value: Approx. €40–45 million.

Amad Diallo – RW / rotational winger

Strengths

• Quick and agile, well-suited to playing as a wide forward or wing-back; offers an additional outlet for wide attacks and counters.
• Good technical ability, sharp dribbling and timing when attacking gaps in defensive lines.

Weaknesses

• Needs more regular minutes to stabilise his performance level and physical resilience in the Premier League.
• Must improve combination play, finishing and short-passing patterns in the final third.

Market value: Approx. €25–30 million.

Manuel Ugarte – DM / defensive midfielder

Strengths

• A true “ball-winning machine”: excellent at tackles, recoveries and disrupting opposition build-up.
• Covers a huge amount of ground with high stamina, perfectly suited to an aggressive pressing midfield.
• Maintains compact team shape, screening the defence and closing central passing lanes.

Weaknesses

• Long-range passing and creative contribution are not his primary strengths.
• Very combative style can lead to a high card count if timing in challenges is off.

Market value: Approx. €50 million.

Bryan Mbeumo – RW/FW / right-sided attacker

Strengths

• Excellent pace and stamina; extremely dangerous when driving in from the wing.
• Capable dribbler with strong two-footed finishing; fits a transition-heavy attacking plan.
• Has already proven effective in the Premier League environment.

Weaknesses

• Link-up play with a central striker is serviceable but not elite; still room for improvement in combination patterns.
• Needs to sustain top form consistently when moving into a more demanding, high-profile context.

Market value: Approx. €50 million.

Joshua Zirkzee – ST / centre-forward

Strengths

• Imposing physique; excellent at holding up the ball and acting as a wall pass for teammates.
• Comfortable dropping deep to connect play, functioning effectively as a false nine.
• Technical quality above average for a tall centre-forward.

Weaknesses

• Goal output and finishing efficiency must rise to reach the tier of elite Premier League strikers.
• Will require time to adapt to the league’s speed and intensity.

Market value: Approx. €65 million.

Benjamin Šeško – ST / striker

Strengths

• Tall, powerful and dominant in the air – a major asset for crosses and set pieces.
• Very good pace for his size, making him ideal for fast breaks and attacking open space.
• Intelligent movement off the ball, constantly attacking channels between defenders.

Weaknesses

• No Premier League experience yet; initial adaptation period is almost guaranteed.
• First-time finishing and composure in tight spaces are still somewhat inconsistent.

Market value: Approx. €55–60 million.

Michael Olise – RW / right-sided playmaker

Strengths

• One of the most gifted U23 dribblers and chance-creators in the league.
• Excellent ball-carrying, shooting from range and crossing; extremely dangerous when cutting inside onto his stronger foot.
• Brings high creative volatility in tight spaces, ideal against deep blocks.

Weaknesses

• Has a history of muscle injuries – fitness management is a key concern.
• Defensive contribution and pressing intensity still need improvement to fit a high-press system.

Market value: Approx. €55 million.

4. Full Manchester United squad list 2025–2026

No.	Player	Position	Nationality	Primary role
1	André Onana	GK	Cameroon	First-choice goalkeeper – sweeper-keeper
2	Altay Bayındır	GK	Turkey	Tactical back-up goalkeeper
3	Tom Heaton	GK	England	Veteran depth option
4	Lisandro Martínez	CB	Argentina	Left-sided centre-back – pressing & build-up
5	Matthijs de Ligt	CB	Netherlands	Right-sided centre-back – aerial specialist
6	Victor Lindelöf	CB	Sweden	Reliable rotational centre-back
7	Diogo Dalot	RB	Portugal	Modern full-back / inverted right-back
8	Aaron Wan-Bissaka	RB	England	1v1 defensive specialist
9	Luke Shaw	LB	England	Attacking left-back
10	Tyrell Malacia	LB	Netherlands	High-energy reserve left-back
11	Kobbie Mainoo	CM	England	Deep-lying playmaker / tempo controller
12	Casemiro	DM	Brazil	Defensive midfielder – screening and ball-winning
13	Bruno Fernandes	AM	Portugal	Primary creator – attacking midfielder
14	Mason Mount	CM/AM	England	Linking midfielder – press-resistant runner
15	Christian Eriksen	CM	Denmark	Secondary playmaker – long passing and control
16	Manuel Ugarte	DM	Uruguay	Ball-winner – pressing anchor
17	Rasmus Højlund	ST	Denmark	Central striker – pressing and runs in behind
18	Alejandro Garnacho	LW	Argentina	Left winger – pace and direct dribbling
19	Amad Diallo	RW	Ivory Coast	Right winger – dribbler and inside runs
20	Marcus Rashford	LW/ST	England	Left-sided forward – speed & finishing
21	Antony	RW	Brazil	Inverted right winger – left-footed threat
22	Facundo Pellistri	RW	Uruguay	Impact sub – verticality and work rate
23	Bryan Mbeumo	RW/FW	Cameroon	Versatile right-sided attacker – direct threat
24	Joshua Zirkzee	ST	Netherlands	Hybrid striker/false nine – link-up play
25	Benjamin Šeško	ST	Slovenia	Traditional No.9 – aerial and space attacking
26	Michael Olise	RW/AM	France	Creative right winger / attacking midfielder

5. Team-wide strengths and weaknesses for United in 2025–2026

This Manchester United squad is no longer the patchwork outfit seen in some previous seasons. However, there is still a gap between potential and consistent output. Looking at the key strengths and weaknesses at squad level shows clearly where United stand in the wider competitive landscape.

 

Strengths – foundations of a competitive side

Pace and energy in the attacking line
Garnacho, Rashford, Højlund (and several other young options) give United a devastating direct-attacking threat. In matches where there is space behind the opposition back line, the Red Devils can become extremely dangerous with just two or three well-timed transition actions.

A clearer identity in midfield
The presence of Mainoo alongside Casemiro and Bruno provides a much more structured trio: one player to set the rhythm, one to break up play and one to create. That triangle is something United had been missing for years after Sir Alex Ferguson’s era.

Leaders with personality and resilience
Bruno, Martínez, Casemiro – and Rashford when he is in good form – are capable of dragging the team back into games when situations become difficult. This intangible resilience is crucial at a club where pressure is ever-present.

Commercial potential across the squad
Many players have strong media and social profiles – Rashford, Bruno, Garnacho, Onana, among others. As long as results on the pitch are respectable in the medium term, United remain one of the most attractive sports brands globally for sponsors and partners.

Weaknesses – issues that could derail the season

Over-reliance on a small creative core
When Bruno is tightly marked or out of form, United’s chance creation through central zones drops significantly. The team can easily fall back into a pattern of “circulate to wide areas and cross”, repeating a recurring problem of previous campaigns.

Fragile defensive structure without key starters
Injuries to players like Martínez or Shaw have an immediate impact on defensive stability and build-up quality. Existing back-ups, while serviceable, cannot perfectly replicate their influence, which can lead to stretches of inconsistency at the back.

Psychological volatility and inconsistency
Several players run hot and cold over the course of a season. This makes it difficult for United to string together long unbeaten runs — a crucial ingredient for a top-four challenge or a serious title push.

Club structure and recruitment processes still in transition
Although things have improved compared to the chaotic years immediately after Sir Alex, the club’s decision-making and long-term sporting direction are still not as smooth and aligned as those at Manchester City or Liverpool. If this is not fully resolved, there is a real risk the squad will continue to be patched together from one managerial cycle to the next.

6. Overall assessment & season outlook

Manchester United possess enough tools to compete strongly for a top-four position and to spring a surprise in European competition. If they maintain a high tempo, keep key players fit and improve their week-to-week consistency, the 2025–2026 season has every chance of becoming a genuine turning point in the club’s long-term rebuilding process.