Man Utd overhauls 5 positions: Michael Carrick's revival plan for summer 2026

Manchester United are entering a crucial phase of rebuilding under manager Michael Carrick. With the Premier League taking a break for international matches, discussions at Old Trafford are focusing on plans to upgrade the squad for the 2026-2027 season. Aiming to bring the club back to its peak, the Red Devils' leadership has identified five key transfer priorities.

1. Searching for an alternative "anchor" to Casemiro.

Manchester United's top priority is finding a worthy replacement for Casemiro after the Brazilian midfielder confirmed he will leave at the end of this season. Filling the void left by an experienced player like Casemiro is no small challenge for the coaching staff.

The current shortlist includes around 10 potential candidates, with the following being particularly noteworthy:Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Sandro TonaliAlthough these targets may possess youth and better ball-handling skills, Casemiro's defensive artistry, interception ability, and aerial prowess remain extremely high standards that the Red Devils need to look for in a successor.

2. Partners sharing the burden with Kobbie Mainoo

Besides a defensive midfielder, Man Utd also needs a quality central midfielder to rotate with Kobbie Mainoo. With Manuel Ugarte's lackluster form and the risk of him leaving the team, adding a number 8 midfielder is crucial. The price for this target is expected to be around £70 million.

Depending on the type of defensive midfielder recruited, Carrick will choose the appropriate partner for Mainoo. If it's a deep-lying playmaker, the team will need a physically strong midfielder to provide support. The biggest advantage at the moment is that captain Bruno Fernandes' future is secure, helping the club maintain a stable creative lineup.

3. Strengthen the left wing corridor.

Despite strengthening their attack with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, Man Utd still need another piece on the left wing. Their failure to sign Antoine Semenyo in January has forced the club to look for a high-quality backup option for this position.

Notably, the door to returning to the first team is practically slammed shut for players currently on loan such asRasmus Hojlund (Napoli), Jadon Sancho (Aston Villa) or Marcus Rashford (Barcelona)Even a surprising option is being considered: bringing back veteran Danny Welbeck to add experience.

4. Find an heir for Luke Shaw.

Luke Shaw is having an extraordinary season, maintaining the fitness level to start every Premier League game. However, at 30 years old and with a packed schedule ahead of their return to European competition next season, Manchester United cannot continue to place all the burden on the defender's shoulders.

With Tyrell Malacia set to leave on a free transfer, and young talents like Harry Amass and Diego Leon still needing time to develop, signing a new left-back is essential. The goal is to find a player of sufficient quality to provide immediate support and be ready to succeed Shaw in the medium term.

5. Competition for the second-choice goalkeeper position.

Senne Lammens has established himself as the number one goalkeeper since last October, but the backup goalkeeper position is undergoing significant changes.Andre OnanaAltay Bayindir is expected to be sold permanently, as he wants to find a new club where he can play regularly, while Tom Heaton's contract is expiring.

Man Utd are facing two options: promote young goalkeeper Radek Vitek (who is impressing at Bristol City) to second-choice, or continue to recruit an experienced goalkeeper from the transfer market to ensure squad depth.