Michael Carrick secured Champions League football for Manchester United in an incredible turn of events. Now the plans for the 2026/27 season can finally start in full.
After Ruben Amorim was sacked in January, the legendary former midfielder came in and has won 10 of his 14 games as manager. It has catapulted the “Red Devils” up to third place in the Premier League, and with three games left, European elite football is confirmed.
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It now looks like Carrick will be the man to get the manager’s job permanently as a result. Team planning can begin. However, what does an ideal Carrick line-up look like in the Champions League?
Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens indisputable
Manchester United grabbed their goalkeeper position last summer. Senne Lammens has been absolutely fantastic since he came to the club, so first place is not something you need to spend resources on.
Right-back: Trusts today’s duo
At right-back, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have the quality, experience, and versatility needed to continue in their current roles. Carrick has shown that he trusts both of them.
Left-back, on the other hand, is a slightly different story.
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Left-back: Must find a replacement for Luke Shaw
Tyrell Malacia is leaving the club, while Luke Shaw is entering the final year of his contract at Old Trafford. The Englishman’s physical problems over the years have been a major concern. The club should therefore consider bringing in Newcastle’s Lewis Hall as his long-term replacement.
The “Magpies” have missed out on European football, and reports have suggested that Hall has fallen out with Eddie Howe. It can make a switch more realistic. A sum of between £50 million and £60 million is likely to be enough.
Centre-back: Gonçalo Inácio replaces the injured Martinez
Carrick has brought defensive security with him by returning to a back four. Harry Maguire has benefited greatly from this with his performances. While Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven have excelled at his side, there are concerns surrounding Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez.
De Ligt has not played since December due to a back injury. Martínez enters the final year of his contract with uncertainty related to his injury history. In an ideal world, Carrick might wish to have another experienced option like Gonçalo Inácio to draw on. His £52 million buyout clause makes a deal easy to complete.
Midfield: Aurélien Tchouaméni and Kobbie Mainoo as first choice
Reports suggest that Manchester United are looking to sign three new midfielders this summer. There is already a verbal agreement with Carlos Baleba about a possible transfer to Old Trafford.
Regardless, Kobbie Mainoo’s position in midfield is assured. The arrival of a player like Aurélien Tchouaméni to replace Casemiro would be the perfect solution – especially at the reported £70 million asking price.
In front of that pair, Bruno Fernandes has the role of ten secured for as long as he wants it. There will likely be enough options to rotate the squad as well, but on the biggest stage, the France international will be one of the first names in the lineup.
Left wing: Yan Diomandé is the perfect X-factor
After spending over £200 million last summer to bolster the attack with Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, there is not much work left in the attack. However, with the transition back to a 4-2-3-1 system, and with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho expected to leave the club permanently, a new left winger is a necessity.
The perfect signing would be RB Leipzig star Yan Diomandé. The Ivorian has electric speed, an eye for scoring and creating goals, can play alongside his teammates – and win games on his own.
That’s the kind of X-factor United need. Despite his huge price tag of over £100 million, this is a deal they will have to push to get over the finish line if they have the opportunity. He would probably take over from Cunha in the wide role, forming a formidable trident alongside Mbeumo and Šeško.
Michael Carrick’s ideal Manchester United eleven for the 2026/27 season:
Lambens; Dalot, De Ligt, Inácio, Hall; Tchouaméni, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Diomandé; Šeško.
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