Part Four: Full Squad Audit — Does Carrick Have Enough Depth to Compete on Four Fronts?
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After90Sports 2026/27 Premier League Series — Manchester United, Part Four
Michael Carrick has established a clearer identity, reshaped the midfield and brought several players back into the picture. But Premier League seasons are not won with a strong starting XI alone. With Champions League football returning, the real question is what happens when fatigue, injuries and suspensions arrive — and whether Manchester United's current squad is deep enough to survive an entire season.
Eleven Good Players Do Not Make a Successful Season
Last season, Manchester United benefited from a relatively light schedule during Michael Carrick's spell in charge.
The club had already exited both domestic cup competitions early and had no European football.
This season is completely different.
United must manage:
- Premier League
- Champions League
- FA Cup
- League Cup
Add international breaks, travel, injuries, physical fatigue and the after-effects of a World Cup summer, and Carrick faces a very different challenge.
So the key question in 2026/27 is not:
What is Manchester United's best XI?
It is:
How many strong line-ups can Michael Carrick actually build?
The current squad combines experienced figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez and Youri Tielemans with younger players including Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Kobbie Mainoo and Andrey Santos.
According to the club's current first-team list, Carrick already has multiple options in most positions, while André Onana and Altay Bayındır are among the goalkeepers currently away on loan.
But having numbers does not always mean having genuine depth.
Manchester United's Squad at a Glance
Goalkeepers
- Senne Lammens
- Karl Darlow
- Tom Heaton
Defenders
- Diogo Dalot
- Noussair Mazraoui
- Matthijs de Ligt
- Harry Maguire
- Lisandro Martínez
- Leny Yoro
- Ayden Heaven
- Luke Shaw
- Patrick Dorgu
- Harry Amass
Midfielders
- Bruno Fernandes
- Youri Tielemans
- Andrey Santos
- Kobbie Mainoo
- Manuel Ugarte
- Mason Mount
- Toby Collyer
- Additional academy options
Attackers
- Matheus Cunha
- Bryan Mbeumo
- Amad
- Marcus Rashford
- Benjamin Šeško
- Joshua Zirkzee
- Shea Lacey
The club's updated first-team page currently lists Lammens as the No.1 goalkeeper, Tielemans and Santos among the midfield options, and Rashford once again as part of the senior attacking group.
Average Age: Is the Balance Right?
One of the most encouraging features of this squad is that it is neither too young nor too old.
Taking a core group of approximately 25 senior options, the squad's average age sits at roughly:
26.5 years.
But the average itself tells only part of the story.
There is experience in defence:
- Harry Maguire — 33
- Luke Shaw — 31
- Lisandro Martínez — 28
- Noussair Mazraoui — 28
At the same time, there is significant long-term potential:
- Leny Yoro — 20
- Ayden Heaven — 19
- Patrick Dorgu — 21
The midfield shows a similar balance.
Experience:
- Bruno Fernandes — 31
- Youri Tielemans — 29
Youth:
- Andrey Santos — 22
- Kobbie Mainoo — 21
That mix matters.
A team competing for major trophies needs players who understand Champions League football and high-pressure matches.
But it also needs enough youth and physical energy to survive 50 or 60 games.
1. Goalkeepers
Senne Lammens — From Relative Unknown to United's No.1
A year ago, goalkeeper was one of Manchester United's biggest uncertainties.
Now?
It may be one of their least concerning positions.
Senne Lammens delivered an exceptional first Premier League season.
Across 32 league appearances, he recorded:
- 18 wins
- 10 draws
- Only 4 defeats
- 79 saves
- 8 clean sheets
Most impressively, United avoided defeat in:
28 of his 32 league appearances.
Those performances helped Lammens win the 2025/26 Premier League Transfer of the Season award.
United have now handed him the No.1 shirt.
That is more than a symbolic reward.
It sends a clear message:
Lammens is the first-choice goalkeeper.
What Is Behind Lammens?
The signing of Karl Darlow gives Carrick an experienced deputy.
At 35, Darlow has more than 270 senior appearances in his career, including significant Premier League experience.
Then there is Tom Heaton as an additional veteran option.
The structure is straightforward:
Lammens = present and future
Darlow = experienced backup
Heaton = depth and leadership
There is no obvious numerical problem in goal.
After90Sports Goalkeeper Rating: 8.5/10
Starter: Lammens Backup: Darlow Strength: Stability Concern: What happens if Lammens misses an extended period?
2. Right-Back
Carrick has two of his most tactically flexible defenders in this position.
Noussair Mazraoui
Mazraoui may be the more complete tactical option.
He can play:
- As a traditional right-back
- As an inverted full-back moving into midfield
- As part of a back three during build-up
That flexibility fits perfectly with the system we analysed in Part Three.
Diogo Dalot
Dalot offers something slightly different.
More aggressive forward running.
Ability to play on either flank.
Constant movement.
And useful attacking support.
There may not be one clearly "perfect" right-back who dominates every category.
Carrick does not necessarily need one.
He has two different profiles to choose from depending on the opposition.
Right-Back Rating: 8/10
Best tactical option: Mazraoui More direct option: Dalot Depth: Very good Need for another signing: Low
3. Centre-Back
On paper, this might be Manchester United's deepest area.
Carrick can choose from:
- Lisandro Martínez
- Leny Yoro
- Harry Maguire
- Matthijs de Ligt
- Ayden Heaven
Five centre-backs capable of contributing.
But there is an important distinction between:
Numerical depth
and:
Reliable availability across an entire season.
Lisandro Martínez — The Defender Who Changes United's Build-Up
Martínez does more than improve the defence.
He changes how Manchester United progress the ball.
His left foot.
His passing between the lines.
His ability to break pressure.
His aggression when stepping into forwards.
All of those qualities make "Licha" particularly important to Carrick's system.
His return to fitness is therefore about more than defensive numbers.
It affects the entire first phase of United's possession game.
Leny Yoro — The Breakout Candidate
If one United defender is ready to move from "elite prospect" to established star, it may be Leny Yoro.
He is only 20.
Yet he already offers:
- Pace
- Height
- Composure
- Ability to defend large spaces
- Significant build-up potential
That becomes particularly important if Carrick wants to defend with a higher line.
The higher United push, the more valuable recovery speed becomes.
That is why:
Martínez + Yoro
could eventually become the most exciting long-term partnership.
Harry Maguire — From Unwanted to Important Again
Maguire's story deserves attention.
A few years ago, the discussion was mostly about when he would leave Manchester United.
Now?
He has become one of the players Carrick has trusted to restore defensive stability.
His revival played an important role in United's improvement during the second half of last season.
Maguire may not need to start 50 games.
That could actually suit him.
Used in matches requiring:
- Aerial strength
- Experience
- Deep-box defending
- Set-piece dominance
he remains a very valuable squad player.
De Ligt and Heaven
Matthijs de Ligt gives Carrick international experience, physical strength and another potential first-choice defender when fit.
Ayden Heaven, only 19, gives United another layer of long-term potential.
That makes centre-back an unusual situation.
United do not necessarily need another player.
They need the existing players to remain available.
Centre-Back Rating: 8.5/10
Best build-up pairing: Martínez + Yoro Best experienced option: Maguire Additional depth: De Ligt + Heaven Strength: Variety Risk: Injuries and availability
4. Left-Back — The First Major Question Mark
This is where the picture changes.
On paper, United have options:
- Luke Shaw
- Patrick Dorgu
- Harry Amass
But do they have a left-back who can be relied upon for 40 to 45 matches?
That is less certain.
Luke Shaw
When fit, Shaw's quality remains obvious.
He offers:
- Experience
- Strong distribution
- Ability to move inside
- Good chemistry with attacking players
The problem is not quality.
The problem is:
Availability.
A team competing across four competitions cannot build an entire position around the assumption that Shaw will stay fit all season.
Patrick Dorgu
Dorgu gives United energy, pace and natural width.
But pre-season also suggested Carrick may see him as an option further forward.
That creates another question.
If Dorgu is sometimes being used as a winger, who reliably covers Shaw at left-back?
Recent reports have suggested United are still considering another left-back before the transfer window closes.
That would make sense.
Left-Back Rating: 6.5/10
Best player when fit: Shaw Dynamic option: Dorgu Young prospect: Amass Biggest issue: Reliable availability over a full season Need for reinforcement: High
5. Central Midfield — The Biggest Transformation
A year ago, midfield was one of United's biggest weaknesses.
Now?
It may be one of the most interesting areas of the squad.
Carrick has:
- Youri Tielemans
- Andrey Santos
- Kobbie Mainoo
- Manuel Ugarte
- Mason Mount
- Bruno Fernandes in the more advanced role
That gives United several very different midfield profiles.
Youri Tielemans — The Controller
We covered him extensively in Parts Two and Three.
His value does not depend only on goals or assists.
Tielemans could become the player responsible for:
Controlling the speed of the game.
His presence reduces the need for Bruno Fernandes to drop deep during every possession phase.
He also gives Carrick a midfielder with extensive Premier League and European experience.
Andrey Santos — The Energy
Santos provides something United badly needed:
The ability to cover large areas.
In modern football, being good on the ball is not enough for a central midfielder.
He must also:
- Press
- Recover
- Cover
- Move box to box
- Protect transitions
That is why:
Santos + Tielemans
looks like such a logical partnership.
Kobbie Mainoo — Could He Become the Ultimate "12th Man"?
There are two ways to view the arrival of Tielemans and Santos.
The first:
Mainoo has lost his place.
The second, and more convincing interpretation:
Mainoo is finally in an environment where he is not expected to solve every midfield problem by himself.
He is only 21.
And remains one of the best players in the squad when it comes to:
- Receiving under pressure
- Ball retention
- Turning away from opponents
- Carrying possession forward
He can start major matches.
He can also enter after 60 minutes and change the character of midfield.
If Carrick manages his minutes intelligently, increased competition could actually accelerate his development.
Manuel Ugarte
Ugarte offers a completely different midfield profile.
He is not the organiser Tielemans is.
He is not the same type of press-resistant carrier as Mainoo.
But he can provide:
- Tackling
- Aggressive pressing
- Ball-winning
- Defensive energy
That could make him especially useful in matches where Carrick wants more protection in front of the defence.
Mason Mount
This could be Mount's final major opportunity to establish himself as a consistent part of Manchester United's project.
The quality is there.
His off-ball movement is strong.
His pressing can be excellent.
And he can play several positions.
The problem has been availability.
Injuries have repeatedly disrupted his United career, and there were again some concerns about his fitness during pre-season.
At his best, Mount is an excellent rotation option.
But first, he needs to be available.
Does United Still Need Another Midfielder?
Interestingly, the answer may be:
Yes.
Not because the current midfield is weak.
But because Carrick may still want a more specialised No.6.
United continue to be linked with further midfield reinforcement before the transfer deadline, including Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
If a player of that profile arrives, the entire midfield rating changes.
Carrick would then have:
- A controller
- A box-to-box midfielder
- A press-resistant carrier
- A ball-winner
- An elite No.10
Current Midfield Rating: 8.5/10
Controller: Tielemans Energy: Santos Talent: Mainoo Defensive option: Ugarte Versatility: Mount Creator: Bruno
With an elite specialist No.6?
This could become a 9/10 midfield.
6. Bruno Fernandes — Almost a Position of His Own
Normally, a squad audit evaluates the position.
With Bruno, sometimes you need to evaluate the player.
Last season:
- Premier League Player of the Season
- New single-season assist record
- 21 Premier League assists
- Club captain
- Creative centre of the project
There is no problem with the starter.
The problem is:
What happens when Bruno does not play?
Who Replaces Bruno?
Carrick could use:
- Mason Mount
- Matheus Cunha
- Amad
- Tielemans in a more advanced role
But none currently offers the same combination of:
Creativity + risk-taking + final pass + goals + leadership.
That is not an easy problem to solve in the transfer market.
Signing a genuine "Bruno replacement" means buying a top player who will spend much of the season on the bench.
The more realistic answer is probably to distribute the creative responsibility.
No.10 Rating: 9.5/10
Starter: Bruno Alternatives: Mount / Cunha / Amad Only major concern: Extreme dependence on Bruno
7. Right Wing — A Selection Problem, Not a Quality Problem
Bryan Mbeumo.
Amad.
And in certain situations, Matheus Cunha.
That is a good problem for Carrick to have.
Bryan Mbeumo
Mbeumo gives Carrick:
- Goals
- Pace
- Transition threat
- Physicality
- Ability to play as a striker
He was one of the major contributors to United's improvement last season and enters the new campaign as one of the team's most important attacking weapons.
Amad
Amad offers a more creative profile.
He is particularly strong at:
- Playing in tight spaces
- Combining with Bruno
- Moving into the half-space
- One-against-one situations
Against a deep defensive block?
Amad may be the better option.
Against Arsenal or Manchester City with space available behind?
Mbeumo may be more dangerous.
That is exactly the kind of flexibility a team competing across four competitions needs.
Right-Wing Rating: 9/10
Pace and goals: Mbeumo Skill and creativity: Amad Depth: Excellent
8. Left Wing — Rashford Changes the Equation
A few weeks ago, left wing looked like United's clearest attacking weakness.
Now Marcus Rashford is back.
That does not automatically mean the problem has disappeared.
But it changes the calculation.
Carrick has praised Rashford's condition after his return to training, describing him as physically ready and sharp.
If the best version of Rashford returns?
He may effectively become a new signing.
What Does Rashford Give United?
Something no other attacker offers in quite the same way:
Natural speed from the left.
Cunha prefers to move inside.
Dorgu can provide width.
But Rashford can start wide and then:
- Attack the space behind the full-back
- Run directly toward goal
- Shoot
- Force the defensive line deeper
That creates more room for Bruno and Šeško.
There is still a degree of uncertainty surrounding his long-term situation, especially while the transfer window remains open.
But tactically, his potential value is obvious.
Cunha on the Left
Matheus Cunha gives Carrick a completely different solution.
He is not a traditional touchline winger.
He begins from the left and moves into:
The half-space.
From there he can:
- Dribble
- Pass
- Shoot
- Combine with Bruno
That could produce a natural tactical split.
Rashford against teams that leave space.
Cunha against deeper defensive blocks.
That is genuine variety.
Current Left-Wing Rating: 8/10
If Rashford returns to his best: 9/10 Technical option: Cunha Direct option: Rashford Physical option: Dorgu
9. Centre-Forward — Is Šeško Ready for the Next Step?
Benjamin Šeško finished his first season far more strongly than he began it.
His performances improved noticeably after Carrick arrived.
Now comes the next step.
Being promising is no longer enough.
For a team trying to challenge at the top of the Premier League, the starting striker must deliver:
Consistent production.
Šeško has the tools.
- Height
- Pace
- Strength
- Aerial ability
- Shooting
- Ability to run behind
The challenge is turning those qualities into 15 or 20 league goals.
If he does that, United's ceiling rises significantly.
Zirkzee — The Different Backup
Joshua Zirkzee does not offer the same profile as Šeško.
That is a positive.
With Zirkzee, United can use the centre-forward as a link player.
He drops deeper.
Receives between the lines.
And creates space for the wide attackers.
That makes him a useful alternative when Carrick wants to change the nature of the attack.
Then There Are Mbeumo and Cunha
Both can play centrally.
So Carrick essentially has four different attacking profiles:
Šeško
Penalty-box striker and focal point.
Zirkzee
Link player.
Mbeumo
Pace in behind.
Cunha
False-nine movement and combinations.
Numbers are not the problem.
The real question is:
Does Manchester United have a striker capable of scoring at the rate required for a title challenge?
Šeško has to provide that answer this season.
Centre-Forward Rating: 8/10
Starter: Šeško Natural backup: Zirkzee Alternative solutions: Mbeumo / Cunha Biggest question: Šeško's goal output
The Academy — Could United Have Another Surprise?
Several young players should not be ignored.
The most interesting name right now may be:
Shea Lacey
The 19-year-old is now part of the senior squad listing and could receive more opportunities during the season.
Carrick does not need to make him a regular starter immediately.
But a four-competition season naturally creates chances.
Other names include:
- Harry Amass
- Toby Collyer
- Jack Fletcher
- Tyler Fletcher
This highlights one of Manchester United's traditional strengths:
The academy is not merely decoration around the first team.
Having young players capable of stepping in could become extremely important in February and March when fixture congestion becomes severe.
Squad Depth Chart
| Position | Likely Starter | First Backup | Additional Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Lammens | Darlow | Heaton |
| RB | Mazraoui | Dalot | — |
| RCB | Yoro | Maguire | De Ligt |
| LCB | Martínez | De Ligt | Heaven |
| LB | Shaw | Dorgu | Amass |
| CM | Tielemans | Mainoo | Mount |
| CM | Santos | Ugarte | Mainoo |
| AM | Bruno | Mount | Cunha / Amad |
| RW | Mbeumo | Amad | Cunha |
| LW | Rashford / Cunha | Cunha / Rashford | Dorgu |
| ST | Šeško | Zirkzee | Mbeumo / Cunha |
On paper?
This is a deep squad.
But three positions weaken quickly if the starter becomes unavailable:
Left-back
Bruno's No.10 role
Centre-forward if Šeško does not develop
Which Players Can United Least Afford to Lose?
1. Bruno Fernandes
Not simply because of his numbers.
The attacking structure is built around him.
2. Senne Lammens
After an outstanding first season, much of United's new-found goalkeeping stability depends on him.
3. Lisandro Martínez
No other defender in the squad provides the same left-footed progression in quite the same way.
4. Youri Tielemans
If he becomes the primary organiser, his absence may force Bruno back into deeper positions.
5. Benjamin Šeško
Not necessarily because he is United's best attacker, but because he is the only striker offering some of his traditional No.9 qualities.
Biggest Breakout Candidates
Leny Yoro
Could establish himself as one of the Premier League's best young defenders.
Kobbie Mainoo
Greater competition could push him to another level rather than slow his development.
Andrey Santos
Has an opportunity to become one of the key midfielders in the entire project.
Benjamin Šeško
If his goal output increases, his development could have the biggest effect on United's final league position.
Shea Lacey
The academy candidate most capable of becoming a surprise contributor.
Players With Something to Prove
Mason Mount
The question is no longer his talent.
It is consistency and availability.
Joshua Zirkzee
He needs to establish a defined role instead of remaining somewhere between striker and link player.
Manuel Ugarte
The arrivals of Tielemans and Santos have made competition for midfield minutes much stronger.
Marcus Rashford
Perhaps no player has a bigger opportunity to rewrite his Manchester United story.
The Three Biggest Squad Strengths
1. Attacking Variety
Mbeumo, Amad, Cunha, Rashford, Šeško and Zirkzee.
Six attackers with different characteristics.
2. A Midfield That Can Change Personality
Carrick can significantly alter the way United play simply by changing the midfield pairing.
3. Balance Between Youth and Experience
United are not dependent on one generation.
That matters if the aim is to build something lasting beyond one season.
The Three Biggest Weaknesses
1. Left-Back
There are options.
There is not enough certainty.
This is the clearest weakness in the squad.
2. No True Bruno Replacement
That may be almost impossible to solve, but it remains a risk.
3. The Defence Must Prove Its Consistency
United conceded 50 league goals last season.
Carrick's defensive improvement was clear.
But a title challenger cannot maintain those numbers over a full campaign.
Defensive consistency remains one of United's biggest questions for 2026/27.
Is United's Transfer Window Finished?
No.
And that matters before issuing a final judgement.
Carrick has confirmed that the club is still working to strengthen the squad before the 1 September deadline.
The objective is to finish the window with a stronger group than the one that entered it.
United continue to be linked with another defensive midfielder, including Carlos Baleba, while another left-back has also been discussed.
That means our current rating is not final.
One high-level No.6.
One reliable left-back.
And suddenly the depth chart looks considerably stronger.
After90Sports Ratings by Department
| Department | Rating |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | 8.5/10 |
| Right-back | 8/10 |
| Centre-back | 8.5/10 |
| Left-back | 6.5/10 |
| Central midfield | 8.5/10 |
| Attacking midfield | 9.5/10 |
| Right wing | 9/10 |
| Left wing | 8/10 |
| Centre-forward | 8/10 |
| Overall depth | 8/10 |
Overall Squad Rating: 8.3/10
Is This a Premier League-Winning Squad?
We need to separate two questions.
Does Manchester United have a strong squad?
Yes.
Clearly.
Does Manchester United have the best squad in the Premier League?
Not yet.
Arsenal begin the campaign as champions.
Manchester City still possess enormous quality.
And several other clubs are capable of putting serious pressure on the Champions League places.
United are much closer.
But competing for the title requires more than talented names.
It requires:
- 38 matches of consistency
- A defence that concedes significantly fewer goals
- A dependable scorer
- The ability to survive without Bruno
- Managing Champions League fixture pressure
- Turning draws into wins
The Difference Between Last Season and This Season
When Carrick arrived last season, his challenge was identifying his best 11 players.
This year, he has to identify his best:
18 to 20 players.
That is a huge difference.
The Premier League match following a Wednesday night Champions League game can sometimes be harder than the European match itself.
Bruno cannot play every minute.
Martínez cannot play every game.
United cannot assume Shaw will always be available.
Tielemans and Santos cannot solve every midfield problem.
Squad management may therefore become one of the most important tests of Carrick's first full season as permanent head coach.
Final Verdict
Manchester United no longer have the strange type of squad that contains several talented names without a clear relationship between their individual qualities.
For the first time in a while, the pieces appear to belong to the same team.
Lammens provides stability in goal.
Yoro and Martínez give the defence the potential to play more aggressively.
Tielemans and Santos have reshaped midfield.
Bruno remains the creative centre.
Mbeumo and Amad provide two very different options on the right.
Rashford's return could solve the left-wing question.
And Šeško has the opportunity to become the striker United need.
But the squad is not complete.
Left-back remains a weakness.
Dependence on Bruno remains significant.
And Šeško still has to prove he can become the scorer of a team competing for major trophies.
Then there is the transfer market.
If Manchester United add an elite defensive midfielder and another dependable left-back before the deadline?
The question changes from:
Does Carrick have a good squad?
to something far more interesting:
Does Manchester United finally have enough depth to remain in a title race until the end?
And that takes us directly into the final article of the series.
Next in the Series
Part Five — Manchester United 2026/27: Can They Challenge for the Premier League Title?
In the final chapter of Manchester United — The Return?, we bring everything together:
- Predicted final position
- Expected points total
- Probability of a title challenge
- Champions League expectations
- Best-case scenario
- Worst-case scenario
- Five most important players
- Breakout player prediction
- Surprise of the season
- Biggest area of concern
- Direct comparison with Arsenal and Manchester City
- Best starting XI
- What must happen for Manchester United to become champions again
Sources
- Manchester United — Current Men's First-Team Squad
- UEFA — Manchester United Squad and Player Ages
- Premier League — Lammens Named Barclays Transfer of the Season
- Manchester United — Senne Lammens Profile
- Manchester United — Karl Darlow Profile
- Reuters — Carrick Seeks to Build on United Revival
- Reuters — Carrick Praises Rashford's Revival as United Eye Late Signings
- Reuters — Maguire Hopes Rashford Stays at Manchester United
- Premier League — Summer 2026 Transfer Window Dates
- The Guardian — Manchester United's Remaining Squad Needs
- The Guardian — Premier League 2026/27 Preview: Manchester United
Last updated: 21 August 2026.
This squad-depth assessment reflects Manchester United's current first-team options before their Premier League opener against Hull City. The transfer window remains open until 1 September, so the ratings for certain positions may change if United complete additional signings before the deadline.