Man Utd Plot Comeback After Summer Rebuild | OneFootball

Manchester United reached their lowest point last season, and with the 2025/26 campaign approaching, the only way now seems to be up.

United finished 15th for the first time in the Premier League era and failed to win silverware in other competitions.

There’s no European football for the Red Devils this season after a heartbreaking loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final in May.

A lack of continental action could pose a challenge to Man Utd’s ability to attract major stars during the summer transfer window.

However, it could also prove a blessing in disguise for manager Ruben Amorim, who gears up for his first full season in charge of the 20-time English champions.

Failure is not an option this time, as Amorim lives on borrowed time after a disappointing debut year at Old Trafford.

Without further ado, here is our Man Utd season preview for 2025/26.

Man Utd Fixtures

The road to redemption starts at the Theatre of Dreams on August 17 as perennial runners-up Arsenal arrive in Manchester on the opening weekend.

United’s first away game of the season takes them to London for a match against Fulham before they take on Burnley in their last outing before September’s international break.

Amorim’s charges return to action in mid-September with a bang, as the Etihad Stadium forms the backdrop for the latest edition of the Manchester derby.

Manchester City are due to land at Old Trafford for the return fixture on January 17.

The Red Devils will meet three of last season’s top four by the end of October, with clashes against Chelsea (H) and Liverpool (A) following shortly after the derby.

United visit Crystal Palace on Boxing Day, while they kick off the new calendar year at home against fellow underachievers West Ham United.

A rough patch awaits Amorim’s side towards the end of the season, as they meet Chelsea (A), Brentford (H) and Liverpool (H) in succession between mid-April and early May.

Man Utd’s campaign concludes at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Manager

Amorim achieved remarkable results at Sporting CP, earning a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young managers.

However, his career at Man Utd got off to an awful start. Part of the blame can be attributed to a dramatic tactical overhaul following Erik ten Hag’s departure.

For the first time in a while, United lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, yet it only served to expose growing pains throughout the squad.

Despite his early struggles, the 40-year-old’s communication skills and tactical knowledge earned him credit within the dressing room.

There’s no doubt that the Portuguese boss has clear ideas for Man Utd.

After a dreadful first season, Amorim must now translate his vision into consistent results or risk losing the trust he’s built within the club.

United chiefs have shown willingness to back the manager with adequate financial support, handing him the resources to reshape the squad in his image.

Transfers

Man Utd did not waste time in the early summer.

Paraguayan starlet Diego Leon became the club’s first summer signing under Amorim, moving in from Cerro Porteno in a deal worth £3 million.

Only a fortnight into the summer transfer window, United splashed out £62.5m to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Cunha will wear the iconic number ten shirt after Marcus Rashford left England to join Barcelona on a season-long loan.

While negotiations with Wolves went smoothly, United had to go to great lengths to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford after a drawn-out transfer saga.

Mbeumo’s arrival cost the club around £71m, highlighting United’s hopes that his dynamism and scoring proficiency can transform their fortunes in front of goal.

However, all eyes will be on Benjamin Sesko, who has joined the Old Trafford club from RB Leipzig in another big-money deal.

After completing the Slovenian’s acquisition, Man Utd can now focus on offloading Alejandro Garnacho as Amorim deemed the Argentine winger surplus to requirements.

Garnacho isn’t the only outcast destined to exit Old Trafford as the Red Devils actively search for suitors for Jadon Sancho and Rasmus Hojlund.

Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford will play next season on loan at Barcelona.

Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen have already left the club as free agents after failing to earn new contracts, with the former retiring from football at the end of last season.

Starting XI

It’s now or never for Amorim. Either his 3-4-2-1 set-up yields results, or he risks facing Ten Hag’s fate.

Despite widespread criticism, Andre Onana has no competition between the sticks.

Harry Maguire had been the subject of mockery, yet he was a rare Man Utd star to thrive under Amorim.

As such, he should have a guaranteed spot in defence, with Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez likely to complete the backline trio.

Patrick Dorgu showed glimpses of his potential in the second half of last season and could be Amorim’s go-to option for the left flank.

Amad Diallo is the leading candidate for the right wing-back position, although Diogo Dalot remains a viable solution.

Captain Bruno Fernandes soaks up the limelight as the creative force in the centre of the park.

With Casemiro past his prime, Manuel Ugarte could be the first-choice midfield anchor. Kobbie Mainoo is another strong contender for the spot.

In attack, Sesko’s immediate integration should be a no-brainer, considering the Red Devils desperately need a prolific out-and-out striker.

Mbeumo could move to the left, while Cunha takes up the central attacking role.

(3-4-3): Onana; Martinez, Maguire, Yoro; Dorgu, Fernandes, Ugarte, Amad; Mbeumo, Cunha, Sesko.

Star Player

No matter who comes and goes, Fernandes remains the heartbeat of this squad.

In addition to his playmaking ability and knack for scoring crucial goals, the 30-year-old’s leadership skills make him indispensable to Amorim’s plans.

Even in a season as chaotic as the last one, Fernandes’ quality stood out.

On that basis, Fernandes will be vital in driving the Red Devils forward and inspiring Man Utd’s return to the Premier League elite.

Prediction

It’s impossible to imagine that Man Utd will ever stoop so low again.

Last season was a disaster, but Amorim has had enough time to heal the wounds and implement his vision more clearly.

Without the distraction of European football, United will aim for a top-four finish.

However, it could still prove out of their reach.

Predicted finish: 6th.

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Read Next: Our full Premier League 2025/26 preview (with links to all individual Premier League team previews).