Manchester United's Squad Isn't Ready Just Yet

United's midfield still looks far too light

Manchester United's squad isn't ready just yet, and Michael Carrick needs a lot more help than what he's got going on at the moment. United need more signings urgently if they want to properly compete across all competitions this season.

While Carrick has been able to bring in both Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, the midfield still looks pretty light. Santos gives Carrick a lot of energy, while Tielemans brings plenty of good Premier League experience. He's operated at the highest level in the Premier League for many years now, knows how the league works and, in my opinion, is the perfect midfielder to replace Casemiro.

But Casemiro has gone, Manuel Ugarte is injured and, let's face it, I don't think Ugarte has been good enough anyway. That makes the lack of squad depth even more obvious, because one or two problems in midfield could suddenly leave Carrick with very few established options to choose from.

Paul Scholes criticizes and blasts INEOS over Manchester United’s spending and signings in this summer’s transfer window.

Paul Scholes 🗣️: “I literally don’t understand what INEOS are doing. We ended in third place last season in the Premier League, which means we’ll be… pic.twitter.com/lGbxqzU31g

— SIR1⭐️ (@sa10nee) July 28, 2026

Someone else needs to come in, but Carrick also has an interesting decision to make with some of United's youngsters. They have been shining during pre-season so far and the youth players were fantastic in the 5-0 win against Rosenborg, but are they really ready to perform consistently at the top level?

Shea Lacey is obviously a very promising attacking midfielder, while Jack Fletcher is another youngster who has impressed me. However, I don't think either should suddenly be expected to solve United's midfield problems.

Lacey isn't necessarily the type of midfielder Carrick needs anyway, especially when Bruno Fernandes occupies that attacking role. Fletcher looks very promising, but I still don't think he looks ready to become a regular first-team player right now.

Giving youngsters opportunities is important, but United can't use the academy as a replacement for proper squad depth.

United can't keep relying on Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes can't be expected to solve everything again.

For years now, Bruno has been the main player United look to when something needs to happen, and that was especially obvious last season. I also feel Carrick relied on him a lot when he came into the job, because Bruno is by far United's most creative player.

The problem comes when he isn't available. We've seen it under different managers and we've seen how much United's performances can take a toll whenever Bruno isn't there. United can suddenly go through a drought creatively because so much of what the team produces goes through one player.

No Premier League midfielder has created more chances than Bruno Fernandes over the last three seasons 🪄📈 pic.twitter.com/3YwpJ1F2L4

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) July 27, 2026

With Champions League football returning and United competing in more competitions, we can't go into every difficult game gradually thinking, 'Bruno, please do something.'

That's why I think United might eventually have to look at another attacking midfielder or number 10 who can actually help carry that workload. Mason Mount is certainly a useful player when he's around, and I actually think he's settled into the United team well when he's been able to play. The problem is that he simply hasn't been around enough.

When you think of United's attacking midfielders, you immediately think of Bruno Fernandes. Then you start wondering who the other option is before eventually remembering: Oh yeah, Mason Mount.

That's the problem. Mount has become almost forgettable at times because injuries have prevented him from consistently being available. United need another player who can be a proper workhorse like Bruno and who isn't constantly unavailable. Fernandes has dealt with an incredible workload for years, and eventually United can't simply assume he's going to be available to rescue them every single week.

Šeško and Rashford could give Carrick more options

Benjamin Šeško returning will make a massive difference to Carrick's attack because, so far in pre-season, he hasn't really had his main striker involved.

Judging by the Wrexham game, that's exactly what United needed. Of course, I don't think we can read too much into pre-season results, whether that's the defeat to Wrexham, the 5-0 win against Rosenborg or even the Atlético Madrid game coming up this week. These matches are ultimately about preparation.

But when Šeško plays, he is a proper goalscorer. When he was available last season, he showed how important he could be to United's attack. The issue is making sure he stays fit enough to consistently be that player for Carrick.

🚨📰JUST IN:

Matheus Cunha will RETAIN the No. 10 shirt, while Marcus Rashford is set to reclaim the No. 11 jersey following his RETURN to Michael Carrick's plans.

A new chapter begins for Rashford. 👀

[@lauriewhitwell] pic.twitter.com/O5RuSJQNyY

— United Pride (@UtdPride) July 24, 2026

Bryan Mbeumo also gives Carrick a serious attacking weapon, while Marcus Rashford coming back creates a massive question mark. Rashford is back following his Barcelona loan spell, but is he what United currently need? Some of his best football came under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and, personally, I see similarities between Solskjær and Carrick in their approaches to football.

That's why I actually have a lot of hope for Rashford under Carrick this coming season. If Carrick can find a way of getting that version of Rashford back alongside the other attacking options already available, United suddenly look much stronger going forward.

Carrick needs squad depth more than superstar signings

Defensively, the first-choice names aren't really the problem. United have Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire, so the quality is clearly there.

My concern is how often some of those players are actually available. De Ligt has had injury problems; Martínez has had plenty of his own and Yoro has also had fitness problems.

Carrick ball in full flow. 🧠pic.twitter.com/dGlzqHWrRz

— No Context Prem (@NoContextEPL) July 26, 2026

Maguire, meanwhile, still has a good role within this squad and has really made his mark again in recent years after everything that happened earlier in his United career.

That's why I don't think defence is United's main problem apart from the injuries. We've got the names and we've got the quality, but availability has affected United for years now.

With Champions League football alongside the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, Carrick is going to need far more than a strong starting XI.

That's the biggest point for me. This isn't necessarily about filling certain positions with better first-team players. It's about squad depth. Carrick already has quality players and some very promising youngsters, but United can't go into such a demanding season relying on everyone staying fit.

Michael Carrick needs a squad capable of surviving injuries, rotation and four competitions. Right now, I don't think he has that – and United still have work to do.