Manchester United’s owners have invested heavily into the squad, and several of their signings could pay off in the future.
Back in December 2023, Ineos secured their buy-in to acquire a key stake in Manchester United. It took until July 2024 for them to secure the appointments of their leadership team, with a couple of changes along the way.
Changes off the pitch have led to changes on the pitch, and while sadly results have taken a nosedive, Ineos are hoping that United begin trending upwards.
United’s squad has had an overhaul, which is currently incomplete, but when you look at the spine of the team, it is clear that Ineos are building a new United for the future.
The Man Utd spine Ineos inherited
When you look at the spine of the team you consider the goalkeeper, a key centre-back, a holding and attacking midfield player and a striker.
Ineos have begun moving these players on, with Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund both sent out on loan deals for 2025/26.
Harry Maguire and Casemiro are both into the final seasons of their contracts. Even if they are offered extensions, it will be in back-up roles. Bruno Fernandes, 31, is expected to be a key target for Saudi Pro League teams once again next year.
- GK: Andre Onana
- DEF: Harry Maguire
- MID: Casemiro
- ATT: Bruno Fernandes
- ST: Rasmus Hojlund
The current Man Utd spine
Over the past two summer transfer windows, Ineos have been overhauling the squad. Senne Lammens has been signed as Manchester United’s future first choice goalkeeper.
Leny Yoro is Manchester United’s top defensive player, although you could also place Matthijs de Ligt in this category.
Bruno Fernandes has dropped back into a deeper midfield role, controversially, with Matheus Cunha set to take over creative duties, and Benjamin Sesko leading the line as a striker.
- GK: Senne Lammens
- DEF: Leny Yoro
- MID: Bruno Fernandes
- ATT: Matheus Cunha
- ST: Benjamin Sesko
Manchester United midfield needs addressing
Manchester United fans hope Kobbie Mainoo will be the fulcrum of the team’s midfield for the future, but this is not a notion that Ruben Amorim believes.
Mainoo needs help, even if he steps into Fernandes’ role later on, with Manchester United really requiring a long-term replacement for Casemiro.
United looked at signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton in the summer, but the £100 million rated midfielder was declared ‘not for sale’.
Ineos chose to save the remaining funds for another day, taking the gamble not to sign a second or third choice, and potentially return for the Cameroon midfielder in the future.
Other possible names could include Elliott Anderson or Adam Wharton, to give United’s midfield a youthful, fresher look.
And with that, the core of Ineos’ United team will be built, for better or worse, whoever is in the dugout doing the coaching.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/83P6G4o