Alejandro Garnacho decision, seven signings, Liverpool hijack – Man United dream 2025/26 squad

Sure! Here’s a paraphrased version of the article with only quoted words kept intact:

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Alejandro Garnacho’s future at Manchester United is uncertain in the long run.

Manchester United have endured a tough 2024/25 campaign. Although there have been glimpses of progress under Ruben Amorim, they are on track to set unwanted records.

With eight fixtures remaining, United are placed 13th in the Premier League standings, which could become their worst finish since the league’s creation in 1992.

The Europa League offers a glimmer of optimism as the season winds down. No matter how things unfold from now until May, Amorim is expected to reshape the squad heading into his first full season.

Fortunately, some parts of the team are more stable than others. At the very least, one new face is needed in both midfield and attack, possibly more in an ideal situation.

With that in mind, here’s a look at how Amorim’s ideal squad might appear at the start of the 2025/26 season.

**Goalkeepers**

Andre Onana joined for £47.2million in 2023 and hasn’t completely justified the fee. Still, unless Amorim secures a clearly superior replacement, it’s unlikely there will be a change in goal.

Diogo Costa from Porto has been a long-time target, and this summer seems like the right time for him to leave Portugal. At 25, he’s younger and arguably better than Onana.

Altay Bayindir has been reliable when needed but isn’t tipped to become the first-choice anytime soon. He’s an excellent backup, though. Should he seek regular football elsewhere, the club has been linked with Championship options like Freddie Woodman and Aynsley Pears.

**Defenders**

Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire are four center-backs expected to be part of Amorim’s plans. With three needed per match, two more are necessary.

Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are expected to leave once their contracts expire. Ayden Heaven has earned a spot in the squad, so one additional center-back is still needed.

Jarrad Branthwaite was a target last summer under Erik ten Hag before United pivoted to Yoro. With Everton likely to ask for more than United want to pay, other choices might be explored.

Piero Hincapie of Bayer Leverkusen, along with Ronald Araujo, Facundo Medina, and Goncalo Inacio, are all strong candidates. Dean Huijsen would be another option, but he’s likely heading to Liverpool. Inacio has a history with Amorim from their Sporting days and would arrive with something to prove.

Further up the pitch, wing-back is arguably United’s most critical area. Ideally, they’d secure two elite signings.

Patrick Dorgu, Diogo Dalot, and Noussair Mazraoui offer flexibility, but Luke Shaw’s fitness issues make him unreliable. Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, as well as Alejandro Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong, would be dream additions.

Rayan Ait-Nouri brings Premier League experience and youth. At 23, the Algerian is expected to leave Wolves this summer and would likely slot straight into Amorim’s 3-4-3 setup.

**Midfielders**

United’s midfield has struggled frequently. In the loss to Newcastle, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen were outmatched by Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton.

Amorim will likely rely on different midfielders next season. Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo look like reliable picks when available, but depth is an issue.

Casemiro is expected to move on, largely due to his high salary, but a sale may not be easy. Bruno Fernandes continues to be a strong leader and standout performer, while Mason Mount hasn’t had the same impact.

If Casemiro does leave, two midfielders are necessary. Atalanta’s Ederson has been linked again and would bring tenacity to Amorim’s midfield.

A player with a chip on their shoulder could help revamp the unit. Morten Hjulmand from Sporting fits this mold, as does Angel Gomes, who left the club for free but might be open to returning.

Toby Collyer is another exciting prospect who could play a more consistent role under Amorim.

**Attackers**

Amorim favors a front three setup with two wide attackers behind a central striker. Like other positions, United need significant investment up front.

A new striker is the top priority. The club could go big for an established name like Osimhen or take a chance on Delap, who has shined for Ipswich Town.

With his release clause dropping to £30million, Delap could be an excellent value signing. The England Under-21 forward may be what United have been missing.

Joshua Zirkzee has impressed in one of the attacking midfield roles, while Hojlund has struggled to find the net. Competition up front might bring out the best in both players.

There’s also division over what to do with Alejandro Garnacho. Selling him would be pure profit, and reports suggest the club might be willing to part ways at the right price.

Garnacho hasn’t impressed much this season, and some believe he’s lost focus. If he does leave, reinforcements are needed.

Matheus Cunha, Rayan Cherki, or Xavi Simons would be exciting additions who could significantly improve United’s attack.

**Final dream 2025/26 squad**

In summary, United could offload Bayindir, Shaw, Casemiro, and Garnacho—while letting Eriksen, Lindelof, and Evans leave on free transfers—to fund moves for Costa, Ait-Nouri, Inacio, Ederson, Angel Gomes, Delap, and Cunha. This would create Amorim’s ideal group for the upcoming campaign.

**Projected squad:**

– *Goalkeepers:* Costa, Onana

– *Defenders:* Yoro, Martinez, Heaven, Maguire, Inacio, Dalot, Mazraoui, Dorgu, Ait-Nouri

– *Midfielders:* Fernandes, Ugarte, Mainoo, Mount, Ederson, Gomes, Collyer

– *Attackers:* Zirkzee, Hojlund, Delap, Cunha, Amad

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Let me know if you’d like this shortened or turned into a bullet-point summary!