Manchester United's return to the Champions League necessitates squad depth capable of handling two elite competitions weekly. Casemiro's departure has been announced, and he will not be the only one leaving. Tyrell Malacia, who has made only 27 league appearances over four years, will not be missed when his contract expires in June.
Should Go
Joshua Zirkzee has not lived up to expectations, scoring just five goals in 54 league appearances. He lacks the ability or desire to score consistently and has no obvious role. Michael Carrick has been reluctant to use him, leaving him on the bench against Leeds despite chasing the game. A chance at Sunderland did not change opinions.
Manuel Ugarte's £50 million price tag has weighed heavily; he has never adapted to English football. Behind Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, his cameos suggest he is not a long-term replacement. A move seems timely, though money will be lost.
Altay Bayindir, as second-choice goalkeeper, always seemed an unlikely understudy. A mistake against Arsenal on the opening day was hard to recover from, and a return to Turkey looks likely.
Senior professionals out on loan are unlikely to return. Marcus Rashford won La Liga with Barcelona but reintegration at United is improbable. Jadon Sancho and André Onana have no future in Manchester, and Rasmus Højlund will likely stay with Napoli.
Mason Mount and Matthijs de Ligt fall into a grey area. Mount is dependable but does not fit the system; De Ligt's back injury is a concern, having not played since November.
Should Stay
The list of indispensable players has grown since last summer. Senne Lammens, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha impressed immediately, and Benjamin Sesko became integral. Bruno Fernandes, the football writers' player of the year, was at his best. His experience alongside Harry Maguire is key in a young squad. Luke Shaw's fitness has been a boost, and Tom Heaton's homegrown status is vital. Amad Diallo, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, and Patrick Dorgu have progressed, and a fit Lisandro Martínez is valuable.
What Is Needed
Central midfield is the focus for greater depth. Elliot Anderson is high on the agenda, but Manchester City are favourites. Ederson (Atalanta), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Carlos Baleba (Brighton), and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) are also targets.
A centre-back is needed regardless of Maguire staying, especially with De Ligt's fitness concerns. Murillo (Nottingham Forest) and Micky van de Ven (Tottenham) are options, both experienced in domestic and European football.
Full-back areas may need refreshing, as Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot have not impressed. West Ham's El Hadji Malick Diouf is a potential target.
A goalkeeper may be considered, but Radek Vitek could return from a successful Bristol City loan as number two, freeing funds.
With Zirkzee not good enough, another forward is ideal. The conundrum is whether to sign a typical number nine or someone with variety. Ander Barrenetxea (Real Sociedad) is a name mentioned, offering a different profile.
