Manchester United will likely need to sign another homegrown player if they want to submit a 25-man squad to the Premier League for the 2026/27 season. The club submitted a 21-man squad last summer and expanded it to 23 in January, but with a potential 60-game campaign ahead, a full 25-man list is expected.
Homegrown player requirements
Premier League rules require at least eight homegrown players in a 25-man squad. A homegrown player is defined as anyone trained by a club in the UK for at least three years before their 21st birthday. U21 players are exempt from registration.
United's current homegrown eligibles include Tom Heaton, Dermot Mee, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Toby Collyer, Mason Mount, and Amad. However, Collyer's future is uncertain after a loan spell in the Championship. The 22-year-old wants regular football, and a departure is likely this summer.
Potential squad changes
If Collyer leaves, United would need to add another homegrown player. This explains interest in goalkeepers Karl Dalow and Sam Johnstone. Radek Vitek qualifies as homegrown but may also depart. Kobbie Mainoo and Patrick Dorgu are no longer U21 players, having turned 21, while Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro remain under 21 and exempt.
United's potential 25-man squad includes goalkeepers Tom Heaton*, Dermot Mee*, Senne Lammens, and a new signing; defenders Harry Maguire*, Luke Shaw*, Kobbie Mainoo*, Patrick Dorgu, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, and a new signing; midfielders Mason Mount*, Toby Collyer*, Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, Ederson, and a new signing; forwards Amad*, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Joshua Zirkzee, and a new signing. (* denotes homegrown)
Champions League rules differ
UEFA requires eight homegrown players, but four must be 'club-trained' (at the club for three years between ages 15 and 21), while the other four can be from other English academies. United must balance both sets of rules.
