4-2-3-1, midfield revamp & others: Five key things to watch at Manchester United in 2026

Manchester United are placed in the sixth spot in the Premier League table as they step into 2026.

While Arsenal and Manchester City are battling for the coveted league title, United must aim to reclaim a top-four finish.

The year ahead promises to be pivotal for the Red Devils, with sweeping changes expected both on the pitch and behind the scenes.

Here are five defining storylines that could shape Manchester United in 2026.

Back-three or back-four?

Manager Ruben Amorim began 2025 by declaring that not even the Pope could convince him to abandon his favoured 3-4-2-1 system.

Yet football has a way of testing convictions.

In the penultimate match of the year, Amorim surprised many by switching to a 4-2-3-1 against Newcastle United.

Many believed he has ditched his back three system only for to see it return in a drab 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

It remains interesting to see what his preferred style of play will be in 2026.

Securing European football

The Red Devils are without any European football this campaign, for only the second time since the managerial retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Qualifying for Europe next season is non-negotiable, with a top-five finish potentially enough to secure a Champions League return.

Failure to reach that target would not only stall the rebuild but could also place Amorim’s future under serious scrutiny.

Future of Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes turned down eye-watering salary offers from Saudi Arabia last summer.

Those Middle Eastern suitors are expected to return in 2026, armed with even bigger proposals.

United are likely to leave the final decision with their captain, especially given the enormous profit they could generate from selling a player who turns 32 this year.

Fernandes is the heartbeat of this side and his departure would be a massive qualitative loss for United on the pitch.

A summer midfield overhaul

Casemiro is in the final year of his contract, which is set to expire in June.

The Red Devils have an option to extend his deal but they are unlikely to do so on his current salary, as Casemiro is one of the highest earners at the club.

Fernandes has a big decision to make in the summer and Kobbie Mainoo also faces an uncertain future due to a lack of game time.

Manuel Ugarte has failed to adapt to the intensity of English football and and could also be moved on in the summer.

All signs point towards a major midfield rebuild, with at least two high-profile signings expected to arrive at Old Trafford.

Developing the next generation

United have invested heavily in young talent over the past decade.

Several academy graduates have also made the jump to the senior squad.

Yet too many promising careers have wilted under the unforgiving spotlight of Old Trafford.

United have a storied history built around youngsters thriving and reconnecting with that identity is now essential.

Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Patrick Dorgu, Kobbie Mainoo, Shea Lacey, Jack Fletcher, Chido Obi and Harry Amass represent a pool of immense potential.

The talent is undeniable, but only the right environment and elite mentality will determine whether this generation finally delivers.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .