RUBEN AMORIM'S MANDATE: SELECTION KEY FOR CRYSTAL PALACE REDEMPTION
Ahead of Crystal Palace, Man Utd fans are split on the ideal lineup. With Cunha a doubt, see the heated fan debate over defense, midfield, and key changes.
Manchester United fans are debating the best lineup for this weekend's game against Crystal Palace.
Matheus Cunha might not play after getting hurt in practice last week. It seemed like a minor injury, but it kept him out of Monday’s match against Everton.
When asked about it, coach Amorim told MUTV, He got a knock in training, so I'm not sure how long he’ll be out. I don’t think it’s anything serious.
Cunha might be back for the Palace game at Selhurst Park, which would be great after a tough loss to Everton.
On the Manchester Evening News website, fans have strong opinions about the defence, midfield, and wingers. Some want changes all over the defence. Oligs99 suggests playing Yoro, moving Shaw to left wing back, and benching Dalot.
Others disagree. Thetruthpersonified responds, Yoro was awful in the last game. I’d rather see Mazraoui as the left centre back against Palace. I don’t like playing three at the back. Also, who replaces Bruno in the middle? Bruno needs to play further up the field. The Bruno in midfield experiment isn’t working and needs to stop!
Jungle Jerry says, I’d prefer Mazraoui at left wingback over Dalot or Shaw. I don’t think Shaw can make those forward runs and defend well enough. It’s too bad Amass is on loan, but it’s better for him in the long run.
He’s been great on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, and their coach thinks Amass could easily play in the Premier League. At least we know he’ll come back ready to compete for the starting left wing-back spot for United!
Amil suggests, What about Lammens, De Ligt, Maguire, Shaw, Amad, Casemiro, Martinez, Dorgu/Dalot, Mbeumo, Bruno, and Cunha?
Jungle Jerry replies, "That sounds good, except for Dorgu or Dalot at left wingback." Maybe Mazraoui could fill in temporarily. Martinez and Casemiro in midfield would be strong defensively, but they aren’t playmakers, so the midfield would lack creativity.
IlSacristano suggests, Give Lacey a chance to play in this game. He deserves it.
Jasper JH comments, When Martinez comes back, just like with Rodri, his knee will be fine, but he’ll get muscle injuries as he works his way back to full fitness. I think we’re looking at next season before he’s a regular starter.
RociLal declares Vitek in goal, De Ligt and Guehi at centre back, Amass and Mazroui/Leon as wingbacks, Anderson, Stiller, and Cunha in midfield, and Mbeumo, Sesko, and Amad up front.
Another fan says, Mount has to start—he can drop back to help the midfield, which might be overwhelmed. Hopefully, Cunha is healthy enough to play. If not, give Lacy 15 minutes at the end. He’s a well-rounded, skilful, and talented player who can make a difference. Everyone thought Liverpool would destroy us! We need some luck, but anything can happen in football. Go Red Devils!
CONTRACTUAL LIFELINE: UNEARTHING THE STRATEGY BEHIND ANDRE ONANA’S RETURN FROM TURKISH LOAN SPELL
Onana vs Lammens: Get the latest on the £44M keeper’s return from Turkey and why Michael Carrick values "reliability over chaos."
Andre Onana isn’t giving up on his Manchester United career, even with his replacement grabbing the spotlight while he’s away on loan. Right now, Onana’s spending the 2025/26 season with Trabzonspor in Turkey, while Senne Lammens has stepped up as United’s new first-choice keeper.
United signed Lammens from Royal Antwerp for £18 million on deadline day last September, and soon after, Onana was shipped out on loan. There’s no option for Trabzonspor to buy him, so Onana will be back at United this summer. He’s already played 72 games for the club.
Onana has turned out 20 times for Trabzonspor, but honestly, United probably aren’t paying much attention. Lammens has looked rock-solid in goal, holding down the spot for 21 straight matches, no matter if Amorim, Darren Fletcher, or Michael Carrick was in charge.
So far, Lammens has five clean sheets and is anchoring a defence that’s clearly improving under Carrick. Altay Bayindir is backing him up, and Tom Heaton is still kicking around in the goalkeeping group.
When United first bought Onana for £44 million from Inter Milan, he was reuniting with Erik ten Hag, his old Ajax boss. He’s still got two years left on his contract. According to Geremi Onana’s friend and a former Cameroon and Chelsea player, Onana hasn’t lost hope of turning things around.
“Listen, I know Andre very well, and there were a lot of issues at United during his time there,” Geremi told Telecom Asia. “It wasn’t all on him. But with Michael Carrick coming in, things are looking up for everyone, including Andre.
“He’s got real talent, and players like him don’t come around often. The next step is for him to go back and fight for his spot. Andre always rises to a challenge. Give him a fair shot, and he’ll show you what he can do.”
We’ll find out what’s next for Onana this summer. United are planning big changes, including a new permanent manager. Carrick is one of the names in the running.
If Carrick gets the job, Onana’s chances might take a hit, since the interim boss is thrilled with Lammens. After Lammens’ man-of-the-match showing in the 1-0 win over Everton, Carrick said, “For me, a keeper needs to be reliable, someone who calms things down, not adds to the chaos. Senne does exactly that.
“He’s quiet and maybe a bit unassuming, but he’s got real steel in him. Stepping in as United’s keeper is a big ask, and not everyone handles it. Sometimes it takes a while to settle, sometimes not. The way he’s handled it so far, he’s calm and composed, and that’s made a huge difference for the defence.”
OFF-PITCH EVOLUTION: INSIDE SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S TRANSFORMATION OF MANCHESTER UNITED’S OPERATING PROFIT
United's PSR escape! Get the details on the £169M accounting loophole and the club's push for a Champions League spot today.
Manchester United’s summer plans are finally taking shape, especially now that we know last summer’s hefty transfer spending will be spread out over the next six years. United splashed out £236 million on new faces during Ruben Amorim’s first transfer window as manager, snapping up Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Diego Leon, and goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
But here’s the catch: the 2024/25 accounting period only counts deals done before June 30, 2025. Mbeumo, Leon, Sesko, and Lammens all arrived after that date in July, August, and September. Those four cost United a combined £169 million.
In a statement, the club made it official: “After June 30, 2025, we acquired or extended the registrations of certain players and football staff for a total of £169,524,000, including associated costs. Payments are due over the next six years. Also, after June 30, 2025, we became liable for sell-on fees and extra payments totalling £2,119,000 for previous signings.”
By spreading that £169 million over six years, United gets more wiggle room under profitability and sustainability rules. That’s a big deal because it lets the club keep investing this summer, right when they have to decide whether to stick with Michael Carrick as manager or bring someone else in.
This week, United announced its second-quarter financial results, showing an operating profit of £32.6 million for the first half of fiscal 2026. That’s a huge swing from last year, when they posted a £3.9 million operating loss for the same period.
The club credits this turnaround to the early impact of off-field changes after Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought in. Ratcliffe wasted no time tightening things up behind the scenes, aiming to make the club more efficient.
Top executives say United has finally got a handle on its structural costs, which helps boost profits and sets the club up for a stronger run, especially if they clinch a Champions League spot.
CEO Omar Berrada put it this way: “We’re now seeing our off-pitch transformation pay off, both in costs and profitability. We’re still focused on football first, and we’re investing in both our men’s and women’s teams.
“On the pitch, our men are fourth in the Premier League, and our women’s team is second in the Women’s Super League. They’ve also reached the League Cup final and the quarter-final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
“Today’s results really show the strength of our business as we keep pushing for the best possible results for both teams.”
United hasn’t lost a Premier League game under Carrick, notching up five wins and a draw. That run has lifted them to fourth, just three points behind Aston Villa. Villa plays Wolves tonight, with Wolves stuck at the bottom of the table.
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