Man Utd enter 2026-27 season with several key storylines

Manchester United's third-place finish in the Premier League last season not only secured their return to the Champions League but also raised hopes that a title challenge is not as far off as fans had feared. Still, this is Manchester United – a club known for dramatic comebacks, but also for spectacular collapses.

The club's history includes the Munich air disaster of 1958, which claimed the lives of several members of the 'Busby Babes' generation. But Matt Busby rebuilt the team and won the European Cup a decade later, earning global admiration. Busby's last league title came in 1967, and United had to wait 23 years for Alex Ferguson to restore the club to the top. The 1999 Champions League victory completed a great return, ending a 31-year wait with a famous stoppage-time comeback.

Al Jazeera Sport analyses United's current situation as they seek to end a Premier League title drought dating back to 2013, when Ferguson departed.

Can Man United win the Premier League this season?

Last season's third-place finish was United's best since Erik ten Hag led them to third in 2023. In the 13 seasons since Ferguson retired, United have finished third or higher only five times, and finished runners-up just twice, under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Two finishes of eighth and fifteenth in the two most recent seasons were their worst in 36 years.

The revival under Michael Carrick, who replaced Ruben Amorim midway through last season, has been impressive. Since Carrick took charge, no Premier League team has earned more points than United's 39. At the time, Champions League qualification seemed a distant dream, with United even tipped for relegation after a disastrous start. If they continue their end-of-season form, they could compete in what is widely seen as a highly unpredictable title race.

Who replaces Casemiro in midfield?

The biggest question for Carrick is how to replace Casemiro, who has moved to Inter Miami. Although Bruno Fernandes lifted United up the table with a record 21 assists in England's top flight, that achievement would have been difficult without Casemiro's best season since arriving from Real Madrid in 2022.

United have spent £85 million ($115 million) to bring Andrey Santos from Chelsea, while also securing Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. Santos, 22, is the closest like-for-like replacement for Casemiro with his defensive instincts, while Tielemans is seen as a more creative midfielder, though he also covers plenty of ground. The pair could form a partnership, meaning young talent Kobbie Mainoo may have to wait for his chance. However, having successfully returned from a bench role under Amorim to earn a place in England's World Cup squad, Mainoo will be hard to ignore.

Who leads the attack?

United have plenty of options on the wings with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford (back after a loan at Barcelona). However, the centre-forward position remains the biggest concern.

Joshua Zirkzee, the Dutch striker, arrived from Bologna two seasons ago but has not secured a starting spot. Benjamin Sesko was brought in last season for €76.5 million ($89 million), plus €8.5 million in add-ons. The 23-year-old Slovenian scored 12 goals in 32 games in his first season, after netting 39 in 87 for RB Leipzig. Carrick could use Zirkzee, Rashford or Cunha through the middle, but the issue is that Sesko is the only out-and-out striker in the squad.

Will Bruno Fernandes stay?

Fernandes' future at United has been a topic of speculation for several seasons, with the Saudi Pro League previously pursuing the Portuguese midfielder. Recently, reports have emerged that the Turkish league, after signing Mohamed Salah, will try to lure Fernandes away from Old Trafford. At 31, Fernandes may be entering his peak period as experience compensates for declining physical output. Some argue United could sell Fernandes with his contract entering its final year, amid instability under the new ownership. However, United are believed to be ready to reject any approach for their captain, despite interest from Galatasaray, Juventus and AC Milan, who are reportedly willing to spend big.

Will there be more new signings?

With only two summer signings so far, Carrick has called for more additions to make United genuine title contenders. "That's the situation, whether it's financial or whatever. Right now, we have to make the most of what we have, but we must keep pushing every limit to win again," he said.

The biggest rumour involving United is the pursuit of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. The 22-year-old joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and has long been tracked by United, but the £100 million ($136 million) price tag could halt the deal. Up front, United are interested in Igor Matanovic (23, Freiburg), Nicolo Tresoldi (21, Club Brugge), and Kaua Elias (20, Shakhtar Donetsk). But none of them would be the blockbuster signing that transforms United from outsiders to title favourites.

The left-back position also needs reinforcement as Luke Shaw (31) battles age and injury issues. Leipzig's David Raum is one option, while Lewis Hall could leave Newcastle. United still hold appeal for top stars, especially with Champions League football back. Yet, to write the next chapter of their comeback story, they still need at least one world-class addition.