Uncover the qualities, deficiencies and standout attributes of Manchester United’s 2023/24 squad in our comprehensive breakdown. With a formidable midfield, injury-ridden defense, and potent attacking prowess, delve into what sets Ten Hag’s team apart as a contender in the ongoing season.
Transfers
Arrivals
| Rasmus Højlund | Centre-Forward | 20 | Denmark | Atalanta BC | €75.00m |
| Mason Mount | Attacking Midfield | 24 | England | Chelsea | €64.20m |
| André Onana | Goalkeeper | 27 | Senegal | Inter | €52.50m |
| Sofyan Amrabat | Defensive Midfield | 27 | Morocco | Fiorentina | Loan fee: €10.00m |
| Altay Bayındır | Goalkeeper | 25 | Turkey | Fenerbahce | €5.00m |
| Jonny Evans | Centre-Back | 35 | N. Ireland | Leicester | free transfer |
| Sergio Reguilón | Left-Back | 26 | Spain | Tottenham | loan transfer |
During the summer transfer window, Manchester United welcomed a diverse group of talents into their ranks. The Red Devils have high hopes for young Danish Centre-Forward Rasmus Højlund, while Mason Mount, who needs no introduction, made the move from Chelsea. The addition of UCL finalist, Senegal’s André Onana strengthened their goalkeeper lineup, providing more depth. He didn’t have the best start, but he is a keeper with potential.
Moroccan World Cup star, versatile Defensive Midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, came on loan from Fiorentina with a supposed obligation to buy. Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayındır also added to their goalkeeping options. The experience of defenders Jonny Evans and Sergio Reguilón, who joined the club, further solidified United’s defense. These summer signings reflect MU’s determination to construct a highly competitive team.
Notable departures
| Dean Henderson | Goalkeeper | 26 | England | Crystal Palace | €17.50m |
| Anthony Elanga | Left Winger | 21 | Sweden | Nottm Forest | €17.50m |
| Fred | Central Midfield | 30 | Brazil | Fenerbahce | €9.74m |
| Matej Kovar | Goalkeeper | 23 | Czech | B. Leverkusen | €5.00m |
| Alex Telles | Left-Back | 30 | Brazil | Al-Nassr | €4.60m |
| Zidane Iqbal | Central Midfield | 20 | Iraq | FC Utrecht | €1.00m |
| Eric Bailly | Centre-Back | 29 | Cote d’ivoire | Besiktas | free transfer |
| Teden Mengi | Centre-Back | 21 | England | Luton | ? |
| Brandon Williams | Left-Back | 22 | England | Ipswich | loan transfer |
| Álvaro Fernandez | Left-Back | 20 | Spain | Granada CF | loan transfer |
| Mason Greenwood | Right Winger | 21 | England | Getafe | loan transfer |
| David de Gea | Goalkeeper | 32 | Spain | Without Club | – |
| Axel Tuanzebe | Centre-Back | 25 | England | Without Club | – |
| Phil Jones | Centre-Back | 31 | England | Without Club | – |
The club’s summer saw several players moving on to new adventures. Dean Henderson, the talented goalkeeper, found his new home at Crystal Palace, bringing a wealth of experience and talent to their squad. Meanwhile, the exciting young talent Anthony Elanga made his way to Nottingham Forest. Fred, the industrious Central Midfielder from Brazil, joined Fenerbahce, and Matej Kovar, another promising goalkeeper, embarked on a journey with Bayer Leverkusen. Alex Telles, the Brazilian Left-Back, headed to Al-Nassr, contributing to their defense.
Youngsters Zidane Iqbal, Eric Bailly, Teden Mengi, Brandon Williams, Álvaro Fernandez, and Mason Greenwood also sought new opportunities, each adding their unique skills to different clubs. Some familiar faces like David de Gea, Axel Tuanzebe, and Phil Jones are currently without club affiliations, awaiting their next chapters in football.
Squad
Manager: Erik Ten Hag
| No. | Pos. | Nation | Player |
| 1 | GK | TUR | Altay Bayındır |
| 2 | DF | SWE | Victor Lindelöf |
| 4 | MF | MAR | Sofyan Amrabat (on loan from Fiorentina) |
| 5 | DF | ENG | Harry Maguire |
| 6 | DF | ARG | Lisandro Martínez |
| 7 | MF | ENG | Mason Mount |
| 8 | MF | POR | Bruno Fernandes (captain) |
| 9 | FW | FRA | Anthony Martial |
| 10 | FW | ENG | Marcus Rashford |
| 11 | FW | DEN | Rasmus Højlund |
| 12 | DF | NED | Tyrell Malacia |
| 14 | MF | DEN | Christian Eriksen |
| 15 | DF | ESP | Sergio Reguilón (on loan from Tottenham Hotspur) |
| 16 | MF | CIV | Amad Diallo |
| 17 | FW | ARG | Alejandro Garnacho |
| 18 | MF | BRA | Casemiro |
| 19 | DF | FRA | Raphaël Varane |
| 20 | DF | POR | Diogo Dalot |
| 21 | FW | BRA | Antony |
| 22 | GK | ENG | Tom Heaton |
| 23 | DF | ENG | Luke Shaw |
| 24 | GK | CMR | André Onana |
| 25 | FW | ENG | Jadon Sancho |
| 28 | MF | URU | Facundo Pellistri |
| 29 | DF | ENG | Aaron Wan-Bissaka |
| 34 | MF | NED | Donny van de Beek |
| 35 | DF | NIR | Jonny Evans |
| 37 | MF | ENG | Kobbie Mainoo |
| 39 | MF | SCO | Scott McTominay |
| 46 | MF | TUN | Hannibal Mejbri |
| 47 | FW | ENG | Shola Shoretire |
Manchester United’s squad for the 2023/24 season is a blend of youth and experience under the management of Erik Ten Hag. With players like Onana in goal and experienced defenders like Lisandro, Victor Lindelöf, Harry Maguire, and World champion Raphaël Varane, the team boasts a solid defensive foundation.
The midfield is anchored by the Casemiro, McTominay and Amrabat, while also having the creative talents of Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes, who also wears the captain’s armband. Christian Eriksen’s return to the Premier League adds a touch of finesse to their midfield options.
Up front, the team has exciting prospects like Rasmus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho, along with established talents like Marcus Rashford. Remains to be seen what will happen with Jadon Sancho and Antony, but they can produce magical moments at times.
The squad also features emerging talents like Pellistri, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo and Shola Shoretire, showing Manchester United’s commitment to nurturing young talent alongside their more seasoned players.
Possible Starting 11
Despite the rocky start, Onana is still number. Two fullbacks, van Bissaka and Luke Shaw are out for a while, so we can see more of Dalot and Reguilon with addition cameos from different players for the fullback spots. Varane and Lisandro start when fit, unfortunately they are rarely fit.
Not easy to build a midfield from the talent available at Ten Hag’s disposal. Casemiro with his experience usually starts alongside Amrabat, however Eriksen can also play there. Mount and Bruno Fernandes usually help out more with the final goal. Up front we usually see Hojlund and Rashford, maybe Antony if/when he gets back.