Manchester United are preparing to host Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford tomorrow in their final home Premier League fixture of the 2025-26 season.
Even a draw could be enough for the Red Devils to secure an impressive third-place finish ahead of their highly anticipated return to the UEFA Champions League.
While many supporters expect head coach Michael Carrick to hand opportunities to exciting academy talents, the occasion could also mark an emotional farewell for several senior stars.
Here are five Manchester United players who could potentially be making their final appearance at the Theatre of Dreams.
Mason Mount
Mount arrived with huge expectations from Chelsea in a deal worth £55 million in 2023.
Persistent injury problems prevented the England international from ever truly igniting his career at Old Trafford.
Mount remains a dream player for any manager because of his versatility, relentless off-the-ball work-rate and experience operating in multiple systems.
However, his overall influence has fallen far below expectations considering United handed him a massive £250,000-a-week contract upon arrival.
Manuel Ugarte
Ugarte arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth around £42 million.
The Uruguayan was expected to bring steel and intensity to midfield but after two years of struggle, it would be wise to cut losses on him.
He remains an outstanding ball-winner and one of the fiercest tacklers in the squad, yet his technical limitations in possession have become increasingly difficult to overlook.
He is expected to start on the bench against Forest, and it will be interesting to see whether Carrick gives him an opportunity to make one final Old Trafford appearance in the second half.
Tom Heaton
Heaton returned to Old Trafford in 2021 on a free transfer to provide experience to the young side.
He is a respected figure behind the scenes and remains hugely popular among staff.
At the age of 40, Heaton could decide if the time is right to retire. If he does, Carrick would be wise to ensure Heaton receives a proper farewell from the Old Trafford faithful.
It would be a beautiful full-circle moment for an academy graduate who lived the dream of representing his boyhood club to say goodbye in front of the supporters one final time.
Casemiro
Casemiro joined United from Real Madrid in a blockbuster £60 million deal in 2022 and helped them to win their first trophy in six years.
It has been a rollercoaster ride for the veteran midfielder. His debut campaign was brilliant before he looked lost for 18 months.
His resurgence this campaign has been nothing short of sensational, with the veteran midfielder rediscovering his authority while also scoring nine goals and producing countless magical moments.
Now feels like the perfect time for the Old Trafford crowd to give one of their favourite modern-day stars a farewell that both he and his family will remember forever.
“Casemiro, one more year”.
Joshua Zirkzee
Zirkzee arrived from Bologna in a £36.5 million move in 2024.
He was expected to provide cover for Rasmus Hojlund but has hardly lived up to expectations.
Both Ruben Amorim and Carrick have found it difficult to fully trust Zirkzee as the main striker leading the line.
There is absolutely no doubt that the Dutchman possesses tremendous technical ability and football intelligence, but the intensity and physical demands of the Premier League appear too overwhelming for his current level.
Several clubs in Italy are already expected to explore a move for Zirkzee this summer.
