Manchester United ended the 2025-26 campaign on a hugely positive note after successfully achieving their major objectives for the season.
Very few supporters expected United to mount a top-four challenge after the disastrous 15th-place finish in the 2024-25 campaign.
INEOS made it clear from the very beginning that returning to the UEFA Champions League was absolutely crucial for both sporting ambition and financial stability.
Manager Michael Carrick successfully delivered on that objective by guiding the club to 71 points and a comfortable third-place finish in the Premier League table.
With attention now fully shifting towards the summer transfer window, it is important to assess how every Man United player performed during the recently concluded season.
Goalkeepers
Senne Lammens – 9/10
Lammens brought a level of calmness and authority in goal that Man United had desperately lacked for the previous two seasons.
The Belgian prevented more goals than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League (6.5).
Altay Bayindir – 2/10
Former manager Ruben Amorim placed his trust in Bayindir ahead of Andre Onana, but the Turkish goalkeeper failed to show enough reliability between the sticks.
Tom Heaton – 6/10
Heaton remains one of the most respected leaders inside the dressing room. Although he did not make a single appearance this season, his influence behind the scenes should not be overlooked.
Defenders
Diogo Dalot – 7/10
Dalot once again proved that while he may not be among the elite full-backs in world football, he deserves far more appreciation than he usually receives.
Hopefully, next season he can finally stop launching shots into the stands.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6/10
Minor injuries and AFCON interruptions disrupted his rhythm, but he finished the campaign strongly.
The Moroccan also stepped up brilliantly when Carrick asked him to operate as a centre-back against Chelsea.
Leny Yoro – 6/10
Yoro made a few costly mistakes during the campaign but responded superbly by learning quickly and improving his performances.
Ayden Heaven – 7/10
Heaven unfortunately played far fewer minutes than he deserved. United unquestionably have a gem on their hands.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6/10
Before his devastating back injury ruled him out for the final six months of the season, De Ligt was arguably the best player at the club.
Lisandro Martinez – 5/10
Martinez only returned in November before another calf injury and an unfortunate red card disrupted his momentum again.
When fully fit, he remains one of the best defenders in the league, but he must find a way to overcome his recurring injury problems.
Harry Maguire – 7/10
Maguire produced one of the moments of the season with his dramatic winning goal at Anfield before a thigh injury sidelined him.
The defender stepped up impressively under Carrick and fully deserved his contract extension.
Luke Shaw – 8/10
After years of injury setbacks and frustrating interruptions, Shaw finally produced an extraordinary marathon campaign in 2025-26.
He was one of only five outfield players in the Premier League to start every single league match this season.
Tyrell Malacia – 1/10
An unforgettable cameo against Newcastle United effectively summed up his difficult spell at the club.
It was a classy gesture from Carrick to give him a farewell appearance against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Tyler Fredricson – 4/10
Fredricson was brutally exposed against Grimsby Town before an injury setback ultimately ruined his planned January loan move.
Midfielders
Casemiro – 8/10
Nine crucial goals from a defensive midfielder, who played with passion and silenced critics. Casemiro will always be remembered fondly by United supporters.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8/10
Ignored by Amorim, backed by Carrick. It has been a season of two halves for Mainoo.
His spectacular displays eventually forced England manager Thomas Tuchel to include him in the World Cup squad.
Manuel Ugarte – 3/10
It says a lot about a young midfielder that he failed to displace a 34-year-old Casemiro in midfield.
Mason Mount – 6/10
Mount started and ended the campaign strongly but missed several games due to injuries and tactical decisions.
Mount has not done enough to justify his transfer from Chelsea, but he could still play a crucial role next season.
Jack Fletcher – 6/10
Fletcher earned three senior appearances after consistently impressing at academy level.
Tyler Fletcher – 6/10
Like his twin brother Jack, Tyler also made his senior debut this season.
He was given more playing time in the final game of the season and has now earned a Scotland call-up for the upcoming World Cup.
Bruno Fernandes – 10/10
There could only ever be one rating for the undisputed Premier League Player of the Year.
Fernandes made history after breaking the all-time Premier League assists record by registering a stunning 21 assists.
Forwards
Amad Diallo – 3/10
After an encouraging 2024-25 season, expectations surrounding Diallo were sky-high.
Unfortunately, his performances this year proved to be among the biggest disappointments in the squad.
Bryan Mbeumo – 8/10
Mbeumo enjoyed an impressive first season in Manchester following his £66 million move from Brentford.
He finished the campaign with 11 league goals alongside Benjamin Sesko, despite enduring a frustrating 12-game drought under Carrick.
His crucial goals against Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool highlighted his ability to thrive in the biggest matches.
Matheus Cunha – 8/10
Cunha brought intensity and aggression back into a United attack that looked completely toothless last season.
The Brazilian finished the campaign with 10 goals and four assists in all competitions.
Benjamin Sesko – 9/10
Sesko receives a bonus point because this was his debut season in English football and he still managed to score 11 league goals.
Minor injuries interrupted his momentum at times, but the Slovenian possesses every quality required to become a truly elite striker.
Joshua Zirkzee – 4/10
A brilliant goal against Crystal Palace remains the biggest highlight of his season.
A move back to Italy may ultimately help him rediscover his best form.
Shea Lacey – 7/10
Lacey showcased exactly why he has been rated so highly within the academy setup for years.
His fearless dribbling ability and willingness to unleash shots from distance instantly brought excitement whenever he played.
He is capable of producing moments that lift supporters off their seats.
Bendito Mantato – 6/10
The forgotten academy talent made his senior debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers before injury setbacks unfortunately disrupted the second half of his season.
