Manchester United’s next big rebuild could be at the back, where they are hurting the most this season. United remain without a Premier League clean sheet this term.
The club spent the 2025 summer working on their attack and then overhauled the midfield in 2026, bringing in Carlos Baleba, Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Now, the defence is starting to look like the obvious area that needs attention.
United’s opening to the Premier League season has done little to change that view. They have won just one of their first five matches, and the lack of reliability at the back has been one of the recurring problems.
That leaves Michael Carrick with another job to do.
Defence now becoming a Manchester United priority
Pete O’Rourke believes Manchester United will look at their defensive options over the next two transfer windows rather than trying to solve everything immediately in January.
“I expect Manchester United to try and strengthen their defence in the next couple of transfer windows,” O’Rourke said on the Transfer Insider podcast.
United did not bring in a major defender during the summer. That decision could come back into focus as the season develops, particularly with several members of the current back line entering the later stages of their careers.
There are injury concerns to consider as well, making depth increasingly important.
O’Rourke added: “They didn’t do anything in the summer window to strengthen in that position, which now looks like it will be a real priority for them.”
United may still be tempted by an opportunity in January, but the bigger spending could be left until the summer. By then, Carrick and the recruitment team should have a much clearer idea of which positions need fixing first.
Michael Carrick will be hoping that his leaky defence can somehow contain as they welcome Tottenham next after the International break ends.
