02/09/2026
🚨NEW: Several Manchester United defenders will be playing for their futures this season as the club plots a revamp of their back line in the 2027 summer transfer window.
The plan was always to then look at the defence next summer, ahead of what United hope will be a sustained assault on the Premier League title in 2027/28, when the club celebrates its 150th anniversary.
Lewis Hall was United's top target and barring anything unforeseen happening, the 21-year-old is likely to remain the priority signing at left-back in 2027. It is understood he was open to a move to Old Trafford this summer.
Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are also out of contract next summer, although United have the option to extend both deals by a year. They are currently the first-choice centre-back pairing, although there is a feeling that plenty could change in that area of the pitch this season.
Matthijs de Ligt is another who has to prove his fitness concerns are a thing of the past. The Dutch defender was starting to make an impression at Old Trafford before picking up a back injury last November. He had surgery on the issue at the end of last season and is closing in on a return, but his absence now stretches to eight months.
However the centre-back positions shape up this season, United are likely to be in the market for at least two new players in that area next summer, with a commanding, defensive leader to replace Maguire top of the agenda.
There could also be a desire to look at the right-back position, with an upgrade there considered long overdue. Diogo Dalot has fought back admirably to make the position his own, with Noussair Mazraoui providing competition, but United could look for a more dynamic option next summer.
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