Manchester United’s £1bn rebuild faces Champions League depth test
Sky Sports analysis has raised questions about Manchester United’s squad balance as Michael Carrick prepares for a potentially 67-match season.
Manchester United’s return to the Champions League will place a heavier demand on Michael Carrick’s squad after the club played just 40 matches last season. Sky Sports analysis says United could face up to 67 fixtures across all competitions, with eight Champions League matches guaranteed.
Carrick reportedly guided United from seventh to third last season to secure European qualification. But the club has made a poor start to the new campaign, increasing scrutiny on whether its squad can sustain performances while managing a schedule that may require three matches a week.
Sky Sports reports that United have spent more than £1bn on signings since 2022, including a Premier League-high net spend of £769.5m. The analysis says only 19 per cent of that spending went on defenders, compared with 42 per cent on forwards, raising questions about the distribution of investment across the squad.
The report also identifies limitations in attack, despite the number of supporting forwards available. It describes Benjamin Sesko as United’s only recognised striker and says the squad lacks a clear playmaking alternative to Bruno Fernandes.
United’s defensive continuity is another focus of the analysis. The back four used in the reported 2-2 draw with Everton — Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot — was the same as in Erik ten Hag’s first match in May 2022. Sky Sports also reports that United have retained 54.5 per cent of their starters over the period, the highest rate among the clubs compared.
The first Champions League fixture against Sabah will provide an early test of Carrick’s ability to rotate his squad. Sky Sports’ projection of 67 matches is a maximum possible total, rather than a confirmed schedule.
