Gyokeres, Mbeumo, new goalkeeper - Man United's strongest matchday squad with four signings

With Matheus Cunha's signature secured and Bryan Mbeumo now topping Manchester United's wish list, it has been an encouraging start to the summer at Old Trafford.

The summer transfer window temporarily closed on Tuesday evening and will not reopen until next Monday, meaning no activity will take place in M16 over the next few days.

However, United are understood to remain in discussions with Brentford about attempting to sign Mbeumo. They are expected to table a fresh bid after their opening offer of £55million was knocked back last week.

If United successfully add Mbeumo to their attack, it would mark a second statement signing of the summer following the addition of Cunha on June 1. He arrived in Manchester after United triggered his £62.5m release clause in his Wolves contract.

With United set to focus on attempting to wrap up the signing of Mbeumo once the window reopens next week, they will then have to switch their focus to outgoings to fund further additions. United want to strengthen a handful of other areas ahead of next season.

With that said, MEN Sport has had a look at what United's strongest matchday squad could look like come the end of the window.

Starting XI:

Despite wanting a new goalkeeper to challenge Andre Onana for the No.1 spot, the Cameroonian is still likely to retain top spot in the pecking order and start next season as the club's first-choice goalkeeper. Altay Bayindir is likely to leave and Amorim will want an upgrade on him to provide competition for Onana.

As far as the back-three is concerned, Amorim, once everyone is fit, will be spoilt for choice. United are well-stocked at centre-back and every member of that department will believe they are worthy of starting, meaning pre-season performances could dictate who gets the nod in August.

Currently, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, who both have bright futures ahead of them, are the most likely options to start in the two wide centre-back roles, meaning Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt will compete to start in between them.

If United sign Mbeumo, Amad is an obvious pick at right wing-back. The Ivorian was a rare bright spark in 2024/25 and should be one of the first names on the teamsheet.

In the opposite wing-back berth, Patrick Dorgu is currently a shoo-in after arriving from Lecce earlier this year. He will only get better with time and games.

In the centre of midfield, Bruno Fernandes is an obvious starter. He is highly likely to occupy one of the two No.8 positions amid Cunha's arrival and the expectation he will operate from the left-sided No.10 position.

However, there is an element of uncertainty surrounding who could occupy the midfield spot next to him. United want to sign a new midfielder this summer, but they are yet to have identified a firm target, with outgoings set to determine how big a budget they have.

As things stand, Manuel Ugarte is the most obvious candidate to operate next to Fernandes. He will be able to do the dirty side of the game, allowing the United skipper to advance into forward areas.

As far as the two No.10 positions are concerned, they should be occupied by Mbeumo and Cunha. The latter is a specialist in his role and Mbeumo has the versatility to adapt having predominantly played as a right-winger at Brentford.

The biggest void in need of filling in United's starting XI, of course, is at No.9. They are desperate for a striker and have been forced to alter their plans after missing out on Liam Delap.

Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres would be the dream signing for most United supporters amid his outstanding goalscoring record in Portugal and his relationship with Amorim. He ticks several boxes and would bring a proven goalscoring record to Old Trafford.

However, United's chances of signing him will once again rest on outgoings and generating funds via sales. United do have a collection of players they want to move on.