Man Utd’s predicted 2027/28 line-up with Cesc Fabregas as coach, as the club looks past unlikely La Liga stars while facing talk of Fernandes and Martinez leaving
Michael Carrick was given the chance to stay on as Manchester United head coach at least until their match against Chelsea tomorrow, but it seems his time might be coming to an end. So, what could the team look like next season if someone like Cesc Fàbregas, who’s been linked with the job, takes over?
United have had a rough start to the 2026/27 season, with Carrick’s side managing just one win in the Premier League so far. The Red Devils are sitting 16th ahead of their game at Stamford Bridge on October 31.
If things don’t improve soon, it looks like Carrick could be shown the door, with several managers in the running to replace him. Former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is reportedly the favorite of sporting director Jason Wilcox, while head of recruitment Christopher Vivell is keen on Julian Nagelsmann, who’s coached RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich, and Germany.
Antonio Conte, currently out of work, is still being mentioned as a possible candidate. Meanwhile, Como manager Cesc Fàbregas has quietly entered the conversation in the last few days.
Hiring Fàbregas would make a strong statement, especially since his Como team beat United 4-1 in the Champions League earlier this month. Fàbregas worked with Osian Roberts during Como’s 2023/24 season, which ended with the club promoted to Serie A after more than 20 years. He became head coach in 2024/25, helping Como qualify for the Champions League.
SPORTbible took a look at what United’s starting lineup might be at the start of the 2027/28 season under Fàbregas. He usually plays a 4-2-3-1 formation, which can change during games.
With Lisandro Martínez and Bruno Fernandes reportedly having public conflicts with the club’s leaders and Carrick, it’s possible they could leave next season. Both contracts end soon, though United can extend Martínez’s by one year.
Young star Nico Paz from Como and Argentina could take Fernandes’ spot. At 22, Paz has impressed with 24 goals and 23 assists since joining from Real Madrid in 2024. Madrid still hold a €9 million buy-back clause for Paz, but some reports say a new agreement lets them re-sign him for €80 million before summer 2027.
Jacobo Ramón, a center-back from Como and teammate of Paz, is also linked with moves to United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and possibly back to Real Madrid. Madrid can buy him back for £7.7 million next summer. If Fàbregas comes to United, Ramón might prefer joining them over other clubs. With Harry Maguire’s contract ending, Ramón could be a perfect fit for right center-back.
On the left side of defense, Martínez has caught the eye of Barcelona, and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is a possible replacement. United had two bids rejected by Everton last year.
Left-back Luke Shaw’s contract also ends soon, and United have long been interested in Newcastle’s Lewis Hall. Hall’s style would likely fit well with Fàbregas’ possession and pressing game.
United added three central midfielders last summer—Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, and Carlos Baleba—so they probably won’t spend a lot on another midfielder, especially if they sign Paz as an attacking midfielder.
That said, MARCA reports that United have shown interest in Atlético Madrid’s Pablo Barrios and Barcelona’s Fermín López. López’s ability to play in midfield and on the wings could be perfect for Fàbregas.
Fàbregas would probably enjoy working with academy product Kobbie Mainoo, whose progress has slowed lately.
Up front, it looks like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo will stay beyond this summer, with Benjamin Šeško expected to be Fàbregas’ top striker despite his recent injury. Amad Diallo is also likely to stay, while Mason Mount might look for a new club if things don’t improve. Marcus Rashford’s future is still up in the air.
All in all, a Fàbregas takeover could bring some fresh excitement and changes to Manchester United next season.