Man Utd Possible Lineup Next Season If They Complete The Signing of Mbeumo and Richard Rios
With the 2025/26 season fast approaching, Manchester United’s transfer strategy under the INEOS-led sporting project is beginning to take shape. Two of their key targets this summer—Bryan Mbeumo and Richard Ríos—are reportedly close to joining the Red Devils. If both signings are completed, United’s starting XI next season could look very different from the one that underwhelmed last year.
Here, we explore how Ruben Amorim could set up his Manchester United side next season with both Mbeumo and Ríos in the squad, offering tactical depth, balance, and fresh energy across the pitch.
—
🔁 Transfer Overview: Two Key Additions
📝 Bryan Mbeumo (Right Winger / Forward)
Age: 25
Current club: Brentford
Position: RW, CF, AM
2024/25 stats: 20 goals, 7 assists (Premier League & cups)
Transfer status: United have submitted a final £70 million bid, which Brentford are expected to accept.
Mbeumo is a Premier League-proven forward who brings goals, work ethic, and tactical intelligence. He’s expected to play a major role in Amorim’s dynamic attacking system.
📝 Richard Ríos (Central Midfielder)
Age: 24
Current club: Palmeiras (Brazil)
Position: Box-to-box midfielder, DM
Profile: Tenacious, technical, versatile, and a capable ball-winner with a strong engine.
Transfer status: Reports suggest United have agreed personal terms and are negotiating a fee in the region of £15-20 million.
Ríos could be a low-cost but high-impact addition in midfield, offering competition and support to Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and others.
—
🔍 Tactical System: Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 or 4-2-3-1?
Ruben Amorim, known for his tactical flexibility, prefers a 3-4-2-1 formation with wing-backs and two attacking midfielders behind a striker. However, depending on personnel and match situations, he has also used a 4-2-3-1, which United fans are more familiar with.
Let’s explore both tactical possibilities with the new signings.
—
🧱 Option 1: 3-4-2-1 Formation
This system allows United to control possession, defend with structure, and create overloads in attack.
🧤 Goalkeeper:
Andre Onana
After a mixed debut season, Onana will look to build on his improved performances under a manager who emphasizes structured build-up.
🛡️ Back Three:
Lisandro Martínez (LCB) – The most composed ball-playing defender in the squad.
Raphaël Varane / Jarrad Branthwaite (CB) – Depending on transfers, either could anchor the back line.
Diogo Dalot / Luke Shaw (RCB) – Dalot’s flexibility could see him used as a right-sided centre-back or hybrid wing-back.
🛞 Wing-backs:
Luke Shaw / Tyrell Malacia (LWB) – Offers width and technical quality.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka / New Signing (RWB) – Wan-Bissaka may be rotated based on the attacking needs of the system.
🧠 Midfield Double Pivot:
Richard Ríos – A mobile, combative midfielder who can cover space, break up play, and link defense to attack.
Kobbie Mainoo / Casemiro – Mainoo’s development could see him earn a full-time starting role alongside Ríos. Casemiro’s experience remains crucial in big games.
🎯 Attacking Midfielders (inside forwards):
Bruno Fernandes – The captain remains one of United’s most creative forces.
Bryan Mbeumo – The ideal modern inside forward. Can cut in from the right, shoot, create, and press aggressively.
⚔️ Centre-Forward:
Rasmus Højlund – The young Danish striker is expected to continue leading the line with support from Cunha, if used in rotation.
➕ Possible Lineup:
Onana
Dalot – Varane – Martínez
Wan-Bissaka Shaw
Ríos Mainoo
Mbeumo Fernandes
Højlund
Strengths:
Solid shape defensively
Exploits Mbeumo’s versatility
Ríos provides cover for high-pressing play
Dual creators (Fernandes + Mbeumo) support Højlund
—
⚡ Option 2: 4-2-3-1 Formation
This setup provides more traditional width and is ideal when United want to stretch opponents or press high with a front four.
🧤 Goalkeeper:
Andre Onana
🛡️ Back Four:
Dalot / Wan-Bissaka (RB)
Varane / Branthwaite (CB)
Martínez (CB)
Shaw (LB)
🧠 Double Pivot:
Richard Ríos – More mobile and aggressive than United’s typical CDM.
Kobbie Mainoo / Casemiro – Depending on opponent and tactics.
🎨 Attacking Trio:
Bryan Mbeumo (RW) – Provides direct running, goals, and pressing.
Bruno Fernandes (CAM) – Pulls the strings centrally.
Garnacho / Rashford (LW) – Offers explosive pace and unpredictability.
⚔️ Striker:
Rasmus Højlund – Supported by width and a 10, he could thrive with better service.
➕ Possible Lineup:
Onana
Dalot – Varane – Martínez – Shaw
Ríos Mainoo
Mbeumo Fernandes Garnacho
Højlund
Strengths:
More width and natural attacking flow
Utilizes Mbeumo’s traditional winger skillset
Well-balanced midfield with technical control and physicality
—
🔁 Rotation Options & Squad Depth
Key Depth Options:
Matheus Cunha – Can rotate with Højlund or play as a second striker.
Casemiro – Reliable backup or starter when experience is needed.
Mason Mount – Provides energy and creativity off the bench.
Antony / Sancho – May be sold, but if retained, could be used in rotation.
Amad Diallo – Offers a more technical option off the right wing.
Leny Yoro (potential signing) – Would bolster defensive depth.
Tactical Flexibility:
Mbeumo can switch between RW, AM, and even false 9.
Ríos can play as a holding midfielder, box-to-box, or even as a wide midfielder in emergencies.
—
🔮 Final Thoughts
If Manchester United succeed in completing the signings of Bryan Mbeumo and Richard Ríos, they will add two very different but equally crucial pieces to their puzzle:
Mbeumo brings Premier League experience, dynamism, and end-product in the final third.
Ríos adds energy, control, and tactical flexibility to a midfield that too often lacked balance and consistency.
These signings may not carry the blockbuster appeal of past windows, but under INEOS and Ruben Amorim, they could form the foundation of a smarter, more efficient Manchester United—one built on balance, work rate, and positional intelligence.
Whether Amorim sticks with his favoured back three or transitions to a back four, these two additions make United more unpredictable, more complete, and more competitive.
Leave a Reply