#5: Rasmus Højlund
Højlund had a big price tag on his head coming into Manchester United. Since joining the Red Devils, Højlund has struggled to make an impact. He had 10 Premier League goals and two assists in his first season with United. In the 2024-25 season, he has managed just three goals and zero assists.
Højlund scored his first league goal since early December in United's 3-0 win against Leicester City on Sunday. He also provided an assist in Manchester United's thumping win against Real Sociedad in the Europa League. In Denmark's first game over the international break, Højlund scored the winner against Portugal, giving him another boost.
The Danish striker has been linked to a few potential moves in the summer, with Bayer Leverkusen and Napoli supposedly interested. If Højlund wants to stay in Manchester, he'll have to improve his game significantly down the final stretch of the season. With two goals in two games, now could be the time for the striker to come alive and cement his place.
#4: Alejandro Garnacho
The Argentine winger has certainly stepped up for the Red Devils before and he'll need to do it again if he wants to stay in Manchester. Garnacho was linked with a potential move to Chelsea in January, which was shocking to some fans considering what he has provided to the team.
However, Garnacho hasn't been at his best this season, which could be said about most players for United. He has managed just four goals and one assist in the Premier League this season, after recording seven goals and four assists last season. His scoring drought ended against Leicester, where he almost scored twice before the first was ruled offside.
Garnacho was left out of the Argentina squad for their World cup qualifiers, which might give him some much needed time to rest and think solely about his duties for Manchester United. Garnacho must show more than just glimpses of the talent that he possesses in order to secure his future with Manchester United.
#3: Joshue Zirkzee
Zirkzee has shown desire to play for Manchester United, but his performances have lacked the finishing ability that should be innate for a striker. As United have struggled to score goals all season, the Dutchman needs to prove himself as a goalscorer during the final stretch of the season.
Zirkzee has had just three goals and one assist in the Premier League and only one goal and one assist in United's Europa League campaign. While the Europa League remains in sight for the Manchester side, Zirkzee will have to help his team in front of goal in order to secure the trophy.
The Dutch striker transfered from Bologna, where he spent two seasons and racked up 13 goals and 6 assists in the Serie A. While these numbers aren't prolific for a striker, Zirkzee is only 23 years old and still has plenty of time ahead of him. With a strong presence on the pitch as of late, Zirkzee has a real chance to step up and show United what he can do in the final two months of the season.
#2: Harry Maguire
Maguire has been absent from the squad due to a calf injury but is expected to return after the international break. United's defense has been shakey at times this season, but Maguire has stepped up to be an important center back for the team.
Although Maguire has often been criticized for his performances, the Englishman has improved his game and continues to be crucial to the struggling side. Maguire signed a new deal until the summer of 2026 back in January, as his previous contract was set to end in the summer of 2025.
As he returns from injury, Maguire will want to further cement his place in the starting lineup for the next season. He has shown glimpses of the kind of defender he can, but he needs to continue to be a leader on and off the field for United. In doing so, Maguire can prove the critics wrong and show that he belongs in Manchester.
#1: André Onana
Onana joined from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023 and was expected to fill the big shoes that David de Gea left. In his first season for Manchester United, Onana recorded nine clean sheets in the Premier League. In the 2025 season, Onana has matched that number of clean sheets so far.
There have been reports that Amorim is looking to add another goalkeeper in the summer to rival Onana for the starting spot. The Cameroonian international will be aiming to add to his count of clean sheets and give Amorim more to think about before pursuing another keeper.
Onana has pulled off some excellent saves this season, most notably against Southampton. He also had an incredible double save against Manchester City in the 2023-24 FA Cup final. If Onana can find his footing in goal and provide more consistent performances, he'll stand a better chance of securing the starting position going forward.
Onana has been tested a lot this season, having already conceded 39 goals in the Premier League after 29 matches. United's defense hasn't been stable, with lots of injuries plaguing the backline which certainly hasn't helped Onana. Now as more players are returning from injury, Manchester United and Onana specifically will be hoping to create a more solid line in front of goal.