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Six players who could play their final Man Utd game vs Brighton
Home>Football>Football News>Man Utd
Published 21:22 23 May 2026 GMT+1

Six players who could play their final Man Utd game vs Brighton

Man Utd take on Brighton in their final match of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Ryan Smart

Ryan Smart

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Six players could play their last game for Manchester United on Sunday afternoon when Michael Carrick's side host Brighton at Old Trafford.

United have nothing to play for on the last day of the season in terms of league position, having already secured a third-placed finish.

That means they will play Champions League football against next season, having missed out on Europe altogether for this term.

United have already announced the departures of Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia as free agents at the end of their contracts next month.

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Casemiro, who has reportedly decided to join MLS side Inter Miami, has scored nine goals in 34 appearances this season and will surely start his final game at Old Trafford.

READ MORE: Casemiro makes final decision over next club ahead of last Man Utd match

Malacia, meanwhile, has only played twice, both times off the substitutes' bench, all season.

But he was named on the bench during last week's 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest and could be given a farewell appearance by Carrick, who signed a two-year contract to become permanent manager on Friday following an interim spell.

Then there are a host of players whose futures at Old Trafford are uncertain but not yet decided, and they could represent United for the final time on Sunday.

Manuel Ugarte

Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte was heavily criticised by fans over his performances towards the end of Ruben Amorim's time in charge.

He has barely featured since Carrick took interim charge in January, starting just once in the Premier League.

It perhaps didn't help his cause that the game in question was a 2-1 home defeat to bitter rivals Leeds - the only time United have lost under Carrick at Old Trafford.

Despite Casemiro's impending exit, United are reportedly in the market for two midfielders and it would not be a surprise if Ugarte was made surplus to requirements this summer.

Mason Mount

Mason Mount has struggled for game time under Carrick since returning from injury (Image: Getty)
Mason Mount has struggled for game time under Carrick since returning from injury (Image: Getty)

It was telling as to Mason Mount's injury nightmares at Manchester United that he wasn't heavily in the discussion when it came to players left out of Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad.

The 27-year-old has managed 22 Premier League appearances this term - his highest seasonal tally since his £55 million move to United from Chelsea three years ago.

He scored goals in victories over Wolves and Crystal Palace towards the end of 2025, but suffered another injury shortly after Carrick's arrival and has only started one game since his return in March.

Mount's quality when fit is undeniable, but it remains to be seen whether United will keep him for next season.

Lisandro Martinez

Lisandro Martinez was a key player during the opening weeks of Carrick's reign before picking up a calf injury in February.

Then, upon his return, he was sent off during the 2-1 defeat to Leeds for pulling the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The Argentinian has started every game he has been available for under the current management, but is out of contract in June 2027.

Journalist Andy Mitten suggested that Martinez's position is 'in a little bit of a state of flux' over his contract situation, with no indication as yet that United will offer him a renewal.

READ MORE: Man Utd insider claims popular player is in 'state of flux' at club

Martinez is still only 28 and has plenty to offer United, as his performances in recent months have largely shown, but his injury record over recent years might concern the hierarchy enough to potentially look for alternatives.

Joshua Zirkzee

Joshua Zirkzee is another player whose game time under Carrick suggests a summer move is likely.

The Netherlands forward is versatile, as he is able to play as a striker or an attacking midfielder, but his only start under Carrick was in the 0-0 draw against Sunderland and he didn't sufficiently impress to keep his place.

He has been linked with a move to Roma, though The Sun reported in January that he wishes to stay at Old Trafford.

Altay Bayindir

It is tradition for some clubs to play their second-choice goalkeeper on the final day of the season when there is nothing to play for, and Altay Bayindir may be the beneficiary of that at United.

The Turkey shot-stopper started the campaign as number one after usurping Andre Onana, but was relegated back to the bench after United brought in Senne Lammens on deadline day.

Lammens has firmly established himself at Old Trafford since then, and Bayindir will almost certainly have to leave if he wants to play first team football.

Diogo Dalot

Diogo Dalot has been linked with a move away from Man Utd this summer (Image: Getty)
Diogo Dalot has been linked with a move away from Man Utd this summer (Image: Getty)

It was reported by TEAMtalk earlier this week that Real Madrid hold interest in signing Diogo Dalot this summer, with his former manager Jose Mourinho - who signed him for United - keen to reunite.

READ MORE: Michael Carrick tells Man Utd to block offers for key player amid Real Madrid interest

However, Carrick is understandably keen for the club's hierarchy to block any offers for the full-back, who has been one of his key players.

Dalot has been a regular starter all season and, while he has in the past been criticised for his defensive deficiencies, is one of the players who has benefitted most from a change of manager.

The 27-year-old would likely be second choice behind Trent Alexander-Arnold if he moved to the Bernabeu, but opportunities could open up for him at left-back as well, and United may not be able to turn down offers if Dalot decides he wants to move clubs this summer.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics:Ā Manchester United, Transfers, Diogo Dalot, Mason Mount

Ryan Smart
Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.

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