Manchester United have had the season from hell so far, and there are already many within the club looking ahead to next season and how they can improve.

Ahead of the team's clash with AS Roma on Tuesday night, United have won just two of their 13 games in all competitions this season and are winless in nine, with manager Michael Carrick fighting to save his job ahead of the international break next week.

Alongside Carrick's future, there are major question marks over a number of players who may or may not be at Old Trafford when next season begins, with INEOS planning to rebuild the defence in the summer after previously rebuilding the attack in 2025 and the midfield this past transfer window.

Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw are all out of contract in June 2027 and could be allowed to leave, with reports suggesting that Martinez will not have his 12-month option triggered and he may even be moved on in January after a public fallout with the club hierarchy.

Maguire's 12-month option may be considered closer to the time, while Shaw will have to agree a new deal if he is to stay. Matthijs De Ligt has only just returned from a near-year-long absence due to back problem.

Away from the defence, captain Bruno Fernandes is also out of contract in June, with the club holding the option to extend by a further year. However, GIVEMESPORT sources understand talks have stalled at this stage, and it's possible that an exit next summer could take place depending on how the rest of the campaign plays out.

Whether Fernandes leaves or not, United must start planning for life without him. The Portugal international is already 32, and his performances this season suggest that he may well be past his best.

INEOS made it clear when they took over from The Glazers that they wanted 'the best in class' in place all over the club, and that must include on the pitch. A number of names have been linked with the club for that attacking midfield position, but there is no one better than Jude Bellingham.

United have been linked with a move for the Real Madrid superstar in the past, and he actually turned down a move to Old Trafford to join Borussia Dortmund instead as a teenager. But if United are serious about being best in class, then they must pull out all the stops to finally bring him in.

Bellingham Would Be King of the New Era

The first thing to state is that any deal would be very, very difficult to complete. Bellingham is a superstar and key player at Real Madrid, and Man Utd are barely challenging for a Champions League spot these days.

But if they could convince him to come and be not only part of the project, but the head of the project, then it could be something that appeals to his competitive side.

His leadership, mentality, quality on the pitch, and even his slight arrogance are all attributes that would be a huge boost to Man Utd at this stage of things, and it would arguably be the modern-day Cantona signing that would be transformative for the entire club.

Just like when the legendary Frenchman, one of Man Utd's greatest ever signings, signed from Leeds and he took them from underachievers to serial winners, Bellingham could have a similar ripple effect. If United are serious about getting back to where they believe they belong, this should be the absolute priority above any other deal.