FC 26 Manchester United's Now & Then

Every Ultimate Team star has an origin story. Long before they were walkouts with stunning dynamic images, they were often non-rare silvers or bronzes, just starting their professional journey. In our new weekly series, “Now & Then,” we explore these incredible glow-ups.

First up, we’ve built a potential Manchester United XI for FC 26, blending current stars with top transfer targets. Below, we break down each player’s Ultimate Team evolution, comparing their projected FC 26 card to their very first card in the game’s history. While not a traditional “Past and Present” with club legends, this is a unique look at the personal past and present of each player.

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The Attack:

Matheus Cunha: The Versatile Forward

• Then (FIFA 19): 67 ST
• Now (FC 26): 83 CAM

Matheus Cunha’s journey has taken him from Switzerland to Germany and now to the Premier League. His first card in FIFA 19 was a modest 67-rated silver striker for RB Leipzig. Today, after proving himself at Wolves, he’s evolved into a highly effective 83-rated CAM, boasting significant boosts across the board, especially in dribbling and passing. A +16 overall rating increase reflects his development into a top-flight creator.

Benjamin Sesko: The Rising Star

• Then (FIFA 22): 67 ST
• Now (FC 26): 80 ST

One of Europe’s most talked-about young strikers, Benjamin Sesko’s rise has been rapid. He debuted in FIFA 22 as a 67-rated silver at RB Salzburg. His raw skill was evident even then, but his shooting and physicality were still developing. After a strong season with RB Leipzig, his FC 26 card is a gold 80, showing a massive leap in finishing and strength, making him a formidable presence.

Bryan Mbeumo: The Glow Up

• Then (FIFA 19): 60 LW
• Now (FC 26): 85 RW

This is one of the biggest glow-ups in the squad. Bryan Mbeumo started his FUT journey as a 60-rated bronze right midfielder for Troyes in FIFA 19. Through his consistent performances and crucial goals for Brentford, he has skyrocketed to a 85-rated RW. His transformation from a bronze prospect to one of the league’s most dangerous wingers is a staggering +25 overall improvement.

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The Midfield:

Bruno Fernandes: The Captain’s Journey

• Then (FIFA 15): 76 CAM
• Now (FC 26): 87 CAM

From a 76-rated gold at Sampdoria in FIFA 15 to the 87-rated captain of Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes’ rise is legendary. His first card already showed promise in passing, but he has since become one of the most complete attacking midfielders in world football. The +11 rating jump barely does justice to his real-world impact and improved shooting, dribbling, and physical presence.

Casemiro: The Constant Professional

• Then (FIFA 13): 72 CDM
• Now (FC 26): 80 CDM

A decorated winner, Casemiro has been a high-level player for a decade. His first card was a 72-rated silver in FIFA 13. While his pace has naturally declined from his peak ratings, his defensive and physical stats remain solid. His journey shows the longevity of a world-class defensive midfielder, who even in his “Then” card showed the defensive foundations of a future star.

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The Wing-Backs: Modern Width

Amad Diallo: The Flair Playmaker

• Then (FIFA 22): 68 RM
• Now (FC 26): 79 CAM

Amad burst onto the scene as a highly-touted prospect, debuting in FIFA 22 with a 68-rated silver card at Man Utd that highlighted his pace and dribbling potential. After loan spells and a breakout FA Cup moment for United, his projected FC 26 card sees him jump to a 79-rated gold. The upgrade reflects his growing end product and readiness for a bigger role.

Patrick Dorgu: The Danish Dynamo

• Then (FC 24): 64 LB
• Now (FC 26): 74 LB

A very recent addition to the Ultimate Team database, Patrick Dorgu made his debut in FC 24 as a 64-rated Bronze left-back. After a breakout season with Lecce where he showcased his blistering pace and attacking intent, he’s earned a significant +10 upgrade to a 74-rated Silver. This rapid rise makes him one of the most exciting young full-backs in Europe.

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The Defensive Core & Goalkeeper

Leny Yoro: The Defensive Prodigy

• Then (FIFA 24): 71 CB
• Now (FC 26): 78 CB

Another player with a rapid ascent, Leny Yoro only debuted in FIFA 24 as a 71-rated silver. In just two years, the Lille defender has established himself as a highly regarded talent, earning a projected +7 rating boost to a 78-rated gold. His composure and defensive abilities are now reflected in a much more formidable FUT card.

Matthijs de Ligt: The Golden Boy

• Then (FIFA 17): 63 CB
• Now (FC 26): 82 CB

One of the most famous “glow-ups” in recent history. Matthijs de Ligt started as a 63-rated bronze for Ajax in FIFA 17. He quickly became their captain, won the Golden Boy award, and secured blockbuster moves to Juventus and Bayern Munich. His +19 overall journey from a teenage prospect to an elite 82-rated centre-back is the stuff of legend.

Harry Maguire: The Bronze Battler

• Then (FIFA 12): 59 CB
• Now (FC 26): 80 CB

A truly remarkable journey. Harry Maguire began his FUT career as a 59-rated bronze centre-back for Sheffield United in FIFA 12. His path through the divisions to Leicester and eventually a world-record transfer to Manchester United is reflected in his massive +21 overall rating increase. It’s a story of pure progression and resilience.

Senne Lammens: The Man Between the Sticks

• Then (FIFA 21): 57 GK
• Now (FC 26): 78 GK

The goalkeeper’s transformation is incredible. Senne Lammens’ first-ever card was a 57-rated bronze for Club Brugge in FIFA 21. After establishing himself at Royal Antwerp, he got a massive leap to a 78-rated gold card. A +21 overall increase in such a short time.

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