Erik ten Hag made a positive impact in his first season as Manchester United manager, leading the side to a respectable third place in the English Premier League table after taking the job from United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Despite United playing a more attractive brand of football, some heavy defeats last season mean that they are far from a complete side. Mason Mount has been brought in as an exciting midfield option, along with Andre Onana replacing David De Gea in goal.
With more signings in the works for The Red Devils, here is what their starting line-up could look like this year.
Defence
Manchester United’s defence picks itself – Andre Onana has been reunited with his old Ajax manager to start in goal, with United fans hoping his ball playing ability can help them pass out from the back better than previous years.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka will start at right back, with Diogo Dalot a capable replacement in matches where United will look to get forward more. At centre-back, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez built up a strong partnership last season and will start when fit.
Victor Lindelöf proved to be a worthy option when called upon last season, and Luke Shaw can slot into the middle of defence in case of any injuries. Former captain Harry Maguire has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, but on his day is able to step up his game and slot in to ten Hag’s defensive unit.
Shaw, who has been in excellent form over the last couple of seasons, will be a nailed-on starter at left back, but young Dutchman Tyrell Malacia also did well when called upon last season and will look to push Shaw for minutes.
Midfield
Casemiro, Mount and Bruno Fernandes will likely make up United’s midfield. Brazil international Casemiro was excellent for United last season, and with extra reinforcements around him will hope to continue this form.
United’s new captain Fernandes will look to get forward at every opportunity – it remains to be seen if ten Hag looks to mould Mount into a player to play next to Casemiro rather than ahead of him in order to protect United’s defence.
United have been heavily linked with Sofyan Amrabat in recent months – the Moroccan would provide excellent depth for The Red Devils and could play either instead of or with Casemiro in big games when United need more defensive solidity.
Fred and Scott McTominay look to be further down the pecking order than previous seasons, with young talent Kobbie Mainoo impressing in pre-season and looking to break into the first team picture. He will be looking to bounce back from an ankle injury to learn from the likes of Casemiro, Bruno and Christian Eriksen (another option for ten Hag in the middle).
Attack
Marcus Rashford was United’s star man last season, netting 30 goals in all competitions. He will be one of the first names on the team sheet on the left wing, with a lot of competition for the other spots alongside him.
United have been heavily linked with Danish striker Rasmus Højlund from Atalanta to play at centre-forward. Despite his talent, Anthony Martial has been unreliable in recent seasons due to injuries and inconsistency, and Jadon Sancho is unproven as a centre-forward at the top level. Højlund will provide a direct and physical presence up top for United – something they have missed in recent seasons.
Sancho and Antony will be battling for a place on the right wing – both players were inconsistent last season but will hope to show United fans why they spent the money they did on them.
Last season young winger Alejandro Garnacho proved that he has the potential to become a big part of United’s future, and if Sancho and Antony fail to perform he will look to take his chance this season.
United’s starting XI vs Wolves on 14 August:
(4-3-3): Onana
Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw
Fernandes, Casemiro, Mount
Antony, Hojland, Rashford
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