Manchester United have had an indifferent start to the season after suffering two consecutive losses against the likes of Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.
Though they went into the international break with a victory against Burnley, the fans are still unclear regarding what the team’s best XI looks like.
Here, I try to break down United’s best starting side.
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
David de Gea should be the undoubted starter for United. The custodian has been let down by a shaky backline so far. The Spaniard had impressive outings against Leicester City and Burnley.
Though Diogo Dalot has begun training and even played for United’s U-23 side against Stoke City, Antonio Valencia should start. Luke Shaw has been United’s best player by a margin, and if he can keep fit, his presence could be vital to the team’s performances.
Chris Smalling looks more reliable than Eric Bailly at the moment, but the trio of Smalling, Bailly and Victor Lindelof should be the primary contenders for the centre-back partnership.
The manager might keep shuffling amongst these three, though Bailly and Lindelof need to deliver more consistent performances and get rid of the brittleness that cost United against Brighton and Tottenham.
Midfield
Nemanja Matic will be required to shield the backline, instil some composure and stability to the team’s midfield. Mourinho would prefer his physicality and calm demeanour to hold together a team that tends to panic after conceding a goal or two.
Fred was dropped against Burnley, but the Brazilian international is likely to return as Marouane Fellaini was used to play as the enforcer against a physically dominant Burnley side. Fred was particularly impressive against Spurs in the first half, and his technical attributes coupled with regular forward passes will do well to complement Jesse Lingard’s runs from that flank.
Paul Pogba needs to step up, and though he was good against Burnley, his performances against the Seagulls and the Spurs were disappointing. The Frenchman will have to bring consistency if United are to push for the Premier League title.
Attack
Romelu Lukaku has missed sitters in all three matches that he has played, but he has also scored thrice and hence his presence is very important to United’s entire gameplay. The Belgian’s absence somewhat makes the whole forward line toothless, but he should look to capitalise more on the chances presented to him.
Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard will flank Lukaku on either side. If United want to continue with their quick, high pressing style of football like they played in the first half against Spurs and against Burnley, then Sanchez’s tenacity will be key.
Similarly, Lingard’s off the ball movement and the ability to create space for his teammates combined with some brilliant pressing and decoy runs add a new, exciting dimension to United’s attacks.
