Manchester United open talks to sign £89m-rated attacker: How can they line up with him?

Manchester United have opened talks with Benfica regarding the potential transfer of Joao Felix, it has been claimed.

According to Record (via Metro), Manchester United could move into pole position to sign Benfica starlet Joao Felix this summer. The Red Devils are ready to meet his reported release clause of £89 million, which could make him one of the most expensive players in world football, all at the age of 19.

This could be a huge coup for Manchester United, who have struggled with their lack of precision in attack over the past few years. And here is how the United lineup may look, following the potential addition of Joao Felix this summer.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Defence

Manchester United are yet to sign a replacement for the departing Antonio Valencia. And while Ashley Young was preferred to Diogo Dalot last season, as of now, we expect the younger alternative to be in pole position to start.

Luke Shaw was one of the most impressive players for United in the recently concluded Premier League campaign. He will operate as the left-back.

In central defence, Victor Lindelof is a guaranteed starter, having ended the 2018/19 campaign as one of the club’s best performers. He will be partnered by Chris Smalling at the heart of United’s four-man backline. But, we expect the Red Devils to sign a new defender in this ongoing summer transfer window.

David de Gea is the undisputed number one choice in goal for Manchester United. The Spaniard will be hoping for a much-better campaign next season.

Midfield

Scott McTominay looks like the best available option for Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer in the defensive midfield role. The Norwegian also favours British talent, which makes it all the more likely that the Scot will play a more important role in the first-team next season.

McTominay will likely be partnered by a new midfielder after Ander Herrera confirmed he will leaving the club this summer. But in the meantime, with the available options, Paul Pogba will be partnering him in midfield.

Attack

Pogba moving into a deeper role will allow Joao Felix to operate in his favoured attacking midfield position, just behind the main striker. The youngster will look to carve out spaces and revamp United’s chance creation in the final third.

Elsewhere, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford could feature in the wider-attacking roles until the club signs a new winger. That means the Manchester United attack could be spearheaded by Romelu Lukaku. However, this could all change should the Red Devils end up signing a new attacker this summer.