Manchester United had an underwhelming summer 2020-21 transfer window, as they couldn’t complete the signing of their main target, Jadon Sancho. The Red Devils also did not sign a central defender, which seems to be a problem area for them currently, evident in last weekend’s 1-6 drubbing at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.
The Premier League side have signed three first-team players in the summer transfer window – midfielder Donny van de Beek from Ajax, veteran striker Edinson Cavani, who was available on a free, and Porto left-back Alex Telles. They have also signed 18-year-old Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri, who comes to the club from Penarol.
How will Manchester United lineup following the latest additions to the club? Let’s take a look:
Goalkeeper
David de Gea will continue to be Manchester United’s #1, but he will be pushed by the young Dean Henderson. Sergio Romero is still with the club, but it looks unlikely that he will play any part in the first-team squad if de Gea and Henderson are fit.
Defence
Defence is the biggest worry for Manchester United, especially the centre-back pairing. Harry Maguire has not delivered anywhere near what fans expected of him and the £80 million that United paid for him last season looks like a terrible decision.
His centre-back partners have looked very poor too, be it Victor Lindelof or Eric Bailly. With Lindelof having numerous high-profile gaffes, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may give Bailly more opportunities to play alongside Maguire and cement his place in the starting Manchester United lineup.
It’s a more straightforward choice in the full-back positions, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka set to occupy the right-back berth, and new signing Alex Telles playing at left-back, ahead of Luke Shaw.
Midfield
Solskjaer has persisted with Paul Pogba despite his lack of influence in midfield. The Frenchman could continue in the middle of the park, but his midfielder Nemanja Matic could maybe drop out, in place of Fred or Scott McTominay.
Bruno Fernandes should continue in the No. 10 role as he is the most creative player in the Manchester United lineup. Donny van de Beek could be used as a backup to Fernandes, or play in central midfield if Solskjaer is looking for a quick-passing midfielder.
Attack
An out-of-form Anthony Martial is set to miss three games due to suspension which means that new signing Edinson Cavani could start after the international break and the former PSG man will be looking to make an early impression and cement his place in the Manchester United lineup.
Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood should play at left-wing and right-wing, respectively.
Strongest Manchester United Lineup
