Manchester United have finally wrapped up the signing of winger Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund after a year-long pursuit of the Englishman.
The Red Devils have also been linked with a move for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, with reports suggesting that the Frenchman is interested in a move to Old Trafford.
Varane is set to enter the final year of his contract at the Spanish club, and with no new contract in sight, he could be allowed to leave the club.
Sancho and Varane will likely go straight into the Manchester United Lineup and strengthen the English side significantly. Let’s take a look at how Manchester United could line up next season.
How Manchester United could potentially line up with Sancho and Varane
Goalkeeper
A big headache that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has is the goalkeeping situation at the club. Both David de Gea and Dean Henderson want to be the No. 1 at the club, so it seems that one of the two will leave the club before the start of the 2021-22 season.
Manchester United have also signed academy graduate Tom Heaton on a free transfer and given Lee Grant a new deal, which suggests that one of de Gea or Henderson could leave. Whoever stays at the club will be the first-choice ‘keeper for the 2021-22 season.
Defence
Harry Maguire will lead the team and play at the heart of the defence, with Raphael Varane potentially starting alongside him if they can sign him. That’s a big if, mind you.
Manchester United are in contact with Real Madrid for Varane. No official bid yet – won’t be a “quick” deal. 🔴 #MUFC
Personal terms won’t be an issue – Real still hope to convince Varane to stay, but he wants to try something new. He’s on top of #MUFC list as CB since months.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2021
Luke Shaw has been sensational for club and country in the last few months and he should start at left-back. Aaron Wan-Bissaka should also keep his right-back spot, but he could be under pressure if United sign another right-back or bring back Diogo Dalot to the fold.
Midfield
The Paul Pogba contract situation is another worry for Solskjaer as the Frenchman is set to enter his final year at the club. If the World Cup-winning midfielder stays at the club, he could start alongside one of Fred or Scott McTominay.
The addition of Varane could give Solskjaer to play one defensive midfielder alongside Pogba. Donny van de Beek also seems set to stay at the club despite a disappointing first season and he could be an option in midfield too.
Bruno Fernandes will continue in his No. 10 role despite below-par performances at Euro 2020. Solskjaer could also have the option of playing Jesse Lingard, who had a brilliant season on loan at West Ham United.
Attack
𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘂𝗽.
We have agreed a deal in principle for the transfer of Jadon Sancho to United! 🔴⚪⚫#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 1, 2021
Jadon Sancho will start on the right and will be United’s first-choice right-sided winger. Mason Greenwood is another option, as is Juan Mata, who extended his stay at the club by signing a new contract. Solskjaer could rotate between Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood for the striker position.
Marcus Rashford should start on the left, while Anthony Martial could be an option on the left side if he stays at the club.
How Manchester United Could Line Up With Sancho And Varane