Manchester United has started the 2021-22 season on a positive note, winning two and drawing one of their three opening games. The Red Devils have invested heavily this summer, bringing in three big-name signings – Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho, and the biggest of them all, the return of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a strong squad and numerous quality options, especially in attack. With the addition of Ronaldo, they have an exceptional goalscorer, a leader, and a player that can create magic out of nothing.
With that said, here’s the strongest possible Man United lineup this season:
Man United lineup that should challenge for the title
Goalkeeper
There was doubt about the No. 1 spot at Manchester United ahead of the season as both Dean Henderson and David de Gea want to be first-choice players. But Henderson’s COVID situation has pushed de Gea to the forefront once again. And following his performance against Wolves, he may keep the spot for some time even if Henderson returns.
Defence
The defence is possibly Solskjaer’s most straightforward selection to make. Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire will play at the heart of the defence in the Man United lineup, with Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof backup options for the Red Devils.
Phil Jones could be an option if he stays at the club.
Luke Shaw has made the left-back spot his own and he is by far the best option in that position, while Alex Telles will likely play if Shaw is injured or in cup competitions. Aaron Wan-Bissaka should start at right-back in the Man United lineup.
Diogo Dalot will play second fiddle to Wan-Bissaka if he stays at the club.
Midfield
Midfield is perhaps Manchester United’s weakest link. Fred hasn’t lived up to his £47 million price tag as he misplaces passes constantly, while also not being strong enough defensively. Scott McTominay has grown by leaps and bounds, but he too has a few flaws. A midfield of McTominay and Fred is too static and lacks creativity.
But, out of the two, McTominay seems like a better option in midfield. He should play the defensive midfield role, while Paul Pogba will likely play alongside him. The midfield still looks defensively susceptible but given the current options at the back and up front, Ole could look to go for the jugular in most games.
Donny van de Beek is an option alongside a defensive midfielder if Solskjaer puts some trust in the Dutchman, which he hasn’t so far. Nemanja Matic is past his best and will only be used as a squad player.
In the No. 10 role in the Man United lineup, it’s hard to see past Bruno Fernandes, who has been exceptional since signing for the club in 2020.
A revitalized Jesse Lingard is an option in that role, as is Juan Mata, although the Spaniard has been played more on the right in recent years.
Attack
Solskjaer has numerous options in attack, and has experienced attackers as well as young, exciting ones.
Jadon Sancho has had a quiet start to his Manchester United career but he is expected to come good in due time. He can start on the right or left, but his best position is on the right flank. Mason Greenwood has scored goals aplenty on the right as well as a striker. He is an option on the right, as is Dan James, if he stays at the club.
Marcus Rashford, once he returns from injury, will be the first-choice left winger for the club and will regularly feature in the Man United lineup. Anthony Martial – another player who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford – is another option on the left.
Solskjaer has made it clear that United has signed Cristiano Ronaldo to play him rather than keep him on the bench. He should start up front in the strongest Man United lineup, with Edinson Cavani and Greenwood as backup options.
