Abhranil Roy
Very few clubs in world football generate as much buzz as Manchester United does, and that is rightly so. Jose Mourinho has been presented with the monumental task of regaining the club’s glory days, and ever since, the press has been relentless in their pursuit to figure out who is likely to join and how will the Portuguese execute it all out. Here are my two cents on how we may line up, including the signings we might expect to see soon:
1. Goalkeeper — David de Gea
The Spaniard has been United’s rock at the back for the past few seasons now, and he is certain to excel under Mourinho, who has a history of nurturing excellent goal keepers into legendary ones.
2. The Back Four —- Matteo Darmian, Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly and Luke Shaw
Both Darmian and Shaw didn’t have luck on their sides last season, the Italian started well, but injuries and inconsistency cost him his place, while the Englishman suffered a devastating leg break which caused him to miss out the entirety of the last season and even the Euros. However, they will be looking to impress the former Madrid manager, who has a penchant for utilizing his fullbacks extensively in the attacks. Smalling was United’s leader at the back, and he will look to continue the form that made him the Player’s Player of the Season last year, while new signing Bailly, will be keen to make an impression on the league after his multimillion pound move from Valencia. Between them, they have the perfect ingredients to turn out to be one of the best centre back pairings in the league.
Defensive midfield: Paul Pogba and Morgan Schneiderlin
Jose has already announced that there will be a fourth signing this summer, and media outlets in Italy have all but confirmed that we will be making a record 120 million pound bid for Paul Pogba, which would make him the most expensive player in the world. If the prodigal son does return home, he and Morgan will make the ideal pairing as between them, they will have it all: legs, skill, vision and tackling.
Attacking trio: Heinrik Mkhitaryan, Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial
Rooney will feature as a no. 10 or a nine and a half, according to the Gaffer. Martial will probably start on the left and Mkhitaryan on the right, which will give the trio pace, skill and the ability to either cut in and shoot or move to the byline and put in crosses.
Striker: Zlatan Ibhrahimovic/Marcus Rashford
The legendary Swede or the dynamic young Englishman will start up front for United, and both will add different dimensions to the squad. Zlatan will bring a real swagger and experience, while Rashford will bring loads of pace and a bag of tricks. Either way, it will be very hard for defences to contain them if the team gets clicking!
