Manchester United last season had finished with ease in the 2nd place only behind Manchester City. While in the eyes of many Manchester City had the league won since the start. Many forget that the club had started very poorly being close to 8th place. During that time Manchester United was in the top 5 league positions and didn’t make the most of it.
Due to those shortcomings and the loss in the UEFA Europa League Final. Manchester United went on during this Summer Transfer Window to make some marquee signings. This was done to make sure that they will capitalize on the opportunity to win any kind of Trophies. While it must be stated that the team has been well underperforming for the amount of money they have spent. Also not forgetting the talent of players the club has had in the past 2 years. This season Manchester United has gone forward and signed the likes of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane. As well as the massive resigning of Cristiano Ronaldo to the club. This article will be stating the strongest Manchester United line-up. One must keep in mind that the formation selected here is based on the playing style of the marquee players in the club.
What Formation Should Manchester United Use for the Following Season?
Hoping that Manchester united realised before signing Cristiano Ronaldo that they will need to change a part of their system. Due to his age, Ronaldo doesn’t and can’t press as much as Mason Greenwood can while being a Striker. Due to this lack of pressing and Ronaldo being in every possible starting lineup due to the attacking threat he is. The formation most suited for Manchester United this season would be the 4-3-3 with two number 8’s. While the club has used the 4-2-3-1 for most of their time under Ole. The addition of Cristiano Ronaldo would for the club either to play in a 2-striker formation or the 4-3-3. This system is simply to make sure that the midfield doesn’t have any gaps in the middle. With the midfield 3, the club can have been in a defensive structure of 4-5-1 while defending.
Who Should Be A Part Of The Defensive Backline Of Manchester United?
In the Goalkeeper position, it would be quite the buzzer but it should be Dean Henderson. While many people would pick David De Gea, one must realise that De Gea will turn 31 this year. Dean Henderson is the prospect of the club and at the same time made more saves per 90 than De Gea. In the two centre back positions, it would be Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane. Manchester United last season were scored against quite a bit which had led to many matches ending in draws than wins. Due to this and the financial situation of Real Madrid, the club signed Varane. While he was injured for a while last season, the World Cup and multiple time UEFA Champions League winner is quite the talent.
In the full-back positions, it would be Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw. While Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been subject to quite a lot of criticism, the English fullback had the highest total number of interceptions and tackles by any Manchester United player last season. Luke shaw is the more attacking of the two fullbacks. Last season he made the third-highest goal-scoring chances within the team. While ranking at the 3rd highest assists made within the club in the league, one should not shy from the fact that Wan-Bissaka is fourth on that list.
Which Players Would Be A Part Of The Midfield For Manchester United?
Due to the change from the currently preferred system, the needs of the Central-Defensive-Midfielder would be different. In the Number 6 position, it would be Fred. It was a close one between him and McTominay but Fred as a defensive midfielder would make more sense. Last season he had a pass accuracy of 88.6% while making 2.7 tackles per 90 and 1.5 interceptions. While at the same time have a successful dribble rate of 80%.
The other midfielders who would be playing in the Number 8 position are Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes. While many would sight that Bruno Fernandes players the best in the number 10 position. It must be said that the system with the number 10 is dying. If Bruno wishes to be one of the best midfielders in the world he will need to learn to play as an 8. Due to this change, the player can focus on attacking the half-spaces like he has been doing this season. Paul Pogba would benefit from this change in role as this would be his most preferred position for his playing style. He could help Fred defensively while at the same time play in an attacking role to rotate the ball.
Which Players Should Be A Part Of The Attack For Manchester United?
This part of the pitch could be the most predictable. The Wingers would be Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford while Cristiano Ronaldo would be the Number 9. Currently, as Marcus Rashford is injured, the club should instead play Mason Greenwood. This can benefit the club in two manners. Firstly while in transition the team can shift to a fluid 2 striker system while Sancho and Bruno can play wide in a hybrid 4-4-2. While during so Mason Greenwood can press from the top. This would also not hinder Mason Greenwood’s potential and growth and can learn from Ronaldo.
This team on any system or game would be one of the strongest 11 player teams in any league. Due to the vast amount of talent within the League this team would be in the top 2 or 3. While comparing to Manchester City and Chelsea, Manchester United lack the squad depth those two teams have. If Manchester United can keep their main players fit, they could be leading the race to win the League this season. This team must win any kind of trophy this season else it would be a really disappointing season due to the calibre of players in the squad.
