Manchester United’s dream XI after Leny Yoro transfer done deal and Branthwaite, Zirkzee, De Ligt and Ugarte personal terms agreed – The premier league title is coming Home next season
Manchester United’s dream XI after Leny Yoro transfer done deal and Branthwaite, Zirkzee, De Ligt and Ugarte personal terms agreed – The premier league title is coming Home next season
Manchester United are gearing up for significant changes this season, both on and off the field. They have a new sporting director, technical director, and CEO, all under new ownership.
This summer promises to be thrilling in the transfer market. Manager Erik ten Hag will have the opportunity to lead an exciting, revamped team in the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.
United have already agreed on a deal for Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, had a bid accepted for Lille’s young talent Leny Yoro, and are close to signing Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee. They are also seriously considering PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Additionally, the club is monitoring Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
There could be up to eight players leaving, as many are linked with moves elsewhere. The Manchester Evening News has reviewed United’s options and outlined what their ideal starting lineup could look like after the transfer window closes.
Goalkeeper
The choice here is straightforward. Andre Onana will continue as the main goalkeeper. He joined from Inter Milan last summer and, despite a rough start, has begun to show why Ten Hag trusted him to replace David De Gea. Turkish international Altay Bayindir will be the backup, and veteran English goalkeeper Tom Heaton will complete the goalkeeping squad.
Right-back
Diogo Dalot has solidified his position as the first-choice right-back and will remain in that role, showcasing the potential that convinced the club to sign him from Porto in 2018. Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future is uncertain. If he stays, he’ll be the second choice, but he is also considering interest from West Ham United and Galatasaray. If Wan-Bissaka leaves, United may look for a new right-back to compete with Dalot.
Centre-backs
United plan to add both De Ligt and Branthwaite this summer and have had a bid accepted for teenage defender Yoro. They already have several central defenders, including Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, and Willy Kambwala. Jonny Evans is also discussing a new contract. Likely, at least one current player will leave, probably Lindelof, who has been linked with a move to Fenerbahce and a reunion with Jose Mourinho.
Left-back
Luke Shaw is the first-choice left-back when fit. Tyrell Malacia is the second choice. Even if Malacia is sold, Martinez and Branthwaite, if signed, can also play as left-backs.
Midfield
If United stick with a three-man midfield, they will have several exciting options. If they sign Ugarte, he would play at the base with young talent Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes on either side. Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount would be options from the bench, with Mount needing a strong season to prove his worth after moving from Chelsea last summer.
It’s uncertain if United will make Sofyan Ambrabat’s loan from Fiorentina permanent, and Scott McTominay’s future is also unclear amid interest from Everton and Fulham. Casemiro is likely to leave for Saudi Arabia, and Donny van de Beek is nearing a move to Girona.
Front three
United have been strong when Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford play on the wings. If they perform consistently, it could lead to a successful season. Antony and Amad will likely remain as backups, allowing for the possible departures of Mason Greenwood, who is in advanced talks with Marseille, Jadon Sancho, who is attracting interest from Juventus, and Facundo Pellistri, who is being looked at by Rayo Vallecano.
With Zirkzee’s arrival, he will compete with Hojlund for the center-forward position. Another striker might still be brought in to add more competition.
Manchester United’s Ideal Starting XI
– Goalkeeper: Onana
– Right-back: Dalot
– Centre-backs: De Ligt, Martinez/Branthwaite
– Left-back: Shaw
– Midfielders: Ugarte, Mainoo, Fernandes
– Forwards: Garnacho, Rashford
– Striker: Zirkzee, Hojlund
