Manchester United’s premier league XI after Xavi Simon transfer done today and Branthwaite, Zirkzee, De Ligt and Ugarte personal terms agreed – The premier league title is coming to Old Trafford next season
Manchester United are gearing up for significant changes this season, both on and off the field. With the club under new ownership, they’ve appointed a new sporting director, technical director, and CEO. This reshuffling promises an exciting summer in the transfer market. Manager Erik ten Hag will have the opportunity to lead a revitalized team into various competitions including the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.
United have made substantial progress in the transfer market. They have agreed to terms with Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, have had a bid accepted for Lille’s teenage sensation Leny Yoro, and are close to finalizing a deal for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee.
The club is also seriously considering Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. In addition, they are keeping an eye on Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
In terms of departures, up to eight players could be on their way out, as many have been linked with moves elsewhere. The Manchester Evening News has speculated on what United’s ideal starting XI might look like at the end of the transfer window.
Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper position is straightforward for United. Andre Onana is set to continue as the first choice. The Cameroon international, who joined from Inter Milan last summer, overcame a challenging start to demonstrate the faith manager Erik ten Hag placed in him by signing him as David De Gea’s replacement. Turkish international Altay Bayindir will remain the second-choice goalkeeper, with veteran England international Tom Heaton completing the goalkeeping lineup.
Right-back
Diogo Dalot has solidified his position as United’s primary right-back, showcasing the potential that prompted the club to sign him from Porto in 2018. Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future is uncertain. If he stays, he will begin the season as the backup, but he is also attracting interest from West Ham United and Galatasaray. Should Wan-Bissaka leave, United might enter the market for another right-back to compete with Dalot.
Centre-backs
United aim to bolster their central defense by adding both De Ligt and Branthwaite. They have also had a bid accepted for the young Lille defender Leny Yoro, further enhancing their already strong central defensive options. Current central defenders include Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, and Willy Kambwala. Jonny Evans is also in discussions about a new contract. However, it’s likely that at least one of these players will depart, with Lindelof being the most probable candidate, as he has been linked with a move to Fenerbahce and a reunion with Jose Mourinho.
Left-back
Luke Shaw is United’s undisputed first-choice left-back when fit. Tyrell Malacia serves as his backup. If Malacia is sold, Martinez and Branthwaite (if signed from Everton) could also cover the left-back position.
Midfield
Assuming United deploy a three-man midfield, they will have several exciting options. If they secure Ugarte, he would likely play at the base of the midfield, flanked by promising teenager Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes. Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount would be strong options from the bench. Mount, in particular, will need to perform well to justify his transfer from Chelsea. It remains uncertain whether United will make Sofyan Ambrabat’s loan from Fiorentina permanent, and Scott McTominay’s future is in doubt amid interest from Everton and Fulham. Casemiro is expected to leave due to interest from Saudi Arabia, and Donny van de Beek is nearing a move to Girona.
Front Three
United’s strongest performances have come when Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford occupy the wide positions. If both players maintain consistent form next season, it could lead to a successful campaign. Antony and Amad are expected to stay as their backups, potentially leading to the departures of Mason Greenwood (in advanced talks with Marseille), Jadon Sancho (attracting interest from Juventus), and Facundo Pellistri (linked with Rayo Vallecano). Zirkzee’s arrival would set up a competition with Hojlund for the centre-forward role, and United might still recruit another striker to increase competition.
Manchester United’s Dream Starting XI:
– Goalkeeper:Andre Onana
– Defenders:Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez/Jarrad Branthwaite, Luke Shaw
– Midfielders:Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes
– Forwards:Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee
