By Mark Weasley
Manchester United finished sixth in The Premier League last season but ultimately qualified for the Champions League by virtue of winning the Europa League. The Red Devils also won the EFL Cup and Community Shield, in what was a successful campaign for the Mancunians. However, the club haven’t won a league title in five years.
After the arrival of Victor Lindelof from Benfica, more signings will arrive to turn the team to a mirror of their manager, Jose Mourinho. We take a look at next season’s probable lineup for the 20-time English champions.
Goalkeeper
With Real Madrid cooling interest in David de Gea and instead focusing on young AC Milan goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, there is every possibility that the Spanish No. 1 will stay on at the club.
Defence
A new look centre-back pairing of Bailly and Lindelof is expected to lead the charge for an assault on the Premier League. There is perhaps no other coach than Jose who loves a stable backline without chopping and changing. On the sides of defence, Daley Blind is expected to fill in at left back with an exit for Luke Shaw almost certain. At right back, Antonio Valencia is expected to be an undisputed starter given his impressive performances last term.
Midfield
Paul Pogba is expected to perform better in his second season back at Old Trafford while Ander Herrera is a trusted lieutenant of the coach, matching his coach’s demands for intensity, intelligence and passion. One player that could complete that trident is Fabinho of Monaco who is a specialist defensive midfielder that will offer steel and solidity to that department.
Attack
There have been talks about a potential Cristiano Ronaldo as the Real Madrid legend has reportedly grown frustrated with life in Spain given his latest tax fraud claims by Spanish authorities. The Portuguese has always spoken about his time in Manchester with fond memories and has stated earlier in his Real Madrid career for nothing than to return to United. Supporting him should be James who is also reportedly close to Old Trafford and also Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who struggled badly at the beginning of last season but proved steadily to become one of the first names on the team sheet.
Probable lineup: De Gea, Valencia, Bailly, Lindelof, Blind, Pogba, Herrera, Fabinho, James, Ronaldo, Mkhitaryan
