Jose Mourinho has wasted little time in putting his own stamp on the Manchester United squad ahead of the fast approaching 2016-17 Premier League season.
Outside90’s Brayden May takes a look at the ‘Special One’s’ strongest possible starting line-up heading into the new season.
Goalkeeper – David De Gea
There is no doubt that De Gea is set to be the undisputed No.1 at the club again this season, despite the arrival of Mourinho as manager. The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in world football over recent seasons, playing a pivotal role in earning points for the Red Devils. If he can keep his performances at the same levels of last season, it will go a long way to helping United claim silverware.
Right-back – Antonio Valencia
The position on the pitch most likely to be up for grabs at the start of the season, with no player really making it their own in 2015-16. Valencia deserves to be given the first opportunity in the right-back position following a string of impressive displays in preseason, which included three assists against Galatasaray. Rumours are rife that Matteo Darmian could leave the club, with Monaco’s Fabinho being linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Central-defence – Chris Smalling
Smalling was arguably the most improved player under the leadership of former manager Louis van Gaal as the defender turned himself into a vital player among the Manchester United squad. The 26-year-old is coming off a career-best season and will be hoping to continue his development under the watchful eye of Mourinho. The English international is sure to be one of the first names on the team sheet, and if he can strike up a defensive partnership with players like Eric Bailly and Daley Blind, it will be a major plus point for United.
Central-defence – Eric Bailly
The new signing may take some time to adjust to the pace of the English game, but he should be able to adapt quickly due to his physical presence on the pitch. Bailly has looked comfortable playing the ball out from the back in preseason and has fitted in nicely with his new teammates. The former Villarreal man is sure to face competition from Blind for the starting centre-back spot, after the Dutch international was a United mainstay in the team last season.
Left-back – Luke Shaw
United fans are excited to see the youngster back in the famous red shirt and playing after last season’s horror leg break. Shaw elected to return to the club early for preseason and it already looks to be paying dividends, with the England international full of energy during friendly matches thus far. If the 21-year-old can get back to his best this season, the fullback can cement himself a place in the Red Devils line-up for the next five to 10 years.
Central-midfield – Paul Pogba
It may not have been announced yet, but as time goes on it seems more and more likely Pogba is set to return to Old Trafford this season. Since leaving for Juventus the Frenchmen has quickly established himself as one of the world’s best midfielders and he would give United a strong physical presence in the middle of the pitch. As if United’s attacking options are not enough right now, Pogba would just add to the significant depth that the Red Devils possess.
Central-midfield – Michael Carrick
The veteran was rewarded with a one-year contract at the end of last season, and despite being in the latter stages of his career he is still a very valuable piece to the Manchester United puzzle. The former England international is quite often the unsung hero of the midfield at Old Trafford, protecting his back four at a high level and controlling the tempo of the game with a strong passing ability.
Right-wing – Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Another new summer signing, and arguably the one United fans had been crying out the most for. The former Borussia Dortmund playmaker is a creative genius, with an eye for goal and the ability to setup those around him. The Armenian international enjoyed a stellar season across all competitions in Germany last season and if he can bring that sort of form to England, he himself could lead United to glory.
Attacking-midfield – Wayne Rooney
Over the past few seasons there has been a number of questions raised over which position is best for the United skipper, and if Mourinho’s opening press conference is anything to go by Rooney is set to play in the No.10 role. Despite not having the strongest of seasons under the reign of van Gaal in 2015-16, the 30-year-old still has the talent to score an abundance of goals this season and is still a dependable rock for his teammates.
Left-wing – Anthony Martial
What a debut season this man had for the Red Devils, one of the rare highlights for the club in an otherwise disappointing 2015-16. Despite predominantly playing his best football through the middle as a striker, Martial has also shown he has the tricks and pace to be able to wreak havoc in the wide areas. The French international adds another piece to a deadly front four.
Striker – Zlatan Ibrahimović
Despite the emergence of Marcus Rashford in the back-half of last season, ‘Zlatan’ is sure to be handed the first shot at making the striker position his own this season. Wherever he has gone in his career, he has managed to find success and he will be hoping this is no different in England this season. The Swedish international does things on the pitch that simply defy belief, and inexplicitly seems to be getting better with age.
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