How Manchester United could lineup in the 2021-22 season

Despite finishing second in the Premier League table last season, the 2020-21 campaign was arguably a disappointing and frustrating one for Manchester United fans.

The Red Devils were at the top of the Premier League table in January but ended the season twelve points behind champions and arch-rivals Manchester City.

Manchester United's poor home form and inability to maintain consistency resulted in the 20-time Premier League champions' failure to mount a serious challenge for the league title.

Furthermore, Manchester United were unable to win any cup competitions last season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were knocked out of the League Cup at the semi-final stage by Manchester City and the FA Cup at the semi-final stage by Leicester City.

Manchester United squandered a glorious opportunity to win their first trophy under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. They lost the Europa League final on penalties to Spanish side Villarreal.

Manchester United did, however, show signs of vast improvement last season. The Red Devils accumulated eight more points in the league than they did during the 2019-20 campaign, and progressed to the latter stages of all the cup competitions.

The form of Bruno Fernandes, Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba, Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw gave Manchester United fans hope for a brighter future.

Manchester United could become favorites to win the Premier League next season if they sign all their targets

Having finally completed the signing of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund for £73 million last week, Manchester United are likely to target a centre-back, right-back and central midfielder.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to sign a top-quality centre-half to partner Harry Maguire. The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for Real Madrid star Raphael Varane in recent weeks, and are reportedly close to agreeing personal terms with the Frenchman.

Manchester United are also rumored to be close to completing a move for England full-back Kieran Trippier. The Atletico Madrid star is likely to provide stiff competition to Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the right-back spot at Old Trafford next season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is also believed to be eager to sign a central midfielder this summer after losing faith in Fred and Scott McTominay. Teenage sensation Eduardo Camavinga is reportedly keen to join one of Europe's elite clubs this summer and could be available for just £30 million.

On that note, let's take a look at Manchester United's potential starting XI for the 2021-22 season.

#11 Dean Henderson, GK

Villarreal CF v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Final

Dean Henderson began the 2020-21 campaign as Manchester United's second-choice keeper behind David de Gea. The 24-year-old eventually replaced David de Gea as Manchester United's No.1 midway through the season due to the Spaniard's inconsistency.

Henderson was impressive for Manchester United when given the chance. He went on to make 13 Premier League appearances last season, but lost his place in the starting line-up to David de Gea after suffering a dip in form.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Dean Henderson will be the club's goalkeeper in the next decade. He is also likely to be named England's first-choice goalkeeper next season.

This could lead to the departure of David de Gea this summer. The Spaniard has received interest from Juventus.

#10 Kieran Trippier, RB

Italy v England - UEFA Euro 2020: Final

The Atletico Madrid full-back has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in recent months. Trippier played a key role in Atletico Madrid's title triumph last season, and is believed to be eager to return to England this summer.

Manchester United are reportedly close to completing a £30 million move for the right-back.

Trippier's versatility, pace, set-pieces and attacking ability are the reasons why he starts ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Manchester United.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been one of the most impressive right-backs in the Premier League since joining Manchester United in 2019.

The 23-year-old's defensive capabilities are second to none, but his attacking play leaves Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Manchester United fans wanting more.

Wan-Bissaka's inability to have an impact on the Red Devils' attack has affected the team's performances in games against the lower teams in the Premier League.

#9 Harry Maguire, LCB

Italy v England - UEFA Euro 2020: Final

Harry Maguire was immense for Manchester United last season and for England at Euro 2020. The former Leicester City star is a true leader and currently the captain of Manchester United.

Despite being criticized for his lack of pace during the early stages of his Manchester United career, Maguire's position, leadership and physicality make him a key player for Manchester United.

Harry Maguire played an incredible 52 games for Manchester United last season. He played every single minute in the Premier League until he was ruled out of the last four games of the league season due to injury.

The 28-year-old is in dire need of a top-quality partner in the center of defense.

#8 Raphael Varane, RCB

Real Madrid v Atalanta - UEFA Champions League Round Of 16 Leg Two

The Real Madrid defender is one of Manchester United's top transfer targets this summer. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are reportedly close to agreeing personal terms with the Frenchman, who is seeking a new challenge after spending ten years with Los Blancos.

Raphael Varane is a serial winner. The 28-year-old has won three La Ligas, a Copa del Rey, and four Champions Leagues during his ten years with Real Madrid. He also won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France. Varane has developed into one of the greatest defenders of his generation during his time with the Spanish giants.

Varane could potentially have a similar impact to that of Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool or Ruben Dias at Manchester City. The signing of the French World Cup winner is likely to send shock waves through the Premier League and make Manchester United title contenders for next season.

Manchester United are yet to agree a fee with Real Madrid for Varane. Real Madrid initially set a £70 million price tag for the defender. Raphael Varane has just one year remaining on his current contract with Real Madrid, which has forced the club to reduce their asking price to £50 million.

#7 Luke Shaw, LB

Aston Villa v Manchester United - Premier League

Shaw has been one of the most improved players in the world of football in recent memory. Many believed Luke Shaw's time at Manchester United would come to an end during Jose Mourinho's reign at Old Trafford. The Portuguese manager called him out for his lack of desire and hard work, and often played Ashley Young at left-back ahead of Shaw.

Since Jose Mourinho's departure from Old Trafford midway through the 2018-19 campaign, Luke Shaw has blossomed into one of the best left-backs in the world. The 26-year-old won the Manchester United Player's Player of the Year award at the end of last season for his incredible performances.

Luke Shaw replicated his club form whilst on international duty with England at Euro 2020. The former Southampton youth product has become indispensable at Manchester United.

#6 Eduardo Camavinga, CDM

Paris Saint-Germain v Stade Rennais FC - 2019 Trophée des Champions

The poor performances of Fred and Scott McTominay towards the end of last season has resulted in Manchester United's search for a central defensive midfielder this summer.

Manchester United are interested in West Ham star Declan Rice, but are unwilling to match the Hammers' £80 million valuation of the England midfielder. The Red Devils have now reportedly turned their attention to French sensation Eduardo Camavinga in recent weeks.

The Rennes midfielder has just one year left on his contract with the club and could be available for just £30 million this summer.

Camavinga's physical presence and maturity on the football pitch at such a young age has resulted in him attracting interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been a massive proponent of giving youngsters the chance to shine during his reign as Manchester United boss. Manchester United could therefore look to complete a deal for Camavinga this summer. The 18-year-old is likely to be a massive upgrade on Fred and Scott McTominay.

#5 Paul Pogba, CDM

Villarreal CF v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Final

Pogba has been consistently linked with a move away from Manchester United over the past year. However, it seems increasingly likely that Paul Pogba will stay at Old Trafford this summer and extend his contract with the club.

The Frenchman endured a torrid start to the 2020-21 campaign and had publicly expressed his desire to leave Manchester United at the end of the 2019-20 season.

The 28-year-old, however, came into his own after the turn of the year and single-handedly won a number of games for Manchester United.

Pogba is believed to have a close relationship with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Manchester United are a club that seems to be heading in the right direction and will therefore want to keep hold of its top players.

Pogba was deployed as a left-winger at times last season, but is most comfortable when playing as a midfielder. The World Cup-winner will need a top-quality defensive midfielder to partner him at the center of the park if Manchester United want to get the best out of him.

#4 Bruno Fernandes, CAM

Villarreal CF v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Final

Bruno Fernandes enjoyed an incredible campaign in his first full season with Manchester United. The Portuguese midfielder scored an incredible 28 goals and provided 17 assists in 58 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils.

Most of Manchester United's attacks revolve around the 26-year-old midfielder, who has quickly become the club's talisman. Bruno Fernandes has formed an impressive partnership with Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford in attack.

Manchester United's inability to win a trophy since Bruno Fernandes' arrival from Sporting Lisbon has been a source of frustration for the Portugal international. Fernandes will be desperate to lead Manchester United to a league title in the near future.

#3 Jadon Sancho, RW

Italy v England - UEFA Euro 2020: Final

Manchester United finally completed a £73 million move for the Borussia Dortmund winger after pursuing the Manchester City youth product for well over a year.

Jadon Sancho enjoyed an incredible four seasons with the Bundesliga giants, during which he scored 50 goals and provided 64 assists in 187 appearances for the club in all competitions.

The England international is ready to to become a star player at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Manchester United have been in dire need of a player like Jadon Sancho, who is comfortable playing in any position across the front line. Sancho's pace, dribbling and crossing ability is likely to compliment the movement and finishing of Edinson Cavani.

#2 Marcus Rashford, LW

Manchester United v Liverpool - Premier League

Marcus Rashford came in for some heavy criticism for his performances for Manchester United towards the end of the season. It's difficult to believe that a player of his caliber is still only 23-years-old.

Rashford's decision-making and finishing let him down at times last season. The England international did, however, end the season with 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions for Manchester United.

Rashford is a favorite of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's and the Manchester United faithful. The winger is likely to play a starring role for Manchester United once again next season.

#1 Edinson Cavani, CF

Villarreal CF v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Final

Manchester United's decision to extend Edinson Cavani's deal by a year despite Harry Kane's desire to leave Tottenham Hotspur showed the faith the club have in the Uruguayan.

Edinson Cavani was one of the signings of the 2020 summer transfer window. Manchester United signed the striker on a free transfer after the expiration of his contract with PSG.

Cavani ended the season with 17 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United. His movement, finishing and desire to help develop youngsters such as Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood resulted in Manchester United extending his contract.

Manchester United are unlikely to sign a striker this summer as the club will place their faith in Edinson Cavani and look to groom Mason Greenwood as a centre-forward.