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Manchester United now boast one of the best squads in the Premier League, with quality in almost every position.
Midfield remains a major source of concern, but the Red Devils have multiple stars in both defense and attack. The Old Trafford outfit look set to enjoy a competitive 2021-22 season and will hope to win trophies now.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be happy with the players he has. The Norwegian has done well since being appointed manager, but continues to face criticism for his inability to win a trophy. The fans and players will hope the 2021-22 campaign finally brings some silverware back to Old Trafford.
Here, we look at Manchester United's possible starting XI for their Premier League encounter against Newcastle United on Saturday (September 11).
Goalkeeper - David de Gea
Dean Henderson and David de Gea will once again battle it out for the no.1 position in Manchester United's first XI.
When de Gea missed a crucial penalty against Villarreal in the Europa League final last season, that seemed to be his Manchester United swansong. The Spain international had not been at his very best in recent seasons and Henderson seemed ready to take over.
However, Henderson is young and not a perfect goalkeeper yet, and he made some mistakes last season as well. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still seems uncertain about who his preferred goalkeeper is. For now, Henderson is not fully fit, and de Gea has made an excellent start to the new season. The 30-year old deserves to keep his place in the first XI at the moment.
Right-back - Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has become a mainstay in the Manchester United first XI despite his obvious limitations.
Wan-Bissaka is arguably the best right-back in the league when it comes to defending, but contributes precious little offensively. The Englishman joined Manchester United from Crystal Palace in 2019 for £49.5 million. Since then, there has been a marginal improvement in his offensive capabilities, but he still does not look convincing in the final third.
The 23-year old was a consistent presence for Manchester United last season and produced many impressive defensive performances. However, it is understandable why the club targeted Atletico Madrid's Kieran Trippier to compete with Wan-Bissaka. Trippier, who can play on either side of defense, excels in the attacking phase of play.
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Centre-back - Raphael Varane
Manchester United dropped Victor Lindelof for Raphael Varane against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The decision seemed unfair on the Swede, who has started the season brightly. However, Varane put in a fantastic performance and looks set to keep his place in the XI.
The Frenchman's arrival this season from Real Madrid for £36 million has excited Manchester United fans worldwide. Varane is a genuine superstar of the game, and is a World Cup and four-time Champions League winner. The 28-year old is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the world.
With such pedigree, one could see why Solskjaer decided to start Varane over Lindelof. That choice will likely continue throughout the season. The France international was arguably Manchester United's best player against Wolves.
Centre-back - Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire has evolved from a figure of ridicule to one of the best centre-backs in the world in a short period of time.
Eyebrows were raised when Manchester United paid nearly £79 million to sign Maguire from Leicester City in 2019. However, the Englishman has done well since joining the club. Maguire is now the captain of Manchester United and a ball-playing centre-back who has improved his club and country's defense with his presence.
The 28-year old excels in the air and is one of the fittest footballers in the Premier League. Prior to an injury during the end of last season, Maguire was a regular in almost every Manchester United game. The England international once again displayed his qualities at Euro 2020.
Left-back - Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw's transformation from a much-maligned figure at Manchester United to one of the best left-backs in the world has been inspiring to watch.
Shaw's talent was never in question. The England international was a prodigious talent during his Southampton days. This earned him a move to Manchester United in 2014 for nearly £34 million. Shaw enjoyed a bright start to his Manchester United career before a serious injury in 2015 halted his progress.
The 26-year old was often publicly criticized by former manager Jose Mourinho for his performances. Under Solskjaer, however, Shaw has blossomed into one of the best in the world. He is solid defensively and has also become excellent in the attacking third.
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Defensive midfielder - Nemanja Matic
With Fred suspended and Scott McTominay doubtful to start, Nemanja Matic looks likely to play in defensive midfield for Manchester United this weekend.
During his prime, Matic was one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. He played an important role in Chelsea's league wins in 2015 and 2017. The Serbia international is no longer that player though, and is now a squad player at his current club.
Matic joined Manchester United from Chelsea in 2017 for £40 million. The 33-year old has since lost his dynamism in the middle of the park. However, Matic is the only recognized defensive midfielder at the club and could get a start as a result.
Central midfielder - Paul Pogba
It was slightly disappointing to see Paul Pogba drop to a central midfield role after his fine performances on the left wing for the Red Devils.
The Pogba conundrum has often irritated Manchester United fans. One of the most talented footballers in the world, the Old Trafford outfit re-signed him in 2016 for a then world-record fee of £94.5 million. Since his arrival from Juventus back then, Pogba has frustrated fans with his inconsistent displays.
Solskjaer seemingly found a solution to make Pogba play better on a consistent basis. He started the Frenchman on the left-wing with the freedom to drift into midfield. However, given Manchester United's attacking quality, Pogba looks set to drop into central midfield once again.
Attacking midfielder - Bruno Fernandes
The engine of this Manchester United side, Bruno Fernandes, has completely transformed the club since his arrival.
Fernandes was one of the best midfielders in the league last season, and has started excellently this time as well. The Portugal international is a firm fan favorite among the Old Trafford faithful. Fernandes has impressed with his creativity, his uncanny ability to find the net and his drive and determination.
The 27-year old will go down as one of Manchester United's best transfers in modern history. Fernandes is an unorthodox no.10 who might not be elegant on the ball, but few can match his effectiveness in midfield and attack.
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Right-winger - Mason Greenwood
Manchester United's star boy Mason Greenwood has enjoyed a wonderful start to the 2021-22 campaign.
Greenwood has developed into one of the best young forwards in the world of late. The 19-year old is a frighteningly good finisher, capable of scoring with both feet. Greenwood has consistently been compared to Robin van Persie, and the forward has what it takes to replicate the Dutch great's career.
The young forward has scored in all three Premier League games this season. Greenwood will surely benefit from the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, and is already being mentored by Edinson Cavani and Solskjaer.
Striker - Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to Manchester United was one of the most surprising deals of the transfer window.
Manchester United fans hold Ronaldo in high regard, and the Portuguese superstar is one of Manchester United's greats. However, few would have expected him to return to the club for a second spell or the fashion in which the transfer was completed.
Ronaldo rejoined Manchester United from Juventus for £13.5 million this summer. The 36-year old is not the all-round player he once was, but remains an extremely prolific goalscorer. Ronaldo guarantees goals as long as Manchester United get the ball to him in the box.
Left-winger - Jadon Sancho
Before Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival, Jadon Sancho was Manchester United's superstar signing to improve their attack.
Manchester United's pursuit of Sancho has been well-covered. The England international was heavily linked with the club last summer but a move failed to materialize. Sancho joined Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund this time around for £76.5 million.
The 21-year old is one of the best young footballers in the world. Sancho was sensational for Borussia Dortmund and fans are eager to see what he can do at Old Trafford. The England international is capable of operating on both wings, but we expect him to start on the left in this contest.
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