Manchester United's possible starting XI for Premier League encounter against West Ham United

Manchester United will have to shrug off their disappointing performance against Young Boys quickly. David Moyes' West Ham United are waiting for the Red Devils in the league.

West Ham United are one of the better teams in the Premier League and Manchester United will have to be wary. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have assembled a superteam, but the only thing that counts in the end is wins and trophies.

We look at Manchester United's possible starting XI for the Premier League encounter against West Ham United.

Goalkeeper- David de Gea

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United - Premier League

Manchester United have four senior goalkeepers in their squad in the form of David de Gea, Dean Henderson, Tom Heaton and Lee Grant.

De Gea and Henderson will battle it out for a spot in the first team. With Henderson still recovering his fitness, de Gea has comfortably become the No.1 once again. The Spain international has started the season incredibly well, impressing with his athleticism and distribution.

De Gea has had his issues in recent seasons, but the 30-year-old looks confident right now. The former Atletico Madrid man will not have it easy once Henderson returns, but for now he is secure as the No.1.

Also Read: 5 players who deserve more game time in the 2021-22 Premier League season

Right-back - Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Manchester United v Brentford - Pre-season Friendly

Aaron Wan-Bissaka was heralded as a smart signing when Manchester United acquired him from Crystal Palace in 2019 for £49.5 million.

Wan-Bissaka is excellent defensively, but contributes little going forward. His deficiencies in attack have been highlighted on a regular basis. A consistent feature in the Manchester United first XI since his arrival, his place as a starter is no longer secure.

His red card against Young Boys in the Champions League created huge problems for his club. With Diogo Dalot awaiting an opportunity to oust Wan-Bissaka from the first XI, the 23-year-old will have to improve soon.

Centre-back - Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane would most likely not have entered the field against Young Boys had it not been for Wan-Bissaka's dismissal.

Varane has enjoyed an excellent start to his stint at Manchester United. One of the best centre-backs in the world, the 28-year-old has looked assured at the back. Varane has already formed a strong partnership alongside Harry Maguire for Manchester United.

Victor Lindelof has been the preferred right-sided centre-back for Solskjaer since the Norwegian's arrival. The Swede is now the third-choice centre-back, behind Varane and Maguire.

Centre-back - Harry Maguire

Manchester United v Sheffield United - Premier League

Harry Maguire has fortified Manchester United's defence since his arrival from Leicester City in 2019.

The England international is a ball-playing centre-back who excels aerially. The captain of Manchester United, Maguire is an extremely fit athlete. Comfortable on the ball and physically gifted, Maguire's lack of pace has been criticized. However, Varane is a pacy defender who complements Maguire well.

The 28-year old is an important member for both club and country. Maguire is one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League and his presence is vital for Manchester United.

Left-back - Luke Shaw

Manchester United v Leeds United - Premier League

Luke Shaw has been one of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's biggest successes as Manchester United manager.

An under-confident young player was converted into one of the best left-backs in the world under Solskjaer's management. Shaw is a physically-dominant, fast left-back who has become renowned for his passing and crossing ability. The 26-year-old has developed really well.

Shaw's development has not always been linear, with serious injury issues hampering his progress. The England international has worked hard to reach where he is right now.

Also Read: 5 players who peaked too early

Defensive midfielder - Fred

Manchester United v Liverpool - Premier League

Fred looked good against Young Boys in the Champions League. His performance will be well received by fans, with Fred enduring a torrid start to the new season.

The Brazil international is not a complete midfielder. However, his energy and pressing ability is matched by few in the squad. Fred is an extremely useful player to have in the first team, despite his weaknesses. His technical ability and lack of physicality have been exploited well by teams.

The 28-year old has featured regularly under Solskjaer's management. With Manchester United not investing in any midfielders this summer, Fred is likely to be a consistent feature this time as well.

Central midfielder - Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba's incredible start to the new season has been well-covered. The midfielder already has seven assists in just four league games.

The 28-year old started this season on the left wing for Manchester United with a tendency to slot into midfield. The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo has made Solskjaer rejig his tactics, though, and Pogba has started as a central midfielder in recent games.

The France international is a gifted footballer. His contract with Manchester United expires next summer and the club want him to sign a new deal. Pogba is reportedly leaning towards staying at Old Trafford.

Attacking midfielder - Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes is the engine of this Manchester United side. Without him, the team lacks cohesion and creativity.

Fernandes was arguably the best midfielder in the Premier League last season. The Portugal international is an unorthodox player, but a highly efficient one. A prolific goalscorer and an excellent creator, Fernandes' impact at Manchester United has been huge.

The 27-year-old is reportedly set to sign a new deal with the club, and there is little argument to be made against it. Fernandes is well on his way to becoming a Manchester United legend.

Also Read: 4 managers who could replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United

Right-winger - Mason Greenwood

Derby County v Manchester United - Pre-Season Friendly

Mason Greenwood is one of the best young players in world football, and is Manchester United's future.

A product of the Manchester United academy, Greenwood has been in good form this season. The 19-year-old has been utilized as a striker and on the right-wing by Solskjaer. Renowned for his finishing ability, Greenwood has been compared to Robin van Persie.

The England international has a bright future ahead of him in the game. Greenwood already has three goals in the league this season and surely there is more to come.

Striker - Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United v Newcastle United - Premier League

Manchester United may have lost to Young Boys, but Cristiano Ronaldo still managed to register a goal before his substitution.

Ronaldo scored a brace against Newcastle United on his second debut for the Old Trafford outfit. The Portuguese superstar has hit the ground running for the Premier League giants. The likes of Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford will surely learn a lot from the great.

Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial are the club's no.9 options. Solskjaer is spoilt for choice in attack and it will be interesting to see how he rotates his side this season.

Left-winger - Jadon Sancho

Southampton v Manchester United - Premier League

Jadon Sancho has endured a slow start to his Manchester United career. The red card for Wan-Bissaka against Young Boys saw Sancho being sacrificed for Diogo Dalot.

Sancho's talent has never been in question. The England international was sensational for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga before moving to Manchester. Sancho is a technically gifted winger with good creativity who is capable of operating on both wings.

The 21-year-old is no stranger to Manchester, having spent some time in Manchester City's academy. Sancho will come good for Manchester United quite soon.

Also Read: 5 best U-27 players in world football right now (2021)

About the author

Abhinav is a journalist who covers football at Sportskeeda. An avid football fan and long-suffering supporter of Manchester United, he currently writes previews, covering football leagues across the world. Armed with a good understanding of SEO and journalism guidelines, Abhinav possesses a strong knowledge of football and footballers. He loves a good transfer rumor and loves discussing the sport with his friends and family.

He's also pursuing a Master's Degree in International Relations.

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Edited by Parimal