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Manchester United were in trouble against Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League when the visitors took the lead.
The hosts won the game by scoring a dramatic injury-time winner. But the performance has not raised the confidence of Manchester United fans. Despite boasting world-class players, United continue to be inconsistent and do not look like a coherent side.
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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under pressure to get things right. After a poor result against Aston Villa in the league, the game against Everton on Saturday is an extremely important one.
On that note, here's a look at Manchester United's possible starting XI for their Premier League game against Everton.
Goalkeeper - David de Gea
David de Gea has been sensational this season so far. After some sub-par performances in recent seasons, the goalkeeper has bounced back strongly.
De Gea has often kept Manchester United in multiple games this season with his incredible saves. The Spain international has looked motivated and confident, and he has clearly worked hard during the pre-season.
His crucial penalty save against West Ham United springs to mind, as do his performances against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and more recently, Villarreal.
There was intense discussion last season about who should be the no.1 for Manchester United. De Gea, on current form, though, is comfortably ahead of Dean Henderson. The 30-year old's ball-distribution skill has improved as well.
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Right-back - Aaron Wan-Bissaka
There have been suggestions that Manchester United should look for an upgrade on Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Wan-Bissaka's defensive prowess has never been in question. The Englishman is one of the best defenders in the Premier League. However, the right-back only makes limited contributions in attack, so questions have been raised about his technical ability.
With Diogo Dalot yet to impress, it looks likely that Wan-Bissaka will start against Everton. The 23-year-old did not come cheap, requiring Manchester United to splurge £49.5 million to Crystal Palace in 2019 for his services. Wan-Bissaka will have to improve soon, with Manchester United evidently keen to sign some competition for him.
Centre-back - Raphael Varane
Raphael Varane is one of the best centre-backs in the world, and his impact at Manchester United has been immediate.
He might not be the most vocal of defenders, but Varane oozes class and elegance. The France international is physically gifted. He is an intelligent player, and has slotted well into Manchester United's defence. A highly-experienced centre-back, the World Cup winner has elevated Manchester United.
With Harry Maguire unlikely to play against Everton, Varane will have to take over as the team's defensive leader. The 28-year -old certainly has the credentials to do that.
Centre-back - Victor Lindelof
It was evident that Raphael Varane's arrival this summer would make a serious impact on Victor Lindelof's minutes.
Lindelof and Maguire have been Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's preferred centre-back pair for some time. Now Varane has replaced Lindelof at the back for Manchester United, and the Sweden international is now the club's third-choice centre-back.
Lindelof is certainly not a bad player. Excellent on the ball; the 27-year old is a smart defender. However, he has often been criticised for lacking pace and physicality. Lindelof will be keen to show to Solskjaer that he deserves to be in contention for a regular spot in the Manchester United defence.
Left-back - Alex Telles
With Luke Shaw nursing an injury, it looks likely that Alex Telles will start at left-back against Everton.
Telles joined Manchester United from Porto in 2020 for £13.5 million. In Portugal, Telles was renowned for his creativity and technical qualities. Since joining Manchester United, though, the Brazil international has only made limited appearances.
Luke Shaw has firmly established himself as Manchester United's first-choice left-back. Many have suggested that competition from Telles has helped Shaw improve. Telles scored a wonderful goal against Villarreal in the Champions League a few days ago, and the 28-year old looks set to start once more.
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Defensive Midfielder - Scott McTominay
Scott McTominay divides opinion among the Manchester United faithful. Some claim he is integral to the team, while others believe that upgrades on him can be found comfortably in the market.
McTominay is a product of the Manchester United academy, something that has endeared him to the fans. The Scotland international might not be the most gifted of players, but Solskjaer has immense trust in him. McTominay is a physically dominant midfielder, and is a team player.
Is he good enough to be a regular starter for Manchester United? It remains to be seen, with Manchester United linked with a lot of defensive midfielders recently. For now, though, the 24-year-old provides strength and bite to Manchester United's midfield, and should start against Everton.
Central Midfielder - Fred
Scott McTominay's midfield partner, Fred, has polarised fans as well. Opinions vary hugely about his importance to Manchester United's first XI.
Fred is not a physical midfielder. His lack of physicality has often been used against him, while doubts have been raised over his technical qualities as well. The Brazil international is a highly energetic midfielder, who provides dynamism to Manchester United's midfield.
Manchester United certainly overpaid for Fred. They bought him from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018 for £53 million. The 28-year0old does have utility, though, and his performances under Solskjaer have often highlighted his strengths.
Attacking Midfielder - Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes can seemingly do no wrong. He is adored by the Manchester United faithful, and is the talisman of the team.
Fernandes has completely transformed Manchester United since his arrival. He is an unorthodox player, but an effective one. An excellent creator, a prolific goalscorer and a dressing room leader, the Portugal international has often won games single-handedly for Manchester United.
The 27-year-old is a firm fan favourite. Fernandes is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. If he can help Manchester United back to the top, his place as a Manchester United legend will be secure.
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Left Winger - Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba has been world-class this season for Manchester United, and has been one of the club's best players so far.
Pogba is an enigma to many, though. He returned to Manchester United from Juventus for a then world-record fee of £94.5 million in 2016. While he is one of the most gifted players in the world, he has been criticised for lacking consistency and focus.
The France international has benefitted from Solskjaer's arrival, though. The Norwegian has utilised Pogba on the left-hand side, with the 28-year-old often drifting into midfield from there. Pogba already has seven assists in the league this season, and he has looked sharp and full of intent.
Striker - Cristiano Ronaldo
Edinson Cavani's brilliant cameo against Villarreal has resulted in Manchester United fans asking Solskjaer to start the Uruguayan more often.
However, given Cristiano Ronaldo's form, Cavani will have to wait for a while. Ronaldo has already created some memorable moments since rejoining Manchester United this summer. The Portuguese superstar has taken little time to get acclimatised to Premier League football, and has already scored three league goals.
His winner against Villarreal once again displayed his prowess. The 36-year-old remains a world-class goalscorer, and has lifted the atmosphere at Old Trafford with his arrival.
Right Winger - Mason Greenwood
The player many believe would replace Cristiano Ronaldo in the future, Mason Greenwood is Manchester United's starboy.
A prodigious talent, Greenwood is a product of the Manchester United academy. The England international has already made his name as a world-class finisher, and has often been compared with Robin van Persie. Greenwood is regarded by many as one of the best young players in the world.
The 20-year-old is training alongside the likes of Ronaldo and Cavani, and is being coached by Solskjaer. All that could help in Greenwood's development. He already has three league goals this season.
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