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Manchester United once again head into the new season with a wave of expectation that they could potentially go all the way. It was in May 2017 that the side won the Europa League, their last piece of silverware. Jose Mourinho, who led his charges in that victory, was replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a few months later.
Nicknamed the baby-faced assassin, Solskjaer has a point to prove in the 2021-2022 season. He has faced multiple semi-final defeats in his spell as United boss, to go along with a disappointing loss in last season's Europa League. One may argue that he finally broke the semi-final curse by making it to the final.
However, others may feel that the depth of talent he had at his disposal would have been sufficient enough to deal with the opposition.
One of the key learnings from the final push towards the end of last season was that skipper Harry Maguire is a very crucial player. His absence through injury coincided with the team struggling at the back a bit.
His inspiring comeback for England was timely and the Three Lions managed to reach the final of the European Championship.
On the transfer business front, Manchester United seem to have got it right again with the purchase of World Cup winner Raphael Varane from Real Madrid. He will definitely be an upgrade to their current centre-half defensive options. Another marquee signing is Jadon Sancho, who will slot immediately into the right winger position.
It is an area that Manchester United needed to address with both Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford preferring the left side of the attack.
With new additions in attack and defense, Solskjaer may stick to a 4-3-3 formation or opt for a 4-2-1-3 formation with two central midfielders and one attacking midfielder. With that in mind, let's look at the potential Manchester United line-up for their opening match against Leeds United on Saturday:
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
Due to Dean Henderson being in recovery, having suffered a health setback from COVID-19. This makes De Gea the undoubted starter for Manchester United between the sticks. Henderson has also been getting back to full fitness following a hip problem that kept him out of the European Championships.
De Gea is currently heading into his 11th season at Old Trafford. He will be looking to set the tone early as the undisputed first choice.
Defenders
Center-backs: Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof
The addition of Raphael Varane from Real Madrid is certainly a positive step for the United defense. However, the French international has just recently completed his medical after observing Covid-19 protocols in Manchester.
He is unlikely to start as he would only have had a few days of training with the squad under his belt. Solskjaer is likely to start Maguire and Lindelof for the opener. Varane will ideally slot in for Lindelof for the majority of the season.
Full backs: Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw
Shaw was a marvel at the Euros and has hit top form heading into the new season. Wan-Bissaka is superb defensively, especially with his tackles. The duo are currently first choice at full back for United.
The resurgence of Diogo Dalot should provide cover for Wan-Bissaka. Shaw has been used more on set piece duty in the last year as well, making a case for his involvement in the first team setup.
Midfielders: Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, and Bruno Fernandes
Leeds are a fast team and United will need a mobile midfielder in front of the back four for protection. McTominay fits the bill at 6'3" with a bit of pace. He has played at center-back a few times, which has helped with his defensive attributes.
Pogba will start on the left side of a midfield three. In this match, he may be required to play a bit deeper given his range of passing ability on top of slowing the game's tempo down against Leed's high-pressing ability.
Arguably considered the best signing in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, Fernandes is set to continue playing in his preferred attacking midfielder role against Leeds. He did not have the best of tournaments at the European Championships but there is no doubt that he is crucial on the offensive end.
He was the club's top scorer last season with 28 goals in all competitions. He is expected to create chances and look for opportunities to score this season.
Forwads: Dan James, Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial
The forward line is bound to change with the addition of Edison Cavani, who is just coming back from an extended break from the CONMEBOL Copa América. Jadon Sancho recently started training with the rest of the squad so he will likely be in the matchday squad but on the bench.
The way Leeds are set up to press high means that the wing players will be required time and again to track back and help the full backs. James will be used on the left because of his pace and ability to cover ground quickly.
Greenwood's pedigree in front of goal on either foot will be pivotal when cutting in from the right side of the attack. Martial should start as the main striker. He can hold on to the ball better than Greenwood and play a little deeper when looking to create chances.
A victory over Leeds will certainly be a boost for Manchester United as they have proven in the past to be stubborn opponents, even for the top Premier League teams.
