Man United are on the hunt for more additions ahead of the transfer window closing at the start of September.
With just two pre-season friendlies remaining, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim’s focus will soon switch to his side’s Premier League opener against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
United will welcome the Gunners to Old Trafford on August 17 for their season curtain-raiser with the ambition of putting last season’s struggles firmly behind them.
Three games into their pre-season campaign, United have produced plenty to be positive about. The opening two games of their tour of the United States have produced two wins, six goals and two very encouraging performances.
With Everton still to come in Atlanta on Sunday and Fiorentina visiting Old Trafford next Saturday, Amorim will be hoping to see two more uplifting showings from his players, who have bought into his plans so far this summer.
But what could United’s strongest matchday squad look like for their season opener against the Gunners in just over a fortnight’s time?
The starting XI
If he recovers from his hamstring injury in time, Andre Onana is likely to reclaim the gloves and start between the posts. He has not featured in pre-season after getting injured in the first week of training and it remains to be seen if he will be fit in time for the clash with Arsenal.
United have plans to bring in a new goalkeeper ahead of the transfer window closing, but the chances of them recruiting a big-name starting goalkeeper would rest on them offloading Onana. It is understood they don’t currently have any plans to sell him.
Amorim has plenty of options to choose from at centre-back, meaning that area of the team could cause him the biggest selection headache. Leny Yoro should be a guaranteed starter after two excellent performances in the US so far, and he should occupy the right-sided centre-back berth.
Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are jockeying to start in the middle of the back-three. Ayden Heaven is a strong contender to start on the left, but will face competition from Luke Shaw and eventually Lisandro Martinez.
Although Bryan Mbeumo is yet to make his first appearance in United colours, he is highly likely to walk straight into Amorim’s first-choice starting XI after scoring 20 Premier League goals for Brentford last term. His starting position will have a direct impact on Amad.
Proven he is more than capable as a right wing-back in Amorim’s system, Amad is the logical choice to occupy that role for the season opener. Patrick Dorgu, who was excellent in the recent wins over West Ham United and Bournemouth, is a shoo-in on the opposite flank.
Bruno Fernandes will be one of the very first names on the teamsheet, meaning he is a guaranteed starter in midfield, but there is an ongoing debate about who should start next to him. Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are currently the leading contenders to start alongside Fernandes.
Accounting for Arsenal’s attacking quality, Ugarte is a more suitable partner for Fernandes amid his defensive capabilities. A midfield duo of Mainoo and Fernandes could leave United exposed.
With Amad a logical choice at right wing-back, Mbeumo should start as the right-sided No.10. Matheus Cunha, who missed the win over Bournemouth due to fatigue, is the obvious pick at left-sided No.10.
As things stand, Rasmus Hojlund, who has enjoyed a solid pre-season so far, is the leading candidate to spearhead United’s attack for the season opener. However, the club hope to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko to become the new face of their forward line.
The Reds face competition for Sesko from Newcastle United. If lured to Old Trafford, he will expect to be thrown straight in.
The bench
As far as the substitutes are concerned, United are light on midfielders and strikers, meaning the bench risks having a defensive look to it. Tom Heaton has been more commanding that Altay Bayindir this summer, meaning he deserves to be promoted to second spot in the pecking order.
Defensive cover can be provided by the likes of Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Maguire and Shaw. Diego Leon, however, will be hoping to creep into Amorim’s thoughts.
Mainoo is an obvious pick if he misses out on the starting XI. Mason Mount, who is more comfortable as a No.10, is also an option.
Joshua Zirkzee and Hojlund can provide attacking over. However, Chido Obi will be hoping to become a regular fixture in the matchday squad this season.
United’s strongest matchday squad if they sign Sesko:
Starting XI: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Heaven; Amad, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko.
Substitutes: Heaton, Dalot, Mazraoui, Maguire, Shaw, Mainoo, Mount, Zirkzee, Hojlund.
