Manchester United are finally getting their act together in the transfer market.Fans have been increasingly concerned after watching Chelsea sign several top players in recent weeks. Frank Lampard’s side finished on the same number of points as the Red Devils in the Premier League last term.Meanwhile, Manchester City, who finished 15 points clear of United, are moving closer towards signing the great Lionel Messi from Barcelona.And then there’s Liverpool, who finished on 99 points last season.How would it be possible for United to close the gap on Liverpool and City if they fail to improve their squad ahead of the 2020-21 season?But as we head into September, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to land his first summer signing in the form of Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek, who will cost the Premier League giants £40 million.
ESPN are now reporting that Solskjaer wants to make RB Leipzig’s highly-rated defender Dayot Upamecano his second summer signing.United, according to ESPN’s report, are prioritising the addition on a top-class centre-back to partner captain Harry Maguire - and Upamecano is the club’s number one target.The 21-year-old recently signed a contract extension until June 2023 but United believe they can sign the defender before the transfer window closes on October 5.
ESPN also claim that Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are set to be offloaded by Solskjaer.With all this in mind, what might United’s first-choice starting XI look like for the upcoming campaign?Let’s take a look…Goalkeeper: Dean HendersonDean Henderson hasn’t signed a new five-year contract to warm the bench at Old Trafford. He wants David de Gea’s No. 1 shirt.Similarly, United aren’t paying Henderson £110,000-a-week to be a back-up goalkeeper and nothing more.De Gea has been far too error-prone over the past couple of seasons and Henderson could well get the nod against Crystal Palace on September 19.
Right-back: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
After an impressive debut campaign at Old Trafford, Aaron Wan-Bissaka will continue as Man Utd’s first-choice right-back.
The 22-year-old will be aiming to contribute even more during his second season.
Centre-back: Harry Maguire
Maguire looks set to continue as United’s captain, despite his recent arrest while on holiday in Greece.
The England international explained his version of events during a BBC interview and has the full backing of United, it seems.
Maguire was mostly decent during his first season at Old Trafford but could flourish with another top centre-half alongside him.
Centre-back: Dayot Upamecano
The France Under-21 international joined RB Leipzig from Red Ball Salzburg in 2017 and has gone from strength to strength in the Bundesliga.
Upamecano would start ahead of Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly, both of whom Solskjaer has concerns over.
Left-back: Sergio Reguilon
Man Utd have been strongly linked with the Real Madrid left-back in recent days.
Would he be an upgrade on Luke Shaw? Possibly, yes.
Shaw has blown hot and cold for United over the past six years and bringing in 23-year-old Reguilon, who spent last season on loan at Sevilla, might be in the club’s best interests.
Midfield: Donny van de Beek
A complete midfielder, Van de Beek is just as happy getting stuck into tackles as he is scoring or assisting goals.
The Dutchman is poised to complete his £40 million move to Old Trafford this week.
Midfield: Paul Pogba
Arguably the club’s most talented player, Paul Pogba no longer wants to leave Man Utd, which is excellent news for all concerned.
The Frenchman will be aiming to re-establish his status as one of Europe’s best midfielders this season.
Midfield: Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes made a huge impact after signing for Man Utd back in January and fans will be hoping the Portuguese midfielder can produce more magical moments during the upcoming campaign.
Left-wing: Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford enjoyed his most productive campaign as a United player last term, scoring 17 goals and providing seven assists in 31 Premier League appearances.
Still only 22 years old, Rashford will only get better and better over the coming seasons.
Right-wing: Jadon Sancho
Although reports linking Jadon Sancho with a move to Man Utd have died down of late, Solskjaer remains determined to add the Borussia Dortmund winger to his squad.
Sancho, who scored 17 goals and set up 16 more in 32 Bundesliga appearances last season, has the potential to be a game-changing signing for the Red Devils and fans are desperate to see the 20-year-old arrive.
Centre-forward: Anthony Martial
It’s a huge season with Anthony Martial. Is he consistent enough to lead the line for United?
The Frenchman’s quality isn’t in doubt, but whether he can do it week-in, week-out over the course of a whole season remains to be seen.
Martial has the full backing of the club’s supporters and will surely be aiming to score 20 league goals for the first time in his career.
And here’s what Man Utd’s potential XI looks like on paper…
Not bad at all.