Coach Erik ten Hag is busy reshaping the squad for the new season after a disappointing 2023-2024 campaign. Despite receiving significant financial backing from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United still faces tough challenges in the transfer market.
They have to comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. Nevertheless, Ten Hag remains hopeful of assembling a satisfactory squad.
Joshua Zirkzee is set to join Old Trafford with a £36 million deal from Bologna. Meanwhile, the "Red Devils" are also striving to recruit Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich and Xavi Simons from PSG.
Below are 3 potential lineups for Man United in the new season if they successfully sign the aforementioned newcomers.
4-2-3-1
This is the formation that Man United deployed for most of last season, but a few changes will occur if new signings arrive. One certainty is that goalkeeper Andre Onana will continue to be the first choice between the posts.
In defense, Diogo Dalot has impressed in the right-back position, while Luke Shaw is the first choice on the opposite flank if healthy. If he arrives at Old Trafford, De Ligt will pair up with Lisandro Martinez in central defense.
In midfield, Simons may pair up with Kobbie Mainoo. Meanwhile, captain Bruno Fernandes, one of the few bright spots for Man United last season, will continue to play the attacking midfielder role.
On the wings, Alejandro Garnacho is almost certain to secure a starting spot. On the opposite wing, Zirkzee could replace Marcus Rashford, who had a tough 2023-2024 season. Leading the attack will be Rasmus Hojlund, a striker who had a forgettable EURO campaign.
Lineup: Onana, Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Shaw, Mainoo, Simons, Zirkzee, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund.
4-3-3
The second option for Ten Hag could be the 4-3-3 formation. The midfield will be slightly adjusted with Fernandes dropping deeper, alongside Mainoo and Simons. The attack is likely to see the biggest change with Marcus Rashford replacing Zirkzee.
Width from the wings will be key in this formation, making it difficult for Zirkzee to compete with Rashford. Garnacho will retain his position on the right wing, with Hojlund leading the line.
Lineup: Onana, Dalot, Martinez, De Ligt, Shaw, Mainoo, Fernandes, Simons, Rashford, Hojlund, Garnacho.
3-5-2
If Man United wants to play attacking football, they will deploy the 3-5-2 formation with as many threats to the opponent's defense as possible.
Defensive solidity will come from the trio of De Ligt, Martinez, and Shaw. Meanwhile, wing-backs like Garnacho and Rashford will have to take on a heavier workload.
The three-man midfield will again include Mainoo, Simons, and Fernandes. More importantly, this formation will also allow Zirkzee to partner with Hojlund in attack.
Lineup: Onana, De Ligt, Martinez, Shaw, Garnacho, Mainoo, Simons, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund, Zirkzee.
