Dream and Realistic lineups for Manchester United

Dream Manchester United Lineups For The 2017/18 Campaign

Jose Mourinho has been a busy man even before the transfer window is anywhere close. He is determined to improve the squad next year and is planning to sign some huge talent irrespective of their qualification for Europe. They are currently just 4 points off Manchester City, who are at 4th place. But United have a game in hand and they also have to play their cross-town rivals, thus keeping their chances of qualification within reach. They are now unbeaten in the last 22 league games and should make it to the UCL next season. So Mourinho can lure star player to Old Trafford next season.

The manager wants to improve a number of areas in the squad and will not be afraid to spend big. Among the many players linked with a move to the club, here is the dream lineup that Mourinho can field in the first game next season:

The Dream Manchester United XI:

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper – David de Gea

The Spaniard has been superb this season and has helped the team win some points in the league this campaign. He is the first choice for Mourinho but has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. So, keeping him at the club itself would be a win for Manchester United.

Full Backs – Fabinho, Sead Kolasinac

Antonio Valencia has done a great job this season but Mourinho might prefer a more feasible option at the back and might look to lure AS Monaco’s Fabinho to the club this summer. He is versatile and can solve more than one problem at the club. Matteo Darmian, Luke Shaw, and Daley Blind have all failed to cement a place on the other wing and Mourinho has been looking at Schalke free agent Kolasinac and he should be the first choice for the club next season. Since there is no official news from Arsenal about the player’s arrival, we are assuming that the player is yet to make up his mind.

Center Backs – Eric Bailly, Jose Gimenez

While Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have not been reliable, Eric Bailly has stepped up and has been solid at the back recently. He could be the first choice at the club next season. The manager has been looking at Swedish youngster Victor Lindelof for some time now but Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez could be a dream signing and could make United harder to beat.

Midfield: Ander Herrera, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Paul Pogba

While Michael Carrick will be missed, Marouane Fellaini cannot be the first choice and this has sent Mourinho in search of a midfielder for the next season. Midfielder Ander Herrera has been the best player in this position for United and he should keep his place in the side, while French star Paul Pogba will continue to play on the right-hand side of the central midfield. Another AS Monaco star Mourinho who has been targeted for this position is Tiemoue Bakayoko. The French star has been a beast in Ligue1 and would be a great addition to the squad.

Attack: Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Romelu Lukaku, Kylian Mbappe

Zlatan Ibrahimovic may yet stay at the club, but Mourinho needs a striker who can lead the attack next season and Everton star Romelu Lukaku could solve this problem. The Belgian has been in terrific form and will make United more productive in the attack.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has shown great form recently and could keep his place in the side while another Monaco star Kylian Mbappe, who has been in scintillating form in front of goal will add creativity to the squad.

The Realistic Manchester United XI:

Despite the Dream XI that we have mentioned, Manchester United will surely have to qualify for the Champions League to stand a chance of signing those stars. They might also find it hard to lure three players out of the same club so here is a realistic lineup that Mourinho could end up with next season.

Goal Keeper – Jordan Pickford

With Real Madrid intensifying their De Gea interest United have started looking elsewhere and have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid man Jan Oblak. However, Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford could be the man to take up these duties at Old Trafford.

Full backs – Antonio Valencia, Luke Shaw:

As bad as it might sound for a lot United fans, Mourinho has trusted Antonio Valencia and might give him another year before spending in that area, while Luke Shaw, though constantly criticized, has been in the team for the last few games and has enough potential to come good. If he has a couple of decent games, he could find himself in the team next season as well.

Defense – Eric Bailly; Michael Keane:

Bailly is expected to be the first choice next season while Mourinho could find it easier to lure Burnley’s Michael Keane to the club next season. With his previous experience in the Premier League, he could make this United team better.

Midfield – Ander Herrera, Marcelo Brozovic, Paul Pogba.

While Herrera and Pogba remain intact, United might find Brozovic and his experience in Italy to be useful in the midfield next season. He might be the man who Mourinho might bring to Old Trafford next season.

Attack – Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial:

Mkhitaryan should stay in the team irrespective of the new signings while French star Martial will be in his third season at the club and should cement his place in the side. Zlatan may yet be used regularly but Mourinho should be able to lure Lukaku to the club as he will be ready to spend on what looks like a necessity in the summer.