Manchester United Dream XI – How the Red Devils could line up with these 2 January targets in the team

Dream Manchester United Line-Up Featuring Alexis Sanchez and Jamie Vardy

Manchester United haven’t been all that active in the January transfer market as of yet, but that could change soon.   The Red Devils have been grabbing the headlines over the past day or so as they have been linked with a shock swoop for Arsenal’s contract rebel Alexis Sanchez.

The 29-year old is widely expected to leave the Emirates either now or in the summer, with Manchester City mooted as the likeliest destination. However, United have made a last-ditch attempt to get the Chilean ahead of their neighbours. 

The Red Devils have also been linked with a stunning swoop for Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy. The club hierarchy are preparing for life without Zlatan Ibrahimović who is currently out with an injury and could leave the club before the end of the season. In order to ease some burden off star striker Romelu Lukaku, United are plotting a move for the 30-year old Vardy in January.

In case United manage to pull off those two deals in the winter transfer window, here is how they could line up after January:

Dream Manchester United XI

Formation: 4-4-2

David De Gea (GK)

Irremovable. The Spaniard has once again been one of United’s best players in the season and will have a major role to play until the end of the season.  

Antonio Valencia (RB)

The Ecuadorian international has emerged as one of the most consistent performers at right-back across the Premier League. When fit, he is the preferred option.  

Phil Jones (CB)

The former Blackburn Rovers man has grown in stature under the guidance of Jose and has established himself as a key man in the defence.  

Chris Smalling (CB)

Jones’ fellow Englishman Chris Smalling too has been quite impressive in recent months, when United were going through a bit of an injury crisis. Should retain his spot at the back.  

Luke Shaw (LB)

The former Southampton man has worked his way back into the manager’s good books recently and given his talent, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him make the left-back position his own in the coming weeks. 

Jesse Lingard (RW)

The academy graduate has come of age this season and his recent scintillating displays have been a treat to the eye. Indispensable from the team, based on current form.

Nemanja Matic (CM)

The Serbian’s presence in the middle of the park has brought a certain level of assurance to the United side. A definite starter when fit and available.

Paul Pogba (CM)

The Frenchman is slowly but surely starting to grow into the player he was expected to become when United shelled out huge chunks of money for him. Will have a crucial role to play.  

Alexis Sanchez (LW)

The Chilean is one of the most lethal attackers in the game and if United manage to sign him from under the noses of City, it would be a massive coup. If he fires, he will take the Red Devils to a whole new level, just like Robin van Persie did when signed from Arsenal.

Romelu Lukaku (ST)

The Belgian forward has hit a lean patch after an impressive start to life at Old Trafford. If his workload is managed properly, he will be back to his devastating best.  

Jamie Vardy (ST)

A proven performer in the Premier League, Vardy has been there and has done it for a number of years now. If United manage to sign him, the prospect of fielding a front two with Vardy and Lukaku would be a mouthwatering one for the fans.  

Alternatively, they could also line up in a 4-2-3-1 setup, when Lukaku is not available or is rested, with Vardy leading the line and Juan Mata playing in the hole behind the striker, while Lingard and Sanchez operate on the flanks.