Manchester United have started the 2016-2017 Premier League campaign with a bang. The opening weekend victory over Bournemouth was followed by a 2-0 victory against Southampton last Friday. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has already scored two goals in two matches, three if you wanna count the Community Shield. Paul Pogba made his debut against Southampton and was highly impressive over the course of 90 minutes. Another summer signing Eric Bailly has also been in top form since signing for United early in the summer. The negative vibes that had developed during the time of David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal seemed to have been banished and there is a sense of positivity around Old Trafford right now.
However, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is still waiting to make his full debut for United. Fans have been demanding the manager to draft the former Borussia Dortmund player into the starting XI but Mourinho right now seems to be content with Juan Mata and Anthony Martial on the wings. The Armenian was in top form last season for Dortmund but is struggling currently to make it to the starting XI. Here we look at United starting XI with Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
The three-time United player of the season is a guaranteed starter if fit. He is one of the best, if not the best in the world right now. His performance will be very crucial this season, given the young backline in front of him.
Defenders: Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly, Daley Blind and Luke Shaw
The United back line have done superbly well till now, so much so that Chris Smalling is finding it hard to find a place for himself in the starting XI. Luke Shaw has been impressive since his return for a long-term injury he sustained last year. The English youngster will be United first choice left-back, while Valencia’s improved form over the last two months has seen him cement his place also in the back line. Eric Bailly will be a certain starter after a brilliant start to his United career, he will play alongside Daley Blind in the center.
Midfielders: Paul Pogba, Fellaini, Mkhitaryan, Rooney, and Martial
World record signing Paul Pogba will start in central midfield. His performance against Southampton erased all doubts regarding the pressure he might be under after such a big money move and whether that will affect him. He will partner Fellaini in the center. Rooney will start in his usual number 10 role. He has already built an understanding with Ibrahimovic. The duo have been hard to contain by the teams that United have faced till now. Martial will start on the left wing, while Mkhitaryan will make space for himself on the right wing, in place of Juan Mata.
Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The former Swedish international couldn’t have started his United career on a better note. All the critics, who said he was too old for the pace and physicality of the Premier League have been silenced with three goals in three games.