DREAM XI: Manchester United agree two more transfers as Erik ten Hag XI for Fulham opener takes full shape
With just over two weeks left until Manchester United’s season opener against Fulham, there is still a significant amount of work to be done.
The Red Devils are set to host Marco Silva’s squad at Old Trafford on Friday, 16 August. Erik ten Hag will be looking to make a strong statement after securing the continued support of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Manchester United has already made some notable moves in the transfer market. They’ve secured big-money deals for Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, and it doesn’t look like their spending spree will stop there.
Ten Hag is still on the hunt for new talent, with a right-back and a midfielder on his wish list. Here’s a potential starting XI if Ten Hag manages to secure all his targets.
Andre Onana is expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper for United’s match against Fulham. Despite a challenging debut season at Old Trafford following his move from Inter Milan, Onana improved as the season progressed and is not expected to leave, reports the Mirror.
However, changes could be afoot in the defence line ahead of him. German reports suggest that Aaron Wan-Bissaka has agreed to a move to Premier League rivals West Ham.
The ex-Crystal Palace player is believed to have settled personal terms with the Hammers, but the clubs now need to finalise a deal. Once that deal is confirmed, Ten Hag hopes to quickly secure his replacement.
Manchester United are reportedly on the verge of signing Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui, who could potentially compete with Diogo Dalot for the right-back position.
Mazraoui might also join forces with his current teammate Matthijs de Ligt at Old Trafford. Despite the recent acquisition of Yoro, the French player won’t be fit for the season opener due to a metatarsal injury, which may necessitate another signing.
Assuming he’s fit, Lisandro Martinez is expected to be a regular starter under Ten Hag, with Luke Shaw hopefully able to complete a full season on the left flank.
There might also be a new face in Manchester United’s midfield. PSG’s Manuel Ugarte has been identified as a crucial signing, and negotiations are ongoing.
Casemiro, who has been linked with a move away, is likely to be replaced by Ugarte if the deal goes through. Kobbie Mainoo, who has had a rapid rise after impressing for both Manchester United and England recently, should get a chance on the opening day.
The midfield is expected to be completed by Portuguese maestro Bruno Fernandes. As the captain of the Red Devils, he’s likely to be one of the first names on the team sheet.
In the attacking line-up, a new face is expected to emerge. Joshua Zirkzee seems the most likely choice to spearhead the attack, given Rasmus Hojlund’s recent injury setback.
The Danish forward won’t be sidelined as long as his fellow team-mate Yoro, but it appears doubtful that he’ll feature in the season opener. A few more recognisable faces will flank Zirkzee.
Marcus Rashford, having been omitted from England’s summer squad, had a complete break. However, he sustained a minor issue during pre-season but is expected to be fit for the start of the season.
Ten Hag faces a slightly trickier decision on the right wing. Antony is unavailable, while Alejandro Garnacho represents a less conventional choice.
This could potentially pave the way for Amad, who has been impressive in pre-season so far. The Ivorian winger has confirmed his intention to remain at Old Trafford for the upcoming season, despite speculation about another loan move.
