Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag recently remarked that he has not been able to field his “best starting XI” due to ongoing injuries.
Despite playing successfully last season, injuries have hit Manchester United recently, leading to speculation about what the strongest squad will look like when all the players are healthy. Here are some possible strong XI options from various sources:
Manchester United’s strongest squad according to Samuel Luckhurst:
Goalkeeper: Onana
Defenders: Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw
Midfielders: Casemiro, Amrabat, Fernandes
Forwards: Mount, Hojlund, Rashford
Right-back is a toss of the coin. It has been the best part of a year since Diogo Dalot was at his optimum for Manchester United but when he is at that level, he is the more rounded right-back. Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw are clear picks, as is Casemiro.
Mason Mount has to be used on the right-hand side now and Sofyan Amrabat should bring steel and energy to a midfield that has been lagging. Marcus Rashford is still the most threatening left winger, despite his inconsistency, and the number 11 Rasmus Hojlund is United’s clear and obvious No.9.
As for a domestic nine-man bench, Tom Heaton is the more experienced goalkeeper and worthy cover, despite his 37 years, Manchester United have experienced back-up in defence, Eriksen could be more effective off the bench but the attack is too mercurial. A professional Jadon Sancho gets in a matchday squad, though his exile is entirely justified.
Manchester United’s strongest squad according to Tyrone Marshall:
Goalkeeper: Onana
Defenders: Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw
Midfielders: Casemiro, Amrabat, Fernandes
Forwards: Antony, Rashford, Hojlund
The easy decisions come at the back. Onana is clearly the best goalkeeper still and Varane, Martinez and Shaw are certainties. Wan-Bissaka is a more complete right-back than Dalot and I’d have him in the team more often than not.
Midfield is complex. Right now, Casemiro is in my team based on what he did last season, but if he doesn’t improve soon he will be leapfrogged by Amrabat. I’d play both with Fernandes now to try and give some steel to the side, but if United find some form there is a strong case for putting Mount in instead of Amrabat.
In attack, Rashford and Hojlund are guaranteed starters and when he returns Antony remains the best option on the right. The squad is deep when everyone is fit and I’d look for attacking options on the bench, in Sancho, Garnacho and Martial, with Mainoo, Eriksen and Mount offering changes in midfield.
I’d go for Heaton as my back-up goalkeeper. He was reliable in pre-season and is a very valued leader inside the dressing room. Dalot can cover both full-back positions and I’d opt for Maguire on the bench as a centre-back replacement.
Manchester United’s strongest squad according to Steven Railston:
Goalkeeper: Onana
Defenders: Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw
Midfielders: Casemiro, Mount, Fernandes
Forwards: Antony, Hojlund, Rashford
The defence picks itself and the only contentious position is right-back. You can make arguments for either Dalot or Wan-Bissaka to make the strongest starting line-up but the latter has edged the battle throughout 2023. Wan-Bissaka has deservedly regained his first-choice status and it should take a drop in form or improvement from his teammate to change that.
I’d give Casemiro, Mount and Fernandes another chance together in midfield, despite that trio looking unbalanced in the opening two games. I might eventually be swayed to put Amrabat in the team but we’ve not seen him in a red shirt yet.
Mount received a lot of flack after his initial appearances but it’s obvious he wasn’t the problem. He could be used on the right wing, of course, but I’d give Antony a tad more time to prove he can contribute.
He’s looked a fraction worth of £86m during his time in Manchester United, however, because of the significant fee invested in him and the lack of options in his position, I’d give him some final opportunities to show he can succeed in the Premier League.
It’s important to note Antony is facing allegations of abuse which he denies and there’s still uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.
Finally, Mainoo is set to return from injury soon and it will be fascinating to see if he can make an impact in the squad.
