How Man Utd could line up after DREAM move for England trio

Robin Bairner

• 25 May 2023 14:53 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is planning on signing three England stars for the Old Trafford club this summer, according to Sky Sports.

Man Utd, of course, are lining up a bid for Tottenham striker Harry Kane, with the ongoing managerial uncertainty at the London club fuelling the belief that he will seek Champions League football next season.

Beyond Kane, Ten Hag is eager to raid Chelsea for Mason Mount. The midfielder is out of contract in 2024 and his current unsettled state at Stamford Bridge means that he could be sold. Interest also comes from Liverpool and Arsenal, meaning there is hot competition for the 24-year-old.

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And now United have thrown their hat into the ring for West Ham’s Declan Rice. Long linked with Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, David Moyes’ side are hoping to recoup more than £100 million for the England star.

But if Man Utd are successful in signing this trio – and it is a big if given the sums of money involved and the competition they face – how will they line up?

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Man Utd with Kane, Mount and Rice

Kane’s position in the team is clear. Ten Hag has been crying out for a No.9 all season after deciding that Cristiano Ronaldo did not fit the mould of player he wanted at the club. The Spurs star will go straight into the centre-forward role and will likely be unmoved from there but for injury and suspension.

The position of Rice is also apparent. Ten Hag wants a player who can move the ball in front of the defence alongside Casemiro, and it is beside the Brazil international he will play. Christian Eriksen, Fred and Scott McTominay will miss out.

Mount is a more flexible option. He could be used as a less attacking alternative to Bruno Fernandes in a No.10 position or could alternatively play as the No.8 beside Rice. He has also spent a fair portion of the season playing in a wide area for Chelsea, so his role is far less well defined and it may be that he slots in where required.