How Man Utd will line up in 2021-22

James Shearman

Updated: 11 Aug 2021 12:01 CDT
3 min read

Jadon Sancho, Manchester United, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Manchester United are among Europe's biggest spenders in this summer's transfer window, as they look to bridge the gap to rivals Manchester City.

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has addressed two key weaknesses in the side that finished second in the Premier League last season.

Raphael Varane has been brought in to play alongside Harry Maguire in defence, forming what should be one of the best centre-back partnerships in world football.

And Jadon Sancho was finally signed, a year later than both he and the club had hoped, in a cut-price £73million deal.

The pressure is now on the Norwegian boss to at least challenge for the title with City, Chelsea and Liverpool, or his job could come under serious scrutiny.

However, Paul Pogba's contract talks could become a distraction as the season progresses, with the Frenchman yet to sign a new deal at Old Trafford.

His agent, Mino Raiola, will no doubt be speaking to other clubs when he is allowed to do so in January, or even earlier for that matter.

Man Utd XI for 2021-22

Man Utd line up with Sancho and Varane — © ProShots

The goalkeeper situation at Manchester United was already confusing, but the Red Devils announced Tom Heaton on a free transfer earlier this summer.

This led fans to believe that Heaton would be the new number two, with either David de Gea or Dean Henderson to be sold, but that hasn't been the case.

Instead, De Gea is expected to remain first-choice, with Henderson preferred in the cup competitions.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw are guarantees in the full-back positions, with the returning Diogo Dalot hoping to take occasional minutes from the pair.

Maguire and Varane will operate at the heart of the defence, as Victor Lindelof drops to the bench.

Fred and Scott McTominay are clearly favourites of Solskjaer, but it is thought the 48-year-old will often drop the Brazilian for Pogba as part of a more attacking approach this season.

New-signing Sancho is certainly one to watch this season. He will be out to prove to England manager Gareth Southgate that he is worthy of a starting spot in the international side.

Marcus Rashford is currently undergoing treatment on a shoulder injury he sustained last season, but he'll be back and into the first XI before Christmas.

Star man Bruno Fernandes occupies the attacking midfield role, leaving youngster Mason Greenwood as the most unfortunate player to miss out.

Edinson Cavani is unable to play every minute, at his age, but his potency in front of goal makes him more valuable than Anthony Martial at this point in time.