Manchester United have not had the best of starts to the campaign and there have been many questions raised over team selections. Today we take a look at United’s best eleven.
GK : DEAN HEANDERSON
To be fair, David de Gea has done nothing wrong this campaign yet but has still conceded 11 goals in 3 games. He also saved us on multiple occasions for example the late late save against Brighton. But statistically Dean Henderson has the edge. Two games in at United he has kept two clean sheets where had to make some rather outstanding saves. David de Gea is still a top-level goalkeeper but I think he has lost something that made him stand out from the rest – the impossible save. He had a slightly better save ration as compared to De Gea and also made 3 fewer errors leading to goals than the Spaniard. Also, Dean conceded fewer goals per 90 than De Gea during the course of the campaign last year. This doesn’t mean I want De Gea out of the starting eleven. He hasn’t done anything to deserve that kind of treatment. According to me statistically Dean beats De Gea on the list.
LB: ALEX TELLES
Alex Telles is going to be a huge success at Manchester United. The former Porto full back can help somewhat ease the pressure on Bruno Fernandes in the creative department as he has the desire to go forward at all times and be a menace at the back. There are still some question marks over him defensively but he makes my list.
CB : HARRY MAGUIRE
I think it is fair to say that Harry Maguire has not been the signing all Manchester United fans thought. We paid a world-class fee for a good centre back who would never be anything more. Still he is a good asset as he is good in the air. However, he needs to remove errors from his game as sudden lapses in concentration have cost us.
CB : VICTOR LINDELOF
Eric Bailly may have been the favourite for this job but I trust the Swede to come good. Lindelof is extremely consistent and is a good 1v1 defender and while he does have an error in him – that has eroded over time and according to me, he is our best centre back and if we need to find a partner it should be for him. Granted he is not one of the quickest players but that can be adjusted if don’t play such a high line.
RB : AARON WAN-BISSAKA
The ‘spiderman’ in our team justifiably earned that nickname due to his long telescopic legs picking out tackles out of nowhere. It can be said that Wan Bissaka is probably the best 1v1 defender in Manchester United and quite possibly in England. He has been out of form quite recently and was abysmal in our recent loss to Tottenham and probably needs a rest.
CM: NEMANJA MATIC
The Serbian is the only reliable option available at the Central Defensive midfield position and could help Paul Pogba or Donny van de Beek unlock their full attacking potential. He was instrumental in our excellent form post January. He is ever reliable putting him above Fred and McTominay in the pecking order. However, a replacement for him is needed as he is nearing the end of his career.
CM: DONNY VAN DE BEEK
This is sure to divide the fanbase. Paul Pogba, apart from some heroic performances has been quite ordinary for United since he re-joined. The world record fee and constant links with Real Madrid don’t help. It clearly seems like he doesn’t want to be here. On the other hand, the Dutch international has impressed as the initial signs look good. He has clearly performed well when paired with good players up-front and he could be the one carrying our midfield for the years to come.
Check out my article on what Donny Van de Beek brings to United
CAM : BRUNO FERNANDES (C)
Our Portuguese Talisman has been exceptional since he joined the club as he has carried the team into two semi-finals and helped us finish third to qualify for the Champions League. He is a born leader and while reports of a bust up between Maguire and him flare, it just makes him captain material. He is not happy unless we perform well and pushes the players to do more every time. Exactly the qualities that make him such a good choice for captain.
Check out the article on A Change in captaincy at United?
LW : MARCUS RASHFORD
Rashford is Manchester Born and bred. While he has been making headlines over the week for his campaign to help poor children, he is extremely important in as he has the ability to score for fun. He has taken a more reserved role since Greenwood’s induction into the first team. That can change from time to time. Plus, he can cover for any position in the front line making him one player to watch out for this season.
RW : MASON GREENWOOD
Greenwood trumps Daniel James in this position as the Welsh international clearly needs a loan move away from United. While Greenwood is a natural striker, he has made this position his own recently. Greenwood is a born finisher and his dual footedness makes him an even bigger threat. He is simply impossible to deal with defensively and is a Manchester United legend in the making.
ST : ANTHONY MARTIAL
Last season’s top goal scorer for Manchester United is the go-to choice for the centre forward role. Edinson Cavani will provide decent backup to him. Nonetheless, his intelligent movement makes him a constant threat. Add that to lethal finishing ability and fast legs and you have a defender’s nightmare. Hopefully he continues to reach new heights.
