Jose Mourinho’s first season in charge of Manchester United was a roller-coaster, finishing 6th in the league but winning the League Cup and most importantly, the Europa League. This win secured Champions League football which was vital for the United manager going into the 17/18 season and crucial for bringing in new players to improve his squad in the preseason. The transfer window hasn’t yet opened but United have already brought in young centre-back Victor Lindelöf from Benfica to add stability to the uncertain defence. With this early signing, the release of Zlatan Ibrahimović and tranfer rumours flooding the headlines, the question remains; how will United line up next season?

Goalkeeper: David de Gea

No surprises with this choice as de Gea remains one of the best shot-stoppers in the world keeping 14 clean sheets in the Premier League. The number 1 has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid but in the early stages of the off season it looks like de Gea will be staying at Old Trafford. Should things change, Sergio Romero has proven his worth as a backup for De Gea in the Europa league or a possible approach for young stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma who has rejected a new contract from AC Milan.

Right Back: Antonio Valencia

Another proven mainstay in Mourinho’s XI, Valencia has shown his offensive abilities surging down the right wing putting balls into the box while also being strong at the back. With little to no competition Valencia should continue to be the first choice right back.

Centre Back (R): Eric Bailly

In Bailly’s first season at United he displayed absolute solidarity at the back despite facing niggling injuries throughout the season. When the Ivorian defender was fit he was a rock at the back making crucial tackles and also moving the ball up when needed. Bailly should be first choice in a centre back pairing assuming he is fully fit.

Centre Back (L): Victor Lindelöf

United’s most recent signing should partner Eric Bailly next season being the ‘Ferdinand’ to Bailly’s Vidic-esque style. Known for his composure on the ball and calmness at back Mourinho has brought him in to stabilise the other side of the centre half position. With inconsistent performances from Jones and Smalling, and Rojo’s injury, Lindelöf should slot in and hopefully earn his starting spot.

Left Back: Matteo Darmian

The first truly controversial decision in this XI, Darmian is my choice to start at left back in the 17/18 season. After a rocky start, toward the end of the season Darmian showed he could play at the level required. While he may not read the game as well as Blind, Darmian has the pace to keep up with the speed of players in the Premier League. He also might not have the capabilities going forward as Luke Shaw does but after Shaw’s injury and lack of assurance from Mourinho, Darmian has stepped up in his absence.

Central Midfield: Paul Pogba

Another obvious choice to boss the midfield. His ability to dictate the flow of a game by winning the ball at the back and driving it forward is world class. If he could find the net instead of the woodwork a few more times and sure up his defensive positioning at times, Pogba could become one of the world’s best.

Central Midfield: Ander Herrera (C)

Herrera is by far the best option to run the midfield alongside Pogba and captain the United team next season. His attitude and passion for the team are second to none and his defensive abilities cover for Pogba when he goes forward. He also provides a good option when needed to play the ball wide or drive forward himself.

Right Wing: Henrikh Mkhitaryan

After a rough start to the season, Mkhitaryan provided a much needed attacking boost scoring important goals (including that scorpion) and turning provider as well. Mkhitaryan needs to turn his Europa League brilliance into Premier League performances. Being the first choice right side attacker should be a step in the right direction to turning the Armenian international into an excellent player for United.

Left Wing: Anthony Martial

His second year in a united outfit was far more difficult than the first, as he struggled to maintain his starting spot. We have seen what he can do on multiple occasions and getting regular games (and regaining his shirt number) in the top flight should restore his confidence and form. Even in a rocky season he showed glimpses of what he can do and should be a great player in the future. Ivan Perisic could be a possibility for this position however Inter seem to be stubborn on his price tag.

Central Attacking Midfield: Juan Mata

Since Atletico Madrid’s tranfer ban was upheld and the Griezmann transfer seems to have fallen through (for now) United need a player who can comfortably play behind the number 9. Mata is perfect for this role and despite not having regular first team football this season, his outings showed that he can score goals and hold up the play very well. Until next season (when Griezmann hopefully comes), Mata is a great candidate to take up this role however Rashford could utilize this role in certain games.

Striker: Alvaro Morata

A transfer that looks likely to happen and a much needed one since Zlatan is not being retained by United. He fits the mold of a Mourinho striker and showed his class two seasons ago at Juventus and even still at Real Madrid despite not being the first choice number 9. He is good on the ball and a great finisher which is what United need. If he gets the chances that Zlatan was given in front of goal this season he should shine as a world class striker.

This line-up follows a 4-2-3-1 formation with Pogba and Herrera as the 2 holding. James Rodriguez is one that has been rumoured and could fit in Mata’s role here however I am holding out for Griezmann and his world class attacking play next season. Recently, Ronaldo has apparently expressed his need to leave Madrid after the club didn’t treat him well over his alleged tax infringements. Should he leave Real and head to United he could slot in for Martial while also becoming a mentor figure for the young winger. Other than these rumours, my lineup is one that hopefully emphasises United’s need for more goals in crunch time games while also enforcing our solid defence. What are your thoughts on potential transfers and lineups? We’ll see in just over a month when the Premier League returns how these predictions go!