Manchester United's dream starting XI would feature a new left-back and £70m summer signing Carlos Baleba, with the club holding talks over a deadline-day move for a defender.
Manager Michael Carrick has already overhauled his midfield, with Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos arriving to support Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes. Attention has now shifted to the backline, where United are hoping to recruit another left-back to compete with Luke Shaw, though a loan move is looking increasingly likely at this stage of the window.
Goalkeeper and defence
Senne Lammens, acquired last summer, ended United's lengthy search for a reliable No. 1 in the post-David de Gea era. The Belgian shot-stopper made a strong impression during his debut season at Old Trafford and is poised to further consolidate his place in the starting XI.
At right-back, Diogo Dalot remains one of the first names pencilled into the team sheet, with Noussair Mazraoui challenging for the position. At centre-back, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are expected to form a partnership when both are fit this season. Maguire, occupying the right side of the central defensive duo, has been one of the more consistent presences in a frequently disjointed United backline, contributing aerial strength, experience and composure. Martinez, meanwhile, is arguably Carrick's finest defender—ferocious in the tackle and adored by supporters.
Midfield and attack
At left-back, Alejandro Balde represents an improvement on Shaw if United can agree a deal with Barcelona. He is dynamic, composed in possession and consistently looks to advance into the final third. In midfield, Tielemans and Santos have demonstrated their distinctive qualities in the opening two Premier League fixtures, but Mainoo's display against Ipswich underlined why he deserves a starting berth. The 21-year-old performs with composure and physical authority, reading the game superbly and holding possession under pressure.
New £70m recruit Baleba is expected to serve as the anchor and enforcer. The 22-year-old Cameroonian is tenacious and covers the pitch remarkably well. The undisputed jewel in the side remains captain Fernandes in the No. 10 role, who has been United's standout performer since his arrival in January 2020 and continually justifies the club's decision to retain him despite considerable Saudi interest.
Out on the right flank, Bryan Mbeumo's speed and clinical finishing make him an automatic selection, though Amad represents a credible alternative. Through the middle, Matheus Cunha remains the most adaptable option, while Benjamin Sesko may catch some off guard this campaign by finally finding his rhythm following a year of acclimatisation to the Premier League. The left-wing spot is the most intriguing, with Carrick spoilt for choice between Dorgu and Marcus Rashford. Rashford's experience means he is the more dependable option to feature in the bulk of fixtures, though Dorgu can unleash his electrifying pace against tired legs.
Man Utd's dream XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Balde; Baleba, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha.
