Mauricio Pochettino will arrive in Manchester next week to take over a United side low on confidence and sitting in the Premier League relegation zone. His first match is a difficult away fixture at Liverpool, leaving the new manager limited time to work with his squad before the Anfield visit. Pochettino is expected to receive transfer backing, and it is clear this squad needs significant changes, but for now he must get the best out of his current underperforming group.
Goalkeepers and Full-backs
Senne Lammens will remain first choice, though that reflects the lack of alternatives as much as his form. The Belgian has looked short of confidence but showed his capabilities last season and will hope Pochettino can improve the defence to give the 24-year-old more protection. Karl Darlow stays as understudy, with Tom Heaton and Dermot Mee completing the goalkeeping quartet.
Pochettino wants dynamic, fit full-backs who can support the attack, but United lack those options. Diogo Dalot has faced criticism this season yet still looks the most natural fit at right back, with Noussair Mazraoui not good enough to force his way into the back four. On the left, Pochettino knows Luke Shaw from their Southampton days, but age and injury issues mean the 31-year-old is unlikely to be a long-term answer. Patrick Dorgu and Amad could be used on the left and right respectively, given their attributes and versatility, but that requires a much better defensive base than United have shown this season.
Centre-backs and Midfield
Lisandro Martinez could emerge as Pochettino's defensive leader, given his passing ability, left foot, aggression and intensity. But the 28-year-old has been below his best this season and must overcome fitness and disciplinary issues. Harry Maguire may start at Anfield, though he does not appear suited to the Pochettino style. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven have looked short of confidence, but Pochettino has a track record of developing young players. Matthijs de Ligt excelled at times in Ruben Amorim's back three and has the intelligence to start, but his injury record has hampered his progress.
Kobbie Mainoo has been United's best midfielder this season, and he and Carlos Baleba, currently injured, look the best pairing for Pochettino. The new boss will hope to unlock Andrey Santos, who has flattered to deceive since arriving from Chelsea, while Youri Tielemans' lack of energy could see him become a backup at number 10. Bruno Fernandes will lock down that position as captain, and Manuel Ugarte is a long-term injury absentee with an uncertain future at United.
Wide Players and Strikers
Amad and Dorgu should see plenty of game time when fit. Pochettino typically uses a 4-2-3-1 formation, and Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha would fit the attacking roles either side of Fernandes. Marcus Rashford's role is interesting; he has been injured recently, and Pochettino could try to reignite his United career. Mason Mount is a forgotten man in midfield, while Shea Lacey has the talent to succeed and should get opportunities.
Benjamin Sesko is still weeks away from starting but looks a natural fit as centre forward. Until then, United will mix and match. Joshua Zirkzee has shown a goalscoring knack off the bench, but his limitations leading the line in the Premier League are evident. Cunha has not looked equipped to play as a central striker, leaving Mbeumo and Rashford as options.
