Manchester United could have a distinctly new look going into the new Premier League season.
Erik ten Hag’s reign at the club has barely got started, yet it appears the new manager is planning major surgery on the first team squad in order to get the club challenging once again.
The likes of Juan Mata, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani have already moved on, while the suggestion is that Cristiano Ronaldo could follow after expressing his desire to leave the club.
Should the 37-year-old leave, it means there’s another giant hole to fill at Old Trafford as Ten Hag looks to make his mark.
Thankfully it seems the club’s finger is truly on the pulse regarding summer transfer targets.
Here, talkSPORT.com takes a look at how United’s starting XI could look at the start of the new season.
With Dean Henderson out, it seems that David De Gea is going to have a clear route to being the club’s number one goalkeeper next term.
Diogo Dalot is the leading contender to start for United at right back, with speculation linking Aaron Wan Bissaka with a move away from the club.
On the left, Alex Telles looks set to lose his place to Tyrell Malacia who is on the cusp of confirming his move to Old Trafford from Feyenoord.
In central defence, the Red Devils are hot on the chase of Lisandro Martinez, the Ajax defender, who is also wanted by Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
The 24-year-old has been linked with several clubs, including Arsenal, however Ten Hag will be hoping that his connections can give the Manchester side a crucial advantage in the pursuit.
Should the boss use a back four, Martinez’s defensive partner is up for debate with the likes of Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof set to challenge for a role.
With Harry Maguire still club captain, the England star is likely to keep his spot in the side, however this could quickly change as Ten Hag looks to put his own imprint on the group.
Things are shaping up nicely in midfield with news that Christian Eriksen has verbally agreed a three-year deal to join the club this summer.
United are still pushing hard to bring in Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona, but should that move come off it will give the Premier League giants a huge amount of technical ability in the engine room.
Moving into the attacking third, Ten Hag will be tasked with getting the best out of his star men, with Bruno Fernandes certain to start in a number 10 role, while Jadon Sancho will be hoping that he can really kick on after a mixed first 12 months back in the English game.
While Marcus Rashford will be looking to impress, there’s also likely to be a chance for Anthony Elanga to prove himself as one of the top young stars in the Premier League by cementing his spot in right midfield.
If Ronaldo moves on, United will have a sizable hole to fill.
The 37-year-old is as proven a source of goals as you’re likely to find, and if he leaves then it’s paramount that United sign someone who can hit the ground running.
Paulo Dybala is one star who has been linked with a bargain move after the Argentina international left Juventus at the end of his contract.
The 28-year-old is perfect to play a deep-lying striker role and should a move come off, he could be an ideal addition to compliment the likes of Sancho, Fernandes and Elanga who will all be busting a gut to get into the penalty area next term.
Here’s how Erik ten Hag’s Man United XI could look at the start of next season.
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