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After a good summer transfer window and a promising start to the season, Manchester United are now in crisis mode.
They are sixth in the Premier League. United suffering embarrassing losses at home to Liverpool and Manchester City, and look like a club without a plan. Nevertheless, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has managed to hold on to his job for now.
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Solskjaer is under immense pressure, as a team full of expensive superstars are appearing far from title contenders. On that note, here's a look at Manchester United's possible starting XI for their Premier League game against Watford.
Goalkeeper - David de Gea
Following rumours that Dean Henderson is keen to leave Manchester United in January, questions have once again been raised about the goalkeeping position.
David de Gea has produced some excellent performances this season, but has made some costly mistakes too. The 31-year old is clearly not Manchester United's future. So one has to wonder whether the 24-year old Henderson deserves more chances.
A product of the Manchester United academy, Henderson has long been touted as De Gea's replacement. Last season, he ousted the Spaniard as the team's preferred goalkeeper in the Premier League. However, given the pressure Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under, it is unlikely he will experiment right now. and should stick with De Gea for this game.
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Centre-back - Eric Bailly
Eric Bailly certainly has his uses. But his haphazard style of play means he will never be a regular for Manchester United.
Bailly joined United in 2016 from Villarreal for £34.2 million. A highly-rated talent when he joined, the Cote d'Ivoire international produced some superb performances initially. Since then, Bailly has petered out, with injury issues restricting his appearances.
For all intents and purposes, Bailly is now the fourth-choice centre-back at Manchester United. The 27-year-old is an extremely athletic player, but has been criticised for his rash decisions and exuberant tackles.
Centre-back - Victor Lindelof
Victor Lindelof has arguably been unfairly criticised in recent seasons, given that he has been a dependable figure at the back for Manchester United.
The arrival of Raphael Varane this summer was supposed to push Lindelof out of the first team. However, Varane's injury issues have meant Lindelof has not struggled for game time. The Sweden international joined Manchester United from Benfica in 2017 for £31.5 million.
Lindelof is extremely comfortable on the ball, and is renowned for his long passes. He has rightly been criticised for lacking physicality and pace. But the 27-year old brings calmness and composure to the club's backline.
Centre-back - Harry Maguire
It would be fair to say that Harry Maguire has been abysmal this season for Manchester United.
Maguire joined United from Leicester City for £78.3 million in 2019, making him the most expensive defender in the world. The England international has had a positive impact since joining the club. But the less said about his ongoing season so far, the better.
Manchester United's captain has looked slow and ponderous, and his indecisiveness has proved costly on occasions. The 28-year-old has come under fire for his lack of leadership as well. Known for his ability on the ball and his aerial prowess, Maguire has to start showing his qualities very soon.
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Right wing-back - Aaron Wan-Bissaka
There were rumours that Manchester United were trying out Jadon Sancho at right wing-back during training sessions.
This line in itself perfectly encapsulates United as a club. Aaron Wan-Bissaka cost United £49.5 million in 2019. While he's an excellent defender, the 23-year-old is subpar going forward. Utilising a three-man backline will only highlight his weaknesses and not his strengths.
Jadon Sancho, meanwhile, made his name as one of the best young forwards in the game during his time with Borussia Dortmund. After chasing him for nearly two years, Manchester United signed him for £76.5 million.
One would assume that the club would know what his best position in attack was. So the very notion of using him as a wing-back is emblematic of Manchester United's chaotic thinking. Neither Wan-Bissaka nor Sancho are wing-backs.
Central Midfielder - Donny van de Beek
With Paul Pogba out injured and Fred's fitness being managed carefully, Donny van de Beek could finally get a start in the Premier League.
One of the biggest criticism of Solskjaer's reign at Manchester United has been his treatment of Van de Beek. The Netherlands international joined United from Ajax in 2020 for £35 million in a high-profile move. There was palpable excitement, as Van de Beek was regarded as one of the best young players in the world.
Last season was an extremely subdued one for him. Given how difficult first seasons can be, not much was said about Van de Beek's lack of minutes. This season, though, his lack of first-half minutes has been difficult to explain. The 24-year-old has played a grand total of 16 minutes in the Premier League this season.
Defensive Midfielder - Scott McTominay
A product of the Manchester United academy, Scott McTominay has divided opinion among the United faithful.
Many regard him as a key first-team member, while some see him as a player who is not of the requisite quality to be a starter for the club. McTominay might not be the most gifted player in the world. But he is a team player who is not afraid of putting in the hard yards.
However, there have been some issues with his positioning and overall quality. Manchester United will surely target a defensive midfielder next summer. The 24-year-old is a good option to have, but it is difficult to justify his position as a regular starter for Manchester United.
Left wing-back - Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw was one of the best left-backs in the world last season. His performances were a joy to watch.
His decline in quality this season has been alarming to watch, though. The general malaise around Manchester United has clearly affected Shaw as well. The England international has enjoyed some good moments this season, but he has made some costly errors as well.
Shaw's rise from a much-maligned left-back to one of the leaders of Manchester United has been good to witness. The 26-year-old will need to find the form that made him such a threat last season.
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Attacking Midfielder - Bruno Fernandes
Even Bruno Fernandes has not been exempt from criticism this season. Manchester United's talisman has arguably been the club's best player so far, but the midfielder has not looked at his very best.
Fernandes can often be a frustrating player to watch. The Portugal international's insistence on consistently looking for a forward pass can often lead to possession turnover. However, this insistence has also made him one of the most creative players in the Premier League.
Fernandes has transformed Manchester United's fortunes since joining from Sporting CP in 2020 for nearly £57 million. He has added creativity and goals to the club's midfield, and his drive and hunger to succeed has spurred on his teammates. The 27-year-old is adored by the Old Trafford faithful, and he is well on his way to becoming a club legend.
Forward - Marcus Rashford
A product of the Manchester United academy, Marcus Rashford is a one-club man. He has made 277 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 91 goals and providing 57 assists.
Rashford missed the start of the season due to an injury, but has made a positive impact since his return. A pacy forward with good technical ability, the 24-year-old is capable of operating on the left wing or as a striker. In four Premier League appearances this season, he has scored two goals already.
The England international is a role model for many people across the world. Rashford's work off the field and his performances on the field have made him a global name.
Forward - Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Manchester United has not gone according to plan. Individually, he continues to excel; United, as a team, are struggling, though.
Make no mistake: Ronaldo been key for United this season, scoring key equalisers and game-winners. The Portugal international has scored key goals regularly to help his club. However, this continued reliance on him to produce the goods does not bode well for the club's prospects in various competitions.
The 36-year old has displayed his frustrations with the club's performances more than once this season. Ronaldo is a world-class player, but building a side around a 36-year-old makes little sense. Right now, United are doing just that.
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