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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.
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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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