Full-backs
Ashley Young
Manchester United's left-back conundrum is well documented. Ashley Young is the player who is currently deployed at the left-back position having received the green light ahead of Luke Shaw, who is clearly out of favour with Jose Mourinho.
Nevertheless, United's hunt for Alex Sandro meant peril for the 33-year-old, who must have heaved a sigh of relief after Mourinho was told by the club that they cannot stockpile defenders.
As such, Young will most likely retain his preferred berth.
Antonio Valencia
Initially signed by Alex Ferguson in 2009 as a right winger, Valencia has since transformed himself into a top-quality right-back.
Following Michael Carrick's departure, the Ecuadorian is also the favourite to be bestowed with the captain armband in the forthcoming season.