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Manchester United are one of the most improved teams in recent weeks as caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had a positive impact on the team. The Red Devils have now clearly identified their core set of players and hence, are starting to focus more on retaining them rather than making new signings.
However, as seen from the recent loss to PSG in the Champions League, the team still has a few areas which need improvement and hence, a few signings are a must ahead of the upcoming season. Although Ole Gunnar might be given the full-time job after the end of this season, Manchester United will look to consider other alternatives too.
Manchester United have a steady supply of talent from their academy and along with a few additional signings, a team with a lot of depth can be forged for the upcoming season.
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On that note, here is a look at the ideal preferred starting XI of Manchester United for the upcoming season if they want to compete for more trophies.
Also see : Womens World Cup Bracket, Copa America Standings, Gold Cup Standings
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
David De Gea has been Manchester United's best player for the past few seasons during which he has also emerged as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. The Spaniard has been in good form this season too and with Thibaut Courtois's move to Real Madrid, De Gea's transfer speculation has cooled down.
Although he could still move away from the club, Manchester United have been trying hard to tie down the stopper to a new deal which could make De Gea as their No.1 for a few more seasons.
Hence, if Manchester United has to become a potent force again, David De Gea has to be the man between the sticks for the next season.
Center-back: Victor Lindelof and Kalidou Koulibaly
Victor Lindelof has become a regular under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the Swedish international will be an important player for United in the coming days. He has shown good form and performed well in the opportunities that he was given with. Hence, Lindelof will be one of the defenders who will be a constant starter next season.
Manchester United have earmarked Kalidou Koulibaly as a prime-target this summer and the Red Devils are ready to splash for the Napoli defender. The player is a target for top European clubs and hence, United has to make an early move to sign him.
Manchester United has leaked a lot of goals this season after they failed in signing a center-back last summer. Hence, a defensive signing is a priority before the next season and based on the skills and performance, Koulibaly has to be that signing.
Full-backs: Luke Shaw and Nikola Milenkovic
Luke Shaw has finally started to fulfill his potential and the English defender will be a confirmed starter next season if he can continue his good run. Shaw has been good in attacking situations apart from his defensive duties. The former Southampton left-back will be crucial to United's chances next season.
While Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia are on the wrong side of their ages, Diago Dalot is not yet a finished prospect. Hence, a right-back needs to be signed for the next campaign and Fiorentina player Nikola Milenkovic is a good option available in the market.
The Serbian is young and shown great potential which could be a perfect combination that United will go after for the upcoming season. Aaron Wan Bissaka is also one of the players linked to this position.
Central Midfield: Ander Herrera and Ivan Rakitic
Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic have started to flourish under Solskjaer with a string of impressive performances. However, Matic has looked vulnerable at times and keeping the future in mind, he might be given lesser chances next season. Ander Herrera is a hard-working player who can do well on either side of the pitch. He is good at finding spaces which will complement well with United's attack.
Ivan Rakitic is a good contender to be a part of United's midfield next season as the Croatian is said to be on the lookout for a move away from Barcelona. Rakitic is good going forward with the ball and is someone who can control the midfield. Rakitic is highly talented and experienced at the highest level which could prompt United to move for him.
Attacking Midfield: Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba has been brought forward under Solskjaer as he now plays behind the main striker. Pogba has flourished in his new role and he has been involved in a number of goals.
With his versatility, the Frenchman will be a definite threat to any opponent if he settles down at this position. Going forward, the Manchester United squad would certainly revolve around him as an attacking midfielder.
Attack: Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku, and Douglas Costa
Marcus Rashford has been sensational under Solskjaer and the youngster will be a confirmed starter for Manchester United in the coming weeks. His pace, counter-attacking ability, and natural attacking instinct have borne well with the squad and resulted in a number of goals. He could emerge as United's main man in the coming years.
Although Romelu Lukaku has looked off his mark this season, the Belgian is a load of talent to ignore. As seen in the World Cup, Lukaku is capable of creating chances from the midfield as a striker apart from scoring his usual goals. With his physicality, he would be an advantage for the squad and hence, Lukaku would be a preferred squad member for the upcoming season.
United has used Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard at the right-wing position and both are yet to seal their place at that position. Hence, United should look for a genuine right-winger and Juventus man Douglas Costa could be a suitable option. The Brazilian has suffered a lack of game time this season and could move this summer. His pace and creativity would be an advantage for the United squad and therefore should make it to the United XI next season.
