Strongest Manchester United XI for the 2021-2022 campaign

Manchester United started off their 2021-2022 campaign dazzling Old Trafford with a combination of free-flowing football and individual brilliance against Leeds United.

The performance was reminiscence of the 6-2 hiding they dished to the same opposition in the previous campaign. There was no stopping the Red Devils even when the visitors pulled a goal back.

In United's opener against Leeds this season, a few things were observed. First, the Red Devils showcased how solid of a partnership Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes can be.

The duo were involved in all four goals, with Pogba contributing an impressive four assists and Fernandes scoring only the third hat-trick by a Manchester United player since Sir Alex Ferguson retired from management in 2013.

Last Saturday, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer played a 4-3-3 formation, with Pogba on the left side of the attack as opposed to his preferred left central midfield role.

There were questions about Solskjaer's team selection, particularly Daniel James over Jadon Sancho.

Of course, different oppositions present a different kind of challenge. However, judging by how United have played in the past, their best bet would be the preferred 4-3-3 formation with either two midfielders at the base or two forward thinking ones.

Goalkeeper: David De Gea

The more experienced De Gea can still put in a good shift with Henderson on his trail.

De Gea has been a top goalkeeper for the better part of the last 10 years. He has multiple player of the year awards.

At a time when Manchester United were short of world class talent, he was the figure in goal that stood out.

His athleticism and amazing saves in the 2015-2017 period had some touting him as the very best in the world. Given his history and experience, he gets the nod over Dean Henderson.

Defenders

Fullbacks: Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is one of the best tacklers in the league.

Shaw and Wan-Bissaka are the strongest choices in the wide defensive positions. While Wan-Bissaka still needs some work in the final third in terms of ball delivery, Shaw has really stepped up in the last year.

In 2015, he suffered a horrific leg injury in a UEFA Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven. This could have effectively halted his progression to the top. However, Shaw has managed to come back in some fashion.

The 26-year-old has improved on his delivery to the point where he is more involved in set-piece duties. Wan-Bissaka, on the right, has been remarkable in making recovery runs and has led the tackling charts in the last two seasons.

The addition of Alex Telles last season and the re-emergence of Diogo Dalot should provide much-needed competitive cover for those starting full-back positions.

Centre-backs: Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane

Aston Villa v Manchester United - Premier League

As captain of the club, Maguire has always been a starter for the club in all competitions. When he was injured in the closing stages of last season, his absence was felt particularly when United were making a push towards Europa League glory.

He slotted in for England at the Euros and was instrumental in the Three Lions' surge to the final.

Varane was bought to strengthen that department and is a player who has won it all when it comes to team honors.

The Frenchman has won the World Cup, La Liga, FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Champions League titles between 2014-2018.

At 6"4, the 28-year-old has the ideal centre-back height and can make recovery runs as he can match speedy forwards for pace. The Maguire-Varane combination should be a good fit for Manchester United.

Midfielders: Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes

Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes are the creative sparks for United.

Given the kind of additions United have made on the defensive end, surely there is more room to play just one defensive-minded midfielder in front of the back four.

This creates space for Pogba to operate on that left channel and the central region he loves. He can also play a bit deeper as his ball distribution is good.

Fernandes can continue to play as an attacking midfielder.

Forwards: Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Edison Cavani

Sancho is a welcome addition to United's attack.

When fully fit, this would ideally be the strongest front three for United. Sancho has been the missing piece on that right channel of attack.

Cavani is a proven goal scorer and with the right supply behind him, he can still produce over 20 goals even if he does not play every game.

When Rashford fully recovers, he can slot into the left side of the attack.