Strongest Manchester United XI for the 2021-2022 campaign

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.