Manchester United are on the verge of clinching their sixth signing of the summer window, as Barcelona winger Pedro Rodriguez is set to make his final Camp Nou appearance tonight, and looks to be heading to Old Trafford.
In light of the exciting speculation, we’ve put together what could be Louis van Gaal’s first-choice XI for the new season – and it could leave a few of their rivals trembling…
GK – David De Gea
Will he, won’t he? If the Spaniard starts on Saturday against Spurs, it looks as though he will spend the new season at Old Trafford and delay his move to Real Madrid.
LB – Luke Shaw
If the 20-year-old can avoid injury, he could become one of the finest left-backs in Europe.
CB – Daley Blind
Louis van Gaal said earlier in the summer that a left-footed centre-back was essential, and with the signing of a new player in this position unlikely, Blind looks like the man for the job.
CB – Chris Smalling
The England international impressed last season, earning himself a new contract, and could be van Gaal’s first-choice in the heart of the defence.
RB – Matteo Darmian
Van Gaal confirmed that the Italian’s arrival would see Antonio Valencia return to midfield, as the Dutchman looks to have finally solved the club’s right-back dilemma.
LCM – Juan Mata
The playmaker is adept in a wide role, but a Mata at his best in the centre of the park is a threat to any opposition.
CM – Michael Carrick or Bastian Schweinsteiger
It would be great for fans to see Schweinsteiger on a weekly basis, but after Pep Guardiola’s revealing that the midfielder has struggled for fitness for the past three years, it’s unlikely he can play regularly – particularly in a top flight as physical as England’s. If Carrick can remain fit, his influence is key to United.
RCM – Morgan Schneiderlin
The Frenchman excited Red Devils supporters in pre-season, highlighting just how much the club have missed a physical presence in midfield. He could prove to be one of the signings of the summer.
LW – Pedro
Reports today are claiming that Pedro will play his final game for Barcelona tonight ahead of a £20m to Old Trafford, and he could be a superior replacement to Paris Saint-Germain bound Angel Di Maria. The Spaniard will bring that creativity and pace that was plainly absent from last season’s United attack.
ST – Wayne Rooney
The United captain spent much of last season in midfield, but there’s no question that his best position is a leading centre-forward. With Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie no longer at the club, Rooney may finally return to his preferred role, and hopefully to devastating goalscoring form.
RW – Memphis Depay
While the Netherlands international has much to prove with his experience coming from the Dutch Eredivisie, his strength and pace suggest he could adapt with ease to the Premier League.
