Manchester United endured a frustrating conclusion to the summer transfer window. Despite an obvious need for a left-back to challenge Luke Shaw this season, the club failed to secure a deal. In the dying hours of the window, they made a late move for Manchester City's Rayan Ait-Nouri, only to be thwarted by their rivals' insistence on an obligation-to-buy clause.
As a result, United are now expected to revisit their pursuit of a left-back in 2027. A January move remains a possibility, though in recent years the mid-season window has traditionally been a subdued affair at Carrington. United do still have the option of adding players before the year is out, but only on free transfers, meaning the current squad is likely to remain largely unchanged for the first half of the campaign. With that in mind, Express Sport has assembled United's strongest possible starting XI.
Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens
Having displaced Altay Bayindir last year, Lammens has firmly established himself as United's first-choice keeper, with little threat to his position. Karl Darlow, who served Leeds reliably last season, is a solid free-transfer addition, though he is expected to serve as back-up to Lammens, featuring primarily in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup should the Belgian remain fit.
Defence: Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw
Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are locked in a battle for the right-back slot, with neither man having yet established a clear advantage. Dalot has edged it so far this season during their limited appearances, though the contest remains far from settled.
Martinez was outstanding upon his return to the side last weekend. His incisive passing against Ipswich proved transformative for the Reds.
The greatest threat to his place in the squad remains his injury record — if he can stay fit, his starting berth is guaranteed.
Finding the right partner for Martinez is less straightforward. Maguire is a reliable option, but Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Matthijs de Ligt — once recovered — will all be pushing hard for a starting role.
Many had tipped Yoro for a breakthrough season, yet he still has plenty of work to do to force his way into the backline. As the squad's only recognised senior left-back, Shaw's position appears virtually unassailable.
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Midfielders: Carlos Baleba, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes' place in the side is beyond question. As captain and talisman, United would be considerably weaker without him.
Mainoo's position is not quite as rock-solid as Fernandes', but it comes close. Much like Martinez, he was superb against Ipswich and appeared eager to make a statement following a disappointing World Cup campaign.
Mainoo's midfield partner is a difficult decision. Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba have all arrived this summer and are expected to play significant roles for the Reds.
If a more defensive approach is required, Tielemans could partner Mainoo. However, in crucial fixtures, a Tielemans-Mainoo partnership appears unlikely.
Baleba is tipped to edge out Santos for that position, though the former Chelsea player has demonstrated potential thus far.
Mason Mount impressed during pre-season but the injury sustained against Paris Saint-Germain has scuppered his momentum.
Forwards: Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Sesko
Few would have predicted this being United's strongest attacking trio at the end of last season. Yet based on this campaign's limited evidence, it is difficult to dispute.
Rashford appears determined to deliver and his performance against Ipswich was outstanding. Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha are competing for the left-sided role, but when performing at his peak, Rashford deserves to start.
On the right flank, Mbeumo narrowly edges out Amad for the starting berth, though this position represents one of United's strongest areas. The Reds maintain quality even when Amad features.
If he continues his pre-season form, that will prove a welcome selection dilemma for Michael Carrick.
Leading the line, Sesko's influence has grown despite limited action. Last year's £62.5m signing Cunha performed better against Ipswich than against Hull, but United require a focal point at centre-forward and Sesko provides exactly that.