Erik ten Hag is busy reshaping his squad for next season following a disappointing second campaign in charge.
Though he is now backed by the billions of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United do face a difficult challenge with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules. Even so, Ten Hag is hoping to bring about a Dutch revolution.
Joshua Zirkzee is close to arriving in a £36million deal from Bologna, while United are also pushing hard for Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.
The midfielder scored a wondegoal to open the scoring against England in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 on Wednesday. Here, Mirror Football looks at how United could line up if they push ahead with a move for the 21-year-old.
This is the formation United deployed for much of last season, but a few changes will take place should the three Dutchmen arrive. Despite a rocky debut campaign, Andre Onana will continue in goal.
In defence, Diogo Dalot impressed at right-back and will keep that spot, while a fit-again Luke Shaw should be first-choice at left-back. If he does arrive, De Ligt would partner Lisandro Martinez in what would be one of the top-flight’s best central defences.
In midfield, Simons would likely partner Kobbie Mainoo in the holding position. Captain Bruno Fernandes was one of the few bright spots last term and will likely continue to play as the central attacking midfielder.
On the wings meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho has carved out a starting spot for himself. On the opposite wing, Zirkzee could well come in for Marcus Rashford, who endured a difficult campaign last term. And Rasmus Hojlund will look to build on a solid debut year up-front.
Line-up: Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Simons; Zirkzee, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
Option 2: 4-3-3
Ten Hag could look to deploy a 4-3-3 formation
A second option could be to use a 4-3-3 formation. That would see the same back five, with Onana in goal, Dalot at right-back and Shaw at left-back, with De Ligt partnering Martinez in central defence.
The midfield would be tweaked slightly, with Fernandes dropping back between Mainoo and Simons. The forward line could see the biggest change, with Marcus Rashford coming into the team in place of Zirkzee.
Width from the two wingers would be key, which would be the reason for Zirkzee dropping out. Garnacho would keep his place on the right wing, with Hojlund again going through the middle.
Line-up: Onana, Dalot, Martinez, De Ligt, Shaw; Mainoo, Fernandes, Simons; Rashford, Hojlund, Garnacho
Option 3: 3-5-2
A 3-5-2 formation could be used for a more attacking outlook
If United are facing a team who are happy to sit in and defend in a low block, Ten Hag may need to go for a more attacking outlook. That could see United deploy a 3-5-2 formation to get as many attackers into the team as possible.
Defensive solidity would come from a back three of De Ligt, Martinez and Shaw. At wing-back, but acting more as traditional wingers could be Garnacho and Rashford, who would certainly add attacking zeal out wide.
