Man Utd’s red-hot best XI next season after two game-changing transfers and four exits

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Manchester United’s best XI is likely to evolve once again come the start of next season, particularly if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is no longer the man in charge. The Norwegian is under increasing pressure to deliver at Old Trafford and should he fail to deliver silverware this season, there is every chance he could be relieved of his duties.

Slowly but surely, Solskjaer has started to construct a new-look United side that is built around a very strong core.

That spine is currently made up of David de Gea, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and now Cristiano Ronaldo.

United are as good as anyone when those players are considered but the Red Devils are let down in other departments.

So what do United need? A defensive midfielder is without a doubt at the top of the club’s next shortlist.

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Solskjaer flirted with the idea of buying a new No 6 this summer but he did not have the funds to manufacture a deal, particularly after the re-signing of Ronaldo.

Monaco wonderkid Aurelien Tchouameni is one of the names on United’s radar and the club will continue to scout the 21-year-old for the rest of the season.

Tchouameni caught the eye in midfield with Paul Pogba as France won the Nations League in Italy last week.

The young talent is now considered to be one of the best prospects in European football with Chelsea and Juventus also keen.

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United could launch a move while Declan Rice is another player that has also impressed their recruitment team.

Together, the pair could form a game-changing partnership in the engine room with Pogba’s future at the club currently unclear.

There have been mixed messages as to whether Pogba wants to stay and although United are keen on keeping him, a change of direction could be welcomed if he does depart for pastures new.

Both Fred and Scott McTominay are expected to remain in the squad to keep things competitive but Tchouameni and Rice represent a clear upgrade on both.

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Donny van de Beek is expected to be sold due to his lack of game time and he could free up some additional funds to spend on the club’s new-look midfield.

In attack, a restructure could be required with a number of players expected to depart.

Although nothing is certain, Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani could all be heading for the exit door.

Lingard is currently out of contract at the end of the season while Martial could be shifted on after struggling for form, having dropped even further down the pecking order following the arrival of Ronaldo.

Meanwhile, Cavani is expected to return to South America after reluctantly agreeing to stay for one more year at Old Trafford last season.

Jadon Sancho is expected to feature given he cost £72m, although Marcus Rashford is still held in high regard by Solskjaer.

Mason Greenwood is now one of the club’s most valuable assets and he too could start out wide, with Bruno Fernandes set to continue operating at the main man at No 10.

In attack, Ronaldo is expected to lead the line again, delaying any decision from United to move for a new No 9 despite Cavani’s impending exit.

Potential Man Utd XI next season: De Gea; Shaw, Maguire, Varane, Wan-Bissaka; Rice, Tchouameni; Sancho, Fernandes, Greenwood; Ronaldo.

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