Man Utd’s XI if Diego Simeone takes over with Ed Woodward ‘enchanted’ by Atletico boss

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Manchester United chief Ed Woodward is reportedly ‘enchanted’ by Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone. And, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer overseeing a difficult campaign at Old Trafford, it’s possible the axe will fall. However, any appointment of the Argentine is bound to be extremely difficult.

Atletico Madrid took a punt on Simeone back in December 2011, bringing him to the Spanish capital after being impressed by his work at Racing Club.

And, in the years since, the former midfielder has helped the La Liga titans re-establish themselves amongst Europe’s elite.

Simeone has won two La Liga titles during his time in charge, as well as scooping the Europa League trophy on two occasions.

And, as a result of his fine work in Spain, the Independent say Woodward is ‘enchanted’ by the potential of his appointment at Old Trafford.

So Express Sport will now take a look at how United could line up if Simeone were to take charge, using his favoured 3-4-2-1 system.

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Goalkeeper: De Gea

There’s no reason to drop David De Gea at present.

The Spain international looked likely to leave United in the summer, especially after struggling in the Europa League final defeat to Villarreal back in May.

But De Gea has returned a different player, with the 31-year-old rediscovering his mojo after two years of inconsistency.

Dean Henderson is waiting in the wings to make the No 1 jersey his own.

Yet Simeone, like Solskjaer, is hardly likely to demote De Gea when he’s performing the way he is.

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Defence: Varane, Maguire, Bailly

Simeone likes his defenders to be big, tall and strong.

And that’s why, should he move to United and use a 3-4-2-1 formation, he’d throw Eric Bailly into the mix alongside Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane.

Maguire and Varane are both established centre-backs, with the pair brave both on and off the ball.

And Bailly’s strength and prowess in the air could give him the edge over Victor Lindelof.

Lindelof is silkier by comparison but the Sweden international remains vulnerable when it comes to direct showdowns, something Simeone is likely to have concerns over.

Midfield: Dalot, Fernandes, Fred, Telles

Simeone likes using wing-backs and there’s every chance he’d do that at United.

That would give Diogo Dalot a chance to shine, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka looking uncomfortable when fielded on the right flank in a back three system.

The Portugal international has barely featured under Solskjaer yet, under Simeone, may experience an upturn in form and fortunes.

Likewise Alex Telles on the opposite side, especially with Luke Shaw appearing to regress this term.

And, in order to ensure United have style and substance in the middle of the park, Bruno Fernandes could be moved into the centre of the field to partner Fred.

Forwards: Sancho, Ronaldo, Rashford

United star Jadon Sancho has endured a slow start to life at Old Trafford since his move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

But the England international could improve under Simeone, especially if deployed on his favoured right wing.

On the left, Marcus Rashford almost walks into the team by default – though could be rotated with Edinson Cavani.

And despite Simeone and Cristiano Ronaldo previously having problems with each other in Spain, it’s hard to see the veteran being put on the bench.

Ronaldo has been a shining light for United this term, arguably the only one, and deserves to start every match in the No 9 role.

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