Manchester United are back and several first-team members are back in training ahead of the 2024/25 season.
For Manchester United, next season is set to be crucial with hopes of the season just past being an anomaly.
Erik ten Hag is back at Carrington and has been joined by his players, many of whom have plenty to prove after disappointing 2023/24 seasons.
With multiple players not yet returned due to their involvement in Euro 2024 and Copa America this summer, Ten Hag has a limited selection.
But despite this and the fact no signings have been made just yet, what is the strongest possible team that Ten Hag can name?
Manchester United’s strongest line-up to face Rosenborg
As preseason kicks off next Monday after the opening week of training, we’ve looked at the possible line-up Ten Hag could name to face Norweigan side Rosenborg.
But rather than a predicted line-up, here’s the strongest which could be fielded based on the players who are back at Carrington already.
Andre Onana
In goal, there is little debate over who starts with Andre Onana back at Carrington ahead of a season which he’ll be praying is less busy than his debut campaign at Old Trafford.
Onana will love the reports suggesting that United are close to reinforcing the defensive midfield and centre of defence positions which should mean he’s not facing as many shots as a relegation keeper could expect to.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
With Diogo Dalot having just crashed out of Euro 2024 with Portugal, Aaron Wan-Bissaka will likely begin preseason at right back although his exit does look likely at some point.
Wan-Bissaka had a difficult 23/24 with Dalot becoming the established right back. This sees the No.29 on the transfer list with a year remaining on his contract. But he’ll play against Rosenborg.
Willy Kambwala
The first centre-back is young Frenchman Willy Kambwala who enjoyed a breakout season last time out for United. With Lisandro Martinez at Copa America and then no centre-back signing made, he should get a start in this game.
The arrivals of Matthijs de Ligt and potentially a second defender could push Kambwala down the pecking order, but for now, he starts against Rosenborg.
Harry Maguire
After missing out on Euro 2024 through injury, Harry Maguire is back at Carrington and in line to start preseason against Rosenborg which comes a day after the Euro 2024 final, which England could yet be in.
It’ll be annoying for Maguire to have missed out, but he’ll be aware he has plenty to prove during preseason considering the overhaul being targeted at centre-back this summer.
Victor Lindelof
At left-back, it’s a tricky one, with Tyrell Malacia’s fitness not known and the fact Harry Amass will be in the picture. But in terms of the strongest line-up available next Monday, it’s likely Victor Lindelof.
The Swede, like Wan-Bissaka, is available to sell this summer and has been the subject of interest already from Fenerbahce. That being said he is likely to start against Rosenborg.
Casemiro
Moving into the midfield is another player who looks likely to depart this summer. Casemiro was awful in midfield for large parts of last season but redeemed himself with some solid displays at centre-back.
With a move to sign Manuel Ugarte in the works, Casemiro is more than expendable and a move to Saudi Arabia remains an option this summer.
Hannibal Mejbri
Back from his loan in Sevilla, Hannibal Mejbri’s future is up in the air. He struggled in Spain and despite breaking into Ten Hag’s team early in the 23/24 season, he was ultimately sent on loan which suggests he’d not convinced the Dutchman.
Mejbri is likely another to be available this summer, but in terms of the strongest team available, he starts. Although in actuality, Toby Collyer is probably in line to start.
Antony
Where to start with Antony. The Brazilian’s second season at Old Trafford was somehow worse than his first, barring a small period including his goal against Burnley and assist against Chelsea in the Premier League.
He didn’t play in any of the last three games of the season, with Amad Diallo taking his spot. It seems likely United would sell Antony if they could, but for now, he’s still in the strongest team available to face Rosenborg.
Mason Mount
A massive season awaits for Mason Mount at Manchester United following a disappointing opening campaign for the No.7.
With Bruno Fernandes on holiday, Mount has the chance to build up some form and make the number 10 position his own during at least the early parts of preseason and he must use it to show he can be part of the future here.
Marcus Rashford
Everyone wants Marcus Rashford to bounce back this season and return to the electrifying form which he displayed during the 2022/23 season.
United will no doubt be improved this coming season which should be the change Rashford needs to also improve. But it all begins against Rosenborg and he must start as he means to go on.
- READ MORE: Who is Marcus Rashford? Inside the life of Man Utd’s book-writing, government-tackling ace
Amad Diallo
Up front is a tricky position to predict and even choose the strongest player for with Rasmus Hojlund on holiday and Joshua Zirkzee not completed just yet. But from those available, Amad Diallo is probably the best.
Amad has been used as a number nine by Ten Hag during previous positions and with the only other option Ethan Wheatley, we could see it again. Amad will be a key player on the right this summer but he might have to put in a few shifts up top first.
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