Manchester United’s strongest XI and second choice XI after the transfer window

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Manchester United’s transfer window is now over, with a new look squad at Erik ten Hag’s disposal.

With United recording three successive wins, the mood is suddenly very positive at Old Trafford, heading into a busy schedule of games.

While Ten Hag has selected the same XI for the last three games, United will need to rotate, with matches now taking place nearly every Thursday and Sunday between now and the World Cup break.

Fortunately United have a strong second choice XI in addition to the first choice options. Let’s run through them…

READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23

Manchester United’s strongest XI

Manchester United’s strongest XI includes two players who have not started a game for the club yet, with new signings Casemiro and Antony included.

United have spent £140 million on the pair, and once they settle, they will become first team regulars.

Erik ten Hag’s strongest line-up includes five of his six summer signings, with Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez all proving their quality.

We have also selected Anthony Martial in the first choice set up, the striker role is his to claim, when he is eventually fit.

United’s second choice XI

What is striking about Manchester United’s second choice XI is that it is full of players who were the club’s first choice XI a year, or even weeks ago.

Cristiano Ronaldo is included in this XI; he is yet to prove he can fit into Erik ten Hag’s system effectively. But he has a strong chance to work his way into the first choice set up.

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga are in this side, despite both starting the last three games. United finally have depth.

The back four is United’s first choice defence under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. A real transition has been made, while we finally have what we hoped for, a situation where Fred and Scott McTominay are no longer first choice midfielders.

Notable players in neither side, showing the depth, include third choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

Then there are Axel Tuanzebe, Brandon Williams, Phil Jones, and Teden Mengi, who have remained at the club after suffering with injuries during the summer.

Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri provide further depth on the wings, with Zidane Iqbal a further depth midfield option after impressing in pre-season.