Three partnerships which could shape Manchester United’s season

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Manchester United are looking for a combination of hard work and unity to underpin the talent at Erik ten Hag’s disposal this season ahead.

The pre-season tour has been a good opportunity for team bonding, necessary after a disastrous 2021/22 campaign undone by a fragmented and disillusioned squad.

United need effective link-ups on the pitch between players and there have been a few encouraging signs early on.

Here is a look at three partnerships Manchester United could rely on this season…

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Diogo Dalot and Jadon Sancho

Diogo Dalot is now entering his fourth season at Manchester United and he is hoping to nail down the right-back spot for good this time around.

Key to his chances is establishing a strong connection with Jadon Sancho, who looks set to become a fixture out on United’s right wing.

Erik ten Hag picked out the connection between the pair against Melbourne Victory as the most impressive aspect of the team’s attacking play, with Sancho’s pass to Dalot leading to the cross for United’s second goal.

United’s attack has often been too imbalanced towards the left in recent seasons, and by effect, too predictable. A strong combination between Dalot and Sancho.

Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial could lead Manchester United’s attack when the season kicks off, a circumstance which seemed improbable two months ago.

Martial has taken his chance in pre-season so far, netting in back-to-back games, and if he is going to do it in the Premier League, he needs the help of Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes and Martial struck up an immediate connection when the Portuguese star signed for the club in 2020, and United need to recapture this magic.

Disappointingly, Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo did not connect well last season, combining for only three goals and none after November, and if his partnership with Martial clicks again, United could be better for it.

Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire

Manchester United have looked to change the club’s defensive options by signing Lisandro Martinez. Erik ten Hag told the club website that the defender adds an aggression to the club’s backline which has been missing.

Martinez will play on the left of defence, and Harry Maguire is being lined up as the right-sided centre-back, as shown by Erik ten Hag shifting him there against Melbourne.

Maguire will also retain the captaincy, a sign he will be given the chance to partner Martinez, even though Raphael Varane may be the better option.

Varane’s unreliable fitness record since signing for United gives Maguire the advantage to try establish a connection with the new signing. If they can hit it off, United will be better for it.