The arrival of billionaire Sir Jim Radcliffe and decision to retain the services of manager Erik ten Hag has helped usher in a new era at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have also secured the services of young defender Leny Yoro and the talented Joshua Zirkzee for the combined fee of £95.4 million.
Other deals are likely before the start of 2024/25, including the arrival of PSG’s Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte on loan. So, how might the team line up when the new campaign gets underway.
The Goalkeeper and Back Four
Andre Onana is confirmed as United’s first choice goalkeeper, while the left side of their defence is secured by the fit-again Luke Shaw and inspirational Lisandro Martinez. Both players missed a great deal of the 2023/24 campaign through injury, but are raring to go again in the pre-season.
The much-improved Diogo Dalot is likely to start at right back, although a deal has reportedly been agreed for Bayern’s Noussair Mazraoui. This hinges on the sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but this would undoubtedly improve United’s strength-in-depth.
The talented Yoro is in contention to start alongside Martinez at centre back, and he’s sure to play a role this season after being coveted by Real Madrid and Liverpool. However, the Red Devils remain in contention for Dutch centre back and former Ajax star Matthijs de Ligt, although Bayern want at least €50 million to complete the deal.
The Defence: Onana, Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw
In Midfield – Ugarte as the Anchor
United really struggled in defensive midfield last season, with the Brazilian veteran Casemiro lacking both physicality and care in possession. While he remains a key squad player and has looked a little sharper in pre-season, United are looking to bring in the aforementioned Ugarte on a season-long loan.
This deal may even see a player-plus-cash offer that also includes Jadon Sancho, whose future remains unclear despite him having made amends with ten Hag. You can access transfer betting markets at the 1xbit betting site, but this deal looks likely to happen before the end of the summer.
Soyfan Amrabat could also join the Reds again, despite United opting against turning last season’s loan into a permanent deal. Otherwise, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes will feature in the advanced midfield positions, while Christian Eriksen, Toby Collyer, Scott McTominay offer further options.
The Midfield: Ugarte, Mainoo, Fernandes
In Attack: Rasmus Højlund to Lead the Line
In attack, United could well be without Sancho and Anthony (the latter is being linked with a loan move away from Old Trafford). However, Zirkzee offers quality, energy and versatility in the attacking line, as he can operate as a nine or 10 or play from the left flank.
Marcus Rashford will also be hoping to replicate his 2022/23 form, which saw him contribute 30 goals and 14 assists in all competitions. The skilful Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho will also compete for a place on the right flank, with the latter having scored 10 goals for the first time in 2023/24.
In addition to Zirkzee, Rasmus Højlund will once again be United’s first choice striker in 2024/25. He struck 16 goals in 43 games despite enduring a difficult campaign, while he has the pace and power to become an even greater force during the coming season.
Remember, Frenchman Anthony Martial has left on a free transfer after two injury-hit campaigns, so United will be hoping to fill this void going forward.
The Attack: Garnacho, Højlund, Rashford
