De Gea warned over United starting spot
OLE Gunnar Solskjaer broke away from his initial transfer policy in January to bring in Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo.
Previously, the United boss had favoured the British market, targeting young homegrown players who he felt could fit seamlessly into his squad.
Whether or not we see a return to that strategy in the upcoming summer window remains to be seen, though it would appear United are targeting three young English stars in Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham.
If they land all three, United could feasibly field an entire team of Brits, although such a side would have no place for David de Gea, Fred, Paul Pogba or Anthony Martial.
Here’s how that XI could line up...
GOALKEEPER: DEAN HENDERSON
THE returning Sheffield United loan star is by no means guaranteed a starting place given that De Gea is the long-standing No.1.
But he’s shown in the past two seasons at Bramall Lane what a talent he is, winning plenty of admirers and an England call from Gareth Southgate. He would be a solid choice if he gets a chance.
CENTRE-BACKS: HARRY MAGUIRE, AXEL TUANZEBE
GIVEN the futures of Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are all uncertain, United’s centre-back department could be down to just four by the time next season begins. Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly will vie for the spot alongside Maguire, but in terms of a homegrown option to develop in the position, Tuanzebe is an excellent choice.
The former Aston Villa loanee has been unlucky with injuries this season, but Solskjaer rates him.
FULL BACKS: AARON WAN-BISSAKA, LUKE SHAW
BRANDON Williams is pushing Shaw very close, but just misses out in this team as the former Southampton full-back looked to be approaching his best form before the season suspension. Wan-Bissaka is a player of the year contender, having been consistently good since his arrival at United last summer.
MIDFIELD THREE: SCOTT MCTOMINAY, JUDE BELLINGHAM, JACK GREALISH
WITH Pogba, Fred and Nemanja Matic all ineligible for this team, along with Fernandes, United don’t have many British midfield options. But the arrivals of Grealish and Bellingham could change that, while James Garner will hope to have more first-team involvement next season.
McTominay is the sole Scottish representative in the side, an important team player and the holding midfielder.
FRONT THREE: JADON SANCHO, MARCUS RASHFORD, DANIEL JAMES
WHETHER James or Greenwood completes the front three is a very close call, but an all-British side needs a Welsh representative. Sancho would solve United’s issues on the right flank and, you suspect, would dovetail nicely with England teammate Rashford.
Solskjaer wants pace and vibrancy throughout his side and if he lands Borussia Dortmund star Sancho, he will have an extra dimension in attack.
Martial would obviously be in the side in normal circumstances, while Ighalo - if he remains at Old Trafford - would push for game-time too.