Erik Ten Hag and Manchester United have a big season ahead of them with the Board investing heavily in reshaping the squad. The Red Devils finished 3rd in the 2022/23 campaign, considerably below champions and local rivals Manchester City. The club has already welcomed Mason Mount to Old Trafford with Andre Onana close to officially completing his Old Trafford switch.
The Dutch tactical mastermind has openly stated his intentions to bolster the squad with new additions, especially in the striking department, something the club has lacked in the previous season. Moreover, Manchester United will have to brace for potential outgoings with the likes of Fred, Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire, and Dean Henderson all linked with a move away from Manchester.
Manchester United can have a young new-look squad, which became essential owing to the rising average age at the club. The club has already announced the departure of key players. Here is how the Red Devils can potentially line up in the 2023/24 season as the club welcomes Champions League football back to Old Trafford.
Andre Onana set to sign for United while Harry Maguire relinquishes the armband
Legend ❤️#MUFC || @D_DeGea pic.twitter.com/UHnq2WRySN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 9, 2023
Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea has left the club after spending 12 years at the club. The ex-United number 1 had won the Premier League under Sir Alex Ferguson, being the last player at the club to do so. The current squad will be rearing to deliver a much-awaited Premier League trophy under the guidance of Erik Ten Hag.
United are close to completing the signing of Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana for a reported $60 million deal from Inter Milan to replace the outgoing Spaniard. The ex-Ajax player has already worked with manager Ten Hag, and will significantly improve the distribution from the back.
André Onana to Manchester United, it’s finally here we go! 🚨🔴🇨🇲
Clubs are closing in on the agreement then Onana will travel for medical tests and contract signing.
Man Utd set to request VISA for Onana for USA trip.
Ten Hag will have the new goalkeeper he wanted. pic.twitter.com/hWQX9svsMV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 16, 2023
In addition to this. Harry Maguire relinquished his captaincy after releasing a statement on his social media handles on Sunday. Erik Ten Hag has decided that the club requires new leadership on the field, with Bruno Fernandes the leading contender for the post.
Manchester United is also linked to Atalanta forward Rasmus Højlund, with Erik Ten Hag wanting to add goals to the squad.
On the outgoings, Manchester United could see Brazilian midfielder Fred leave for a new challenge with interest from Galatasaray, Saudi Arabia, and even Premier League club Fulham. After being stripped of his captaincy, Harry Maguire can also leave the club with potential interest from UEFA Europa Conference League winners West Ham United. Additionally, Scott McTominay can also leave for regular playing time.
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson could be on his way out as well, with Nottingham Forest reportedly being interested in the 26-year-old English shot-stopper.
Dean Henderson expected to join Nottingham Forest in a deal worth up to £20m once Onana's move goes through #mufc
— Chris Wheeler (@ChrisWheelerDM) July 16, 2023
Predicting Red Devils XI for 2023/24
If the current rumors are to be believed, Manchester United can have the following starting XI in the 23/24 Premier League Season.
Andre Onana (GK), Diogo Dalot (RB), Raphael Varane (CB), Lisandro Martinez (CB), Luke Shaw (LB), Casemiro (CDM), Bruno Fernandes (CM), Mason Mount (CM), Antony (RW), Marcus Rashford (LW) and Rasmus Højlund (ST).
Tactically, we can see Bruno Fernandes move to a deeper midfield role to fill the void left by French star Paul Pogba. Rasmus Hojlund can be United’s new pressing forward after Martial’s underwhelming season. It remains to be seen whether academy graduate Mason Greenwood will be back in the squad after his trial disposal.
How do you think Manchester United will fare with this lineup in the 23/23 season? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
