Manchester United have been strengthening their squad fantastically since Mourinho’s arrival, with signings such as Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, meaning they will certainly be a force to be reckoned with this coming season.
Standing in their way before the start of the season are current Champions Leicester City, who United play in the Community Shield at Wembley this Sunday.
Our regular Manchester United fans have been deliberating about the starting eleven for this particular match, and are hoping the XI that Mourinho selects will destroy Claudio Ranieri’s Foxes at Wembley on Sunday!
With this in mind, the Tavern has seen a lot of speculation as to who Mourinho will pick for his first shot at a trophy and here is the XI that we believe will hammer Leicester on Sunday …
David De Gea
United’s shot stopper is one of their most reliable players and is the obvious choice between the sticks.
His agility, reactions and reflexes make him very difficult to get around.
Antonio Valencia
The Colombian born winger/right-back has been a key utility man for United, especially with the still shaky position of right-back which Darmian is yet to completely nail down.
Valencia started Rooney’s testimonial on Wednesday night and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him start again, especially as his blistering pace will cause havoc against a Kante-less Leicester.
Eric Bertrand Bailly
The newly signed Ivorian centre-back will be keen to make an impression on Mourinho and was also picked to start on Wednesday.
As well as this, Mourinho will be keen to sort his first team defensive line before the start of the season, especially as Chris Smalling is out injured, and with Bailly’s midweek selection he’s most likely to start again.
Daley Blind
With Phil Jones’ losing his place in United’s ranks and Smalling out injured, Blind will no doubt fill in once more at the centre-back role.
He has certainly grown in this position and has finally looking settled within United’s defence.
Luke Shaw
The young left-back was unfortunate enough to suffer a leg-break last season which also ruled him out of the Euros for England.
Despite this, he’s certainly still United’s first choice left-back and, now that he’s fit, he’ll be set to start on Sunday.
Jesse Lingard
The United youngster has showed his ability in the past season and for some has been over shadowed by the rise of Marcus Rashford.
He’s quick, committed and has a mean strike on him too, and further game time will only improve him.
Wayne Rooney
The United skipper will undoubtedly play a key role this Sunday.
His passing and shooting ability as well as his vision and leadership will be key if United are to overcome Leicester to win the Community Shield.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The newly signed ex-Dortmund midfield had a fantastic season in the Bundesliga bagging 11 goals and 15 assists, something that will certainly aid Mourinho’s United to turn over Leicester on Sunday.
Sunday will also be his first true taste of high level English football which will be useful for Mourinho to gain a taste as to how he will fit into the team.
Marcus Rashford
The youngster shone last season with spectacular form as well as with his short game time at the Euros, and would benefit highly from more time on the pitch.
His pace, finishing and ability to take on defences is something that will be very useful to take down Leicester’s stubborn defence.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
This would be the first big game for the big striker and of course nobody can wait to see what he will do. He’s the talk of the Transfer Tavern for this new look exciting United attack.
His skill, experience and brilliant ability in the air will no doubt be able to unpick Leicester’s strong defence.
Anthony Martial
Martial is another player who shone for United last season, being compared to the likes of the great Thierry Henry with his ability to attack defences with great skill and dribbling techniques along with his pinpoint finishing.
Due to these abilities and fearlessness, he’s United’s go to left winger for many in the Tavern.
