Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United revolution is well underway.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic exploded onto the scene and immediately introduced himself to the fans in the Football Transfer Tavern, with an unbelievable overhead kick in his debut pre-season game.
Nobody ever doubted that he would adjust to life with his new team, but it is looking like the adjustment period is going to be non-existent.
In fact, our landlord reckons Mourinho needs to build his team around Zlatan; and that might just mean a change of formation to be able to accommodate him week in week out, ALONGSIDE Wayne Rooney.
Thats right…maybe a return back to a 4-4-2 formation is exactly what Man Utd need right now…
With that, THIS line-up is how Man Utd can get the best out of Zlatan Ibrahimovic next season……
GK – David De Gea
David De Gea is without doubt one of the best goalkeepers in world football; and is the first name on this team sheet each week.
The best shot stopper in world football, De Gea’s game has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and he has now cemented himself as United’s Number 1.
Mourinho’s best business this summer has been holding on to his keeper; and the United faithful here in the Tavern are hoping he stays for years.
LB – Luke Shaw
Coming off of the back of a long term injury – next season is going to be a huge one for Luke Shaw.
The £30m man from Southampton had just started to look good for United when he suffered a leg injury, but after several months of rehab; he is now back in full training and playing well during pre-season.
He’ll need a few weeks to acclimatise, but expect him to kick on and really cement himself next year.
CB – Chris Smalling
Last season was a coming of age for Chris Smalling.
Quick, technical, good in the air – Smalling has everything to become the complete all round defender.
If he can continue on his path that he laid out last season – expect big things.
CB – Eric Bailly
The new £30 million United man has impressed during pre-season, with Mourinho giving him a lot of game time.
Mourinho obviously rates him, so expect him to fit right into the United defence.
He will add stability and composure at the back.
RB – Matteo Darmian
Matteo Darmian has not gotten the credit that he deserves in a United shirt from most fans.
He is a fan favourite here in the Transfer Tavern, with our punters appreciating the defensive stability that he brings to the United back line.
After being linked with a few moves away from Manchester, he now looks set to stay and retain his place on the right hand side of the United defence.
LM – Anthony Martial
A natural number 9, Anthony Martial impressed on the left wing last season; and if he can add more defensive stability to his game he could become a world class left midfielder.
Mourinho expects the best from his players defensively, so Martial will be forced to learn the defensive side of the game; but with Rooney and Ibrahimovic ahead of him up front; he likely won’t get a chance as a front man.
You would back him to adapt just as well as he did to the Premier League last season.
CM – Paul Pogba
The longest running transfer saga of the summer is seemingly just days away from closure.
Pogba seems destined to end up in a Manchester United shirt this summer; and what a signing he is going to be.
Powerful, technical play, incredible shots, defensively strong – Pogba has EVERYTHING.
CM – Morgan Schneiderlin
He was underrated by Louis Van Gaal, but expect Jose Mourinho to bring Morgan Schneiderlin back into the United fold next season.
He draws parallels with Nemanja Matic for his frame, defensive stability and ability to pick out a pass; and that is a style that Mourinho really rates.
Expect him to form a top partnership with French compatriot Pogba.
RM – Henrikh Mhkitaryan
United’s latest signing, Mhkitaryan has made a good start to life at Old Trafford.
If he can stay fit he will be an absolute star in the Premier League, bringing back the old school crossing and passing that made Manchester United so deadly under Alex Ferguson.
What a player.
ST – Wayne Rooney
Jose Mourinho has already confirmed that he intends to play Wayne Rooney as a number 9, and as club captain you expect him to start every week.
A commanding forward, a return to his natural striker position will likely bring goals too; and we could see a Wayne Rooney back to his best next season.
An in-form Wayne Rooney is unstoppable.
ST – Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Everyone knows what Ibrahimovic can do.
A target man, a pass and mover, a dribbler; Ibrahimovic can do it all. He is the perfect striker.
If he can bring his best game to England – he might just fire United to the top on his own.
