Jose Mourinho has attempted to rebuild his team this summer, but thus far, he’s had mixed results. Three players have come in, and each is expected to have varying roles in the squad.
Fred is undoubtedly their statement signing of the summer, and you’d expect him to form a trio with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic through the midfield.
Diogo Dalot, meanwhile, has been brought in to provide some more competition defensively, whilst goalkeeper Lee Grant, in an ideal world, won’t play a single minute throughout the season – as that would mean an injury to either David De Gea or Sergio Romero.
Clearly, then, the major improvement that was needed has yet to arrive, and that is problematic. Fortunately, according to Sky Sports, the Red Devils are now looking at fresh talent, and Leicester City man Harry Maguire is apparently a target.
The Englishman is coming off the back of a very solid World Cup, and it’s fair to say that if he came to the club, he’d be able to force his way into the defence.
But who would partner him at the back? Let’s take a look at Man Utd’s potential dream defence for the 18/19 season…
Luke Shaw has had a tough time of it at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho really doesn’t seem to rate him, and that’s a shame. When he was at Southampton he looked set to be the future of the left-back spot for England – but so far that hasn’t materialised.
That said, he has shown glimpses of quality, and the Englishman clearly has bags of potential.
Perhaps next season could be the year in which he really comes into his own. Mourinho needs to give him a chance, but with a view to the future, Shaw must be given priority over Ashley Young.
Eric Bailly has been a solid yet somewhat inconsistent member of the Man Utd defence.
On his day, he’s up there with the Premier League’s best, but mistakes have been made in recent months.
Mourinho does seem to rate him, though, and provided he remains fit, he seems likely to be a regular next season.
He offers decent technical ability and pace alongside a fantastic work ethic and brilliant tackling.
Harry Maguire was arguably England’s breakout star at the World Cup. Nobody was particularly excited to see him in the team, but he quickly emerged as a focal point of the squad.
He’s as lethal in the air as he is with his feet, and his ability from set pieces is second-to-none.
The Englishman is still young, and he will make mistakes, but in terms of raw quality, Man Utd would struggle to do better.
He’s got a bright future, and he’d flourish under Mourinho.
Antonio Valencia is the Man Utd captain, and so it seems likely that he’ll keep his spot in this team.
The Ecuadorian has completed the transition from winger to defender with class, and he is one of the more solid members of this team.
Using his years of experience to his advantage, he’s rarely caught out of position, and Man Utd know that they have a player that can be relied upon in him.
