Manchester United fans here in the Tavern grow in confidence after an incredible unbeaten start to the season. 

The locals here in the Tavern are somewhat ecstatic after their Special One seems to have it all figured out for this United side. The Premier League giants were looking for an improvement last season as they very much underachieved domestically as they dropped to a disappointing 6th place finish. If it wasn’t for the heroics of the Europa League triumph then many would have classed it a disaster.

With punters here slating Mourinho for the performance last season, many believed that he needed to bring a few fresh faces in to bolster what already was an under-performing squad. With United having the second-best defence in the league last season, it was the midfield and attacking element that needed to be improved.

Looking to add quality to his squad Mourinho looked to the services of Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic, two well established Premier League players who he knows can perform on the big stage. Now with the attacking options on the rise, the re-signing of the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic looked to be the final piece of the puzzle as the King returned to his throne at Old Trafford.

With already 7 games under their belt in the Premier League this season, Man United sit second only on goal difference as a dominant start to the season has seen them score 28 goals in 9 games in all competitions so far this season.

Here is what is believed to be Manchester United’s strongest starting XI…

GK: David De Gea

Arguably the world’s best shot-stopper, not many players can say they’ve scored past this man. The Red Devils’ fan favourite puts in consistent world-class performances as he establishes himself as one of the best goal keepers that Old Trafford has ever laid eyes on.

Without a doubt, the first name that gets the call on Mourinho’s team sheet.

RB: Antonio Valencia

The pacey Ecuadorian has established himself well in a slightly more defensive role than previously in his career. He offers United an electrifying pace down the right side in attacking positions giving many defenders a torrid time, but also provides the defensive solidity going backwards.

Without a doubt a must at this right-back position for the Red Devils going forward.

CB: Eric Bailly

The Ivorian international, who is your typical solid centre-back, offers brutal strength and aggression in defence and someone who really gets the bit between his teeth when it comes down to grinding out results. Bailly also boasts that extra burst of speed which equips him well in playing against more challenging opposition, as well as his reading of the game.

A well-rounded centre-half, who shares similar traits to Jaap Stam, there’s no hesitation in putting him into the starting XI.

CB: Phil Jones

Phil Jones has, recently, had most of his exposure come about due to the bizarre faces he manages to pull in the biggest of games.

However, this isn’t why he’s in our starting XI.

The England international provides a solid base to the central defence and offers key experience in both the Premier League and in Europe, which gives him the edge over recent signing Victor Lindelof.

LB: Ashley Young

Ashley Young, a player who many feel is past his time. Still, under Mourinho, he seems to have reignited the Ashley Young of old, though this time in a whole new role. The Englishman has starred at left-back wit flying colours as he offers the team an attacking option going forward.

In being a key man for United both defensively and in the final third this season, Ashley Young has proved himself to deserve the spot on this team.

CDM: Nemanja Matic

The Serbian defensive midfielder had many critics when the fee was agreed with Chelsea for his services, but since settling down at Old Trafford, he’s enjoyed life under Mourinho as he patrols the middle of midfield for the Red Devils.

Offering impeccable balance on the ball and the accuracy of passing of the highest standard, there’s no reason why Nemanja can’t control the middle of the park for many seasons to come.

CM: Juan Mata

The Spanish wizard, who has been a regular in Mourinho’s side for last couple of seasons has the ability to turn defence into attack with terrific vision and magnificent ball playing ability, good enough to run any midfield. With Paul Pogba sidelined for the foreseeable future through injury, he has big boots to fill.

Sitting in front of Matic pulling the strings, I can only see things improving for this United side while he’s around.

RM: Anthony Martial

Many eyebrows were raised when United made this man the most expensive young player of all time, but since joining the club he’s come a long way as a player. He offers world-class skill going forward with trickery and thunderous pace that sends defenders into tatters.

At the young age of 21 already breaking into the French national team with all their talent, no wonder this player makes the team as he looks to become a United great.

CAM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Arguably Armenia’s only well-known player, but what a talent he is. The tricky attacker has the ability to blitz past defences in the blink of an eye, using both his pace and low sense of gravity to make him one of the most difficult players to knock off the

With pacey wingers and a destructive striker, Henrikh has no competition in pushing him off that number 10 role as his service is world class.

LM: Marcus Rashford

For a young English lad who had an exam the next day after scoring a brace on his United debut, this man’s ability and confidence have come a long way.

Always managing to find a way to find the net this man offers a super outlet going forward, with speed and trickery being his main attributes, leaving defenders in his wake.

Still in his teenage years and already breaking into being a regular in the England side there’s no discussion needed as to why this baby face assassin gets Mourinho’s call.

ST: Romelu Lukaku

With King Zlatan out of the frame due to injury, this man had to step up. That’s exactly what he did, the Belgian powerhouse gives defenders nightmares as his terrifying speed and brutal strength sets him up nicely with his world-class finishing.

There’s no surprise this man gets the call, scoring 7 in 7 games for United in the Premier League this season.

United fans, do you feel this is your strongest starting XI?