United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United has been busy this summer with incoming and outgoing transfers. The new leaders of the club’s football side have worked hard to improve Erik Ten Hag’s options. So, who makes the best eleven for the Dutch manager?

Attack: Amad Diallo, Rasmus Hojlind, Alejandro Garnacho

Amad Diallo is finally getting his opportunity and already has a goal to his name this season. He has outperformed a regressing Marcus Rashford to earn his spot in the best eleven.

Rasmus Hojlund’s fifteen goals between the Champions League and Premier League last season outweigh Joshua Zirkzee’s eleven in Serie A. However, if Zirkzee provides more goals like the winner against Fulham, he may usurp the injured Dane.

Alejandro Garnacho nearly made it three straight games with a goal or an assist, but the unluckiest of touches by Joshua Zirkzee led to the goal being disallowed. Oh, and he hasn’t even started a match yet. The Argentine is a star in the making and could cement himself as Manchester United’s best player by the end of the season.

Midfield: Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes

Manuel Ugarte immediately enters the best eleven ahead of Casemiro. The 23-year-old is a quick, strong midfielder who can break up play and frustrate opponents. He brings a certain South American flair and tenacity to a United midfield that needs it.

Kobbie Mainoo took the league by storm last season. His composure on the ball, range of passing, and knack for scoring critical goals have already made him a star at age 19. United will hope he can become a superstar next to a midfielder that allows him more freedom.

Bruno Fernandes has struggled early this season but is still the most important player at the club. Like De Gea once did, Fernandes has single-handedly kept United afloat at times and is by far the most creative player at Erik Ten Hag’s disposal.

Defense: Noussair Mazraoui, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs De Ligt, Diogo Dalot

Noussair Mazraoui makes the eleven after just two starts, showing just how good he has been so far. He has been strong defensively and notched his first assist against Brighton.

Lisandro Martinez is, without a doubt, the best defender Manchester United has had in a long time. His passion drives him, and his intelligence and skill allow him to dominate, despite standing at just 5’9.

Matthijs De Ligt is the best of a much-improved group of options to pair with Lisandro Martinez. He is a brick wall and can dominate in the air. We will now finally see first-hand why Erik Ten Hag has been pursuing him since the Dutch manager touched down in Manchester.

Diogo Dalot came back from his loan at AC Milan ready to prove why he belonged at Old Trafford. Since then, he has become one of the club’s most important players playing in both outside-back positions.

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana

Manchester United has chosen to stand behind Andre Onana who has had an up-and-down time so far at the club. An improved second year would ensure he remains in that position beyond this season.