United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United brought in two transfers, Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven, and allowed three first-team players to leave. With the transfer window now closed, we evaluate Ruben Amorim’s best eleven.

Goalkeeper

As the season has progressed, the best option in goal for Manchester United has become murkier. Andre Onana’s mistakes have returned in the Premier League, while Altay Bayindir has logged several quality performances in cup matches. For now, Onana just takes the number one spot in the best eleven, but Bayindir is knocking at the door.

Defense

After the season-ending injury to Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United’s top-three center back options became clear. Harry Maguire, Matthijs De Ligt, and Leny Yoro are the most experienced options and possess the most quality.

New signing Ayden Heaven is unproven in first-team football despite being signed to be a part of Amorim’s squad. He, along with Godwill Kukonki, are young players who are not in the current best eleven but could be in the next few years.

Midfield

The addition of Patrick Dorgu gives Ruben Amorim a left-footed left wing back who suits his system. Diogo Dalot has primarily played on the left side of the field this season, but with the €30 million signing of Dorgu, he can now return to his preferred position on the right.

Manuel Ugarte is improving with each appearance this season, demonstrating his ability to break up play and control the midfield. He is undoubtedly the best option for Ruben Amorim’s midfield system and has secured his starting position in the best eleven.

Bruno Fernandes, the captain and leader of the Manchester United team, is positioned alongside Manuel Ugarte. Fernandes’s commitment to defending and his hard work in all aspects of the game make him a better fit for this role than Kobbie Mainoo. Playing in a deeper position allows Fernandes to control the game more effectively and help stabilize the team when necessary.

Attack

The best center forward in Manchester United’s current squad is a toss-up. The last goal from Joshua Zirkzee came on December 19th in the 4-3 Carabao Cup loss to Tottenham. Rasmus Hojlund last scored on December 12th, when he netted a double to lead United to a 2-1 win against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League. Neither player has looked remotely threatening this season, though Zirkzee edges Hojlund out in the best lineup thanks to his playmaking ability.

With Bruno Fernandes in a central position, Kobbie Mainoo has stepped up into a more attacking role and impressed. Amad Diallo, who has been Manchester United’s best player this season, slides in next to the 19-year-old, pushing Alejandro Garnacho into a “first off the bench” role.

Best Lineup

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana

Right Center Back: Matthijs De Ligt

Middle Center Back: Harry Maguire

Left Center Back: Leny Yoro

Right Wing Back: Diogo Dalot

Central Midfielder: Manuel Ugarte

Central Midfielder: Bruno Fernandes

Left Wing Back: Patrick Dorgu

Attacking Midfielder: Kobbie Mainoo

Attacking Midfielder: Amad Diallo

Center Forward: Joshua Zirkzee