Emi Martinez and Bryan Mbeumo have been linked with a move to Manchester United
Emi Martinez and Bryan Mbeumo have been linked with a move to Manchester United
Manchester United now know their opening game of the Premier League season will be a home clash at Old Trafford against Arsenal.
As soon as the Premier League fixtures were released on Wednesday, minds were focused on what Ruben Amorim's new look United side might look like on August 17.
United are expected to be busy in the transfer market and have already secured their first major signing of the summer window.
Matheus Cunha has arrived from Wolves in a £62.5million transfer and he will slot straight into Amorim's strongest starting XI in one of the two attacking midfield roles in his 3-4-2-1 formation.
United are expected to be in the market for another attacking midfielder and a forward and they could also possibly move for a new goalkeeper, midfielder and wing-back.
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A number of players have been linked with a move to Old Trafford and with that in mind, we have taken a look at what Amorim's dream starting XI might look like on the opening day of the season.
United have been linked with a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez in recent days and he would be the ideal choice to start in goal.
Andre Onana has had some bright periods during his two years at United but high profile mistakes have largely bookended them and if they have a chance of signing a World Cup winner in Martinez they cannot pass up on it.
United's defence was actually fairly strong last season in a pretty dismal campaign. It remains to be seen whether Lisandro Martinez will be fit enough to start the campaign so the back three of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire pretty much picks itself.
Amad was one of United's best players last season and having impressed at both wing-back and attacking midfield under Amorim, his future looks to be at wing-back given United's transfer plans this summer.
The Ivorian international will line up at right-wing-back with Patrick Dorgu, who has impressed since joining from Lecce in February, lining up at left-wing-back.
Bruno Fernandes registered 19 goals and 19 assists in all competitions last season and he will occupy a deeper role in midfield next season after he snubbed interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
United may look at a new player to join him in the middle of the park but with no real concrete names linked with a transfer right now, the choice will be between Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo. Ugarte feels like more of an Amorim player although it will be a big season for Mainoo, too.
Cunha will slot into the attacking midfield roles and United are keen for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo to join him. The Cameroon international scored 20 Premier League goals last term and wants to join United.
United are desperate for a new forward after managing just 44 goals in last season's Premier League. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee haven't shown enough to earn the trust to lead United's line again this season.
Victor Osimhen, who is a proven goalscorer in France, Italy and Turkey, is available this summer and would be the dream target having just fired Galatasaray to the Turkish Super Lig title.
Manchester United dream starting XI vs Arsenal: Martinez; Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire; Amad, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Osimhen