Man United's deadline day ended quietly as they prepare for the return of the Champions League next week.
Manchester United's squad is set for the first half of the season
Manchester United's squad is set for the first half of the season(Image: Getty Images/Pick the Team)
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Manchester United had an underwhelming end to the summer transfer window. Despite United needing to sign a left-back to compete with Luke Shaw this season, the Reds were unable to get a deal over the line. In the final hours, they attempted to sign Manchester City's Rayan Ait-Nouri, but their fierce rivals' insistence on an obligation to buy clause put paid to that.
Instead, United are expecting to revisit a move for a left-back in 2027. They could attempt to buy one in January but in recent years there has been an acceptance that the mid-season window is a quiet one at Carrington.
United can still add players to their squad before the end of the year. However, they can only be free transfers so this is the expected group for the first half of the campaign. With this in mind, MEN Sport has put together United's strongest line-up.
Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens
Since ousting Altay Bayindir last year, Lammens has been the No.1 for United and his position is not under much threat. Karl Darlow was dependable for Leeds last season and on a free transfer is a solid addition. However, he will be back-up to Lammens and is only likely to play in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup if Lammens stays fit
Defence: Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw
Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are battling for the right-back position and there is not a clear winner at this stage. Dalot has performed better than Mazraoui during the limited showings so far this season, but that could change throughout the season.
Martinez was exceptional on his return to the team last weekend. His passing through the lines against Ipswich was transformative for the Reds. The biggest threat to his position is injury. If he stays fit, his spot is assured.
Partnering Martinez is not as clear-cut. Maguire is dependable but Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Matthijs de Ligt (once fit) will all be pushing for a start. Many expected Yoro to have a breakout campaign this year but he needs to work hard to break into the defence. As the only recognised senior left-back in the squad, Luke Shaw's spot is nailed on.
Midfielders: Carlos Baleba, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes' inclusion is a given. He's the captain, talisman and without him United would be far worse off.
Mainoo's position is not quite as secure as Fernandes', but it is close. He, like Martinez, was exceptional against Ipswich and you can tell he was keen to make a point after a disappointing World Cup.
Mainoo's partner is a tricky one. Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba have all been added this summer and should all play an important role for the Reds. If you want Mainoo to be more defensive, you can partner him with Tielemans. However, in those big matches, a midfield of Tielemans and Mainoo seems unlikely. Baleba is likely to beat Santos to that spot, but the former Chelsea man has shown promise so far.
Mason Mount did well in pre-season but the injury picked up against Paris Saint-Germain has scuppered his momentum.
Forwards: Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Sesko
Nobody would have envisaged this being United's strongest attack at the end of last season. However, on this season's limited showing, it is hard to argue against it.
Rashford looks to be in the mood to perform and he was excellent against Ipswich. Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha are his competition on the left, but when he is at his best, Rashford should start.
On the right, Mbeumo pips Amad to the starting spot, however that position is one of United's strongest on the pitch. The Reds do not lose too much quality if Amad starts. Should he continue his form from pre-season, that will be a good headache for Michael Carrick.
Up front, Sesko's stock has risen from not playing. Cunha did better against Ipswich than he did against Hull, but United need a focal point at centre-forward and Sesko offers that.
Manchester United's best line-up following the summer transfer window
Manchester United's best line-up following the summer transfer window
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