The Manchester United Lineup That Should Start Against Bournemouth

02 July 2020 08:38

Manchester United look like champion material again.


OK, maybe that's a little premature, but boy do the Red Devils look different from the plodding outfit fans were accustomed to watching towards the end of 2019.


United were in scintillating form at Brighton

The arrival of Bruno Fernandes and the emergence of Mason Greenwood have transformed United's attacking style and, with the return of Paul Pogba and a re-invigorated Anthony Martial, they're certainly top four contenders again.


With Chelsea playing later on Saturday, United have the chance to leap past the Blues in their earlier fixture against troubled Bournemouth, who are worryingly close to the drop and without a league win in seven games.


Here's a look at the starting XI that should take the field at Old Trafford this weekend.



1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

United's defence looks back to full strength since the restart

David de Gea (GK) - The Spanish stopper will keep his place in goal after a better performance in midweek against Brighton. Further challenges await him this summer but right now, there's little chance of him being dropped.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) - The English full back has been in great form at both ends of the pitch since the resumption of the Premier League, with back-to-back assists in his most recent outings. A key player for the side's transitional play moving forward.

Victor Lindelof (CB) - The Swede has been an ever present when fit this season and has developed a predominantly successful partnership with his captain at centre half. A quiet overachiever at United, Lindelof does his talking on the pitch.

Harry Maguire (CB) - The captain has been steadily improving this season after struggling for fitness early on. His organisation and leadership has been tested on occasion, but he has risen to the challenges and looks set for a strong finish.

Luke Shaw (LB) - Shaw has fought off competition from exciting talent Brandon Williams to keep his spot at left back after the restart. His 14-game run in the side has coincided with United not losing a match in that time.



2. Midfielders

Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes - the partnership everyone couldn't wait to see

Nemanja Matic (CDM) - Matic has come back from the break looking refreshed and focused after an inconsistent first half of the season, where many were questioning his United future. He looks to have worked on his forward play and distribution and the team are reaping the rewards.

Paul Pogba (CM) - Pogba also looks fired up and ready for the top four battle after missing much of the season through injury. Rumours about his future haven't entirely gone away but at the moment he looks determined to make up for lost time, contributing two assists in United's first three games back.

Bruno Fernandes (AM) - At the front of the midfield three is the most in-form player in England right now. Fernandes - fresh off two goals in United's last outing - has set the Premier League alight since his arrival in January and it's hard to think of any other player who has had more of an instant impact in recent years.



3. Forwards

United's English attacking duo are on fire at the moment

Mason Greenwood (RW) - The 18-year-old wonderkid has had a fantastic debut Premier League season and seems to be getting better game by game. Despite playing much of his youth career as a number nine, he has proven his versatility recently, cutting in from the right flank with pace and strength.

Anthony Martial (ST) - The Frenchman will be disappointed he couldn't continue his goal streak last time out after his excellent hat-trick against Sheffield United. Regardless, Martial has had his best United season yet and has thrived on the responsibility of being the main man up top.

Marcus Rashford (LW) - Recent social activist Rashford has had a quieter return to the restart than his other attacking pals, but nevertheless his work ethic and selflessness never goes unappreciated. He is now a leader within this side and it is vital to United's return to form.


Source: 90min