What do you think is our best XI?

[Eddy_JukeZ]

So we're close to the season beginning. Pre-season come and gone. Shield on Sunday. Premier League begins soon.

What do you think is our best XI right now? Obviously this can change even weekly on the cafe, but I'm curious what people see as our best 11 right now. You can include Pogba in the XI.

Here is what I think is our best 11:

Martial-Ibra-Rashford
Pogba-Schneiderlin
Carrick
Shaw-Blind-Smalling-Valencia
DDG

A few notes:

- I think Rashford on the right is our best option providing Ibra stays injury free and plays up top. Rashford has the ability to penetrate himself and also make runs in behind. His pace is an asset and his link-up play is good.

-Pogba would be the furthest midfield forward. I think a 3 man midfield is our best bet. Pogba and Schnederlin's work-rate off the ball to protect Carrick(somewhat similar to Vidal/Marchisio protecting Pirlo in the 2011-2012 season at Juventus). Carrick as a holding midfielder, because he's our best passer imo.

-Blind still as a CB for now, because I think Bailly is a bit raw and I believe Jose sees Blind as a CB too.

-Valencia as our starting RB, because I think his attacking contribution is far better than Darmian's.

 

[Sparky10Legend]

So we're close to the season beginning. Pre-season come and gone. Shield on Sunday. Premier League begins soon.

What do you think is our best XI right now? Obviously this can change even weekly on the cafe, but I'm curious what people see as our best 11 right now. You can include Pogba in the XI.

Here is what I think is our best 11:

Martial-Ibra-Rashford
Pogba-Schneiderlin
Carrick
Shaw-Blind-Smalling-Valencia
DDG

A few notes:

- I think Rashford on the right is our best option providing Ibra stays injury free and plays up top. Rashford has the ability to penetrate himself and also make runs in behind. His pace is an asset and his link-up play is good.

-Pogba would be the furthest midfield forward. I think a 3 man midfield is our best bet. Pogba and Schnederlin's work-rate off the ball to protect Carrick(somewhat similar to Vidal/Marchisio protecting Pirlo in the 2011-2012 season at Juventus). Carrick as a holding midfielder, because he's our best passer imo.

-Blind still as a CB for now, because I think Bailly is a bit raw and I believe Jose sees Blind as a CB too.

-Valencia as our starting RB, because I think his attacking contribution is far better than Darmian's.

No Miki?

Jeez, we dont even give players pre season to settle in now?

 

[World Game]

Martial-Ibra-Rashford
Pogba-Schneiderlin
Carrick
Shaw-Blind-Smalling-Valencia
DDG

Mhki for Rashford and we're set.

 

[Kag]

De Gea

Valencia Smalling Blind Shaw

Herrera Schneiderlin Pogba

Mkhitaryan Ibra Martial

This is assuming Pogba signs. I expect Bailly to start games but I haven't seen enough of him to make any kind of real observation. Rashford isn't far away from that first team at all. Likewise, Carrick can still excel if played with two energetic midfielders.

It's a good team, but it's still lacking something even though I can't quite put my finger on it. It's probably more to do with me not trusting the back ups we have in attacking areas. In short, they're shite.

 

[Eddy_JukeZ]

No Miki?

Jeez, we dont even give players pre season to settle in now?

Just because I didn't have him in the team doesn't mean I think he's bad. I just think Rashford is better suited to that role if Ibra is playing up top.

 

[manunited1919]

This is a pretty good team, but I would make 2 changes: TFM for Valencia, as I think Valencia is too predictable at times, and I think TFM will be a beast if given a chance.

The 2nd change would be Rashford for Martial, as he brings a lot of pace and unpredictability to our attack, more so than Martial. Ibra needs players with pace and power around him.

Oh, almost forgot a 3rd change: Rooney for DDG or Blind. Assuming he must play.

 

[Creepy]

De Gea; Valencia, Bailly Smalling, Shaw; Carrick, Herrera, Pogba; Mkhitaryan, Ibrahimovic, Martial

4-3-3 Carrick playing deep with Pogba being furthest of the midfielders. Mkhitaryan coming into central positions. That's what I expect to see after Rooney gets dropped for being dogshit.

 

[hobbers]

De Gea (c)
Valencia - Bailly - Smalling - Shaw
Carrick
Mkhitaryan - Pogba
Rashford --- Ibrah --- Martial
​

God I cant help but hope Rooney picks up a niggly injury and we get to see this eleven all starting at some point.

 

[AgentP]

So we're close to the season beginning. Pre-season come and gone. Shield on Sunday. Premier League begins soon.

What do you think is our best XI right now? Obviously this can change even weekly on the cafe, but I'm curious what people see as our best 11 right now. You can include Pogba in the XI.

Here is what I think is our best 11:

Martial-Ibra-Rashford
Pogba-Schneiderlin
Carrick
Shaw-Blind-Smalling-Valencia
DDG

A few notes:

- I think Rashford on the right is our best option providing Ibra stays injury free and plays up top. Rashford has the ability to penetrate himself and also make runs in behind. His pace is an asset and his link-up play is good.

-Pogba would be the furthest midfield forward. I think a 3 man midfield is our best bet. Pogba and Schnederlin's work-rate off the ball to protect Carrick(somewhat similar to Vidal/Marchisio protecting Pirlo in the 2011-2012 season at Juventus). Carrick as a holding midfielder, because he's our best passer imo.

-Blind still as a CB for now, because I think Bailly is a bit raw and I believe Jose sees Blind as a CB too.

-Valencia as our starting RB, because I think his attacking contribution is far better than Darmian's.

I think this team will find it harder to create chances because Pogba will be the only creative player in the midfield. I'd play 4231 with Mkhi at no.10 and Pogba paired with Schneiderlin in midfield. This formation won't be as solid defensively but will create more chances for our attackers to score. Maybe, my formation will be suited to playing against weaker opposition and yours against the big teams.

Pogba as a no.8 may restrict his freedom a bit but he'll be able to make his driving runs and he'll have more space to take his long shots. He'll also be able to spray long balls to our front three and launch quick attacks.

I would also pick Bailly instead of Blind since our defense will be more exposed than last year. Bailly is faster and stronger which will be needed against quick counter attacks and will also help in set pieces where we have been weak. Since we no longer need to build attacks from the back, our defender doesn't need to have excellent passing ability.

 

[RedTiger]

De Gea (c)
Valencia - Bailly - Smalling - Shaw
Carrick
Mkhitaryan - Pogba
Rashford --- Ibrah --- Martial
​

God I cant help but hope Rooney picks up a niggly injury and we get to see this eleven all starting at some point.

This team would work well, mkhi has played in the middle and performed well for Dortmund.

 

[RedPed]

De Gea

Valencia Bailly Blind Shaw

Mkhitaryan Pogba Mata

Rashford Ibrahimovich Martial

We should be stronger in all areas of the pitch with that line up.

 

[Billy Blaggs]

The one that wins games

 

[RedTiger]

On paper

DG

Valencia---Smalling---Bailly---Shaw

Schneiderlin---Pogba

Rashford------Mkhi------Martial

Ibrah​

 

[Raees]

De Gea (c)
Valencia - Bailly - Smalling - Shaw
Carrick
Mkhitaryan - Pogba
Rashford --- Ibrah --- Martial
​

God I cant help but hope Rooney picks up a niggly injury and we get to see this eleven all starting at some point.

Not a bad shout that line up.. if only we had a younger Carrick.

 

[Yagami]

De Gea (c)
Valencia - Bailly - Smalling - Shaw
Carrick
Mkhitaryan - Pogba
Rashford --- Ibrah --- Martial
​

God I cant help but hope Rooney picks up a niggly injury and we get to see this eleven all starting at some point.

I would love to see this, but I'd put money on us never seeing it bar maybe when we're chasing a game. I don't think José would trust a midfield 3 of Carrick/Mkhi/Pogba.

 

[Borys]

De Gea

Valencia Smalling Blind Shaw

Herrera Carrick Pogba

Mkhitaryan Ibra Martial

This is by far our best formation.

I don't get people who put Carrick and Pogba on two man midfield. I can see two options if that happens:

• Carrick is on his own to defend
• Pogba plays too deep to have any real influence on our attacking game, what is the main reason we're getting him

It really boggles my mind why would people do that.

I'd question if Miki should start season over Rashford. Pretty sure he'll be first choice through the season but does look like he'll need some time to get going while Marcus looks sharp.

 

[Gentleman Jim]

For me, assuming Pogba in.

De Gea

Valencia Bailly Smalling Shaw

Schneiderlin Carrick

Pogba

Mickeytaker Martial

Ibra

Use Blind, Mata, Fellaini, Rashford and Rooney frequently in rotation/impact sub role

Barring injury crisis can't see much time for Herrera, Lingard, Jones or Rojo.

 

[Ryan Giggs 11]

GK: David De Gea

RB: Valencia (in most games, bigger games I'd go for Darmain as he is better defensively imo)
CB: Bailly
CB: Smalling
LB: Shaw

DM: Schneiderlin/Carrick (depending on the game/fitness)

CM: Pogba
CM: Herrera

AMR: Mkhitaryan
AMC: Rooney
AML: Martial

ST: Ibrahimovic

 

[Ødegaard]

De Gea
Training cone - Smalling - Bailly - Shaw
Schneiderlin
Pogba - Herrera
Mkhitaryan - - - - - - - - Martial
Zlatan​

 

[Justin Bieber]

I love the 12 man formation

 

[Kazi]

One with Basti in it.

 

[AgentP]

GK: David De Gea

RB: Valencia (in most games, bigger games I'd go for Darmain as he is better defensively imo)
CB: Bailly
CB: Smalling
LB: Shaw

DM: Schneiderlin/Carrick (depending on the game/fitness)

CM: Pogba
CM: Herrera

AMR: Mkhitaryan
AMC: Rooney
AML: Martial

ST: Ibrahimovic

I doubt the referees will let us play this 12-man formation.

 

[paulscholes18]

GK: David De Gea

RB: Valencia (in most games, bigger games I'd go for Darmain as he is better defensively imo)
CB: Bailly
CB: Smalling
LB: Shaw

DM: Schneiderlin/Carrick (depending on the game/fitness)

CM: Pogba
CM: Herrera

AMR: Mkhitaryan
AMC: Rooney
AML: Martial

ST: Ibrahimovic

The old 4-3-3-1 formation love it

DDG
Darmian Smalling Bailly Shaw
Bastian
Morgan Pogba
Mkhitaryan Martial
Zlatan

 

[Dyslexic Untied]

Assuming Pogba comes:

-------------- De Gea ---------------

Valencia---Bailly---Smalling---Shaw

-----Pogba--Carrick--Schneiderlin-----

--Miki--------Zlatan-------Martial---



Not too bothered about exactly which players we play next to Pogba in midfield. Herrera, BFS and even Fellaini can do a job. Carrick as the deeplying midfielder and Schneiderlin and Pogba given more freedom seems to make sense though. Martial seems out of form at the moment, so wouldn't be against starting Rashford instead.

 

[don't sign old players]

O. P. has picked the team.
But Fellaini, Lingard, Mkhitaryan, Mata, Rooney, Herrera and Bailly also in with a shout.

 

[CM]

de Gea
Valencia Bailly Smalling Shaw
Carrick
Mkhi Schneiderlin Pogba Martial
Ibrahimovic​

 

[settembrini]

De Gea in goal.
Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Shaw in defence.
We don't have a 'best' defensive midfielder. Carrick for easy games, Schneiderlin when we have less of the ball. Give Fosu-Mensah chances here as well.
Mkhitaryan and Pogba as attacking midfielders.
Rashford on the right for his pace and goals. Play Lingard when we need to be more defensive.
Martial on the left.
Ibrahimovic upfront.

That's what I want to see.

 

[milemuncher777]

--------------------------De Gea
Darmian-----Bailey------Smalling---Shaw

----------------------Schniderlin-----------------

----------------Herrera--------Pogba--------

Mikhi-----------------------------------------Martial

---------------------------Ibra---------------------------

 

[YouOnlyLiveTwice]

DDG
Vale Chris Blind Shaw
Carrick
Ander Pogba
Henrik Zlatan Martial​

 

[Bwuk]

From our current squad first, then if Pogba comes.

De Gea
Valencia - Bailly - Blind - Shaw
Carrick - Schneiderlin
Mkhitaryan - Ibrahimovic - Martial
Rashford

De Gea
Valencia - Bailly - Blind - Shaw
Carrick
Pogba - Herrera
Mkhitaryan - Ibrahimovic - Martial​

 

[Sepukku]

DDG

Valencia---Smalling---Bailly---Shaw

Carrick---Pogba

Mikhtarian-----Rooney-----Martial

Ibr​

 

[Coxy]

Why so much love for Valencia? You guys really rate him at RB?? Is he really defensively good enough?

 

[ADJUDICATOR]

Why so much love for Valencia? You guys really rate him at RB?? Is he really defensively good enough?

Valencia's athletically superb which gives him an edge in one-on-one duels but apart from that he's defensively okay. Our other options are average/below.

 

[Kaos]

Poor Rooney

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

As I said before, these threads are pointless because everyone's opinion, including myself, changes from game to game.

Poor Rooney

On 300k a week, won more or less everything in the game, England and nearly United's all time top goalscorer. Think Rooney will have the last laugh, pal.

 

[Robertd0803]

Why so much love for Valencia? You guys really rate him at RB?? Is he really defensively good enough?

The jurys still out on that one I think, but hes rock solid and as ADJUDICATOR said he is a superb athelete so probably will get the nod over Darmian for now. The right back position is a big question mark though especially if TFM is seen by Jose as a midfielder.

 

[Ryan Giggs 11]

I doubt the referees will let us play this 12-man formation.

oh yeah lol, teach me not to check what I post!

 

[Pass and Move]

- I think Rashford on the right is our best option providing Ibra stays injury free and plays up top. Rashford has the ability to penetrate himself and also make runs in behind. His pace is an asset and his link-up play is good.

Steady on. I've heard its good to be flexible up front but this is something else.

 

[Von Mistelroum]

I think some of our players need confidence, but can come good again. I'd like to see Memphis, Darmian, Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger get more playing time (I know the latter will not), and I would definitely keep Blind at the club too.

I reckon our best team is:

De Gea
Valencia---Smalling---Bailly---Shaw
Carrick
Schneiderlin---Herrera
Mkhitaryan-----------Martial
Ibrahimovic
​

But I think that, with a little confidence, Darmian could displace Valencia, Memphis could force his way in, and Rashford could make selection up front very difficult in the near future.

 

[RedTiger]

At least we're all in agreement as to Antonio's first team place