Name your best starting 11 including the new signings

[Borys]

I like the idea of Martinez as the DM. He seems very suitable for that role. But last match ETH didn't even bother to try him in that position so I'd doubt ETH would have any plan for Martinez as our DM.

As for Eriksen he has played as a CM in 36 in his last 50 matches. It's not ideal but imo it's the best combo using Eriksen Fred Bruno. Using Bruno as a supporting CM is both wasting his scoring ability and dangerous at the same time because of his tendency to lose the ball. Imo Eriksen is a safer option for that supporting role since he's more composed, more disciplined, calmer and has a better long - medium range pass. Benching Bruno or Eriksen for McT/VDB is even worse I think.

No no, Eriksen played with #6 and another supporting midfielder, and HE was the attacking midfielder. For Denmark he also has two midfielders behind in 4-2-3-1. So what you suggest is completely changing the way he was utilized. I didn't watch Brentford so I am not an expert on their setup, but considering our forwards lack of defensive skills and effort (and I'm not even talking about Ronaldo), we won't be able to play Eriksen - Bruno with just one midfielder behind (who is not suited to that role btw).

If Bruno is to play he has to be very high up the pitch, I'm a bigger fan of him as part of front 3 than deeper in midfield. But 2 midfielders (hopefully de Jong + Fred/vdb) supporting Eriksen would be as good as it can get this season, balanced and creative midfield.

Anyone + Eriksen and Bruno is not balanced, we can only play that if we expect to have 90% of the ball but has this ever happened with Bruno on the pitch?

 

[Strelok]

Posters having Baiily and Donny in their line ups... Thats laughable

I mean no offense but imo it's even more laughable with Ronaldo. Start him and the football will be exactly like last season.

Even if he tries to press and play as a proper #9 we'll have to sub him off by mid time or he'd spend the second half barely walking around doing feck all. He's simply too old for all that running and physical challenges against the usually very strong and fast CB of the PL.

No no, Eriksen played with #6 and another supporting midfielder, and HE was the attacking midfielder. For Denmark he also has two midfielders behind in 4-2-3-1. So what you suggest is completely changing the way he was utilized. I didn't watch Brentford so I am not an expert on their setup, but considering our forwards lack of defensive skills and effort (and I'm not even talking about Ronaldo), we won't be able to play Eriksen - Bruno with just one midfielder behind (who is not suited to that role btw).

If Bruno is to play he has to be very high up the pitch, I'm a bigger fan of him as part of front 3 than deeper in midfield. But 2 midfielders (hopefully de Jong + Fred/vdb) supporting Eriksen would be as good as it can get this season, balanced and creative midfield.

Anyone + Eriksen and Bruno is not balanced, we can only play that if we expect to have 90% of the ball but has this ever happened with Bruno on the pitch?

It's not ideal as I said but imo Eriksen and Fred as a double pivot with Bruno as the CAM is better and safer than Bruno - Fred as a double pivot and Eriksen as the CAM.

In an ideal world we'll buy a top DM (#6), a top CM (#8) then use Eriksen or Bruno as our CAM (#10) but for the moment it's the best I can think of using Eriksen Fred Bruno.

 

[Borys]

I mean no offense but imo it's even more laughable with Ronaldo. Start him and the football will be exactly like last season.

Even if he tries to press and play as a proper #9 we'll have to sub him off by mid time or he'd spend the second half barely walking around doing feck all. He's simply too old for all that running and physical challenges against the usually very strong and fast CB of the PL.


It's not ideal as I said but imo Eriksen and Fred as a double pivot with Bruno as the CAM is better and safer than Bruno - Fred as a double pivot and Eriksen as the CAM.

In an ideal world we'll buy a top DM (#6), a top CM (#8) then use Eriksen or Bruno as our CAM (#10) but for the moment it's the best I can think of using Eriksen Fred Bruno.

But what's the need of having both Eriksen and Bruno on the pitch at the same time?

• we will get run over in midfield against 8/10 EPL teams, the 2 remaining teams we can surely beat even with one of those two on the pitch
• Bruno will be pushed deeper, and the farther away he is from the box the worse he performs
• Eriksen will be pushed deeper, and based on the setups I've seen he always plays as the most advanced midfielder
• Bruno and Eriksen will need to work hard all game, probably will both need a rest next game (maybe Bruno can play game in-game out but I believe we actually got Eriksen to avoid that)
• considering we have Martial, Rashford, Sancho and Ronaldo for 3 positions, it means we are left with ONE senior attacking player on the bench (and that is assuming everyone is fit)

I just don't see the benefit of starting games with both Eriksen and Bruno.

 

[Alemar]

De Gea

Malacia
Martinez
Varane
Dalot

Fred
Iqbal
Bruno

Rashford
Martial
Sancho

Bench: Shaw, Maguire, Lindelof, Ronaldo, Garnacho, Eriksen, Heaton

 

[Desert Eagle]

De Gea

Malacia
Martinez
Bailly
Dalot

Fred
???
Eriksen

Rashford
Martial
Sancho

Unfortunately that last position has to Mct for balance but it's shocking that we haven't managed to upgrade our midfield for years.

 

[bucky]

Technically I think our best team might involve both left-backs and one less midfielder, since Malacia at least seems combative and good on the ball. We won't play this way presumably, but:

--------------------Striker----------------------
--------Bruno------------Sancho-----------
Malacia----Fred--Eriksen-----Dalot
-------Shaw--Martinez--Maguire
------------------De Gea--------------------

is probably our actual best XI at the moment, and you'd rotate the striker based on attacking a high line (Rashford), a regular game (Martial) or a low block (Cristiano).

If we do bring in De Jong and Cristiano leaves and we don't replace him at striker effectively I guess I wouldn't rule this out at some point in the season.

It won't happen, but I have been thinking that our best XI involves a back 3, as well. Depends entirely what we manage to do until the end of the summer, however, if we don't sign an attacking player, then this would be the best way forward for this season.

 

[Catalandevil]

De Gea

Dalot
Varane
Martinez
Malacia

Fred
Bruno
Eriksen

Sancho
Martial
Rashford

A miracle will be needed to enjoy Champions League next year... at least De Jong and another striker are needed... and let's hope we don't have many injuries... The squad planification of this season is a complete mess.

 

[MrSingh2002]

I open this thread and the first post is the exact lineup I would suggest.

Great minds think alike. I like to think I live in the future and pick teams accordingly.

 

[MrSingh2002]

Still shocked how many people pick Maguire and Bailly over Varane.

The disrespect is unreal.

 

[Volksie316]

De Gea

Dalot… Varane… Martinez… Malacia

Eriksen… Fred… Fernandes

Sancho… Martial… Rashford

 

[Borys]

Still shocked how many people pick Maguire and Bailly over Varane.

The disrespect is unreal.

Varane over any of Maguire, Lindelof and Martinez, based on last 2 seasons performances, is simply unjustified. Him and Bailly will be fighting for 4th place on the list, and by fighting I mean whoever is fit will take this place.

 

[Catt]

Still shocked how many people pick Maguire and Bailly over Varane.

The disrespect is unreal.

Well based on his time at United, Varane has to up his game

 

[Leftback99]

Still shocked how many people pick Maguire and Bailly over Varane.

The disrespect is unreal.

The shocking thing is how many have watched pre season and still pick Varane. And Ten Hag will 'disrespect' him too.

 

[slored1]

De Gea
Dalot - Maguire - Martinez - Shaw
McTominay - Fred
Sancho - Bruno - Rashford
Martial

Expecting Malacia and Eriksen to step in over the course of the season.

 

[theyneverlearn]

Well based on his time at United, Varane has to up his game

I feel people are quick to forget he was our best centre back year (not that was too difficult) when he was fit.

A couple pre-season games where he is clearly not match fit shouldn’t change opinions, but clearly it does.

If (and a big if) he stays fit, he would be in the first XI. Maguire had a poor season, but he is at least available every game and is reliable in that regard.

 

[lefty_jakobz]

Still shocked how many people pick Maguire and Bailly over Varane.

The disrespect is unreal.

Hopefully he gets sent back to Leicester in exchange for Fofana….

 

[Marcelinho87]

For now:

DDG

Dalot
Maguire
Martinez
Shaw

Fred
Eriksen
Bruno

Sancho
Martial
Rashford

 

[AdNani]

De Gea

Dalot
Varane
Martinez
Shaw

Fred
Eriksen
Bruno

Sancho
Martial
Rashford

Insert De Jong after this week.

 

[Olecurls99]

But what's the need of having both Eriksen and Bruno on the pitch at the same time?

• we will get run over in midfield against 8/10 EPL teams, the 2 remaining teams we can surely beat even with one of those two on the pitch
• Bruno will be pushed deeper, and the farther away he is from the box the worse he performs
• Eriksen will be pushed deeper, and based on the setups I've seen he always plays as the most advanced midfielder
• Bruno and Eriksen will need to work hard all game, probably will both need a rest next game (maybe Bruno can play game in-game out but I believe we actually got Eriksen to avoid that)
• considering we have Martial, Rashford, Sancho and Ronaldo for 3 positions, it means we are left with ONE senior attacking player on the bench (and that is assuming everyone is fit)

I just don't see the benefit of starting games with both Eriksen and Bruno.

It basically comes down to whether you want Eriksen or Mctominay.

Mctominay offers you legs and strength.

Eriksen offers possession and creativity.

I'd rather Eriksen. A big and overlooked part of getting overrun is losing the ball in your own half. If teams back off you, because you have the ability to beat their press with an Eriksen, then you're already winning the midfield battle. Then it's just a case of getting behind the ball when you lose it further up the pitch.

The other obvious big benefit of Eriksen is creativity when teams are sitting deep.

He'd be ahead of Mctominay for me. Let's hope Teny is thinking the same. He's the brave choice.

 

[redsunited]

De Gea

Shaw/Malacia
Maguire
Varane
Dalot

Martinez
Eriksen
Fernandes

Rashford
Martial
Sancho

 

[Hester_manc]

..................DdG................

AWB....Maguire.Martinez..Shaw

.........McTominay..Eriksen.............
....................Bruno.................

Sancho..........................Rashford..
..................Martial.....................

I pick McTominay instead of Fred because I think we really lack strength and height in our starting line-up.
I pick AWB instead of Dalot because I see Dalot as really weak, when he defends. I do not trust him.
I pick Shaw instead of Malacia because I think Malacia seems to take too big risks. And because Martinez is not that high, and I do not want 2 "small" defenders next to each other.
I pick Martial instead of Ronaldo because I hate Ronaldo`s attitude this summer, and I think he is going to leave us anyway.

 

[Borys]

It basically comes down to whether you want Eriksen or Mctominay.

Mctominay offers you legs and strength.

Eriksen offers possession and creativity.

I'd rather Eriksen. A big and overlooked part of getting overrun is losing the ball in your own half. If teams back off you, because you have the ability to beat their press with an Eriksen, then you're already winning the midfield battle. Then it's just a case of getting behind the ball when you lose it further up the pitch.

The other obvious big benefit of Eriksen is creativity when teams are sitting deep.

He'd be ahead of Mctominay for me. Let's hope Teny is thinking the same. He's the brave choice.

If we play Eriksen in midfield it means we have not learnt anything from Pogba situation. And make no mistake about it, Eriksen is far worse defensively than PP who was quite poor anyway in midfield off the ball.
I will be shocked if that's the intension to use Eriksen in deep midfield.

 

[Olecurls99]

If we play Eriksen in midfield it means we have not learnt anything from Pogba situation. And make no mistake about it, Eriksen is far worse defensively than PP who was quite poor anyway in midfield off the ball.
I will be shocked if that's the intension to use Eriksen in deep midfield.

Did you read what I wrote at all?

 

[Hester_manc]

If we play Eriksen in midfield it means we have not learnt anything from Pogba situation. And make no mistake about it, Eriksen is far worse defensively than PP who was quite poor anyway in midfield off the ball.
I will be shocked if that's the intension to use Eriksen in deep midfield.

Eriksen`s role in deep midfield would be more as a deep playmaker. Conte used him like that in Inter in the last part of their season. And Eriksen played almost every time in that part of the season.

 

[Borys]

Did you read what I wrote at all?

Yes, you're ignoring all downsides of that solution because Eriksen is good on the ball.

 

[Olecurls99]

Yes, you're ignoring all downsides of that solution because Eriksen is good on the ball.

Good is a humongous understatement. He's miles better on the ball. What about the fact that we'd beat the press much better and create more? Isn't that important?

 

[Borys]

Good is a humongous understatement. He's miles better on the ball. What about the fact that we'd beat the press much better and create more? Isn't that important?

Pogba was miles better on the ball as well (and better defensively CE). How did that work for us?
And now we're planning to do the same with Eriksen. Nothing short of madness.

 

[Crashoutcassius]

DDG
AWB Maguire Martinez Shaw
FDJ Scott
Sancho Bruno Rashford
Martial


I'd consider martial on trail probably. I know ETH won't play AWB to start the season but I think dalot is going to cause us a lot of defensive headaches

 

[Olecurls99]

Pogba was miles better on the ball as well (and better defensively CE). How did that work for us?
And now we're planning to do the same with Eriksen. Nothing short of madness.

No no completely different player. Pogba wasn't good against the press at all. He constantly took too much out of the ball and got closed down. Eriksen will be way better against the press. I guarantee.

He's also more creative and has more general nous in building attacks than Pogba.

 

[Paul the Wolf]

From the current squad assuming all fully fit:

De Gea

Dalot
Varane
Martinez
Shaw

Fred
Eriksen
Bruno

Sancho
Ronaldo
Martial

 

[Crashoutcassius]

I presume eriksen will have to play centre mid if frenkie doesn't come.

Anyone says he can't run or can't tackle didn't watch him as spurs full stop. He was key to their press, one of the hardest working players in the league. He is never going to be a holding mid but he could well be more effective than pogba in there.

 

[Longlivekeano]

—————————-DdG———————

——————Varane—Martinez———-

—-———-—-McTominay—————-

-Dalot ——eriksen———Malachia—

—————————Bruno——————

—Garnacho———Martial——Sancho

 

[Borys]

Eriksen`s role in deep midfield would be more as a deep playmaker. Conte used him like that in Inter in the last part of their season. And Eriksen played almost every time in that part of the season.

Yes, as a part of midfield 3 with Brozovic and Barella. FBref has him on the left of that 3, but I don't disagree he dropped deep when Inter was on the ball but still he had two supporting midfielders. I am perfectly fine with doing that at United, but every evidence I can find (whether that is Inter, Denmark or Brentford) suggests he needs two players covering midfield alongside him. He never plays in midfield two (at least when he starts).

No no completely different player. Pogba wasn't good against the press at all. He constantly took too much out of the ball and got closed down. Eriksen will be way better against the press. I guarantee.

He's also more creative and has more general nous in building attacks than Pogba.

You're still ignoring the fact in games we're being pressed (so let's assume top half EPL games) we will be chasing ball for 40% of the time, and Eriksen is useless in that scenario in midfield just much as Bruno. We can't play one man midfield in those games just because Eriksen is so good on the ball.
Also, it is very easy to mark one player out of possession play (see how Rayo covered Martinez and everything went through Varane) so IMO this is not the way forward and will be far less effective than "on paper".

We didn't get Eriksen to play him in midfield two that's for sure.

 

[Olecurls99]

Yes, as a part of midfield 3 with Brozovic and Barella. FBref has him on the left of that 3, but I don't disagree he dropped deep when Inter was on the ball but still he had two supporting midfielders. I am perfectly fine with doing that at United, but every evidence I can find (whether that is Inter, Denmark or Brentford) suggests he needs two players covering midfield alongside him. He never plays in midfield two (at least when he starts).


You're still ignoring the fact in games we're being pressed (so let's assume top half EPL games) we will be chasing ball for 40% of the time, and Eriksen is useless in that scenario in midfield just much as Bruno. We can't play one man midfield in those games just because Eriksen is so good on the ball.
Also, it is very easy to mark one player out of possession play (see how Rayo covered Martinez and everything went through Varane) so IMO this is not the way forward and will be far less effective than "on paper".

We didn't get Eriksen to play him in midfield two that's for sure.

If you're talking about us doing the pressing then yes Scotty is better in that instance admittedly.
If Eriksen plays in midfield I imagine we wouldn't press as much because you're right, him and Bruno and Fred for that matter aren't great at pressing, but hey sometimes where there's a will there's a way. Bobby Firmino is hardly an athletic specimen but he's a passing machine for Liverpool. A lot of Liverpool's pressing is based on the fact that they have Van Dijk to cover. Hopefully Varane can be that guy for us.

 

[Grylte]

----------------------DDG
Dalot---Maguire--Martinez--Shaw
--------------McT---Iqbal
----------------Eriksen
----Sancho-----------Rashford
---------------Martial

Didn't really look at where in the midfield Iqbal was playing during the pre-season, but he was one of our best players.
Don't like Fred as a player, so i pick McT instead - this is what i hope, not really what i think ETH will pick. I would genuinely don't mind the youngsters in midfield over McFred after this pre-season.
Eriksen has been better than Bruno during pre-season, and deserve to start.

In my book you pick those who perform best, and that means that McFred and Bruno does not start the first match.

 

[SadlerMUFC]

If we don't sign a DM then our formation has to be a 4-2-3-1 by default so this will be my line up

-----------------------------Heaton-------------------------------(not sure how good he is but De Gea sucks)
Dalot---------Maguire-------Martinez------------Shaw (Malacia can challenge)
-------------------VdB---------------Fred------------------------
--------------------------Erikson---------------------------
Bruno----------------Ronaldo-------------Sancho

 

[Hughes35]

My opening line up

-------------------------------------------------------------------------De Gea-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dalot-----------------------------------------Varane-----------------------------------------Martinez------------------------------------------Malacia
---------------------------------------------------------Erikson-------------------------Fred--------------------------------------------------------------------
Sancho---------------------------------------------------------------Bruno-------------------------------------------------------------------------Rashford
-------------------------------------------------------------------------Ronaldo--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Big weakness in CM still. De Jong would make a huge difference as Erikson can then be pushed higher up and take the place of Bruno or Rashford.

 

[NZT-One]

I find it quite suprising, that people on here seem to think, that we, with a new manager in his first year, after one of the worst seasons for quite some time, will be able to not only implement a completely different style of play (purposeful possession oriented) but even evolve it in a way that no defensive midfielder will be needed anymore. There are talks about Iqbal, Garner, Bruno and Eriksen next to each other... Even if FDJ joins - he went to Barca to replace Busquets, didn't do it. So a defensive minded player seems to be some sort of necessity - looking at Barca, Real, Bayern, Juve, Milan, Inter, City, Liverpool. But we will somehow make it work without one. Chelsea gets it done sometimes, but they played with 3atb and, if needed, they have a player like Kante to come in...Our very own manager played a very traditional DM until a few weeks ago at Ajax.

 

[Borys]

I find it quite suprising, that people on here seem to think, that we, with a new manager in his first year, after one of the worst seasons for quite some time, will be able to not only implement a completely different style of play (purposeful possession oriented) but even evolve it in a way that no defensive midfielder will be needed anymore. There are talks about Iqbal, Garner, Bruno and Eriksen next to each other... Even if FDJ joins - he went to Barca to replace Busquets, didn't do it. So a defensive minded player seems to be some sort of necessity - looking at Barca, Real, Bayern, Juve, Milan, Inter, City, Liverpool. But we will somehow make it work without one. Chelsea gets it done sometimes, but they played with 3atb and, if needed, they have a player like Kante to come in...Our very own manager played a very traditional DM until a few weeks ago at Ajax.

Not only that, we will also do it with not one, but two no10s on the pitch at the same time.

 

[GreatDane]

Won't happen but I'd love to see what these can do:

De Gea

Dalot
Varane
Martinez
Malacia

Fred
Iqbal

Eriksen

Rashford
Martial
Sancho