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Manchester United’s projected starting 11 for 2016/17

By Rucker Haringey

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Manager Louis van Gaal of Manchester United walks off at halftime during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on March 17, 2016 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Manager Louis van Gaal of Manchester United walks off at halftime during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on March 17, 2016 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 03: John Stones of Everton and Jesse Lingard of Manchester United shake hands after the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on April 3, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 03: John Stones of Everton and Jesse Lingard of Manchester United shake hands after the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on April 3, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

John Stones

Welcome to the first surprise of the projected starting 11 for United next season. I believe they’ll splash the cash for a big-name central defender target and Everton man John Stones will be the club’s first choice.

Everton has previously been adamant that they won’t sell Stones, but his sporadic play of late for both club and country has them softening that stance. United certainly has the financial clout to test the Toffees’ resolve with a big money offer.

United will prefer Stones over other international targets because he’s young, and English. Both things are hugely important to the higher-ups at United which will allow them to sanction the massive bid necessary for his purchase.

On the pitch, pairing Stones with Smalling would give United a very solid centre back combination moving forward. United fans would take great pleasure in knowing they were supporting the centre back partnership of both their favorite club and their native country.

Next: Right back

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