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What is Manchester United’s strongest XI?

By Tom Bogert

Paris Saint-Germain's Swedish midfielder Zlatan Ibrahimovic speaks with Chelsea's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho (R) at the end of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on February 17, 2015. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain's Swedish midfielder Zlatan Ibrahimovic speaks with Chelsea's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho (R) at the end of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on February 17, 2015. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Option one: 4-2-3-1

Three new signings cracks this option for their strongest team. Well, four if you include the manager, which will be more important than those on the field. They all plug holes that plagued the side last season.

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Eric Bailly’s acquisition should spell the end of the Daley Blind at center back experience. The big Ivorian looks a real talent, though only 22 he should be in the team as long as he’s fit. Mourinho will hope his development continues trending up and that he’s ready for continuous first team football at a club that hopes to challenge for the Premier League title.

Next to Bailly is Chris Smalling who’ll be important to the new central defender. Smalling will have to put a leash on Bailly and keep his positioning and discipline in check.

The players of the backline looks so devastating on paper. Despite Bastian Schweinsteiger beginning to lose his battle with father time, he’s still a top quality midfielder. This year is key for him after an injury riddled 2015-16 to prove he’s still at the top. Morgan Schneiderlin will provide legs for the German, much like Nemanja Matic did for Cesc Fabregas at Chelsea under Mourinho.

Manchester United deciding to pursue and, inevitably as they usually do, signing Mkhitaryan makes so much sense. This formation and team sheet gets the best out of him as well. He’s surrounded by three strikers in the front four. Ibrahimovic is still one of the game’s most prolific finishers, Rooney has rounded into a complete player and Martial is more fleet of foot than those two. Mkhtaryan will be spoiled for choice when he gets on the ball.

Next: Option two: 4-3-3

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