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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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Verdict: Option one

That midfield really could use Paul Pogba, couldn’t it? Schweinsteiger nor Schneiderlin particularly performed up to expectations last year. But Pogba is linked to every big club every summer, so until some seismic movement comes by way of a reputable transfer story that says he’s joining, we’ll work under the idea that he isn’t coming.

This option is (currently) United’s strongest available because it allows all of their best players in the team. Debates could be had about Darmian vs. Valencia or Shaw for Blind based on fitness from the former’s horror injury last season, but the front four are much too good to pass out.

Nowadays, it seems Rooney’s best position is in the no. 10. With the players around him he’ll shine brighter. United *should* be able to play higher up the pitch and allow Rooney to pick apart defenses from higher positions. Plus having two additional strikers in the attacking midfield positions will help solve their insipid attack since Fergie left.

Unfortunately for Rashford, he’s not getting into United’s strongest XI without an injury or Mkhitaryan has a Depay-esque landing at the club. It’s probably a good thing, anyway, because he’ll have less pressure and expectations. Remember: He made his first team debut earlier in this calendar year.

Martial, as you may have noticed, is included in every one of these choices as he’s been great for United.

Related Story: Will Memphis stay at United?

This team should score goals easily. With De Gea in net, they’ve always got the chance to rack up clean sheets. The defense can be suspect, but with Mourinho’s esoteric ways maybe he finds the magic elixir to solve those frailties.

Plus, with all the deadwood around the first team, maybe funds will be raised for another marquee signing. Who knows.

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