MAN UTD'S DREAM XI NEXT SEASON AS DAN ASHWORTH PRESENTS FOUR-MAN SHORTLIST

The 2024-25 season is set to be a pivotal one for Manchester United for multiple reasons, with Dan Ashworth's arrival central to it.

United reached an agreement with Newcastle to bring in Ashworth as sporting director, after he spent a period on gardening leave. He's just the latest addition to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's backroom staff, with CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox appointed earlier in the year.

Ashworth, who spent time with Brighton and within the FA setup earlier in his career, has reportedly drawn up a four-man transfer shortlist for his new employers. There are also expected to be further exits, with the likes of Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial having already moved on, as Erik ten Hag's squad is given a refresh.

Ten Hag is sticking around, despite United holding talks with a potential successor over the summer, but will need to improve on last season's eighth-place finish. United have at least qualified for Europe thanks to their FA Cup triumph, albeit in the Europa League rather than the Champions League.

So, what might United's starting line-up look like this season if Ashworth is able to bring in his targets? Mirror Football has taken a closer look.

Goalkeeper and defence

United conceded 15 more league goals last season than in Ten Hag's first campaign, and this might suggest a desperate need to strengthen. However, as pointed out more than once by the manager, key injuries played their part.

Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez missed chunks of the season, and both can be expected to start if fit. Diogo Dalot and Andre Onana were bright sparks in an often tough season, with both expected to keep their spots, but there is one big gap remaining.

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With Everton playing hardball on Jarrad Branthwaite, Matthijs de Light could end up being the senior centre-back to come in. The Dutchman was highly valued by Ten Hag at Ajax and appears ready to leave Bayern Munich, and while he might not be the only new arrival in his position he's likely to be an instant starter if he does arrive.

Midfield

A defensive midfielder also seems like a matter of urgency, given how much Casemiro dropped off last term. Manuel Ugarte appears to be Ashworth's preference, with the Uruguayan's agent indicating a move away from Paris Saint-Germain this summer is likely.

Ugarte could be the strong partner Kobbie Mainoo needs as the teenager looks to kick on from a breakout season. Furthermore, the holes which often appeared in the middle last term helped restrict the impact of Bruno Fernandes, who could be allowed to push forward and attack from further left if he has a solid base behind him

If United decide the players they have aren't what they need - and questions remain over the future of Christian Eriksen and Hannibal Mejbri, among others - more additions could follow. However, it's important they get the main one right.

Forwards

Rasmus Hojlund blew hot and cold in his first season as a Manchester United player, but the club clearly sees him as the future. The same goes for Alejandro Garnacho, often the liveliest player in the starting XI last term.

There will be new additions, though, with Ten Hag admitting Profit and Sustainability Rules ensured a much-needed striker couldn't be added in January. Joshua Zirkzee could be one of those new faces after firing Bologna into the Champions League, allowing for variety in United's front-line.

A straightforward partnership between Zirkzee and Hojlund might be an option, with either capable ot leading the line flanked by two wide men in support. That means Marcus Rashford, Amad and even Antony could still have roles to play as Ten Hag gets a feel for his best shape, and that could well vary depending on the opposition.

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2024-07-03T17:59:14Z dg43tfdfdgfd