The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has bought the world to a halt. While medical experts are looking for a possible vaccine against the virus, humanity at large finds itself in lockdown. Meanwhile, football fans find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they have nothing to look forward to on the weekends and the worst is that the current wait is an indefinite one.
As far as football fans are concerned, Manchester United and their fans are the most frustrated of the lot. Just as the Red Devils were building some momentum and finding consistency in their form, the season was brought to an abrupt halt.
In pic: A dazzling display by Fernandes against the citizens
The addition of Bruno Fernandes made a tangible difference to United's performances and fortunes on the pitch. There are more encouraging signs for the fans as United are being linked to a host of promising names in the next transfer window, including Harry Kane, Jadon Sancho, Pierre Emrick Aubameyang, and Jack Grealish among others.
Here we will take a look at the probable exits from the club, the curious case of Pogba, and predict how United might lineup when the Premier League 2020-21 season starts.
Probable exits:
With seventeen months of Solskjaer at the helm for United, the Norwegian has already proven his ruthless ability to let players go. And there are as many as eleven individuals currently contracted to the club who could leave in the next transfer window. Timothy Fosu Mensah is one of the first names on the list. The Dutch defender last played for United in May 2017 and a move away will be the best resolution for both parties. Marcos Rojo may face the cut as well. Although having been at United since 2014, he has never made a mark and a move looks inevitable. Chris Smalling has enjoyed a good season at Roma and the feeling is mutual that a permanent move is on the way.
In pic: out of favor Rojo and Mata
Like Smalling, Phil Jones is a representative of the bygone era at United. One that Solskjaer is keen to leave in the past. You can expect at least two out of Jesse Lingard, Andreas Periera, Juan Mata, and Paul Pogba leaving over the summer. But United will be desperate to find a new home for Alexis Sanchez this summer. Although Odion Ighalo has fared well for the red devils, he is still on loan and there is no certainty that he will stay beyond this season.
The curious case of Paul Pogba:
Of all the players in the squad for United, Paul Pogba is the one whose name appears often in media reports, or who has been most written about. And the debate is still running: Will he stay or will he leave?
In pic: Paul Pogba after a dismal outing
United will be determined to ensure that in case he leaves, it is for a significant transfer fee. Pogba has many suitors - Real Madrid, Juventus or someone else - but are they prepared to pay it, remains to be seen. United's success without Pogba shows that Solskjaer sees the club's future without the Frenchman at its epicentre. After missing the majority of the season due to several injuries, Pogba has been accused of not having the professionalism required in a man to lead United. And whether or not he wants to represent the club again is a case in itself. Fans are also looking at the prospects of how a commanding midfielder(Fernandes) could completely turn the fortunes of the club, something that was expected out of Pogba.
How United could lineup next season:
Here are the three ways in which Manchester United could lineup next season:
#3. 4-3-2-1 with Jack Grealish accompanying Scott McTominay with Jadon Sancho on the wing:
Although Dean Henderson has made a case for himself, David de Gea will be between the sticks for at least this season. The defensive line of Shaw, Maguire, Lindelof, and wan Bissaka do not need any changes. With Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho long being linked with a move to the club, United would become a force to reckon with. Grealish could just be the holding midfielder required to accompany McTominay. Jadon Sancho would surely strengthen the right-wing, something that is lacking for the past few seasons. With Rashford and Martial upfront, it would just be the kind of setup that gets the best out of Bruno Fernandes.
#2. 4-2-2 with Odion Ighalo and Marcus Rashford upfront:
A lot was talked about the last-minute loan transfer of Odion Ighalo in the January transfer window. However, it looks as if Solskjaer has pulled off a masterstroke. We may see him alongside Marcus Rashford. Fernandes will be given the license to roam on the pitch. Although the traditional 4-2-2 formation might have become a rarity in present-day football, United could use it to devastating effect next season with Rashford and Ighalo in their ranks.
#1. 3-4-1-2 with Nemanja Matic, Fred or McTominay in midfield:
Due to the pandemic, there is a complete halt to all footballing events, and in the words of Ed Woodward, fans should not expect business "as usual". Clearly indicating that a multi-million deal of Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish or anybody will be difficult, Solskjaer may have to stick with his own set of players. Adopting this formation would mean that United deploy Brendan Williams and Luke Shaw as wing-backs, a role in which both of them have excelled this season. Solskjaer has experimented with this kind of formation against Chelsea and Manchester City in the recent games and the results were plain to see.
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