So, what's our opening XI going to be now?

Originally Posted by fix up look SHARPE

i think ashley young has earned the right to start the season in the first xi.

De Gea


Darmian
Smalling (potential new cb)
Rojo
Shaw


Carrick
Schwein
Schneid
Herrera
Depay


Rooney




Jones, Valencia, Blind, Mata, Di Maria, young all in reserve

Too many permutations and combinations it's impossible to say

I have a feeling we'll be seeing some more of the 3-5-2 this year, and no doubt players springing up in a variety of a positions. I also think Luis will surprise everyone by promoting or buying one or two younger players, which also makes it impossible to predict.

Anyway, let's just say we are having to pick our top 4.4.2, I'd say the following are the best players, on paper, in each position:

GK: DDG (or A.N.Other)

Fullbacks: Shaw and Darmian

Centre Backs: Smalling and Rojo (Jones or maybe even Carrick if we have 3-5-2 - Ramos/Otamendi to replace either)

Central Midfield: Basti and Carrick

Wide players/wingers: Di Maria and Depay

Attacking Duo: Rooney and Mata (! -fully expect us to sign a tall, pacey old school number nine)

My favourite player is Herrera, £#%&!ing loving him I do, but I don't see him ousting any of the above. Squad rotation and an abundance of talented subs means we should be putting up a fierce challenge on all fronts, this year. Just see us as being light in the CB and striker positions. Are 2 more signings possible? £#%&! yeah.

That's a great post Barry but shows how hard it is. No Schneiderlin? I reckon he's a certain start.

I'd have Schneiderlin and Herrera instead of Di Maria and Mata but that just goes to show what a squad we currently have.

Let's face it, you need to leave out AT LEAST two of the following players:


Schneiderlen, Schweinsteiger, Carrick, Herrera, Di Maria, Young, Mata, Blind, Depay, Fellaini, Valencia, Rooney.


What a wonderful problem!

It will obviously be 433

De Gea (for now)

Darmian----Smalling----Jones / Rojo----Shaw

Carrick / Schneiderlin

Herrera---------------Schweinsteiger

Mata / Di Maria----Rooney-------Depay

Not sure who will partner Smalling and god knows how you can pick the 3 in midfield out of Carrick, Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin and Herrera as except for Carrick they can all play in each position in the midfield 3
Mata and Di Maria can also play as the advanced attacking midfielders as well #options

Not sure who plays on the right of the front 3 but if Di Maria stays then I'd give him a run in the side in that position as I feel we need pace either side of Rooney

Even without any further signings it looks

Originally Posted by Billy Redface

Let's face it, you need to leave out AT LEAST two of the following players:


Schneiderlen, Schweinsteiger, Carrick, Herrera, Di Maria, Young, Mata, Blind, Depay, Fellaini, Valencia, Rooney.


What a wonderful problem!

You need to leave out 6 if you want any defenders and a goaly