A look at what bookmakers think could be Manchester United’s possible starting XI next season.
Manchester United have flattered to deceive on most occasions this season, the most successful English club went on a record breaking unbeaten run in the Premier League, but still managed to finish a measly sixth place. Despite a disappointing outcome in the league, Jose Mourinho’s team still managed to complete their goal and qualify for next season’s Champions League.
The Red Devils cruised to victory in the Europa League last night against Ajax, which gives the English club the all-important Champions League place, and a huge increase in buying power during the off-season. Odds were slashed on many of footballs biggest stars joining United following the win in Stockholm. Below we look at the bookmaker’s predictions for who might be playing at Old Trafford next season.
Bookmakers predicted @ManUtd team for 2017-18 seasonhttps://t.co/0Lur17opMz pic.twitter.com/NEJjp8yOJL
— Oddschecker Media (@OddscheckerNews) May 25, 2017
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
The Spanish goalkeeper has been United’s player of the season in three of the last four seasons, and was the first goalkeeper to win the award back in 2013-14 season. De Gea is as short as 2/5 to join Spanish giants Real Madrid, however Champions League football could keep him around for another year. If he does decide to go back to Spain, United are 3/1 to sign Hugo Lloris.
Right back: Antonio Valencia
Valencia was pretty stiff to miss out on United’s player of the season after another outstanding campaign. The Ecuadorian defender captained the team last night in United’s Europa League final win, and even though he’s been linked with PSG, he’s expected to be around next season.
Centre back: Eric Bailly
Bailly was suspended for the final against Ajax, but has had a decent first season in the Premier League. He’ll have plenty competition for his place from the likes of Jones, Smalling, Rojo, Blind and potentially Michael Keane, who is 1/3 to re-join the club.
Centre back: Victor Lindelof
Benfica’s centre back was linked with a move the Manchester club in January, and rumours haven’t gone away during the back-end of the season. The Swedish defender is 9/2 to be United’s next signing.
Left back: Luke Shaw
Danny Rose has a chance of joining United but remains a 9/1 shot, as he’s still linked with a move to City. Therefore we’ve gone with Luke Shaw ahead of Darmian and Blind. The English left-back has suffered with injuries again this season and many believe Mourinho isn’t his biggest fan, but in a World Cup year he’ll need to have a big season to make the squad.
Right midfield: James Rodriguez
Reports suggest that Rodriguez has already been offered to the Manchester club, which has seen his odds come in to as short as 3/10 to join United this summer. The Real Madrid star is also 6/4 favourite to be the Red Devils’ next signing.
Centre midfield: Paul Pogba
The world’s most expensive player is starting to find his feet at his old club, and bigger things are expected of the Frenchman next year. He’ll have competition for his place from Carrick (potentially), Fellaini, Rooney and possibly Bernardo Silva who’s 4/1 to be United’s next signing.
Centre midfield: Ander Herrera
Herrera has been United’s best player this season, which worryingly for fans has created rumours about a move to Barcelona. Pundits expect the midfielder to stay in England, and if he does he’ll easily make the best eleven.
Left midfield: Gareth Bale
Bale’s been linked with a move to Manchester ever since he burst onto the scene on the south coast. He’s won everything there’s to win in Spain, and might fancy a move back closer to home. One bookmaker currently has the Welsh winger at 4/6 to join United. If he joins, it could see either Martial, Mata or even Mkhitaryan depart the club.
Attacking midfield: Antoine Griezmann
Griezmann stated before the win over Ajax he was a 6/10 chance of joining United, so one can only think this has become more likely following last night’s result. Yesterday he was a 4/9 chance of joining the English club, this has shortened to 1/5 with one bookie.
Centre Forward: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan has been rumoured to be leaving United at the end of the season, but after making such a big impression in his first year at the club the Red Devils will be doing all they can to keep the big Swede. Ibrahimovic is 8/11 to move to the MLS and 9/2 to rejoin his boyhood club Malmo FF.
Other potential signings:
Mesut Ozil: 2/1
Eric Dier: 5/2
Cristiano Ronaldo: 9/2
Isco: 10/1
Joe Hart: 6/1
Neymar: 10/1
Romelu Lukaku: 5/1
