Manchester United starting 11: Defence
LB: Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw signed for Manchester United in 2015 but following a torrid spell filled with injuries and form issues, the Englishman finally showed his true colours last season.
The 24-year-old was one of the meagre positives in a disappointing season for United, as he ran the flanks and operated as a modern-day full-back.
Shaw will undoubtedly be Solskjaer’s first choice in the left-back position. If he can keep clear of injuries, the Englishman will be a treat to watch this season.
CB: Victor Lindelof
Manchester United leaked a plethora of goals last season, however, Victor Lindelof was rarely at fault back then. The Swede signed from Benfica in 2017 and had a tough start to life at Old Trafford, being in and out of the team.
But with Solskjaer’s appointment, the 25-year-old is finally finding his feet and making the centre-back position his own. Unless and until Eric Bailly can stay fit and perform regularly, Lindelof will be placed in the heart of defence at the start of next season.
CB: Harry Maguire
The one all United supporters have been pining for. According to recent reports, United have agreed on an £80m fee with Leicester City for Harry Maguire and an official announcement is imminent in 48 hours.
If the reports hold any veracity, Solskjaer will be getting a much-needed defensive reinforcement that United direly need.
Harry Maguire is probably the best center back in the Premier League following Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk. A ball-playing defender by style, the Englishman will definitely help Solskjaer’s men build attacks from the back.
His presence alongside Victor Lindelof will also ensure a proper CB pairing United have missed for years.
RB: Aaron Wan-BissakaÂ
Three games into the pre-season and Aaron Wan-Bissaka has already shown the Old Trafford crowd what they have missed all these years at the flanks.
Signed for £50m from Crystal Palace this summer, the 21-year-old has already started dwarfing his pricetag by showcasing his defensive abilities; his inch-perfect slide tackling is a delight to watch. No wonder Wan-Bissaka’s tremendous work-ethic and defensive skills will shore up United’s defence this season.
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