Jadon Sancho starts in a (4-3-3) formation”, Confirmed Manchester United line up vs Fulham today as Erik Ten Hag makes De ligt Decision

Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui’s double transfer to Manchester United is almost complete, which might result in a formation change.

In the first summer under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his new board at Manchester United, the transfer market hasn’t been quite as thrilling as expected thus far.

So far, the only players signed are Joshua Zirkzee, a striker, and Leny Yoro, a young centre-back. However, things are about to change as things have finally picked up this week.

The Dutch centre back will cost United an initial £38.6 million, while his Bayern teammate will cost United £12.8 million up front.

That’s exceptionally excellent business for United, as they have secured the services of two seasoned and talented defenders for less money than Everton was willing to pay for Jarrad Branthwaite.

The upcoming double signing not only provides the team with much-needed defensive reinforcements, but it also affords Erik ten Hag additional tactical leeway in how he arranges his team.

Now that he had access to more defenders, the manager could even go to a 3-5-2 formation.

fresh appearance Manchester United defensive including Yoro and De Ligt
De Ligt’s arrival will mean that two new centre backs have been signed this summer, much needed following the injury crisis of last year.

Quality signings were crucial because United’s defence was frequently reduced to the bare minimum, requiring veteran Jonny Evans to play far more than expected.

Yoro has already had another injury, missing three months due to a fractured metatarsal, but Ten Hag can play a strong back three when healthy.

With their quickness and skill on the ball, Yoro and Lisandro Martinez could play on the right and left, respectively, while De Ligt would be the reliable middle player to tie everything together.

That defence looks well-balanced and capable of pushing the ball up the field, building from the back and digging in deep when necessary.

Restore Harry Maguire has repeatedly shown that he can play well in a back three.

Mazraoui may play as United’s wing-back.
United’s three full-backs—Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, and soon-to-be Mazraoui—love to attack down the wings, create overloads, and throw balls into the box.

Ten Hag may now have the players to fulfil his goal of having his full-backs be energetic and progressive with the ball in order to enable his team advance up the pitch.

Similar to Yoro, Shaw is out of commission right now due to bad luck in 2024, but fortunately, Mazraoui can play on the left as well, as he has demonstrated while playing for Morocco.

Dalot and Mazraoui would compete for the right starting berth when Shaw is healthy.

Kobbie Mainoo is a lock to start in the middle, and it appears that Casemiro will be his starting partner to begin the season.

In the Community Shield loss to Manchester City, Casemiro appeared revitalised, which is encouraging, but United might yet try to sign a defensive midfield player before the transfer season shuts.

a dynamic offensive group under Alejandro Garnacho’s direction
Given that Bruno Fernandes is about to sign a new deal at Old Trafford, the captain will undoubtedly play in the creative midfield position and will do so for years to come.

With Zirkzee’s arrival, United has even more options to lead the two-man strike force ahead of him.

When he returns from injury, Rasmus Hojlund will start, but for now, Marcus Rashford and the Dutchman are vying for a slot.

Alejandro Garnacho’s would be the other, naturally. Despite being a winger by trade, the young Argentinean player has demonstrated incredible finishing poise and could easily play in a more central offensive role.

Ten Hag has used a back-three in the past, particularly in situations where injuries have struck particularly hard, but with the resources at his disposal now, he may make it a tactical setup he chooses to deploy voluntarily rather than as a last resort.

Onana, Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui, Mainoo, Casemiro, Shaw, Fernandes, Hojlund, and Garnacho make up the United XI in a 3-5-2 formation.