Erik ten Hag's strongest starting XI if Manchester United complete dream transfer window

It's been slow going this summer for Manchester United but [insert typical comparison to the pattern of bus arrivals here] Erik ten Hag's squad is starting to take shape. At long last.

It may well have been a worryingly quiet June and Tyrell Malacia may have been the only new addition before United jetted off for their pre-season tour but, finally, signings are coming through the door. Christian Eriksen became the second arrival on Friday as he joined on a three-year contract after leaving Brentford.

The next new player shouldn't be far away, either, with Lisandro Martinez arriving in Manchester this weekend to complete his medical before committing his future to the club until 2027. United will pay £46million for the Ajax centre-back to reinforce the side's defensive options.

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Ten Hag isn't done there, though, and more players are likely to be signed before the window closes on September 1. However, United's strongest starting XI might not look completely different even if they are.

As all good coaches should aim to do, Ten Hag has already started work on improving the players already at his disposal and the likes of Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho, Diogo Dalot, Eric Bailly, Fred and Marcus Rashford already look rejuvenated and full of renewed confidence after just a couple of games. Those matches were just friendlies, of course, and not too much should be read into them but there have certainly been promising signs that wholesale changes might not be as urgent as initially thought.

As a result, United's backline when they return to competitive action may not see any changes at all. David de Gea will continue in goal while the strongest defence