Strongest Manchester United starting XI as Erik ten Hag closes in on dream transfer
It's been long. It's been drawnout. It's been stressful. It's been very expensive. But in the end, Manchester United might have had a great transfer window after all.
It's not all gone to plan for Erik ten Hag, as United have been unable to get his top target in Frenkie de Jong but they've signed a rather decent, and probably more needed, alternative in Casemiro to add to the signings of Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez. Additionally, the club have also managed to snag his top attacking target.
The deal is still subject to international clearance and personal terms being agreed upon, but United have now confirmed the signing of exciting winger Antony from Ajax. The Brazilian comes at a hefty price, potentially rising to £85.5million, but he has been the manager's number one choice to enhance his attacking options since the start of the summer.
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Antony's imminent arrival brings much-needed balance to United's lopsided attack, as he is a left-footed right winger rather than a right-footed left winger, and he is sure to go straight into Ten Hag's strongest side once he is available. Once Antony and reserve goalkeeper Martin Dubravka officially join the club, that will likely be the end of United's summer business.
Those two additions would bring United's total signings this summer to six and all but Dubravka are likely to be in Ten Hag's new-look strongest XI. Despite his difficulties in playing out from the back, David de Gea looks as though he will remain No.1, with Ten Hag opting to change his style and not have the Spaniard be in possession as much. However, Dubravka's arrival will offer more competition, alongside Tom