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Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be faced with a new-look XI next season if Paul Pogba runs down his contract at Old Trafford. Currently, his deal expires in 2022, and while Franck Kessie has been tipped as his replacement, Declan Rice and Max Aarons are two other stars who have been touted as candidates to strengthen the Red Devils’ squad. With those three through the door, Express Sport looks at how United could line up if Pogba looks for a new challenge.
Goalkeeper – De Gea
The No 1 spot between the sticks remains largely up for grabs at Old Trafford, with Dean Henderson providing stiff competition.
Since the Englishman began to pose a genuine threat to David De Gea’s spot, however, the Spaniard has upped his game and now looks a force once again.
Last time out against West Ham, his stoppage-time penalty save from Mark Noble snatched a valuable three points for his side, so although there is plenty of time for Henderson to worm his way in before next season, prospects of it happening in the near future appear slim.
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Defensive midfield – Rice, Kessie
The base of United’s midfield is the area that could see the biggest makeover from this season to the next.
With Pogba not yet putting pen to paper on a new deal, Solskjaer and co. must prepare for the eventuality of him leaving, and AC Milan superstar Kessie looks likely to be available for free with his contract expiring in less than a year.
If United follow up their interest in the Ivorian with an audacious move for Declan Rice, something former captain Roy Keane would be staunchly in favour of, they could be in great shape.
This summer, David Moyes attempted to ward off interest in the Hammers midfielder by valuing him at £100million. Whether the Scotsman would be open to a compromise in 2022 remains to be seen.
Attacking midfield – Rashford, Fernandes, Sancho
If there are still one or two holes to be plugged in other areas of the side, in attack is where United almost have a surplus of top-class talent.
Bruno Fernandes has rightfully earned his spot behind the striker due to his incredible output, but spots on the wing are hotly contested.
Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are two prime candidates to wreak havoc out wide, but emerging talents like Mason Greenwood and Amad Diallo may eventually have something to say about that.
Striker – Ronaldo
Next season will mark the second half of Cristiano Ronaldo’s blockbuster two-year deal which brought him back to Old Trafford.
By then, he will be well into his late-thirties, but if his early goal-scoring exploits are anything to go by, he will still be finding the back of the net with regularity.
The club may begin scouting for younger options during next summer’s transfer window, but it will be hard to displace one of the greatest players of all time.
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