Transfer Centre

How Manchester United could line up with Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 01 July 2021

Sports Mole takes a look at how Manchester United could line up next season with Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane in the team.

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for the signature of Jadon Sancho, who is expected to officially join the Red Devils after this summer's European Championship.

The 20-time English champions are allegedly targeting three more new signings this summer, with Real Madrid's Raphael Varane being identified as a leading target.

Man United have won the race for Sancho, but the English giants are expected to face competition from the likes of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain for Varane, who is out of contract at Real Madrid next June.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side could line up next season should they manage to bring both Sancho and Varane to Old Trafford.

POSS MNU XI SANCHO, VARANE

The Red Devils have struggled with the right-sided attacking spot in their starting XI for some time; Mason Greenwood impressed last season, but there is a feeling that he will be given more opportunities at centre-forward next season despite Edinson Cavani signing an extension.

Sancho will be the undisputed starter on the right, and Man United will be hoping for both goals and assists from the England international, who has been a brilliant player for Dortmund over the last four years.

Marcus Rashford had his injury problems last season and has struggled for action at Euro 2020, but the attacker should keep hold of the left-sided attacking spot in 2021-22, which might see Paul Pogba drop back into a deeper position alongside Fred, with Scott McTominay rotating into the side.

Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are certain starters, while Cavani is expected to be the number one striker next season, as a deal for Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane seems unlikely due to the funds needed to sign him.

David de Gea might well win back the goalkeeping gloves from Dean Henderson, while Harry Maguire could have a new centre-back partner in the shape of Varane.

Victor Lindelof has certainly improved during his time at the club, but Varane has the pace, strength and experience to thrive alongside Maguire, who was missed by Man United in the Europa League final.