Transfer Centre

How Manchester United could line up with Kai Havertz, Thomas Muller

By Darren Plant, Senior ReporterPublished: 28 October 2019 10:30 AM

Manchester United are allegedly prepared to spend £125m on Kai Havertz and Thomas Muller, but where would the pair feature in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's starting lineup?

Manchester United are expected to be active in the January transfer window, specifically for attack-minded players given their struggles in front of goal since the beginning of the campaign.

While Juventus forward Mario Mandzukic has been heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford, a recent report has suggested that United are keen to sign German duo Kai Havertz and Thomas Muller.

Despite Bayer Leverkusen allegedly valuing Havertz in the region of £85m, United are said to view the 20-year-old as a priority addition in the final third, with the playmaker having already contributed 26 goals from 96 outings in the Bundesliga.

Bayern Munich have dismissed speculation regarding long-serving Muller moving to the Premier League giants in the foreseeable future.

However, United appear willing to offer up to £40m for the versatile attacker, who would add some much-needed experience at the English club.

Here, Sports Mole predicts where each of the potential signings may line up in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's starting lineup.

MNUXI with Kai Havertz and Thomas Muller.

Both Havertz and Muller can play in a number of roles, leaving Solskjaer with plenty of options when it comes to deciding the make-up of his forward line.

However, with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford considered certain starters when each of them are fit, it leaves Havertz and Muller to fill the remaining two positions.

While Daniel James has impressed during his early months at Old Trafford, Havertz would be regarded as a step up in quality to the Wales international on the right flank.

The youngster is also capable of playing in a central position, although Muller would likely be given the nod behind Rashford given his age and experience.

The consequence of including both men in the first XI would be Solskjaer opting to use his two midfielders in a deeper role, something which may suit both Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba.

Solskjaer would also have the option of using a 4-3-3 formation, with Havertz being used as the most advanced player in the middle and Rashford and Martial playing either side of Muller further forward.