The strongest Manchester United XI available to face Rosenborg in their pre-season opener

Erik ten Hag is back at Carrington and has been joined by his players, many of whom have a lot to prove after disappointing 2023/24 seasons.

With several players yet to return due to their involvement in Euro 2024 and the Copa America this summer, Ten Hag have a limited selection.

But despite this and the fact that no signings have been made yet, what is the strongest team that the Ten Hag can name?

Manchester United’s strongest line-up to face Rosenborg

As pre-season kicks off next Monday after the first week of training, we’ve taken a look at the possible line-up that Ten Hag could name to face Norwegian side Rosenborg.

But rather than a predicted lineup, here’s the strongest that could be fielded based on the players already back at Carrington.

Andre Onana

In goal, there is little debate over who starts with Andre Onana back at Carrington ahead of a season he will pray is less busy than his debut campaign at Old Trafford.

Onana will like reports suggesting United are close to strengthening the defensive midfield and central defense positions, which should mean he doesn’t face as many knocks as a relegated goalkeeper might expect.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

With Diogo Dalot just out of Euro 2024 with Portugal, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is likely to start pre-season at right-back, although his exit looks likely at some point.

Wan-Bissaka had a difficult 23/24 with Dalot becoming the established right-back. This sees him number 29 on the transfer list with a year left on his contract. But he will play against Rosenborg.

Willy Kambwala

The first centre-back is French youngster Willy Kambwala, who enjoyed an outstanding season for United last time out. With Lisandro Martinez at the Copa America and then no centre-back signing, he should start in this game.

The arrivals of Matthijs de Ligt and possibly a second defender could push Kambwala down, but for now he starts against Rosenborg.

Harry Maguire

After missing Euro 2024 through injury, Harry Maguire is back at Carrington and is in line to start pre-season against Rosenborg, which comes a day after the Euro 2024 final, in which England could yet be.

It will be upsetting for Maguire to miss out, but he will be aware that he has a lot to prove during pre-season, with the overhaul targeted at centre-back this summer.

Victor Lindelof

At left-back, it’s a tricky one, with Tyrell Malacia’s fitness unknown and Harry Amass in the picture. But in terms of the strongest lineup available next Monday, it’s probably Victor Lindelof.

The Swede, like Wan-Bissaka, is available for sale this summer and has already been the subject of interest from Fenerbahce. That said, he will likely start against Rosenborg.

Casemiro

The midfield move is another player who looks set to leave this summer. Casemiro was terrible in midfield for much of last season, but redeemed himself with some solid displays at centre-back.

With a move to sign Manuel Ugarte in the works, Casemiro is more than extended and a move to Saudi Arabia remains an option this summer.

Hannibal Mejbri

Back from his loan at Sevilla, Hannibal Mejbri’s future is up in the air. He struggled in Spain and despite breaking into Ten Hag’s squad at the start of the 23/24 season, he was eventually sent out on loan, suggesting he did not convince the Dutchman.

Mejbri is probably another who will be available this summer, but in terms of the strongest squad available, he starts. Although in reality Toby Collyer is likely to be in line to start.

Antony

Where to start with Antony. The Brazilian’s second season at Old Trafford was somehow worse than his first, barring a brief spell, including his goal against Burnley and assist against Chelsea in the Premier League.

He did not play in any of the last three games of the season, his place being taken by Amad Diallo. It looks like United would sell Antony if they could, but for now, he is still in the strongest squad available to face Rosenborg.

Mount Mason

A massive season awaits Mason Mount at Manchester United after a disappointing opening campaign for the number 7.

With Bruno Fernandes on holiday, Mount has a chance to build some form and make the number 10 position his own for at least the early parts of pre-season and he needs to use it to show he can be part of the future here.

Marcus Rashford

Everyone wants Marcus Rashford to bounce back this season and return to the electrifying form he displayed in 2022/23.

United will undoubtedly be improved next season, which should be the change Rashford needs to improve on. But it all starts against Rosenborg and he must start as he wants to continue.

Amad Diallo

Up front is a difficult position to predict and even choose the strongest player for which Rasmus Hojlund is on vacation and Joshua Zirkzee is not finished yet. But of those available, Amad Diallo is probably the best.

Amad has been used as a number nine by Ten Hag in previous positions and with the only other option being Ethan Wheatley, we could see him again. Amad will be a key player on the right this summer but may have to make a few changes up top first.

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