With new manager Jose Mourinho likely to be on his way, there should be a significant number of changes to Manchester United.
By Jamie Martin
Here is an early prediction of how next season’s first starting 11 will shake out:
Goalkeeper
David De Gea is among the top goalkeepers in the world and will remain at United if he desires. It will be difficult to hold onto the Spaniard for the long-term future but it is unlikely that he will leave Old Trafford for Spain this summer.
Defense
RB: Matteo Darmian
Though the Italian defender has struggled at times throughout his first season at Old Trafford, mainly due to injury, he has a very bright future both at the club and International level. Backup Guillermo Varela has established himself in contention for the right back role but Darmian was purchased as the long-term solution and it will remain that way next season.
CB: John Stones (Everton)
Mourinho is a big admirer of the young English center back and he will likely target him if appointed manager of United. Though the price would be steep and Everton are difficult negotiators, the move is possible. Stones has the makings of a future International star and would jump at the possibility of a step up to United.
CB: Chris Smalling
Smalling has developed into one of the best center backs in the Premier League and is in contention to be a future captain of both club and country. Expect him to remain a mainstay in the United starting eleven next season.
LB: Luke Shaw
The youngster has unfortunately been held back by injuries but is a very talented left back and if fit, is one of United’s most exciting players.
Midfield
CDM: Morgan Schneiderlin
He is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League and is continuing to become more and more important to Manchester United. He will remain in a starting role next season and hopefully beyond.
CM/CDM: Bastian Schweinsteiger
The Bayern Munich legend has struggled for consistency in his first season at Old Trafford but is still a very good player and will likely be given the chance to shine in a United shirt.
LM/LW: Memphis Depay
Depay started off his United career slowly but has begun to regain form and confidence as the season wears on. Under a manager like Mourinho, Depay could flourish in a role as a winger or striker.
RM/RW: Anthony Martial
It is difficult to predict whether Martial will serve as a winger or striker in the future, but with Wayne Rooney still at Manchester United, he will likely be resigned to a less prolific role. However, he is a very good player on the wing and should continue to grow for both France and United next season with a view to becoming a star.
CM/CAM: Ander Herrera
Herrera is slowly becoming one of United’s most important players and would thrive under a manger like Mourinho. He has all the tools to become a player with consistent numbers in terms of assists; possibly featuring in a role similar to that of Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas.
Forward
No matter what the critics say, Rooney is still one of Manchester United’s best and most important players. Chelsea attempted to buy him two summers ago so there is no question that Mourinho admires his qualities.
Expect Rooney to remain at the forefront of United’s attack next season with Martial eventually taking over within the next few years.
Bench
GK Sergio Romero
CAM/RW Juan Mata
CM Michael Carrick
The veteran is out of contact at the end of the season but will likely be offered a new 1 year contract to remain at the club.
RB Guillermo Varela
CB/CDM Daley Blind
FW Mauro Icardi
The Argentine is currently with Inter Milan but has been rumored to be one of Mourinho’s future transfer targets should he take over at a club next season.