Erik ten Hag could make shock Bruno Fernandes sacrifice in Man United strongest XI with Leny Yoro

Erik ten Hag could build Manchester United's strongest starting lineup to date before the end of the year. United are expected to welcome some big names back from the treatment room in the coming weeks – just in time for the congested festive fixture schedule.

Kobbie Mainoo, who withdrew early from the latest England squad with a muscle issue, could be sidelined until after the November international break. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw, who hasn't played for United since February, has been back training and building up his fitness, but Ten Hag's unwilling to take any risks.

As for Leny Yoro, he's doing "very well" and has recently been pictured back out on grass at Carrington. A competitive debut for the club could be sooner rather than later too, with Bruno Fernandes claiming it's 'almost time' on Instagram.

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Casemiro, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia are all also out, but the aforementioned trio are more so game-changers. So, with that being said, the Manchester Evening News has drafted what could be Ten Hag's strongest starting lineup once the likes of Mainoo, Yoro and Shaw are given a clean bill of health.

Formation

While Ten Hag has primarily operated a 4-2-3-1 since arriving at Old Trafford, he enjoyed great success with a 4-4-2 towards the end of last season. Using this formation, United defeated Brighton and Newcastle in the Premier League before storming past Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

The Dutchman raised eyebrows when he split his two wingers with Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay. But, ultimately, his plan. worked and United looked stronger out of possession and more dangerous on the counter-attack.

Goalkeeper

Andre Onana remains between the sticks. The 28-year-old goalkeeper, who joined United from Ajax in a deal worth £47.2m in July 2023, has had a rocky start to life at Old Trafford, but he hasn't been helped by injuries to key defenders.

Defence

At the back, the additions of Shaw and Yoro significantly improve United's backline. With the England international and Diogo Dalot on opposite flanks, Ten Hag has two nicely balanced full-backs who provide quality at either end of the pitch.

At centre-half, Matthijs de Ligt hasn't quite improved the United defence like many believed. So, this leaves the door open for Yoro to force himself into the starting lineup. With so many games in the calendar, there's ample opportunity for the trio to displace one another.

Midfield

In the middle of the park, Ten Hag could trial Fernandes in a slightly deeper role alongside Kobbie Mainoo. While the skipper has been so reliable in a more advanced position since joining United, his introduction would certainly help stabilise the side in possession.

Until United sign a top holding midfielder, who can both dictate play and shield the backline, Fernandes should be trialled in a pivot. With Manuel Ugarte having not yet made his full impact and Casemiro often exposed, Mainoo shouldn't be put under such a ruthless spotlight week in week out at only 19.

Attack

Ten Hag could operate Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho on the left and right wing, respectively – both of which have proven in the past to be excellent outlets. Then, up top, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee can lead the line, with the latter dropping to link the play.

So...

Here's what United's strongest starting lineup could look like on paper: Andre Onana; Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot; Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes; Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho; Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee.