Manchester United enjoyed a frantic transfer deadline day on Friday as they made three signings ahead of the weekend.
While nobody expects Sofyan Amrabat or Altay Bayindir to feature this weekend against Arsenal, both Sergio Reguilon and Rasmus Hojlund could potentially make their debuts for United.
Of course, with Mason Mount out injured after his arrival from Chelsea, it could be several weeks before Erik ten Hag is able to field his preferred XI, save for Luke Shaw who could be out until November.
Nevertheless, with an underwhelming start to the Premier League season for United in the Dutch manager’s second season, fans will be hoping that a settled, fresh line-up full of new talent could help United make their first credible title challenge in years.
We take a look at a potential full-strength starting line-up for the coming weeks.
Andre Onana
The new signing from Inter Milan has already made an impression of a sorts with some mistakes in his early appearances, but given his skill with the ball at his feet, there is also a chance that once he is settled in, he will help United overcome their nerves when they attempt to play out from the back.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
The right-back appears to have done enough last season to convince Ten Hag that he is able to be a more reliable figure in the backline, while also improving his attacking contribution. Fans will hope that he continues that amelioration or he may come under pressure from Diogo Dalot.
Raphael Varane
Another injury concern, but few doubt that when he is fit and in his best form, he remains one of the sturdiest and most elegant central defenders in the game. Victor Lindelof will consider himself next in line for any chances in the Frenchman’s absence.
Lisandro Martinez
United missed the Argentine in the last weeks of the season when he was another injury victim, and despite his stature he is an imposing figure at the back. With Jonny Evans now in place for an Old Trafford swansong, there seems little way back for Harry Maguire except in the very worst injury crises.
Sergio Reguilon
After spells at Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Tottenham, he has European football pedigree and Premier League experience, but there is no denying that he is a stop-gap. He once showed the potential to become a solid presence on the left flank, but if he does not step up then Tyrell Malacia may take his spot in the coming weeks.
Mason Mount
Assuming a swift recovery from his own injury then Mount can offer a dynamic presence in midfield alongside Casemiro, who has looked increasingly isolated in the early stages of the season. If he can offer a goalscoring threat and cover across the pitch, Christian Eriksen may be relegated to the bench.
Casemiro
A fine player who has a knack of scoring important goals, the Brazilian is now past 30 and needs help with more energetic players alongside him. After years of struggling to find the best combination of midfielders at Old Trafford, it is not clear how to fit both Mount and Casemiro alongside Amrabat and Bruno Fernandes.
Sofyan Amrabat
The Moroccan will offer the stamina of Mount plus some more defensive nous, and a more cerebral approach. Potentially he will take over from Casemiro in the coming years.
Bruno Fernandes
With the demands of Champions League football and cup competitions, it may be rare that United are able to field all four of their best midfielders, and it will add focus on both Reguilon and Wan-Bissaka to offer attacking threat out wide. Fernandes’ creativity, goalscoring and undeniable numbers mean he will likely start whenever possible.
Marcus Rashford
If Rashford is part of a front three with Fernandes and Hojlund then he will be the player to offer pace and width, though with Hojlund being no slouch, the pair of them could work the inside left and right channels with Fernandes behind them. Rashford rediscovered his incisiveness and goalscoring touch under Ten Hag last year, and needs to be given the chance to stay on the left flank.
Rasmus Hojlund
The Danish striker has it all to prove. Many want a copy of Erling Haaland, but so far his performances for Atalanta show a player with plenty of potential, but not the equivalent track record. With his age, if he develops well under his new manager, he could become a vital part of a new-look attack.