Now the winter break and January transfer window is over, it’s time to return to action. Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick is currently preparing his side for their FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough on Friday night, with his side looking to make the fifth round of the competition. So, with that being the case, Express Sport will now take a look at the best possible XI the German can put out for upcoming matches ahead.
Goalkeeper: De Gea
At the end of last season, David De Gea appeared to be on the wane.
The Spain international struggled in the Europa League final, failing to save a single penalty in the shootout and missing an effort of his own.
But De Gea has made amends with the 31-year-old now back to his best.
Without him, their campaign could have been even worse with De Gea standing out in matches against the likes of Brentford, West Ham, Wolves and Aston Villa this term.
Now he’s back to his best, the No 1 jersey is certainly his to lose.
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Midfield: McTominay, Pogba, Fernandes
Paul Pogba is set to return from injury against Middlesbrough, having recovered just before the winter break started.
With Rangnick wanting to play an attacking 4-3-3, it’s feasible he’ll play in an advanced midfield role alongside Bruno Fernandes.
That way the pair can drop deep and help whoever Rangnick chooses to deploy in the No 6 position.
Fred would normally expect to get the nod in that department.
But Scott McTominay has become an undroppable asset for United in recent weeks and the Scotland international deserves to keep his place in the team.
Forwards: Sancho, Ronaldo, Rashford
United’s frontline is now considerably less-stocked than it was before the winter break.
Amad has joined Rangers on loan, scoring on his debut, while Anthony Martial has headed to Sevilla.
United will be without Mason Greenwood for the foreseeable future.
So that means Jadon Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford may end up starting matches by default.
Edinson Cavani, meanwhile, will be a dependable presence off the bench.
United’s last XI vs Middlesbrough
The last time United faced off against Middlesbrough was back in 2017, when Mourinho ruled the roost.
Marouane Fellaini, Jesse Lingard and Antonio Valencia were all on the scoresheet in a 3-1 win at the Riverside Stadium.
United started with De Gea in goal with Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Ashley Young starting in a back four.
Fellaini, Michael Carrick and Juan Mata were all deployed in midfield.
And Mourinho went with Valencia and Lingard either side of Rashford in attack.