There is a renewed optimism surrounding Manchester United as they head into their weekend trip to face Nottingham Forest.
What threatened to be a bleak winter might well be turned into a season of merriment after the character they displayed to come back from two goals down and defeat Aston Villa earlier in the week.
It only takes one result to change that, though. As quickly as the mood has been lifted, it could also be quickly deflated if they fail to meet expectations at the City Ground on Saturday night.
TEAM NEWS: United can’t afford Onana repeat with Bayindir
LATEST: Ten Hag’s plan for Hannibal has been revealed
The good news is that change feels imminent. Not only is there a breath of fresh air following the takeover announcement, but United are close to welcoming back a number of key players, which will be crucial in finding the momentum and consistency that Erik ten Hag craves.
Most importantly, it has gone from being hard to make a case for any United player to keep their place in the starting line-up to feeling like United are now on the brink of settling upon a clear strongest XI. There could be just three positions up for grabs heading into 2024.
Andre Onana might fear losing his starting role while he is away at the Africa Cup of Nations, but he clearly remains the first-choice in goal and it is hard to see him losing that no matter how well Altay Bayindir performs in his absence.
Lisandro Martinez will walk straight back into the United starting line-up when he is fully fit, though Jonny Evans has proven himself to be a worthy understudy when needed. Luke Shaw remains the clear standout at left back, having already fought off competition from Tyrell Malacia.
The two other positions in defence are up for grabs and could well be strengthened in the transfer market next year. Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka both continue to battle for the starting right-back role and you could make a case for either of them as easily as you could make a case against either of them as well. United are in the market for another right-back and they are clearly lacking an outstanding option in the position, as they have on the other flank.
It is also hard to settle on an obvious starter in the other centre-back role. Harry Maguire has been rejuvenated this season, but Raphael Varane remains the best defender at the club. The issue is that there are still doubts about Maguire’s suitability for Ten Hag’s intended style of play and Varane simply can’t be relied upon enough to play two games a week. United are also in the market for another centre-back, someone who can be a long-term partner for Martinez in the defence.
Moving onto the midfield, Kobbie Mainoo has justified his recent starting role in the side and would now benefit from a prolonged spell to establish himself as a regular. He has brought calmness and composure to the position and deserves to start even when everyone else is fully fit.
Bruno Fernandes is the captain and won’t ever be dropped, meaning there is one other position up for grabs in the midfield three. Scott McTominay is the top scorer but contradicts the ball-playing philosophy of his manager; Christian Eriksen is best used sparingly against the right opposition; and Casemiro was poor before his injury layoff.
The Brazilian still feels the most likely to come back into the lineup when he is fit, but there is little evidence to suggest he will be the saviour like he was last season. United are also in the market for another central midfielder and their task would be to partner Mainoo and Fernandes.
In attack, there is little else Ten Hag can do. Rasmus Hojlund might need support from another striker signing, but he is the man they have gambled on and the hope is that his goal against Aston Villa could open the floodgates on his scoring account.
Alejandro Garnacho has been the most consistent forward all season and has the chance to make the right wing his own, while Ten Hag retains the support of Marcus Rashford on the left.
Those three are helped by the fact there is no convincing backup from the bench either. Anthony Martial is certain to leave the club; Antony has struggled for consistency; and Facundo Pellistri and Amad are both impact substitutes at best.
Once again, there is reason for United to target at least another forward next year, but there are no guarantees the player signed will actually go into the starting lineup.
As the year comes to an end, there is fresh reason to feel optimistic, but there is clearly a lot of work to be done before many will be convinced that anything has actually changed.
United’s strongest XI: Onana; ?, ?, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, ?, Fernandes; Garnacho, Rashford, Hojlund
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
