THE Premier League fixtures for the 2020-21 season have been released, with Manchester United starting with a home game against Crystal Palace.
United won the away encounter last season post-lockdown, but Roy Hodgson’s side beat United 2-1 at Old Trafford earlier in the campaign.
It’s the kind of game United must win if they are to keep pace with rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, who will inevitably be the ones to catch again.
If United are to have any chance of doing that though, they must strengthen this summer.
Below, United End editor Tom McDermott picks his starting XI which includes a returning player, and a couple of new signings…
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DEAN HENDERSON
THE youngster announced his departure from Sheffield United earlier this week on social media.
And, with him reportedly close to agreeing a new contract with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, can we really see him being sent out on loan again?
David De Gea or more likely Sergio Romero could be sold to free space.
And that would mean a straight fight between Henderson and the Spaniard for the gloves on the opening day of the season.
AARON WAN-BISSAKA
THE right-back received some unnecessary stick towards the end of the season but impressed overall.
If he can improve in the final third and positionally out of possession, then there’s still an exceptional talent there.
He will be desperate to start against his former team.
HARRY MAGUIRE
THE captain will rediscover his best form when he plays next to a defender who is more mobile.
Maguire has been a decent signing but looked weighed down with the price tag and captaincy.
He needs help back there, and if it arrives, we should start to see him at his best.
DAYOT UPAMECANO
THE RB Leipzig star would prove a wildcard signing and still one that is unlikely to happen.
But, this is Manchester United, so why not?
The Frenchman is the outstanding young defender in Europe and everything United need.
He could form an outstanding partnership with Maguire. Heart over head, we live in hope.
LUKE SHAW
UNITED missed the former Southampton defender towards the end of the season.
Shaw turned into one of United’s most consistent and best performers since the turn of the year.
If he’s fit, should start ahead of Williams.
NEMANJA MATIC
YOU realise how valuable Matic is when he isn’t there – like against Sevilla in the Europa League semi-final, for example.
United can’t strengthen in every position which is why, after a rest, Matic should come straight back in against Palace.
PAUL POGBA
WILL the Frenchman be starting after signing a new contract?
It’s difficult to see him moving on now, and with the squad showing signs of improvement, hopefully we see a fit and committed Pogba for the entire season.
BRUNO FERNANDES
UNITED’S most-impressive attacking performer since his arrival in January, the Portuguese wizard will be eager to continue where he left off.
With a full season to show just what he can do, fans have every reason to be excited.
If Fernandes plays and plays well, United win.
JADON SANCHO
THE “will he, won’t he?” saga threatens to rumble on all summer.
But if United can conclude a deal, the forward goes straight into the attacking right position.
If Sancho had played in the semi-final against Sevilla, United would be preparing for a final against Inter Milan now.
MASON GREENWOOD
THE start of a new season and one which could end with the youngster representing England in a major tournament.
A lot has been said but such is his quality, he has to start.
If Sancho signs, Greenwood could move centrally to his favoured position as central striker.
It’s been quite a 12 months for the Bradford-born boy.
ANTHONY MARTIAL
HOW far can Martial go? How good can he become?
It feels like the penny has finally dropped but he may have to make do with a role wide left if Sancho arrives.
Sancho right, Greenwood central and Martial left will frighten any defence, anywhere.
But that means no room for Marcus Rashford…
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