Man United Sign £55M Striker and Recruit World Cup Winner: Dream Lineup If Club Win the Europa League
Manchester United are on the brink of a transformative summer. With a Europa League final looming and the club already making moves in the transfer market, hopes are rising once again at Old Trafford. Reports suggest the Red Devils have agreed a deal to sign a £55 million striker and are close to finalizing terms with a World Cup-winning midfielder. Should they win the Europa League, United will not only gain a crucial Champions League spot but also gain leverage in the market to attract elite talent.
In this article, we explore what Manchester United’s dream lineup could look like next season if they complete the £55 million striker signing, land the World Cup-winning midfield general, and lift the Europa League trophy to usher in a new era.
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Transfer Activity: Who’s Arriving?
1. £55 Million Striker: Jonathan David (Lille)
United are reportedly closing in on a £55 million deal for Jonathan David from Lille. The Canadian international has scored consistently in Ligue 1 over the past few seasons and fits the mold of a dynamic, intelligent forward capable of operating both centrally and in wide areas. His pace, pressing, and composure in front of goal make him a perfect foil to Rasmus Højlund, offering both depth and tactical flexibility.
2. World Cup Winner: Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool or alternative option)
Though Alexis Mac Allister currently plays for Liverpool, rumors are swirling that a World Cup-winning midfielder—possibly Mac Allister or another like Adrien Rabiot (France, 2018)—is being pursued by Manchester United. The club’s midfield struggled with consistency last season, and adding a composed, technically gifted player with big-game experience could be exactly what Erik ten Hag needs to stabilize the engine room.
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Dream Lineup: 4-2-3-1 Formation
Assuming Manchester United win the Europa League and successfully land their key transfer targets, here is what their dream starting XI could look like in the 2025/26 season:
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Goalkeeper: André Onana
Despite a rocky start to life at Old Trafford, André Onana improved significantly over the second half of the season. His distribution, leadership, and shot-stopping have regained confidence from the fans. With a more settled defense and midfield ahead of him, Onana should continue to develop into one of the Premier League’s more reliable goalkeepers.
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Right Back: Diogo Dalot
Dalot has emerged as one of the most consistent players under Ten Hag. Defensively disciplined and increasingly confident going forward, he provides width and balance on the right. Unless a marquee right-back is signed, Dalot remains first choice.
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Center Back: Lisandro Martinez
Fully fit after an injury-riddled campaign, Martinez is the defensive leader United missed for much of last season. His aggressive defending and excellent passing make him a cornerstone of Ten Hag’s buildup play. His return will bring composure and grit to the back line.
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Center Back: Jarrad Branthwaite (Potential Signing)
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is heavily linked with a move to United. If he arrives, the 21-year-old would be a long-term solution alongside Martinez. With Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane expected to depart, the need for a young, left-footed or balanced central defender is urgent. Branthwaite’s composure and Premier League experience make him an ideal fit.
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Left Back: Luke Shaw
Injuries limited Shaw’s impact last season, but when fit, he remains one of the best left-backs in England. His link-up play, overlapping runs, and defensive nous provide United with balance down the left.
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Defensive Midfield: Casemiro
While age is catching up to him, Casemiro’s experience and leadership are still invaluable. If used more strategically with proper rest and rotation, he can anchor United’s midfield in key matches. His reading of the game and ability to break up play remain elite.
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Central Midfield: Alexis Mac Allister / Adrien Rabiot
Here’s where the transformation happens. A World Cup winner in midfield adds poise, press resistance, and creative control. Mac Allister, in particular, has Premier League pedigree and can dictate tempo while contributing goals and assists. Rabiot offers more physicality and vertical running but lacks Mac Allister’s elegance in possession. Either would significantly elevate United’s midfield.
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Right Wing: Alejandro Garnacho
Already a fan favorite, Garnacho has cemented his place in United’s strongest XI. His fearless dribbling, acceleration, and eye for goal make him a nightmare for defenders. Expect him to continue growing into one of the Premier League’s most electrifying wingers.
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Attacking Midfield: Bruno Fernandes
Captain, creator, and engine — Bruno Fernandes remains vital to United’s success. While Ten Hag may experiment with rotating him or even resting him in lesser fixtures, Bruno is the heart of this side. With better midfield support behind him and a more clinical front line, his assist numbers could rise again.
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Left Wing: Marcus Rashford (If Retained)
If Rashford stays — despite links to Barcelona — and regains form, he remains one of the most devastating forwards in Europe on his day. However, if he departs, United may shift Garnacho left and bring in a new right-sided forward. Still, in this dream lineup, we assume Rashford is rejuvenated by a new-look squad and back to his best.
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Striker: Jonathan David
The £55 million addition of David gives United a different profile up front. His mobility, off-the-ball movement, and natural finishing would complement United’s creators perfectly. Whether deployed alone or in tandem with Højlund, David offers a consistent goal threat and can be the solution to United’s conversion woes.
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Bench Strength (Dream XI Subs)
Rasmus Højlund – Impact forward or rotation option.
Kobbie Mainoo – Young midfield dynamo, likely to start in many matches.
Christian Eriksen – Creative depth.
Tyrell Malacia – Cover at left-back.
Antony / Amad Diallo – Right-wing options depending on form.
Victor Lindelöf – Defensive cover.
Dean Henderson – Backup goalkeeper, if retained.
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Outlook If United Win the Europa League
A Europa League title would do more than add silverware — it guarantees Champions League football, increases revenue, and makes United more attractive to top-tier talent. It also gives Erik ten Hag a firm platform to continue building his squad, perhaps with greater support and less pressure.
In practical terms, it allows the club to compete in the market with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool for marquee players. The backing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS adds a layer of stability, allowing United to finally pursue a strategic vision rather than panic buys.
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Final Thoughts
Manchester United’s dream XI for 2025/26 — featuring a new £55 million striker and a World Cup-winning midfielder — is not just fantasy. It is an achievable reality, contingent on smart business and winning the Europa League. For the first time in years, a clear pathway to success appears within reach at Old Trafford. The pieces are being assembled; now it’s about execu
tion — both on the pitch and in the boardroom.
A trophy and a Champions League return could be the spark that reignites the Red Devils.
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