Man United starting XI after Ollie Watkins and Bryan Mbeumo transfers completed

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Manchester United have added to their attack in the transfer window with the signing of Matheus Cunha, but more attacking additions are expected between now and the end of the window.

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo is a key target. United have seen two bids turned down by the Bees, but are expected to return with a third bid .

There has also been talk about a move for an out-and-out goalscorer. United have been linked with an interest in Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, but it seems that he is leaning towards a move to Arsenal, who are able to offer Champions League football in the new season.

It means that United will have to move onto other targets. One of the players reportedly on the list is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins .

The 29-year-old scored 16 goals in 38 Premier League appearances last season, despite not always being first choice at Villa Park. The second half of the campaign saw him superseded in the pecking order by United loanee Marcus Rashford.

While a deal for Watkins may be a difficult one to do for United , a sale of Rasmus Hojlund could make it more likely. The Danish striker has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford since arriving, and has been linked with a move away this summer.

Any money made on that sale and any other potential outgoings could be put towards a possible deal for Watkins. Villa are however said to be holding out for the £60million asking price that they set back in January amid interest from Arsenal.

If a deal is done, then the striker is likely to slot straight into the starting XI in the central striker role in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation. Presuming that a deal for Mbeumo is also finalised, then he would join Cunha as the two wider players helping to supply Watkins and also contribute goals themselves.

In behind the attacking trio could be a midfield partnership of Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes. The club captain also given the role of helping to supply the front three while Ugarte plates a deeper role.

Amad and Patrick Dorgu could be the advancing wing-backs, with Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez the back three in front of Andre Onana. Mathus De Ligt would also be pushing for a place in the CI amid any injuries or loss of form.

Potential United starting XI:

Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Amad, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Watkins.

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