Manchester United's roster: list of players of Cristiano Ronaldo's team

With the closing of the summer transfer window, most clubs now know the composition of their first-team players. The 2020 summer transfer window saw some of the biggest deals ever done in the Premier League and across all leagues. The Premier League transfer record was surpassed twice: by Manchester City for Jack Grealish £100m transfer from Aston Villa and by Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku's £98m transfer from Inter Milan.

Across the English Canal, Lionel Messi made a momentous move from Barcelona to PSG whilst Antoine Griezmann also returned to Atletico Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo also completed a £13m return to Old Trafford with Manchester United. Ronaldo's return was the last summer incoming for the Red Devils after they had earlier completed deals for Jadon Sancho (£68m) from Borussia Dortmund and Raphael Varane (£35m) from Real Madrid. We will now look at the roster of first-team players for the 2021/22 season. 

Who are the goalkeepers in Manchester United for 2021/22?

In the goalkeeping department, Manchester United are adequately stocked with David de Gea and Dean Henderson alternating between the first-choice and second-choice goalkeepers. Last season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer predominantly used Dean Henderson in the league while David de Gea was preferred in the cup competitions and the UEFA Champions League. However, with a rise in form, David de Gea has been selected in the EPL matches that United has played so far. We'll wait to see who goes in goal when United kick off their UEFA Champions League campaign. As reserve goalkeepers, Manchester United also has Lee Grant and Tom Heaton providing backup for the two goalkeepers.

Who are the defenders at Manchester United for 2021/22?

The defence was a real source of worry for Manchester United last season. With players such as Eric Bailey, Phil Jones and Carl Tuanzebe either injured or out of form, the Old Trafford side could only rely on Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof as their first-choice centre-back pairing. However, United has gone on to strengthen this department by bringing in Raphael Varane from Real Madrid in a deal worth £35m. The 4-time UEFA Champions League winner will be expected to provide experience,  coordination, and leadership in a backline often shorn of these. 

In the full-back roles, Manchester United retains lots of quality there. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is one of the best right-backs in the EPL and he will continue in his role while Luke Shaw will hope to continue his resurgence in the left-back role. Other players such as Diogo Dalot, Alex Teller, Brandon Williams, and Teden Mengi will provide backup and support for the first-choice defenders at Manchester United. 

Who are the midfielders at Manchester United for 2021/22?

The Red Devils possess an array of midfielders that is the dream of many other EPL club sides. The crown jewels in the midfield options available to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are Bruno Fernandez and Paul Pogba. Both players are capable of lighting up any game on their day. Bruno Fernandez has made a quick and successful start to life at Old Trafford, scoring and assisting over 50 goals already in less than 24 months since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon. Paul Pogba reminded everyone of his incredible ability on Matchday 1 of the English Premier League when he made 4 assists in the 5-1 routing of Leeds United. 

Other midfielders on the books at Manchester United include Juan Mata, Scott McTomibay, Fred, Nemanja Matic, Donny van de Beek, Andreas Pereira, Jesse Lingard, Amad Diallo, James Garner, Hannibal Mejbri, and Facundo Pellistri. Donny van de Beek would hope this is his season of breakthrough at Old Trafford after being regularly on the bench or out of the squad.  

Who are the forwards at Manchester United 2021/22?

Manchester United has one of the most fearsome attacking units in world football. Led by a 5-time Ballon d'Or winner in Cristiano Ronaldo, the United forward line is expected to carry the club's league ambitions this season. Players of note such as Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho, and Edinson Cavani are the senior forwards in the team. Shola Shoretire, Anthony Elanga and Tahith Chong are the junior players left to understudy the senior players. 

Manchester United let go of Daniel James to Leeds United on deadline day to free up space for Cristiano Ronaldo in the United squad. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to line up with Ronaldo/Rashford on the left, Sancho/Martial on the right and Greenwood/Cavani in the central striker position. The depth in the squad at Manchester United this season is impressive and after a summer of good business, it is believed that everything is set for an extended challenge of the EPL and the UEFA Champions League title. 

What is the likely line-up for Manchester United in 2021/22?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would have a nice selection problem on his hands this season. In defence, it is expected that David de Gea would continue in goal in the Premier League. Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire would be the expected centre-back pairing while Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw would occupy the full-back positions. In midfield, either Nemanja Matic or Scott McTominay would play in the deep-lying midfield, while Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes will provide creativity, link-up play, assists and goals from midfield. Cristiano Ronaldo, Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho might be the preferred forward line but this is subject to moving players across the forward line.