A Fantasy XI of Players Linked with Manchester United in Past 12 Months
Manchester United have been linked with moves for some of the world's best players over the past year.
Of course, their actual transfer business has been considerably less fanciful—though Anthony Martial may one day fit into that category.
It is possible to build what looks like an outstanding team from players that have had their names and the words "Manchester United" in the same online articles and newspaper stories.
Setting up in a 4-3-3—and managed by Jose Mourinho—this is what the fantasy XI looks like. They would likely be a force to be reckoned with.
GK: Keylor Navas
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Keylor Navas had a very strange last day of the summer 2015 transfer window.
He became part of the deal scheduled to take David De Gea to Real Madrid, but last-minute complications meant he never got on the plane to Manchester.
He told Spanish radio station Cadena COPE (h/t the Guardian):
"I cried that night when I found out I was staying, it was a build-up of emotions. I didn’t want to leave, Madrid is my home.
I never wanted to leave Real Madrid. My agent told me to be alert to my phone. We had to go to Barajas [airport], although I never actually got on a plane – I was in a waiting room.
I thought that if God wanted me to leave Madrid, it would be for the best, but he didn’t want me to and I’m still here.
"
He has enjoyed a brilliant season at Madrid since. Pete Jenson of MailOnline reported that his dressing room nickname is "Keylor Paras," which translates to "Keylor stops."
Fortunately for United, this is one position in which they do not need an upgrade.
After all; Keylor stops, but Dave saves.
RB: Dani Alves
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It was no great surprise when Dani Alves performed what Pete Jenson of MailOnline described as a "dramatic U-turn" and signed a new contract with Barcelona in June 2015.
Jenson wrote: "Dani Alves has stunned Premier League suitors Manchester United by performing an incredible U-turn and deciding to stay at Barcelona."
In truth, United have become used to players they have been linked with signing new contracts at their existing clubs, as we will see elsewhere in this XI.
Alves would have been a fun addition to United's squad. He may have dipped in form since the 2010/11 season wherein he notched 15 Liga assists from full-back, but he is still a potent attacking force.
And obviously there are his outfits to admire.
CB: Mats Hummels
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Mats Hummels, that perennial target of transfer rumours, is now reportedly set to join Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich.
Marcus Christenson of the Guardian wrote: "The news will come as a blow to a host of clubs who had wanted to sign the 27-year-old, including Manchester United."
Hummels would have been a great fit for United. He is a consummate ball-playing centre-back, whose defensive experience would have given him an edge on Daley Blind.
He would also fit nicely into this fantasy XI. He would get plenty of protection from this midfield, and any defensive lapses could be smoothed over by the attackers' ability to rack up big scorelines.
CB: Sergio Ramos
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On 29 June, 2015, Simon Jones of MailOnline wrote:
"Sergio Ramos has told Real Madrid that he wants to join Manchester United this summer.
United made an opening bid of £28.3million for the Spain international last week which was rejected by Madrid. However, after being informed of the offer, Ramos has made it clear to Madrid that he wants them to negotiate with United and reach a suitable agreement for his transfer to Old Trafford.
"
On 17 August, 2015, Ramos signed a five-year deal with Madrid and told a press conference he "couldn't be happier."
Once again, United's interest had resulted in a new contract signed with the player's existing club.
Ramos has his flaws as a defender—notably his tendency to pick up red cards—but he is a talented ball-player and his skill in the game's dark arts could add some steel to this back four.
He is well worth his place in the fantasy XI, which seems likely to be the closest he gets to a United shirt.
LB: Alex Sandro
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On April 9, Mark Brus of Metro.co.uk reported a Globoesporte article that suggested United would have to pay £40 million for the services of Alex Sandro.
In truth it would be a strange move, given Luke Shaw will be back from injury next season, and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson has impressed when covering for the England international.
In a fantasy XI, though, Sandro is a good fit. The man who shares left-flank defensive duties with United legend Patrice Evra at Juventus has made an important contribution to their run to the Serie A title.
He has two goals and three assists in 20 appearances in the league, and he has hardly neglected his defensive duties for the Turin side who have conceded 12 fewer goals than the division's next-best defence.
It would seem that the Old Lady have a built-in replacement for Evra when he eventually hangs up his boots.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan
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On 25 April, 2015, Sky Sports reported that United were "close to agreeing a £21.5 million deal to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan."
On 1 July, 2015, the Germany international signed a new contract with Dortmund.
A pattern is emerging here.
Nevertheless, in the realm of fantasy, Gundogan would make up one of the two box-to-box midfielders in this XI, though with a more creative bent than his partner.
He makes a vital all-round contribution to Dortmund, averaging a key pass, 1.5 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per league game this season, and he would provide helpful balance in this midfield.
CM: Arturo Vidal
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In a February interview with Rory Smith of the Times, Arturo Vidal confirmed that he had turned down a move to United in favour of linking up with Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich.
His move to the Allianz Arena ended two years of speculation. Vidal is practically an honorary Red Devil given how often he was linked to the club.
His place in this fantasy XI is assured, and he could provide ample steel alongside Gundogan's silk. The all-action, tough-tackling Chilean would be an asset to any team in world football.
ACM: Thomas Muller
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And talking of players who would be an asset to any team in world football...
In September 2015, Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told Suddeutsche Zeitung that a big offer had been received for Thomas Muller.
Per PA Sport (h/t ESPN FC), Rummenigge said:
"I'm talking about figures which were very high indeed.
If I were a bank manager then I would have had to accept it, but as a football club we allowed ourselves to close the door on it, and this door is remaining closed. I can promise that to everybody.
"
As the article on ESPNFC.co.uk pointed out, Muller "had been linked with Manchester United throughout the summer."
He did not arrive, but he could bring his uniquely effective brand of "space investigating" to this XI with great aplomb.
He is thriving under Pep Guardiola, and the 19 league goals he has this season comfortably exceeds his previous best. All this has come while he is averaging 2.1 key passes per league appearance—again, better than he has managed before.
LW: Neymar
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On 22 August, 2015, Shaun Custis of the Sun reported that United were in secret talks over a possible move for Barcelona superstar Neymar.
Since then the Brazil international has been tearing it up as part of the world's most deadly front three.
Alongside Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, Neymar appears to be thriving. Between them they have scored approximately 700 goals—well, OK, the number is closer to 100, 82 of which have come in the league.
Neymar himself has 23 goals and 10 assists in La Liga and was particularly crucial for Barca during the period of the season which Messi missed through injury.
With his outrageous selection of tricks and relentless output, Neymar is a shoo-in for this fictional side.
CF: Robert Lewandowski
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In January 2016, James Robson of Manchester Evening News described Robert Lewandowski as a "Manchester United target" in an article about the striker's reticence to leave Bayern Munich.
Given he has been linked with the club, he automatically gets the centre-forward spot. His movement and lethal finishing would be the perfect complement to this front three.
He has 27 league goals and eight UEFA Champions League goals this season, and he is one of the world's best No. 9s. His presence here is an easy choice.
RW: Gareth Bale
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On 24 February, Duncan Wright of the Sun reported that while a deal for Neymar would prove impossible, United could succeed in their pursuit of Gareth Bale.
Playing on the right of the front three in this XI, Bale would have to cut inside a lot, but given how effective he can be when doing so, that wouldn't be a hardship.
While he failed to make the telling difference for a Cristiano Ronaldo-less Madrid in Tuesday night's Champions League semi-final first leg against Manchester City, he has had a fairly prolific season.
Bale has 18 goals and 10 assists to his name in La Liga, and his proven Premier League experience make him a sure bet should he ever make the move to Old Trafford.
All advanced data per WhoScored.com.
