Manchester United: Picking a Starting XI with Wesley Sneijder and Phil Jones
Two summer transfer rumours: one confirmed, one still under the scrutiny and speculation of the European media.
Manchester United have beaten out on-field rivals Liverpool and Arsenal in the transfer window to acquire the services of talented Blackburn centre-back Phil Jones.
The Snejider rumours will continue to circulate until a deal is completed or a clear statement is put forward quashing the possibility from the Dutchman's camp. For the foreseeable future, neither looks forthcoming, and the episode is likely to be a central off-season storyline alongside the annual Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona whispers.
So looking forward to a point where we can focus on our favourite players actually plying their trade on the pitch rather than envisioning what a potential target would look like donning your teams colours while you should be working, here's what a potential starting lineup could resemble if both transfer story lines come fruition.
Goalkeeper: ???
1 of 11
While other transfer rumours continue to circulate, one that seems to be overlooked is arguably the most pivotal of the summer: who'll take over for Edwin Van Der Sar in goal?
As we know, the Dutchman retired after a glittering career but is yet to be replaced.
Manuel Neuer is now a member of Bayern Munich and current favourite, Spanish under-21 internaltional David De Gea, is yet to commit one way or the other.
Thomas Kuszak seems closer to leaving the club than becoming number one, and questions remain over January signing Anders Lindegaard.
If De Gea turns down Old Trafford, expect a mad dash by Sir Alex Ferguson to bring in a capable replacement for Van Der Sar.
Right Back: Rafael
2 of 11
Fabio garnered a lot of playing time towards the end of the season in the battle of the Da Silvas, however Rafael, for me at least, has established himself as the right back of the future at Old Trafford.
The future, however, is now.
With Gary Neville retired and John O'Shea seemingly on the way to Sunderland, Rafael is now first choice for the full-back slot and needs to step up next season.
Centre Back: Nemanja Vidic
3 of 11
Vidic is the hands down the best central defender in the Premier League and is captain at Old Trafford.
His record and ability speaks for itself, and therefore I shall say no more.
Centre Back: Phil Jones
4 of 11
Rio Ferdinand is still of course first choice but seems to be deteriorating with every season.
By next year, he may well have become broken beyond repair and in signing with the Reds, Jones has leap-frogged both Johnny Evans and Chris Smalling to be next in line for the position.
Expect the later and Jones to end up as the central partnership of the future for both United and possibly for England.
Left Back: Patrice Evra
5 of 11
Over the past few seasons, Evra has blossomed from a temperamental, explosive full-back into a metronomic pulse of defence.
His consistency has been invaluable to Ferguson's side over previous years, and he'll prove crucial again next season.
Right Midfield: Antonio Valencia
6 of 11
Valencia has been brilliant since his return from a broken leg, automatically regaining his status as number one over the inconsistent Nani.
His energy and work-rate means he'll remain first choice in my eyes.
Centre Midfield: Michael Carrick
7 of 11
Carrick has really stepped up this year and established himself as the number one option in the heart of the midfield.
Carrick out-shone the likes of Paul Scholes and Anderson to earn the premier seat. However, if Snejider arrives, Carrick immediately becomes second choice.
Centre Midfield: Wesley Snejider
8 of 11
Snejider could form a formidable partnership with Carrick, allowing the Englishman to sit back in a full holding capacity so Snejider can be unleashed in an attacking role.
Can you imagine? It would be a potent attacking force.
Left Midfield: Ji Sung Park
9 of 11
Park is undoubtedly one of my favourite players to watch, and those feelings must resonate with those who play alongside him.
A perpetual ball of energy, Park runs his heart out in both defence and attack, causing havoc for all those who come up against him.
He has to make the starting XI.
Striker: Wayne Rooney
10 of 11
Rooney has proven his reputation as one of the best all-around players in world football today.
When paying alongside Javier Hernandez, Rooney thrives in dropping off the Mexican and being the pivot-point of United's entire offensive system.
Throw Snejider in with him and the results could be spectacular.
Striker: Javier Hernandez
11 of 11
Hernandez was undoubtedly both the signing and the bargain of last season.
A return of 20-plus goals despite seemingly getting his playing time exclusively as a substitute of the first half of the season shows just how potent the Mexican was last year in his debut season in England.
If Hernandez is reunited with Rooney as well as being joined by Snejider, the potential attacking prowess in mind-blowing.
