Realistically, every single Manchester United player has a point to prove to Erik ten Hag right now. The new Manchester United boss was brought in to change the culture at the football club after an excruciatingly disappointing season.
Joining from Ajax after several successful years playing attractive attacking football, the arrival of the Dutch boss is exciting and has given everyone at the club that fresh feeling. And although every player will be given a clean slate under Ten Hag, it's fair to say that others have more to prove to the boss, as well as the fans, than others.
These six United stars, for different reasons, have a big season ahead of him — one that could decide their futures at the club. They need to take form from pre-season into the league campaign ahead:
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Donny van de Beek
Two years ago Van de Beek was one of the next stars of Dutch football, but since he's joined United he's struggled to make much of an impact. Now, he'll hope a reunion with Ten Hag will see him thrive in United's midfield — where bodies are certainly needed.
His loan spell at Everton was mixed at best, and he'll look to put that behind him with a fresh chance in Manchester under his old mentor.
Jadon Sancho
When United spent £73million on Sancho last summer, fans were rightly excited about what he'd bring to the club. And although his first season had promising moments, it's fair to say that he'd like to improve on just three league goals.
Sancho will likely be given a bigger role this year in Ten Hag's system, and he'll want to show fans why the club were right to make him one of their most expensive signings ever. The former Dortmund star has also been overlooked for three successive England squads, something he'll be keen to get back in time for the World Cup.
Marcus Rashford
Coming off the back of by far his worst season of his career, Marcus Rashford needs to bounce back or serious questions may be beginning to be asked about his future.
Still only 24, it's understandable for Rashford to suffer a disappointing season. After the hectic 2020/21 campaign followed by the devastating penalty loss to Italy at the Euros last summer, the Manchester-born attacker has struggled.
United don't have too many options up front, with Ten Hag keen to bring in attackers of his own soon enough. Rashford could become the main man at United again, but he must do much better than what we saw last year.
Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw has more direct competition for his place this season, with Ten Hag making his first signing a left-back in Tyrell Malacia. Shaw's time at United has been up and down, but he seemingly had the left-back spot nailed down until Alex Telles earned game time last season (albeit when Shaw was out injured).
With Malacia in, Shaw will have to prove his worth to Ten Hag and keep his spot.
Harry Maguire
Although it was confirmed that Maguire would stay on as captain this season, he's far from cemented his future in that role, or indeed the starting line-up. Maguire's form was much maligned last season, and he'll want to show not just Ten Hag, but United fans why he deserves to don the armband.
He'll want to iron out the mistakes from his game, and playing alongside Raphael Varane, both centre-backs will look to improve on a disappointing previous campaign. They also now have Lisandro Martinez for company.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Realistically, Aaron Wan-Bissaka could find himself out of the door at United this season. With Diogo Dalot impressing towards the back end of the season, the former Palace right-back has been made available for transfer, with the club exploring potential right0back signings.
Wan-Bissaka has been solid defensively at times for United, but has struggled to offer much offensively. And in Ten Hag's system, that will be a priority.
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