If Manchester United had a budget of one billion euros to spend on building a top 11, they would likely focus on acquiring a blend of established world-class talents and promising young players to create a competitive squad. Here's a potential lineup and transfer strategy, assuming they could buy any players regardless of current contracts or transfer fees:
Potential Manchester United Top 11 with One Billion Euros
Formation: 4-3-3
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Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)
- A world-class goalkeeper with experience and consistency.
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Right Back: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
- A dynamic right-back known for his pace, dribbling, and attacking contributions.
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Center Back: Rúben Dias (Manchester City)
- A top defender, known for his leadership and defensive skills.
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Center Back: Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich)
- A young, talented center-back with a bright future ahead and solid defensive ability.
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Left Back: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
- A fast and versatile left-back who can contribute both defensively and in attack.
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Central Midfielder: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
- A young, dynamic midfielder with great potential and versatility.
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Central Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
- A technically gifted midfielder known for his passing and ball control.
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Central Midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
- One of the best playmakers in the game, bringing experience and creativity.
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Right Winger: Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain)
- One of the most exciting players in the world, known for his speed and finishing.
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Striker: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- One of the most prolific strikers currently, known for his goal-scoring ability.
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Left Winger: Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
- A fast and skillful winger, capable of creating chances and scoring goals.
Total Estimated Cost:
- Goalkeeper (Oblak): ~€80 million
- Right Back (Hakimi): ~€70 million
- Center Back (Dias): ~€60 million
- Center Back (De Ligt): ~€70 million
- Left Back (Davies): ~€70 million
- Central Midfielder (Bellingham): ~€150 million
- Central Midfielder (De Jong): ~€70 million
- Central Midfielder (De Bruyne): ~€100 million
- Right Winger (Mbappé): ~€180 million
- Striker (Haaland): ~€150 million
- Left Winger (Vinícius): ~€150 million
Total Estimated Spend: ~€1 billion
This approach combines star power and youthful potential, creating a well-rounded and competitive team capable of challenging for top honors domestically and in Europe. However, this is theoretical and would depend on various factors including current player contracts, willingness of clubs to sell, and player desires.