Permutations And Combinations: Manchester United’s Formation Options This Season

Machester United Tactics

The crux of every great team starts from their midfield. The need to have a ticking team which does not slow down the attack and also protects the defence cannot be underestimated. Barcelona have been known to have one of the best midfields in recent times while Bayern Munich for the last two seasons have dominated the Bundesliga thanks to their amazing midfield.

Manchester United were at one time having one of the best midfields in the world but that is years ago. Last season they paled in comparison to the great Manchester United teams before them but in a couple of days all that has changed for the team. The signings of Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin and Depay could be pushing them into Premier League winning territory but just how will they line-up with so many talented players at the club?

A new three-man system

We all know that Louis Van Gaal is a great fan of the three man midfield, He wanted to sign Strootman for United before his terrible injury but with these signings, he can make this as a possibility.

He could play Herrera, Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger in a three-man midfield. Herrera and Bastian could help the team in the attacking sense while Morgan would ensure that there is a deep defensive cover for the team. The attack would be led by Wayne Rooney as the central striker and would be supported by Depay and Mata on either side to help him out.

5 stars for 5 men

Another way to deal with so many players is to use a 5 man midfield. Wayne Rooney is the only world class striker at the club for now, especially with Javier Hernandez’s injury. This means that Van Gaal could play a lone striker up front who is supported by 5 midfielders.

Rooney could play just ahead of Herrera, with Depay and Mata on either side helping the team out. The middle of the team would be taken care off by Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger who would provide great protection and strength at the heart of midfield while Bastian would ensure that United do not lose out on any bite in terms of attack.

Fluidity is the key

It isn’t just the new players who would be making an impact for United this season. We cannot forget the performance of Ashley Young last season, who played exceptionally well and was in the running to play for England as he got his form back.

Playing with Young and Valencia does provide more cover to the defence and gives United a more fluid approach to the game. This formation can only be achieved by playing either Schneiderlin or Schweinsteiger as the long holding midfielder who is supported by Mata and Herrera in an advanced role. Young and Valencia would bomb down the two wings while Rooney could play with Depay as the other striker or Depay could play just behind Rooney.

There are a few players who have not been spoken off, Daley Blind and Angel Di Maria are two players who might have a say in the formations stated above. While Blind can take up almost any position that Bastian or Morgan plays in, he would obviously play a deeper role since his attacking ability does not match Bastian’s. The greater issue is accommodating Angel Di Maria who just can’t seem to get a good game for United.