Three Things We Learnt From Manchester United’s 4-0 Win Over QPR: New Formation Worked Wonderfully

As Louis van Gaal’s new look star studded Manchester United team took to the pitch, all of the Old Trafford faithful were hoping for a resurrection in their team’s fortunes and a lift from their misery. The club had done big business during the transfer window as they spent over £150m on new recruits. Manchester United, despite being one centre back light at the back were expected to come back on track after the international break.

It went out exactly as people would have hoped for, as they thrashed newly promoted Queens Park Rangers 4-0 at Old Trafford. There are a lot of talking points in the match, especially considering Louis van Gaal’s new tactics and Man Utd’s significant rise in confidence. But, here are three main things that we learnt from the match.

1. New formation worked wonderfully.

The Dutch manager decided to drop his idea of a 3-man defence and started with a 4-4-2 diamond with Blind playing deep and Mata at the tip. Herrera and Di Maria played as attacking midfielders who worked box to box. While Di Maria was typically playing as an attacking midfielder and was comfortably providing width as well, Herrera was working box to box and involving himself in passing build-ups. Both these players showed immense work rate and adaptability to play the roles.

Juan Mata playing in his favoured position behind Rooney and van Persie meant that he had great influence in the game and could actually work better.

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2. QPR are woefully out of form.

The recently promoted side have decent quality in their team to ruffle the feathers of the top teams, but they are barely offering a challenge. Their pressing and approach play, both have been poor to say the least.

As experts were critical of QPR’s performance against Spurs, where they simply “watched” as Spurs performed, manager Harry Redknapp would have been hoping that his indifferent QPR team start positive work against struggling Manchester United. But, unfortunately for him, it was the other way round as the Red Devils found some much needed form and their first win under their belt this season, yet again as QPR barely looked like they were competing. If they are to continue with such hopeless performances against sides that are better than them, they’ll be under real pressure to earn points off the comparatively lighter fixtures. As of now, they look like relegation candidates.

3. Fullbacks are key for Man Utd.

The fullbacks Rojo and Rafael had a great game as they provided the organization and the width in the play. This shows how important fullbacks are in the modern game, especially EPL. In a league such as EPL, you would want your defense to provide your team with solidity as well as maintain the flair balance of the team.

A 3-man defence in the Premier League is unnecessary as there is one extra player playing in central defence. A player with better technique can be pushed into defensive midfield and the game can be played with natural fullbacks who provide width and balance. With fullbacks available for better link-up plays and crossing as well as defensive positions, the strikers, who are known to such a system regularly, start enjoying their game.

A wingback role in Man Utd is a very strange role as they needed players who have good attacking techniques (Young and Valencia), but work box to box while contributing significantly in defensive areas with proper defensive techniques. Playing a fullback here doesn’t make sense as his goal scoring or attack positioning and flair would be restricted in comparison to that of Young/Valencia. By playing Blind in deep midfield, United got that extra technical player they wanted as well as fullbacks who fit the Premier League system well.