A 4-2-2-2 is a really weird formation for the players at United's disposal. (Really it's not a formation I like in general)
The one weird thing I think all season long has been it's tough to say what United's best 11/formation would be...
I feel like it would probably be a 4-2-3-1 since the wingers are expected to provide a little more support in midfield than a 4-3-3 which is what United needs. I don't really see a formation with 2 strikers working with the players they have.
Striker actually isn't that strong of a position for them . Ronaldo is still amazing even though he is 36. He needs more rest though and Martial seems to be done in Manchester, Cavani is 34 and isn't what he was in his prime.
Winger should be United's strongest position with Rashford, Greenwood, and Sancho. Lingard has flashes as well.
Fernandes is pretty much a lock at CAM in either a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. Van De Beek was at his best in this spot in a 4-2-3-1 at Ajax too, so that could be a way to rejuvenate his career too.
CB has had some struggles but they have the pieces there. Maguire isn't in his best form but with him, Varane, and Lindeof they should be fine.
And same thing on the backs: Shaw, Telles, AWB, Dalot isn't the worst depth at both LB and RB, even if Shaw isn't in his best form this year.
I think the biggest problem remains they have never really figured out what their best pairing in CM is though. They have Pogba, Fred, McTominay, Matic, and Van De Beek that can play in that spot.
Fred-McTominay have showed flashes, but long term I don't think that pairing is the quality you'd want to be able to win the PL when they are going against the likes of Jorginho-Kante or Rodri-Silva-De Bruyne
Ronaldo
Rashford - Fernandes - Sancho
?????-?????
Shaw - Maguire - Varane - Dalot/AWB
It's those question marks that have really hurt United's chances the last 2-3 years now. Agree with Bagor in that Rice should 100% be the priority for United.
As for Spurs it's nice to see Conte get off to a good start. I do wonder if we see them chase hard after Barella this transfer window. And really Lukaku for Kane might make a lot of sense for both sides, although I sense Levy would want something added on top of Lukaku as well.
Last edited by SuperMatt18; 01-04-2022 at 11:39 AM.
|