We heard the first howls of slight frustration from Manchester United supporters about the new regime under Louis van Gaal at the weekend.
With the team playing like they hadn’t quite woken up in the first half at QPR, Manchester United fans could be heard calling for 4-4-2.
And do we believe that it’s merely a coincidence that the performance level picked up so quickly after that formation change was made? As soon as Evans went off Manchester United looked dangerous again.
This was in no small part to the impact of the substitutes – possibly LvG’s best tactical swaps of the season so far. James Wilson and Marouane Fellaini added menace up top and substance to the midfield respectively and the tone of the game changed in an instant.
So it’s got to be 4 at the back and – we are astonished to find ourselves saying this – Marouane Fellaini has to start. We used to think that he was too clumsy for a top side. But he quite literally adds substance to the style for Manchester United. Without him United can get outmuscled in the engine room. So we are putting him in our strongest Manchester Untied XI.
We do of course hope that LvG will add a stellar defender to this side before February. Longer term, we think a right winger is a must. Until then we have slotted Rooney in there and the, at times underwhelming, RvP keeps his place. But this is the best team United have at the moment, based on form.
Let’s have your thoughts
INAMOTO
Jan 19, 2015 at 8:59 pm
Smalling 4rojo
utdfan
Jan 20, 2015 at 12:02 am
Rubbish, shaw should be replaced by young, whilst carrick should be replaced by Blind, Rooney to be replaced by Harrera and RVP by Mata. Then perhapsyou can say its the strongest line up for man utd.
RVP is perhaps an option when on form.