After seeing Holland play at The World Cup many a journalist had suspected that Manchester United would do away with the traditional 4-4-2 formation under Louis van Gaal.
And, in the very first game of pre-season, Manchester United reverted to a 5-3-2, or 3-5-2, depending on which way you look at it. Tomayto/Tomarto….
Manchester United used Antonio Valencia on the right and Luke Shaw on the left hand side with three centre backs.
This allowed the wingbacks to bomb forward and although Luke Shaw had a quiet game there is plenty of scope for him in this position.
On the other side Antonio Valencia had a good game and will always be a decent member of the Manchester United squad.
Rafael came on for the second half and looked a bit rusty but will also provide a source of energy for Manchester United down the flanks next season.
In the midfield Darren Fletcher did a decent job as the anchor with Mata and Herrera buzzing about to great effect in front.
So this formation worked really well but it also highlighted where Manchester United need to invest.
Anchorman
Fletcher did a good job in the centre of the park but Manchester United are desperate for a dominant central midfielder of greater mobility and thrust to show some discipline while the brilliant Herrera and Mata get forward at will. Arturo Vidal is perfect.
Wing Backs
United have Luke Shaw on the left with Reece James as cover. James had a good debut but Manchester United need someone to offer proper competition for Shaw. Daley Blind would be an ideal addition.
On the other flank Antonio Valencia will continue to play a decent number of games but he lacks the penetration he once had.
Juan Cuadrado looks like the perfect signing. Although a winger by trade he has the engine and intelligence to command that entire right flank. He would be a marvellous addition.
Defence
The three centre backs did great and second half substitutes Keane and Blackett also did themselves no harm at all. But we expect one more accomplished centre back to join Manchester United this summer.
Manchester United could ideally use a left-footed centre back for that side of the three in defence.
But if Manchester United can bring in Vidal, Stefan De Vrij/Hummels, Juan Cuadrado and Daley Blind they will be very hard to stop next season.
victor
Jul 24, 2014 at 8:01 pm
GGMU
Wisdom
Jul 25, 2014 at 4:21 am
Ed, please be more serious in this transfer market
innocent
Jul 25, 2014 at 9:06 am
Pls.I only need seriousness in the market,am tired of news
chigozie igbodiro choice
Jul 25, 2014 at 9:45 am
I don’t know y ED is waiting, pls go n bring in new players. What is hims problem, Ed said united have money to spend, so y waiting?
Kingdav dprof
Jul 25, 2014 at 11:02 am
Friends u dnt just sign cux u need prayers, i tink LVG & ED want the best so wait and see…. moreover d new boss has some players than needed to be axe b4 signing new once
sam
Jul 25, 2014 at 12:33 pm
I fill Man Utd scouting for other teams.