THE TIME FOR excuses is over. Manchester United need three points against QPR on Sunday. Nothing else is good enough. A reboot is desperately needed. Two points from three games, a humiliating League Cup defeat to MK Dons and a grand total of two goals scored. It doesn’t make for pleasant reading.
But, after an incredible last few days of the transfer window, United can genuinely boast of having a collection of Europe’s finest players to count on for the remainder of the season and beyond.
Though having only played for seventy minutes against Burnley a fortnight ago, Angel di Maria was the team’s best player – his intelligence, awareness and vision providing the only spark for an otherwise lethargic United. Elsewhere, Daley Blind is a technically astute and flexible talent, his ability to provide telling crosses and through-balls (as well as the odd goal) plus a general appreciation of ball retention (a rare thing at United these days) should see him become a crucial ingredient. Marcos Rojo is a largely unknown quantity but his performances at the World Cup were certainly eye-catching as Argentina’s defence proved impenetrable at times. Luke Shaw, a David Moyes signing really (along with Ander Herrera) is finally set to make his debut at Old Trafford this weekend too though the most anticipated arrival is surely that of Radamel Falcao.
The Colombian’s signing has been greeted with suspicion in many quarters with a large amount of hardcore United fans stung by the home-grown and unsung Danny Welbeck’s subsequent switch to Arsenal. But, with an abundance of attacking talent at their disposal plus a little defensive boost in the form of Rojo and the adaptable Blind, this new version of Manchester United is an intriguing prospect. The biggest question that everybody wants answered though is: what team will Louis van Gaal select?
The formation:
The revolutionary 3-5-2 has had some teething problems. In the opening game of the league season against Swansea, Van Gaal reverted to a four-man defence at half-time owing to how Garry Monk’s team sat back and made the pitch bigger, rendering United’s wing-backs relatively anonymous.
The injury problems also caused a headache or two. Early on against Swansea, Adnan Januzaj was introduced for debutant Jesse Lingard and was deployed as a makeshift wing-back, albeit temporarily. After the switch in system, Ashley Young, already a makeshift wing-back too, became a makeshift full-back and there was little surprise when his defensive error was punished by Gylfi Sigurdsson for what proved the winning goal.
There was also the general nervousness, as personified by a couple of anxious performances from Chris Smalling.
And for all the talk of Van Gaal adopting the formation to get the best from his players – namely a two-man striking partnership supported by a play-maker, both Wayne Rooney and in particular Robin van Persie, certainly seem quite a way from an exhilarating dynamic. And the future of Juan Mata is now unclear given the arrival of Radamel Falcao. So, there seems a distinct possibility that Van Gaal will play a 4-3-3 on Sunday, or a mild variation. Though that brings about its own problems.
With a three-man front-line, Van Gaal will be minded to drop Rooney deeper, to find space between the lines, allowing Falcao and Van Persie more central roles. But the question of width comes into play too. Normally in a three, two will naturally pull wide but it’s hard to see where that will come from in a Rooney-Falcao-Van Persie attacking trio.
Perhaps Van Gaal is counting on his full-backs to provide some offensive threat in wide areas? Rafael loves to get forward while Luke Shaw certainly hasn’t been signed for his defensive prowess. With Di Maria granted something of a free role as part of a midfield three (Van Gaal feels the extra body in a central zone provides security but can also offer something creative, like Di Maria for example), that would leave Daley Blind and one of Darren Fletcher and Ander Herrera as a more stationary midfield duo. All three players are positionally sound though Herrera and Blind would appear the long-term choices, technically more efficient than the combative and energetic Scot.
Though it seems immensely delicate, United do have the added advantage of an extra defender in this formation so, in transition, the team should have four players withdrawn as security, much the same as the 3-5-2 (against Burnley, Fletcher screened the centre-backs and essentially didn’t move from the position for the entire game). With two composed, solid footballers sitting deep, Van Gaal may feel comfortable enough to select so many attack-minded players.
Juan Mata
The Spaniard has made seventeen starts for the club since his £37million move from Chelsea back in January. He’s scored seven times, creating four more goals for team-mates. It’s certainly not an underwhelming return. But, has it been money well spent? Hardly.
Mata’s was a panic buy as United frantically tried to get some confidence back by securing the services of a subtle, game-changing play-maker. At times, he’s had some eye-catching moments and there’s always the impressive passing stats that his admirers will name-check. But, he hasn’t been a play-maker. In fact, the juxtaposition of urgency and delicacy that Di Maria brought to proceedings from deep against Burnley painted a picture of what Mata isn’t. A lovely footballer certainly, but someone that can be slow and ponderous and very easily brushed off the ball.
Under Moyes especially, United always seemed short of ideas in the final third. Outside of Januzaj, they didn’t possess a player comfortable enough or quick enough to take on an opponent. And without quickness of thought or of foot, they would surrender position, allow a defence get players behind the ball and could do little to break them down (the now-infamous game with Fulham is surely the perfect example).
Mata, deft as he is, doesn’t possess the ability to get away from defenders. He likes plenty of space in front of him and for attackers to make intelligent runs. In many ways, Mata needs substantial help and doesn’t have much individual craft and nous. And that’s okay. After all, very few can make goals or score them by doing everything themselves. But, when three attacking positions are up for grabs and the competition is Falcao, Van Persie and the team captain, it’s tough to see where he fits.
There’s a genuine possibility, however shocking it sounds, that after a then-record deal to bring him to Old Trafford just nine months ago, Mata’s best chance of getting back in the United first-team is if injuries force Van Gaal’s hand. Though, as workable as it is to feature so many attacking players in domestic games, European competition is a completely different proposition. Mata’s ability to keep the ball and rarely be wasteful in possession will certainly be an advantage should United qualify for either the Champions League or Europa League.
Surprises?
Like his decision to select Jesse Lingard as a wing-back for United’s opening league game of the season against Swansea, Van Gaal prides himself on the ability to surprise. Should he stick with a 3-5-2, he may have to play the nervy Chris Smalling if Phil Jones misses out due to that niggling injury he picked up while on England duty.
Surely buoyed by Di Maria’s debut, it would be almost guaranteed that the Argentine would stay in a midfield position, alongside Darren Fletcher or Ander Herrera. But with Rooney then set to play in the hole, that would mean no starting role for Blind and a substitutes’ role for Mata.
One thing seems certain: Van Gaal likes Falcao and his ability to score goals wherever he goes. It’s almost inevitable that all three attackers will start at Old Trafford on Sunday with Di Maria handed a free role again. Everything else though seems up for grabs.
Probable line-up: (4-3-3)
De Gea, Rafael, Evans, Rojo, Shaw, Fletcher, Blind, Di Maria, Rooney, Van Persie, Falcao.
Probable line-up: (3-5-2)
De Gea, Smalling, Evans, Rojo, Rafael, Shaw, Fletcher, Di Maria, Rooney, Van Persie, Falcao.
U never know, I wouldn’t be one bit surprised if united really made a game of it this weekend and really tested this qpr side. I’m gonna be bold and fancy united to nick a point off these guys!
Well, if they keep buying more and more players there wont be anybody left to play against them. Probably thier wisest tactic so far
That seems to be Liverpools tactic this season
Never mind uniteds formation. What is the craic with your formation graphic?
Utd’s formation in a 4 3 3 attack situation, 3 mids, 3 forwards and 2 attacking fb’s
I’d be starting Mata before Wayne Rooney.
Rooney would be a class act in midfield and probably score the same amount of goals and won’t need to kill himself running from 6 yard box to 6 yard box. Rooney and blind in midfield, mata herrera and Di Maria in front of them with RVP and Falcao up front. Rojo Blackett and smalling/Jones at De back with blind as a DM.
Kinda agree james. But id play rooney in a free role between the middle and up front. let him go where he wants
Ya that’s true I suppose he’s some man to pin point a pass and cracks a good distance shot you can see why Ferguson wanted to play him there and then the toys come outta the pram when he’s not played up front (even though he f***ing runs everywhere). Hopefully he cops on and get the form of a few seasons ago back.
No he’s not. I remember Fergie tried him out in cm and he kept trying (and failing) to do Scholes-esque passes 30 40 yards in to the channels for Valencia and didn’t come close to pulling them off.
I think United would be better off selling him, Mata is a much better number 10. Rvp and Falcao will score the goals. Rooney is well past his best.
Twenty times, Twenty times Man United… Twenty times, twenty times I say…
You will be singing that for many years to come Robson.
Living in the past living in the past.you sound like a Liverpool supporter
I assume you are talking to Robson.
Yep living of past success
Thought so…..
Ah Graham pal come on. Its known amongst liverpool fans
Yes Les, I am well aware of it, and know what it’s like to suck…. I am just trying to help those in denial and accept the fact that for now, those successful days are over…. Accept the fact it may be a long rocky road ahead, and do not get excited because Falcao got the ball in training and scored…..
True mate. As a utd man some lads are losing the run of themselves. They may click and be devastating against qpr or they may not be great
Did I miss something? Have Liverpool actually won something? One second place season and y’all start talking down to everyone,state of yis.
Davin, speaking about the experience of being successful, then years of wilderness….. I wish we won something over the last few years….. League cup does not cut it….. At Liverpool, the league was expected…. Now its just challenging….. The way the CL is now, winning the league is a bonus….. After Man U’s last 20 odd years, winning the league was the norm…. Fans now expect it, demand it…. Before that hoping for a good run in the league was the only expectation….. Some fans, both sides, need to remember success is not a divine right….. Its very hard….
I don’t demand and certainly do not expect. Ever since these oil barons turned up I knew the game had changed,even if fergie was still there we would struggle to win the league. It’s all doomed anyway,the ass is going to fall out of it someday soon,the money will disappear.
Certain teams will survive that…. The ones who had support before all this Sky, Oil money…..
Hope your right graham,I’m not so sure.
It will be a sad day on Sunday as it will (probably) be the last day that the “a triangle has more points than Man United” joke can be used this season.
Dylan, you’re the greatest
Yes I am. Bitter United fans will be angry.
It will mark the day alot of united supporters will come out of hiding.a lot haven’t been seen or heard since this time last year.
I’m still trying to find the article about the Sunderland and Spurs formations for Saturdays game. Can’t find it anywhere on here. ……What is this obsession with a team in decline and a manager who doesn’t seem to know his players ?
It’s called being the biggest club in sport and not just football GGMU!!!!!
Can’t win… Comment on the site,don’t comment on the site… what do you want Man United supporters to do exactly?
Link , Ciaran ?
LVG is some man to waste money, Di Maria could have been bought for 40m with real looking to offload. Herrera doesn’t look anything special, havnt seen much of Daley blind except with Holland , luke shaw will be a player but paid through the roof aswell. As for falcao no doubting his quality but the jury is out on a player who joined the powerhouse of Monaco to collect handy wages and left them for a team not playing champions league for more handy wages. He wanted to sign for Madrid but even their wage bill wouldn’t allow. Chelsea signed fabregas and Costa for half of what Di Maria and falcao are going to cost united. Really would make you laugh!!! Keep up the good work LVG
Qpr will get their back doors smashed in this Sunday
Well they should wallop QPR! No excuses after spending that money.
Jp united spending loads = nothing before alex home grown talent won everything it be exactly same now they need a lot of time to build the club up again
Man U the new man city !!!
Speaking as a Spurs fan, United are in serious trouble if they can’t do the business against QPR. They’re experimenting with formations that don’t suit the players they’ve got. When they played us they had Rio Ferdinand, Richie Dunne and Steven Caulker as a three man defense; two of three have no legs and their better days are behind them.
It will be exciting anyway , something which has been missing at united games for a while now .
The journal just invented the 4-1-3 formation
He may opt to go full cavalier and play Mata in the midfield 3 with Di Maria and Blind. Really not sure about playing RVP and Falcao together. Hope they prove me wrong.
I think Harry will park the Rolls…QPR to win. 1-0
Haha. Harrys teams only know how to play 1 way. And that is to attack, his teams always concede goals as well as scoring.
Thats why he was found out at Spurs, no plan B.
First came free Shinji………now comes free Juan
Regardless of formation Utd play, can’t see anything other than a hammering for QPR! 3 or 4 nil
How about this? – not likely on sunday but its my choice.
De Gea
Valencia Evans Rojo Shaw
Herrera Blind
Januzaj Rooney Di Maria
Falcao
Van Persie to be dopped because he hasn’t performed for ages in a united shirt – needs to earn a starting place.
Mata has to be dropped too unfortunately – he can’t play anywhere else but in the 10 role (Rooneys position here) and Rooney is much stronger and mobile on the ball.
Every time I see Evans in the starting line up I have a mini panic attack haha
Arsenal made a mistake selling Van Persie to Utd
but Utd seem to have repaid the mistake selling
Wellbeck to Arsenal.
Will be hard slog for Utd and their manager this
year without him.
To be fair he was given chance after chance and couldn’t produce. He might get on brilliant at arsenal as an out and out striker and plenty of game time.
Ya it’ll be so hard having falcao instead of welbeck for the whole season wake up ya fecking clown
All this hype about Welbeck is typical of a young English player moving clubs. People seem to forget that he played up front with Rooney in a 4-4-2 for best part of a whole season a few years ago and managed less than 10 goals.
The fact remains his ball control was terrible
He was very poor in possesion
He usually passed straight to an opponent
He needed 6-7 chances per goal
And his crossing was shocking
Yes he had pace but his final touch for United summed him up superbly. Simple cross that he hit high and wide.
How about the the game against bayern Munich and he blasted a wonder shot into the top corner in the first few minutes and was disallowed and missed 4 or 5 far handier chances after that. You hit the nail on the head ciaràn
Can’t see Shaw getting straight into action already, Paul Walker from the Fast and the Furious will probably play on the left with Herrera and Fletcher taking the the two centre spots for now at least. They’re very top heavy looking but with no more Remy QPR will struggle to attack, dunno how United plan to get results against some of the top sides though with their defense
Is Rafael fit now? He hasn’t featured in any of the pre season games or league games so far so I’d be surprised, even if he is fit, that he would go straight into the team cos he’s lacking match practice. Chances are that LVG will err on the side of caution and select either Valencia or (God help us) Young in the right wing back position.
De gea
Rafael. Rojo. Shaw
Blind
Januzaj rooney di maria
Mata
Falcao. Rvp
Too attacking but would get us goals.
Up united there will be no excuse should LVG opt for 4_1_3_2
DE GEA
RAFAEL,EVANS,ROJO,SHAW
BLIND
HERRERA,MATA,DI MARIA
ROONEY,FALCAO
Is this news?….what about the formation of the Spurs team.or Burnleys team this weekend….surely there will be a article this weekend on these teams and others
Lads, who made the MS Paint diagram?