Heading into the fresh campaign, there have been some reports that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wishes to trial the 4-3-3 formation as oppose to his typical 4-2-3-1. This change of formation would involve the use of only one sitting midfielder, with two more offensive-minded central midfielders situated ahead in order to utilise more attacking players. Given the improving depth of this United squad, formation fluidity would surely be entirely possible.
Strength in depth is something I'd like to put some emphasis on, because it is reaching new heights over this summer window. Firstly, the arrival of Tom Heaton can only be positive by way of offering competition for our two top caliber goalkeepers - David de Gea and Dean Henderson. If the Raphael Varane deal does go through, the quality and relative experience we will have in the centre back area with become nothing short of exceptional. The Frenchman would (of course) partner Harry Maguire, with back ups of Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly certainly still of a high echelon. In order to maintain this depth in all areas, it is important that Alex Telles doesn't leave as has been rumoured this week; if anything was to sideline Luke Shaw, he is a proven quality left back who would be able to sufficiently deputise. On the opposite side, added competition for and an alternative to Aaron Wan-Bissaka would be good to have - it seems it's just a matter of whether that player is Diogo Dalot or Kieran Trippier. Regardless of who may end up as Wan-Bissaka's deputy, even our second choice back line would be entirely capable.
Shifting to assessing options for the midfield three (if we were to adopt the 4-3-3 system), well, there's already some very strong depth that could yet get better before the end of August. Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek are both able to operate as number tens, though the pair could also be deployed as progressive central midfielders within a three. Freed up by a sitting midfielder offering defensive cover, Paul Pogba could also thrive with a license to push forward as well. The pair of Scott McTominay and Fred would likely be deputies in case of injuries, both proven capable to cover in a multitude of midfield roles. Aside from the aging Nemanja Matic, though, we don't currently have an absolutely established defensive midfielder. Furthermore, it should be and actually seems to be somewhat a priority over the coming month to grant Solskjaer's wish of switching up his trademark system. However, given his experience in defence with Scotland and open contentedness to mould into various midfield positions, I judge it wouldn't be overly preposterous to station the aforementioned McTominay behind two more progressive midfield players if all else fails. On the topic of options, the likes of Andreas Pereira, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard would all be able to offer further diversity with regards to the system on some occasions.
So to the attack, and this is where it gets even more exciting. Aside from Edinson Cavani, all attacking options are below the age of 25 - though there is still plenty of experience at our disposal. It's likely (with everyone at peak fitness) that the front three would consist of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho alongside 'El Matador'. Yet - offering competition and more than viable backup and rotational options - the likes of Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Dan James will be waiting eagerly in the wings. Given Cavani's age and the likelihood of Rashford's two month absence due to a shoulder procedure, it's inevitable that such alternatives will still gain a hefty amount of opportunities. Personally, I hope to see more of Greenwood through the middle as he continues to learn his trade from the likes of Cavani as well as from Solskjaer.
I've progressed this far without even alluding to any of the potential youth breakthroughs. Once again underlining how exhilarating the prospect of our attack is, we've already seen huge encouragement from Amad and now Facundo Pellistri since the pair signed for the club last summer. The former looked incredibly confident during sporadic opportunities last season, scoring against AC Milan in the home Europa League tie. Similarly, but only yesterday, Pellistri tormented the Derby defence on his senior debut following his second half introduction; like Amad, he also found the net - after manoeuvring the ball around the goalkeeper with serene composure. Heavily involved in that move was young Shola Shoretire, who was also gifted some minutes in the latter stages of last season. In addition, Anthony Elanga also proved a point to the manager and United fans alike with his goal against Wolves on the closing day of the Premier League season. Although loan moves could happen at any given stage in the coming weeks, the youthful likes of Dylan Levitt, Ethan Galbraith and James Garner could also offer support if ever there was potential midfield shortness.
How would this 4-3-3 work and be effective? Really, it would seem like a 4-1-2-3 due to the nature of the midfielders' positioning. Due to the likely defensive reinforcements through Varane, less defensive cover needs to be offered by the midfield - therefore a pivot would not longer be necessary. After all, the club's ethos is based around attacking mentality so utilising as many attacking options as possible is the dream scenario. That cover added by the sitting midfielder also allows the fullbacks a license to push forward, with that individual able to cover in a makeshift back three if possession was lost. The lack of restrictions for the fullbacks would ultimately cause an overload in wide areas, overpowering opposing defences which obviously leads to openings. The system would have plenty of versatility: Pogba is able to drop and make a pivot, with Fernandes able to shift forward to an attacking midfield role if required. That freedom is undoubtedly a virtue for the pair, and would influence the entire team on a large scale.
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