Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's selection is yet again a huge talking point coming into the weekend, and it's a massive game in the form of the Manchester Derby. Some choices will almost make themselves for the United boss for various reasons, though many aspects of the side are very much in the balance. What will the system be? What will the personnel be? I'm going to outline my views here.
It remains to be seen whether Solskjaer will continue with the back five used in the past two matches, or whether he'll revert to the back four that finished the Atalanta match. The hamstring injury sustained by Raphael Varane on Tuesday night has certainly hindered plans to prolong the use of the recent system, with doubts over Victor Lindelof's fitness meaning Eric Bailly and Harry Maguire may be the only options as established centre backs.
Given the lack of options at centre back, there really seem to be only two options in defence. More than likely, Bailly will partner Maguire in a pair. However, there is a slight possibility that Luke Shaw could slot in on the left side of a three with Alex Telles able to operate the left wingback role. The latter option seems unlikely with Telles short of games, but there were considerations of deploying that particular left side against Spurs prior to Varane's return to fitness from his groin injury.
The loss of Varane is certainly damaging, especially given Maguire's loss of form having been rushed back from injury against Leicester nearly three weeks ago now. James Ducker actually reported that Maguire had only one day of full training on the grass before starting against Leicester, even though it is understood he was between a week and ten days short of being match ready. Well placed sources indicated that he should have sat out the Leicester game and the subsequent Champions League tie against Atalanta. It has seemingly had a real knock on effect.
Although United are short, Bailly's showing during the week has offered some encouragement into the extent of their depth at centre back. The Ivorian was almighty in Italy. There have been a multitude of critics surrounding his inconsistency amongst other issues, but he was seriously impressive during United's trip to Bergamo. Very often, he singlehandedly denied Atalanta - on occasions preventing certain goals. Having barely played this season, there was next to no rust.
He has always been faultlessly committed to the cause, with his extreme bravery to make tackles and blocks on display on Tuesday. Furthermore, he was very apt in duels - winning seven of 11 which he contested. As always, his recovery pace was proven as a key asset as well. Moreover, his awareness against Duvan Zapata was certainly sufficient given the threat offered by the Colombian; the centre back made eight ball recoveries and four interceptions. He looked really assured on the ball, too, with some real composure which is often absent from his game. It’s a shame he has been so injury prone, because he has the quality to be up in the equation with the very best centre backs on his day. No matter how unorthodox he may be, he is a highly competent defender and could certainly play a role this weekend.
Onto the midfield now, where there have been more and more calls for Donny van de Beek's inclusion after a lively cameo late on against Atalanta. It's hard to judge a player from such a short space of time on the pitch, but I thought Van den Beek seized his opportunity again. He was involved in the buildup to Ronaldo’s late goal, whilst subsequently coming close himself following more sprightly movement in and around the box. Everytime he plays, he seems to perform in manner that should warrant a starting place. Unfortunately, that never seems to materialise. However, it’s real testament to his character (and of course ability) that he continues to play at such level when granted chances given that they are so rare.
Here's what Solskjaer had to say post match: "Donny provided the run for the last goal. He keeps working and he's got qualities in there to unlock close defences and he almost scored as well."
Where would he fit? How would he be facilitated for? It's easy, really. The Dutchman is a player entirely capable of adapting to various roles, thus would be suitable for any system. With a back five behind him, there is a possibility that he could form a very high volume midfield pair with Scott McTominay - who impressed at Spurs. Van de Beek isn't too drastic a change from Fred, still offering defensive ability but giving an extra dimension by way of quality on a forward thinking front. McTominay would be able to offer stability slightly deeper, an area where he frequently found himself last weekend alongside Fred.
If Van de Beek was to start in a system which consists of a back four, he'd more than likely line up within a double pivot. Again, the lack of much dissimilarity in terms of stability compared with 'McFred' could mean he'd efficiently partner McTominay in a possible 4231. However, the Dutch international would have even more license to progress into areas where he can float towards the box (a specialty of his) if the more established defensive body of Nemanja Matic partnered him. In Paul Pogba's absence through suspension, it seems a perfect opportunity for Van de Beek to get some minutes on the big stage.
Bruno Fernandes is a given as a starter, but his role will vary dependent on Solskjaer's system. Last weekend, he was situated in between the midfield and forward duos. However, it's highly likely that he may be back in his attacking midfield role within a 4231 this weekend.
In a formation consisting of a back five, it's unlikely that wingers would be used. Conversely, any system involving a back four would have extreme emphasis on wide players. Many people will be desperate to see Jadon Sancho against his former side, with Solskjaer admitting post-Atalanta, “Jadon will come good. He has a great work-rate and attitude, he was really sharp when he came on, the first header he cleared for us and he was sharp on the ball - he'll have many, many years as a good player here."
There was a real sign of dynamacy between both Van de Beek and Sancho when the pair were introduced in Bergamo, which would be utilised on Saturday as means of unlocking City. Additionally, Sancho has shown a willingness to work back in a manner reminiscent of Dan James (who hereby had some solid matches against City during his time at United). Wan-Bissaka is one of the top defensive right backs around, but he may need this sort of support to deal with the overload caused by Joao Cancelo - one of City's largest threats. It wouldn't be at all ludicrous for Mason Greenwood to be started given his influence in both goals after coming on for Varane against Atalanta, though his defensive work is dubious amongst his plethora of attacking ability.
Marcus Rashford has to be one of the first names on the teamsheet if Solskjaer opts to use wingers. The 24 year old has had some massively effective performances against City, and has shown no signs of taking time to readjust after his recent absence. He two goals in only 106 Premier League minutes since his return.
Cristiano Ronaldo is another player who's inclusion is pretty self-explanatory. The Portuguese equalled and broke Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tally of 126 goals for United on Tuesday, also breaking his manager's Champions League tally with the brace. He is averaging a goal every 100 minutes so far for United since his return to the club, scoring nine times in 896 minutes. The creative element of his game is coming to the forefront too, with two chances created in each of his past two matches amongst the numerous shots intelligently engineered.
The only question is whether he'll lead the line alone, or partner Edinson Cavani again. You can't deny, the Uruguayan's work rate would be a crucial asset against a side like City, though you can only really see him featuring if Solskjaer opts to resume the 3412 system. It should be a consideration, especially given that they have scored a combined four goals in only 138 minutes spent on the pitch together.
It seems that this particular Manchester Derby could be pivotal in determining whether Solskjaer keeps his job.
Comments