A midfield is often regarded as the backbone of a soccer team, and Manchester United has struggled quite a lot in that department over the years. Lack of quality, depth, inconsistency, and ability to deliver in the big moments, The Manchester United midfield has suffered tremendously while other clubs have massively improved.
With new owners INEOS coming over, the club has been quite optimistic about strengthening the middle of the field and ensuring that the Red Devils control games. For the 2024/25 Premier League season, here are some midfield formations that Manchester United can use to be successful.
Manchester United Uses 4-3-3
Most managers after Sir Alex Ferguson have tried implementing a 4-3-3 formation, but none have succeeded. Last season, Man U started Premier League play with a three-man midfield of Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Bruno Fernandes. However, like many times last season, it got bypassed by the Wolverhampton Wanderers despite a win. Integrating Kobbie Mainoo ensured that the Red Devils finished the season off on a high with the FA Cup win.
Going into this season, Manchester United’s priority was to get Casemiro offloaded and ensure they create a solid midfield trio with Mainoo and Fernandes. Fernandes signed a new deal last week. Judging by reports, Manual Ugarte is set to be the man to sit deep alongside Mainoo and give Fernandes freedom to create on his own. Moreover, the PSG man is younger than Casemiro, which allows him to maintain his performances across the season. Casemiro was very good in the opening game against Fulham, but his consistency remains a question mark.
Red Lions Use 4-4-2 (Diamond)
In the opening match against Fulham, Manchester United started without a striker. Their lineup included Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, and Bruno Fernandes, who played up top. How about integrating them with Joshua Zirkzee or Rasmus Hojlund on the same team? That’s where the diamond formation kicks in. Man U can line up with Casemiro as the deepest midfielder. Mainoo and Mount can be slightly more box-to-box, which allows Fernandes to play as a No. 10 behind the two forwards.
It remains to be seen whether Erik ten Hag tries to implement his formation. However, his module has always been possession-based, which gives us the idea that he won’t ignore this formation. With the likeliness of Manual Ugarte joining, the Uruguayan can replace Mount in this setup and give more protection to Casemiro and Mainoo. The problem is that it nullifies the attacking threat.
Manchester United has struggled for goals under Ten Hag against the bottom 10 sides of the Premier League. It is likely that the Dutchman only uses this formation in games against the traditional Top 6 opponents for better control.
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