Your Manchester United Formation
- Thread starter Dunk
- Start date
---------------DDG---------------
-----Jones---Evans---Rojo-------
Rafael-------Blind--------Di Maria
--------Januzaj-Herera--------
-----------Van Persie------------
-------------Falcao-------------
-----Jones---Evans---Rojo-------
Rafael-------Blind--------Di Maria
--------Januzaj-Herera--------
-----------Van Persie------------
-------------Falcao-------------
Cm's and Di maria, allows he to drift wide in that madrid role. can also fit in hererra or mata on the other side dependant on opponent.
4-4-2 Diamond is what works. The problem is either RVP/Rooney won't feature. But RVP is injury prone so that problem may be solved organically.
4-1-2-1-2 or 4-4-2 Diamond looks best suited to the players we have now.
We need a solid defence, we are struggling with 3 at the back, 4 at the back is the way it should be from now.
I do not want to see Fellaini, Cleverley, Valencia or Young play for UTD ever again. They can all be sold in the next window. Add Fletcher to that when Carrick is fit again. Anderson imo has somewhat redeemed himself, just needs to stay fit.
What's going on with Rafael, does LVG not rate him?
What's the deal with RVP, are the rumours true about him needing surgery? Bad news if true, will be out for a while.
Team with RVP and Carrick not available due to surgery.
Team with RVP and Carrick available
Subs: Lindegaard, Blackett, Shaw, Blind, Herrera, Januzaj, Wilson.
Its vital having a solid defence and what could be more solid then 4 CB's and a DM screening in front of them.
Also playing Di Maria behind the strikers is vital, we need some pace up front and he can provide that and allow our strikers to get into attacking positions. Mata, Herrera or Rooney act as the creative players but will also have to work hard for the team.
Ideally the team I would pick would be the second team with Herrera instead of Rooney but as he is captain now he has to be on the pitch. I haven't included Rafael in the squad or subs, i like him as a player but i dont think he fits into the system. Strootman in Jan would replace Carrick - Hopefully.
We need a solid defence, we are struggling with 3 at the back, 4 at the back is the way it should be from now.
I do not want to see Fellaini, Cleverley, Valencia or Young play for UTD ever again. They can all be sold in the next window. Add Fletcher to that when Carrick is fit again. Anderson imo has somewhat redeemed himself, just needs to stay fit.
What's going on with Rafael, does LVG not rate him?
What's the deal with RVP, are the rumours true about him needing surgery? Bad news if true, will be out for a while.
Team with RVP and Carrick not available due to surgery.
De Gea
Jones--------Smalling--------Evans--------Rojo
Blind
Herrera------------------Mata
Di Maria
Rooney----------Falcao
Subs: Lindegaard, Blackett, Shaw, Fletcher, Anderson, Januzaj, Wilson.Jones--------Smalling--------Evans--------Rojo
Blind
Herrera------------------Mata
Di Maria
Rooney----------Falcao
Team with RVP and Carrick available
De Gea
Jones--------Smalling--------Evans--------Rojo
Carrick
Rooney------------------Mata
Di Maria
Falcao------------V.Persie
Jones--------Smalling--------Evans--------Rojo
Carrick
Rooney------------------Mata
Di Maria
Falcao------------V.Persie
Subs: Lindegaard, Blackett, Shaw, Blind, Herrera, Januzaj, Wilson.
Its vital having a solid defence and what could be more solid then 4 CB's and a DM screening in front of them.
Also playing Di Maria behind the strikers is vital, we need some pace up front and he can provide that and allow our strikers to get into attacking positions. Mata, Herrera or Rooney act as the creative players but will also have to work hard for the team.
Ideally the team I would pick would be the second team with Herrera instead of Rooney but as he is captain now he has to be on the pitch. I haven't included Rafael in the squad or subs, i like him as a player but i dont think he fits into the system. Strootman in Jan would replace Carrick - Hopefully.
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The important parts for me, are:
1. 4 at the back. Once Shaw and Rafael are healthy, we should have a decent backline as long as one of Rojo, Smalling or Evans can partner Jones, who has looked good so far.
2. Di Maria and Herrera playing centrally and with a holder behind them, since their movement and link play is necessary for our moribund football to turn decent.
Then it's a matter of figuring out which 3 attackers work best together, between Rooney, Falcao, Van Persie, Mata and Januzaj. So, for me:
-----------Falcao/RVP-------------
------Rooney----------------------
---------------------Mata/Januzaj
---Di Maria------Herrera----------
-----------Blind/Carrick-----------
Shaw--------------------------Rafael
--------Rojo------Jones-----------
-------------De Gea---------------
Di Maria and Shaw exploiting the space Rooney creates by tucking in a lot, Januzaj or Mata creating from the right, Herrera and Di Maria linking play and with Blind or Carrick as the DM and that back 4, our buildup play should improve rapidly. No Hummels or Rafa Marquez back there, but Rojo and Jones aren't bad at hitting teammates on the ground and teams should be pegged back enough for us to play decent stuff.
Long-term, I'd say the biggest need is a DM if Blind isn't the answer there, and maybe another CB depending on how Rojo looks and Smalling's development.
1. 4 at the back. Once Shaw and Rafael are healthy, we should have a decent backline as long as one of Rojo, Smalling or Evans can partner Jones, who has looked good so far.
2. Di Maria and Herrera playing centrally and with a holder behind them, since their movement and link play is necessary for our moribund football to turn decent.
Then it's a matter of figuring out which 3 attackers work best together, between Rooney, Falcao, Van Persie, Mata and Januzaj. So, for me:
-----------Falcao/RVP-------------
------Rooney----------------------
---------------------Mata/Januzaj
---Di Maria------Herrera----------
-----------Blind/Carrick-----------
Shaw--------------------------Rafael
--------Rojo------Jones-----------
-------------De Gea---------------
Di Maria and Shaw exploiting the space Rooney creates by tucking in a lot, Januzaj or Mata creating from the right, Herrera and Di Maria linking play and with Blind or Carrick as the DM and that back 4, our buildup play should improve rapidly. No Hummels or Rafa Marquez back there, but Rojo and Jones aren't bad at hitting teammates on the ground and teams should be pegged back enough for us to play decent stuff.
Long-term, I'd say the biggest need is a DM if Blind isn't the answer there, and maybe another CB depending on how Rojo looks and Smalling's development.
Rooney Falcao
Januzaj
Di Maria Blind Herrera
Shaw RoJo Smalling Rafael
De Gea
(can't say I'm particularly convinced by this line-up but it beats playing 3 at the back. RoJo might be an option at leftback instead of Shaw. Ageing Carrick may be superior to Blind. Januzaj is an important player. Jones unlucky to miss out)
Januzaj
Di Maria Blind Herrera
Shaw RoJo Smalling Rafael
De Gea
(can't say I'm particularly convinced by this line-up but it beats playing 3 at the back. RoJo might be an option at leftback instead of Shaw. Ageing Carrick may be superior to Blind. Januzaj is an important player. Jones unlucky to miss out)
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Spot on. Rooney can drift wide when we don't have the ball (a bit like Ronaldo at Madrid) & move further infield on attack, with AdM & Shaw providing width on the left.
I'm sure we'd all like to see some sort of "back 4" formation, whether that's 433, 442, 4231 or "the Diamond" but isn't it likely that LVG will stubbornly persist with the 352 and this "three months" to adapt?
I'm not sure I want to see Blind in a midfield-two.
Agree with this.
The only way it will work is if one of Rooney/Falcao/RvP is not playing. If rumors are true and RvP needs surgery, it could be an easy decision. The only other option would be to play Rooney deeper but that would be at the cost of Herrera/Di Maria/Mata and they all contribute so much in build up play, it would be counter productive imo.
Maybe back to our old 4-4-2 (4-4-1-1) when needed?
DDG
Rafael Jones Rojo Shaw
Januzaj Herrera Rooney/Blind Di Maria
Mata
Falcao/RvP
Rafael Jones Rojo Shaw
Januzaj Herrera Rooney/Blind Di Maria
Mata
Falcao/RvP
Shameless copy and paste from my post in the 442 thread.
Christmas tree FTW!
------------RVP--------------
--__-Rooney----Januzaj/ADM--------
---Hererra--Carrick--Blind---------
Shaw--Evans---Jones--Rafael
------------DDG
*Carrick anchored deeper than the midfield two in the DM role.
With Rooney and Januzaj moving out wide depending on how our attacks are poised, and if Rooney doesn't like that, make Evans, Jones or Carrick captain and ship the mouthy twat off in January, over-rated punk.
Christmas tree FTW!
------------RVP--------------
--__-Rooney----Januzaj/ADM--------
---Hererra--Carrick--Blind---------
Shaw--Evans---Jones--Rafael
------------DDG
*Carrick anchored deeper than the midfield two in the DM role.
With Rooney and Januzaj moving out wide depending on how our attacks are poised, and if Rooney doesn't like that, make Evans, Jones or Carrick captain and ship the mouthy twat off in January, over-rated punk.
Yeah, anything will work better then the 3-5-2 IMO!
I can see the "diamond" getting the best out of all our players, with essential cover in all key positions, should we have injuries or rotate. Example, Januzaj for Herrera, Mata or Rooney etc.
In big away matches we can adopt a 4-5-1 as well (come 4-3-3 on the counter).
We have great fullbacks who can support our attacks and offer the width (Rafael, Shaw with Rojo/Blind and even Valencia filling in).
--------------DDG
Rafael--Jones---Rojo---Shaw
-------------Blind
-Herrera------------AdM
--------Rooney--Mata
-----------Falcao
De Gea
Rafael Jones Rojo Shaw
Blind
Herrera Di Maria
Mata
RVP/Rooney Falcao
Rafael Jones Rojo Shaw
Blind
Herrera Di Maria
Mata
RVP/Rooney Falcao
I think a midfield diamond is the best way to go really and it allows genuine opportunities for Januzaj as cover for Mata/Rooney or Rooney/Van Persie at the tip of the diamond and as a second striker, respectively. The other thing is that the midfield will be congested making it difficult for any opponent to have a genuine numerical advantage in there whilst also allowing us to utilise Di Maria in that dual role in which he flourished at Real Madrid.
That bit is key for me.
If we can develop a similar system, it means we're essentially covering our weakest areas (through the middle by flooding it with hardworking technical players Blind/Herrera/AdM/Mata) whilst providing quality width and service to our strikers.
Our fullbacks will also have a big part to play, and I'm excited that players like Mata/AdM/Herrera can also provide a direct threat through the middle.
4-3-3 for me:
-------------De Gea---------------
-Rafael----Smalling--Plus One---Shaw-
--------------Blind/Carrick------------
-------Herrera----------Di Maria------
--Januzaj-------Falcao--------Rooney--
Many alternating options too, but I think something like this would be our most balanced. If I had my way, no way Rooney makes the team, but every chance he will of course. I'd have him and Di Maria switching in that system.
In all likelihood, we'll still likely be unbalanced though. Januzaj won't start, Persie will play. Even with my team above, we'd have no cover for Adnan anyway, especially with Welbeck gone.
-------------De Gea---------------
-Rafael----Smalling--Plus One---Shaw-
--------------Blind/Carrick------------
-------Herrera----------Di Maria------
--Januzaj-------Falcao--------Rooney--
Many alternating options too, but I think something like this would be our most balanced. If I had my way, no way Rooney makes the team, but every chance he will of course. I'd have him and Di Maria switching in that system.
In all likelihood, we'll still likely be unbalanced though. Januzaj won't start, Persie will play. Even with my team above, we'd have no cover for Adnan anyway, especially with Welbeck gone.
If we're still going to carry on with the 3-5-2:
If we're moving away from that, then I'd love to see us play the diamond:
Once Januzaj gets the ball rolling, he'll be in there somewhere.
DDG
Smalling Jones Rojo
Rafael-----Blind-----Shaw
Herrera Mata
Rooney Falcao
Smalling Jones Rojo
Rafael-----Blind-----Shaw
Herrera Mata
Rooney Falcao
If we're moving away from that, then I'd love to see us play the diamond:
DDG
Rafael Jones Rojo Shaw
Blind
Herrera DiMaria
Mata
Rooney Falcao
Rafael Jones Rojo Shaw
Blind
Herrera DiMaria
Mata
Rooney Falcao
Once Januzaj gets the ball rolling, he'll be in there somewhere.
I do like that a lot and it looks pretty balanced. I guess is would work having Rooney out wide there because he would have Di Maria runnign behind him
The only issue is that you are benching both Mata and RVP, which I can't see happening, whereas in mine only one is benched:
Januzaj could come in for Mata or Herrera or Di Maria.
Giving Rooney the captain's armband was a huge mistake.
And Herrera. I'm surprised so many people don't see a problem with that midfield. I do.
I have no worries about Herrera, but I doubt Blind is good enough for it. Well, let's see wich formation we'll use against QPR. I'm guessing 3-5-2.
--------------De Gea----------------
-Rafael---Jones---Rojo---Shaw----
-----Herrera--Blind--Rooney-------
---Januzaj----Falcao----Di Maria---
The best balance in my view.
-Rafael---Jones---Rojo---Shaw----
-----Herrera--Blind--Rooney-------
---Januzaj----Falcao----Di Maria---
The best balance in my view.
-------------DDG------------
Rafael--Jones--Rojo--Shaw
-------------Blind-----------
Herrera--------------Di Maria
------------Rooney------------
------Falcao--------RVP-------
When all players are fit, I think this is our strongest starting lineup
Rafael--Jones--Rojo--Shaw
-------------Blind-----------
Herrera--------------Di Maria
------------Rooney------------
------Falcao--------RVP-------
When all players are fit, I think this is our strongest starting lineup
I'd go with either a 433:
DDG
Rafael - Jones - Rojo - Shaw
Herrera - Blind - Di Maria
Januzaj - Falcao - Rooney/Mata
Or 4231:
DDG
Rafael - Jones - Rojo - Shaw
Herrera - Blind
Di Maria - Mata - Januzaj
Falcao
To me it all depends on Di Maria. If he's excelling as part of a midfield three then I'd go with the first formation, if he's playing just as well as a winger I think the second formation has a better balance to it and would go with that (no Mata/Rooney on the wing).
DDG
Rafael - Jones - Rojo - Shaw
Herrera - Blind - Di Maria
Januzaj - Falcao - Rooney/Mata
Or 4231:
DDG
Rafael - Jones - Rojo - Shaw
Herrera - Blind
Di Maria - Mata - Januzaj
Falcao
To me it all depends on Di Maria. If he's excelling as part of a midfield three then I'd go with the first formation, if he's playing just as well as a winger I think the second formation has a better balance to it and would go with that (no Mata/Rooney on the wing).
-----RVP-------Falcao----Rooney---
------------------Mata-----------------
----Di Maria--------------Januzaj---
-----------------Herrera---------------
---------Rojo----Blind-----Jones---
------------------DDG----------------
All out attack!
------------------Mata-----------------
----Di Maria--------------Januzaj---
-----------------Herrera---------------
---------Rojo----Blind-----Jones---
------------------DDG----------------
All out attack!
I'm not sure any of our defenders (Rojo aside) are even remotely comfortable with the current 3-4-1-2. In my view we should look to revert to a back 4 at the earliest available opportunity (might have to wait until Rafael & Shaw are available). A narrow formation would seem to play to our strengths, due to the relative paucity of our wide options, so the 4-4-2 diamond that many on here seem to favour would make a lot of sense:
De Gea
Rafael----Jones---Rojo----Shaw
Blind
Herrera------Di Maria
Mata
Rooney Falcao
De Gea
Rafael----Jones---Rojo----Shaw
Blind
Herrera------Di Maria
Mata
Rooney Falcao
The good thing is, Van Gaal now has a lot of options. I personally think he will stick with a 352 for now, but can easily change to a 433, 4231 or 4312.
352
De Gea
Evans - Jones - Rojo
Carrick
Rafael - Herrera - Di Maria - Shaw
Falcao - Rooney
Lindegaard - Smalling - Valencia - Blind - Januzaj - Mata - Van Persie
41212
De Gea
Rafael - Jones - Rojo - Shaw
Carrick
Herrera - Di Maria
Mata
Falcao - Rooney
Lindegaard - Smalling - Valencia - Blind - Fellaini - Januzaj - Van Persie
4231
De Gea
Rafael - Jones - Rojo - Shaw
Herrera - Carrick
Januzaj - Rooney - Di Maria
Falcao
Lindegaard - Smalling - Valencia - Blind - Mata - Young - Van Persie
Evans - Jones - Rojo
Carrick
Rafael - Herrera - Di Maria - Shaw
Falcao - Rooney
Lindegaard - Smalling - Valencia - Blind - Januzaj - Mata - Van Persie
41212
De Gea
Rafael - Jones - Rojo - Shaw
Carrick
Herrera - Di Maria
Mata
Falcao - Rooney
Lindegaard - Smalling - Valencia - Blind - Fellaini - Januzaj - Van Persie
4231
De Gea
Rafael - Jones - Rojo - Shaw
Herrera - Carrick
Januzaj - Rooney - Di Maria
Falcao
Lindegaard - Smalling - Valencia - Blind - Mata - Young - Van Persie
(4-3-3)
----------------DDG---------------
Rafael-----Jones---Rojo-----Shaw
---Herrera----Blind----Di Maria---
Mata/Rooney-Falcao-Rooney/RvP
----------------DDG---------------
Rafael-----Jones---Rojo-----Shaw
---Herrera----Blind----Di Maria---
Mata/Rooney-Falcao-Rooney/RvP
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DDG
Rafael Jones Rojo Shaw
Blind
Rooney Di Maria
Mata/Herrera
RVP Falcao
Rafael Jones Rojo Shaw
Blind
Rooney Di Maria
Mata/Herrera
RVP Falcao
I'd like 3-5-2 to remain an option and the players to be able to play it so
----------- DDG ------------
--- Jones - Smalling - Rojo ---
Valencia ---- Blind ----- Shaw
---- Hererra ---- Di Maria ----
---------- Rooney -----------
----------- Falcao -----------
----------- DDG ------------
--- Jones - Smalling - Rojo ---
Valencia ---- Blind ----- Shaw
---- Hererra ---- Di Maria ----
---------- Rooney -----------
----------- Falcao -----------
A very attacking 4-3-3:
----------------DDG----------------
Rafael----Jones----Rojo-----Shaw
----------------Blind----------------
----Herrera-------------Di Maria---
RVP----------Falcao--------Rooney
Januzaj a backup to RVP/Rooney; Mata backup to Herrera/Di Maria; Carrick a backup to Blind
----------------DDG----------------
Rafael----Jones----Rojo-----Shaw
----------------Blind----------------
----Herrera-------------Di Maria---
RVP----------Falcao--------Rooney
Januzaj a backup to RVP/Rooney; Mata backup to Herrera/Di Maria; Carrick a backup to Blind
But the 3-5-2 places more pressure on our weakest area, that been the defence, it just doesn't make proper use of the players we have further forward.
With the above line up we are leaving out Mata, RvP, and Janujaz, why is that good idea when the obvious thing is to play 4 at the back, and shield them with Blind, then unleash 5 of our forward thinking talents onto teams, my preference been:
----Herrera-----Di Maria----
------------Rooney-----------
---------RvP-----Falcao-------
Or if not working
----Herrera------Blind-------
-------------Rooney-----------
Janujaz------Falcao-----Di Maria
If this was FM
Ander to cover for Rafael when he goes forward.
Can overload the left flank with Di Maria and Shaw.
Looks great on paper.. Doesn't always translate on the pitch though.
Adnan to replace Mata.
3 strikers to rotate and share 2 spots between them.
Plenty of backup in the squad.. No real roles for Valencia and Young.. but Val can be the backup RB. Young to come in as one of the front 3
Ander to cover for Rafael when he goes forward.
Can overload the left flank with Di Maria and Shaw.
Looks great on paper.. Doesn't always translate on the pitch though.
Adnan to replace Mata.
3 strikers to rotate and share 2 spots between them.
Plenty of backup in the squad.. No real roles for Valencia and Young.. but Val can be the backup RB. Young to come in as one of the front 3
Assuming we'll switch to 4-3-3 (4312) soon, I think we'll play with two of RVP, Rooney and Falcao. One of them are likely to be injured some or most of the time anyway so this will probably keep all of them happy. This way Mata can continue to play in his preferred position.
Midfield 3 will be ADM of course alongside two of Carrick, Blind and Herrera. Very likely that we average one injury among those four as well so should be plenty of gametime for everyone.
Defence will be similar, but I can only guess who'll be our centre-backs. Rojo will probably start and so will Rafael and Shaw once they're fit.
4-3-3
-------------De Gea----------
--------Jones-----Rojo------
Rafael---Blind/Carrick--Shaw
--------Herrera----ADM------
-------------Mata------------
------Rooney/RVP--Falcao
Midfield 3 will be ADM of course alongside two of Carrick, Blind and Herrera. Very likely that we average one injury among those four as well so should be plenty of gametime for everyone.
Defence will be similar, but I can only guess who'll be our centre-backs. Rojo will probably start and so will Rafael and Shaw once they're fit.
4-3-3
-------------De Gea----------
--------Jones-----Rojo------
Rafael---Blind/Carrick--Shaw
--------Herrera----ADM------
-------------Mata------------
------Rooney/RVP--Falcao
De Gea
Rafael - Smalling - Rojo - Shaw
Blind/Carrick - Herrera
Mata
Rooney - Falcao - Di Maria
A bit like when we played Rooney - Tevez - RonaldoRafael - Smalling - Rojo - Shaw
Blind/Carrick - Herrera
Mata
Rooney - Falcao - Di Maria
Its mostly to have the option if we do want to go defensive basically. Ok its not ideal against teams playing 10 cb's
but it would be a nice option against chelsea or city or whatever.
And personally i dont think squeezing loads of attacking players into the team will help us all that much.
Basically a front 4 of Falcao, Rooney, Di Maria and Hererra is good enough imo to get plenty of goals and i'd value
the extra midfield control and defensive solidity ahead of squeezing an extra striker in which i think will probably
unbalance us.
I'd basically be looking to use januzaj to switch to 4-3-3.
I wouldn't do it that often, hes young and all that. Maybe next season. This season he'd be cover and if i wanted to swap things up.
Mata ... I dont think he offers all that much that rooney doesn't, Goals, assists and not much else really.
Some of his passing is better but i'd basically play one or the other .I wouldn't be that bothered losing one for a better balance of abilities elsewhere.
Mata could come in for hererra or Di maria too.
RvP would be cover or competition for Falcao, maybe for Rooney too the odd time. Playing RvP and Falcao is another option i wouldn't use often though, as i think 2 out and out cf's leave you kind of short elsewhere. It might work with a midfield diamond and back 4 i guess.
If Rooney will always be on the pitch then its got to be 3-5-2 for me. I don't like 442 and its agony watching Rooney play #10. When we have everyone fit it'll work fine.