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Manchester United added Alex Telles and Edinson Cavani to the team on the transfer deadline.
Both players hope to enter United’s strongest eleven, joining new signing Donny van de Beek to compete for spots.
We’ve had a look at the options available to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over the next few weeks, in three different formations.
Qualifiers: There is still a debate about who is the best United goalkeeper, the best central defensive pair and the midfield.
For the sake of discussion, we have opted for David de Gea over Dean Henderson, and have endorsed the unity of the Maguire and Lindelof partnership after Eric Bailly’s first league start along with the club captain went awry.
Similarly, to weed out poor performances this season and look back on the streak at the end of last year, we are going with Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba as United’s central midfield duo, despite the terrible performance against Tottenham.
Anthony Martial is not listed in any of these XIs due to his upcoming suspension. He could replace Marcus Rashford in all of them.
4-2-3-1
Benefits: This is the formation United players are used to, and it won’t require a big change, before a crucial run in the next few games.
Alex Telles will replace Luke Shaw, while Edinson Cavani will lead the line, ably supported by Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford on both sides.
Disadvantages: This formation has not worked for United in the first two games at home, and United should look for ways to improve.
One of the problems is that United can only fit three midfielders this way, and Donny van de Beek makes it six players competing for positions.
Diamond 4-4-2
Benefits: United can bolster the midfield by adding an extra man, and Donny van de Beek needs playing time. It can help both Pogba and Matic, who were invaded by Tottenham.
Disadvantages: There will be additional responsibility on the flanks to attack. Alex Telles is perfect for this role, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka can struggle.
The two forwards Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford may take some time to consolidate. However, it means that two forwards, in this case Martial and Greenwood, would be on the bench.
3-4-1-2
Benefits: A winger system may be the best way for United to utilize the new signing Telles. This helps United cover the lack of wingers on the team.
Putting in an extra central defender worked at times last season, and solves United’s dilemma of who to pick, to some extent. Having three defenders can help the team work due to lack of confidence.
Disadvantages: This formation failed in the FA Cup semi-final last season with United looking mediocre and the back three lacking, with Maguire injuring Martial.
As in 4-4-2, United goes from being able to select three forwards to just two. It’s good to have strength on the bench, but United may want the team’s best scorers on the field.
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