I understand that the decision to go with a back 3 was to suit the players we had in the squad, plus it allows for Mata, Rooney ad RVP to play in their preferred positions but in reality, we are still in the same position as we were last season with blatant weaknesses in our defence and central midfield, and a dire need to invest in the 1st team (not squad!!), if we are to sign a good number of players, why would we persist with the 3 at the back? Surely we need at least 2 CB's, a central midfielder and perhaps a wide-man? if we are successful in gettign these in, then surely the formation can be looked at again, or is LVG too stubborn? I tend to agree with Scholesy - the formation is more concerned with keeping possession than being creative and imaginative.
Thoughts?
Formation
posted on 17/8/14
It's been covered a lot already in last 2 days......but I'd argue we don't have the players for 3-5-2 at all. The opposite in fact.
It's definitely a way of getting RVP, Rooney and Mata all involved but that comes at a price. Lack of pace and lack of width.
Van Gaal's tried and tested 4-3-3 will be the way forward. He didn't even stick with 3-5-2 for longer than 45 mins on saturday.
posted on 17/8/14
Maybe this won't be a popular opinion but I wouldn't be against offering RVP for Vidal if we are truly in for him and finding it difficult.
If this happened we could play 4-3-3 with Rooney at the front as a striker (and staying there!) and Janujaz and another winger (di Maria?).
The midfield three could consist of Herrera, Mata and one other and then I think we'd look a lot stronger.
posted on 17/8/14
Diafol - i think we would need another striker then though as the more i watch Hernandez I swear the worse he gets!!! Midfield and defence desperately need reinforcements though
posted on 17/8/14
Diafol, to be honest I doubt Juve would take RVP.
posted on 17/8/14
RVP will never leave with LVG at the helm
posted on 17/8/14
4-3-3
----------------------------RVP
----------------Rooney------------Januzaj
---------------------------Mata
-------------------Herrera----Carrick
posted on 17/8/14
I'm not saying that RVP will leave but if we were to add a little pace into the side we'd be far more effective.
RVN left and was effectively replaced by Saha in 2006/07 and we played some great stuff. It's not always the best players that make the best team.
I like the formation that SE85 has above but I think we'd be far more dangerous with pace as there isn't a flyer there.
Imagine having Vidal for Carrick and Reus for RVP (with Rooney up top) and I think we'd be much better.
I agree with the comment about Hernandez. He isn't a player that I would have as a starter for United and for his career's sake I think it best he left.
posted on 17/8/14
I agree, Diafol. I'd just be surprised if Juve would be willing to take RVP given their needs and his wages.
posted on 17/8/14
comment by Darren The King Fletcher - Maroudona (U10026)
posted 9 minutes ago
I agree, Diafol. I'd just be surprised if Juve would be willing to take RVP given their needs and his wages.
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I don't believe that they would either but I was just thinking of a scenario where we can add a bit of pace to the side.
RVP is a bit of a conundrum for me as for all his undoubted class he is not someone that really suits where we are now.
You'd think that Rooney is pretty much a nailed on starter having been given the captaincy and unless we add real quality in midfield and wide then I don't think RVP and Rooney will work without leaving us exposed in the middle.
posted on 18/8/14
4-3-3
"----------------------------RVP
----------------Rooney------------Januzaj
---------------------------Mata
-------------------Herrera----Carrick"
That would play out as a 4231 and other teams would have a field day with midfield and your full backs.