The big problems United had when they lost 1-0 at Arsenal playing 4-4-1-1 were IMO.
1. Song in Rooney's space and doing a great job of shackling him
2. Hernandez not doing much in terms of contributing to the team play.
3. United being unable to exploit the wings on the break because wide players were naturally deep.
4. United's lack of a holding player meant the hole was always available for RVP to drop into or Arsenal's midfielders to run into (the system meant that Carrick couldn't operate as a holding player as he had to provide midfield support).
Welbeck instead of Hernandez in the same system could help because his movement off the front is superb which should make life more difficult for Song and give Rooney the opportunity to have more influence.
But IMO United should learn form last season and go for a 4-1-2-3 (which has worked brilliantly against Arsenal in the past).
This would allow United to exploit the wide areas (Arsenal's weakness IMO) to better effect particularly on the break.
It would mean Carrick could sit and make sure the hole is protected.
It would take Rooney out of Song's zone and though he'd be out of his natural position he's been very effective in previous matches against Arsenal playing right up top.
I'd go for energy in the middle of the park.
------------Lindegaard------------
Rafael Ferdinand Evans Evra
---------------Carrick---------------
----------Jones Anderson--------
-----Valencia Rooney Nani-----
Lessons from last season at Arsenal
posted on 16/1/12
3 in the middle usually works well against Arsenal but with Valencia being in the best form out of our wingers 2 strikers to aim crosses at should work better.
posted on 16/1/12
comment by SouthLondonManc (U12028) posted 27 minutes ago
4-3-3 worked well in 2009/10 when Rooney scored 30+ goals.
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We didn't play 433 in 2009/2010
posted on 16/1/12
Why not play the 433 but with Rooney nani and welbeck upfront as the 3 link up so well
posted on 16/1/12
comment by UnitedRedMacca- I taught Rooney and Berbatov the overhead kick (U2024)
posted 14 minutes ago
comment by SouthLondonManc (U12028) posted 27 minutes ago
4-3-3 worked well in 2009/10 when Rooney scored 30+ goals.
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We didn't play 433 in 2009/2010
he means at the Emirates where we were 433/451
posted on 16/1/12
UnitedRed
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I believe we did. Especially after Christmas. Then when Rooney hurt his ankle Berba couldn't play the role as good. Remember?
posted on 16/1/12
comment by SouthLondonManc (U12028) posted 7 minutes ago
UnitedRed
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I believe we did. Especially after Christmas. Then when Rooney hurt his ankle Berba couldn't play the role as good. Remember?
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Like I keep saying. That was 451
SAF has stated United have not played 433 since Ronaldo left.
We did not play 3 strikers v Arsenal. We played 5 across the middle of the park. 3CM and 2 wingers
posted on 16/1/12
Does anyone think Henry will start,if he does will SAF trust Rafael against him or will Smalling or Valencia be up against him
posted on 16/1/12
...nah. He'll bring Neville out of retirement.
posted on 16/1/12
UnitedRed
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Adds even more credence to the argument that Rooney CAN play as a lone striker.
posted on 16/1/12
my gut says it will be a 11 draw next Sunday. Cant see Arsenal losing 3 league games in a row, though they are a very ordinary side.