A close variant of the aforementioned formation, this shape would permit Man United to be solid off the ball, with wing-backs sitting deeper and a little more asked in terms of tracking back from the inventive attacking midfielder. While it may not be a system in itself, with Man United unlikely to head into many Premier League games without expecting to take the game to their opponent in question, having the flexibility to shut up shop and then counter quickly by finding the advanced front two is an interesting possibility. Before the World Cup tournament, many Oranje fans would have been keen to see flowing, possession-based football, but sitting deep in this shape was frankly more pragmatic against tougher opposition. When teams are looking for a breakthrough goal or a way back into the game, Van Gaal's sides can easily sink into a five-man defence like a coiled spring, remaining stubborn to break down but also offering the ability to transition upfield and create chances within a couple of forward passes. It may not be considered the 'Manchester United way' to sit back and invite pressure on, rather than thrilling their fans with attacking football, but despite Van Gaal's tendency towards playing offensive and expansive football himself his decisions have demonstrated that sometimes you just have accept that your opposition needs to be nullified before anything else.
