Being perhaps the most popular formation in European football at the moment, it's highly likely that Van Gaal will have spent more time devising how to take apart this set-up than orchestrating a way for the Red Devils to use it themselves. It terms of having the right options, however, the Dutchman should have the tools at his disposal to resort to such measures if required. Right-back could be a problem position should Rafael leave Old Trafford, with it similarly problematic to try and include Rooney, Mata and Shinja Kagawa in the starting line-up without having the sacrifice at least one star name - or deploy one out of position. However, should the somewhat injury-prone Van Persie find himself sidelined, only leaving one striker forward could be best achieved with United's new captain leading the line. Given United's tendency to field three men at the back throughout pre-season, this system won't be high on the list of priorities for Van Gaal, but should a right-back or converted wing-back impress defensively, playing four at the back become far more viable, with the presence of a number ten role presumably key to linking Van Gaal's midfield to his talented strikeforce. How do you think Van Gaal will line up against Swansea? Share your thoughts below in the comments thread.
