Man Utd: 7 Tactical Alterations LVG Should Consider

5. Switching to a 4-3-3

A 4-3-3 system isn€™t a shape typically associated with Manchester United but in the past, particularly in the Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson they have played it to great effect. It is a formation that favoured their counter attacking, high tempo style of play. Games that spring to mind are United€™s two legs against AC Milan in the Champions League in 2010, and the second leg against Arsenal in their European Cup semi-final clash in 2009. Both encounters can be noted for United€™s exceptional speed of attack, something that the current side is lacking in abundance. The reason for this is the 4-3-3 encourages lots of play from the wings €“ typically where there is plenty of space - and creative runs and movement. Recent formations Van Gaal has used such as the 4-1-3-2 can lead to a lack of invention because all of the attacking players are stuck in the final third of the pitch and don€™t have room to operate. Another advantage the 4-3-3 provides is defensive solidarity. Quite often this season Daley Blind has been tasked with anchoring the midfield by himself, but with three in their United€™s defence would be significantly better protected. The problem is that they may not have enough quality players in midfield to choose from and only one central striker can be selected which will mean players like Radamel Falcao falling even further down the pecking order.