Man Utd vs Real Sociedad: 5 Big Decisions Moyes Must Get Right

4. The Formation

Manchester United have played with a litany of different formations this season. Against Swansea, Manchester City and West Brom, David Moyes operated with 4-4-1-1, while against Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Southampton he went with 4-2-3-1. The Scotsman has also utilized the tried-and-tested 4-4-2 against Liverpool and more recently Sunderland, and each of these systems have worked with varying levels of success. The 4-4-1-1 against Swansea paid dividends with the Red Devils running out deserved 4-1 winners in easily their most attacking and vibrant display of the season, but this system backfired spectacularly against City and the Baggies. Against Chelsea, Palace and the Saints, the 4-2-3-1 also had mixed results, with just one win coming from these three games. Then there's the 4-4-2, a system preferred by former manager Sir Alex Ferguson but one that found United exposed against Liverpool and lucky to escape with a win over Sunderland. Having used three different systems in eight league games, it is clear Moyes is experimenting and trying to figure out which works best, something he hasn't been quite able to achieve so far. Against Sociedad, it's imperative that he gets his tactics right. Depending on the team selection, my personal preference is 4-3-2-1, with Rooney playing through the middle behind Robin van Persie and Valencia and Nani in support. This would seem the more adventurous approach, but it's vital that the Reds restore some faith tomorrow, and an attacking performance will do just that.