Should Manchester United Try This *NEW* Formation!?

A tactical look at whether or not this new formation would allow #TenHag to solve some of the current problems #ManchesterUnited by making this key tactical tweak!
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[@leifarild7798]

I love this! I have wanted this formation and set-up all along. Love Antony as LWB, and could actually imagine Garnacho in the same role on the right to create maximum offensive pressure. Hojlund likes to finish with his left foot and could have had the same role as Rashford only from the right. Amad has played a lot centrally, and could be a good candidate instead of Zerkzee. In any case, I am satisfied with the set-up, and think this must be tried.

[@leifarild7798]

So, if it all went my way, I would replace Bruno with Hojlund. Dalot out, Garnacho in. And Amad in for Zerkzee. Finally, I would say that right now Maguire and Evans are better than Martinez and Lindelof;)

[@troyhiles]

As soon as Ten Hag tries this pundits will jump on it and say he doesn't have a clear plan and style...sad.

[@jiggersotoole7823]

It's always gonna be the case. So, balls to the pundits. Ignore them.

[@lelouch_v9923]

He’s been on the losing side since he came personally I don’t listen to those pundits since a lot of the time they talk shit

[@malou5290]

He needs results. If it doesn't work then that analysis is correct.

[@Haraamcore13]

Well they are right. What is his plan and style? It's his 3rd year and every game we don't know who's gonna start, how the team will press off the ball or what they do with it on the ball. His only tactic so far is 1. Give it to Bruno who will spam a pass without even looking. 2. Give it to lisandro to hoof it up to rashford/garnacho.

[@ABESW0RLD]

And theyd be right because hes never tried it in his almost 3 years at the club. He's doing 3 at the back to save his job, and it has nothing to do with his style or actually being an adaptable manager

[@Manutdhighlights136]

I sincerely love the idea of Antony featuring there and I think after taking a few games to adapt, we could start enjoying him there kuz he is a hard worker and it simplifies his attacking role SWING IN CROSSES 😊

[@Kizzbeat5FNC]

I literally just thought of this yesterday too. With injury to Mazraoui and ETH reluctant to use Amass - Antony as a left footed, left sided midfielder/wingback makes sense. Lacking in physicality & fitness in this team though so our biggest issue is we're not winning any duels and second balls!

[@erwanntowa7832]

I never considered that but I kinda like it

[@thrilla72]

I remember when you suggested this last season and I had been thinking the same thing for awhile before that

[@arijitsannamanda7218]

I don't know why but I think MENTALITY is our only problem. That's it. Not tactics

[@robinpaul6529]

No tactically utd is very poor

[@Haraamcore13]

Not tactics? Until the last couple of games we exclusively played a low block with a high press. Who does that?! That's the reason our midfield is constantly exposed on transitions. U lot wanna blame everything but this clueless manager.

[@valzor2562]

If you watch amorin/sporting, his use of wingbacks is quite interesting. Hes played quenda this year, and geny catamo last year on the right, both left footed player, quenda more of a frimpong profile. and hes always played nuno santos on the left, another players thats more of a winger. I think we could argue that maybe then you could play a more true winger in the wingbacks, especially against low block. Ram bruno, rwb, amad. maybe garna on the left sometimes as well against lowblocks. im would to be create a good balance of left footed and right footed players.

[@bazza2454]

This is really interesting and I think it could really work especially against a low block using players like amad or garna as a wingback getting the extra attacker! Would love Amorin at Utd but Erik should try this But let’s be real we just gunna have the same predictable 4231😂

[@leifarild7798]

Tuchel used Hudson Odoi as LWB in this system with success.

[@AkbarManUnited]

For the 5 or 3 at the back to work, you need specialist wing backs which Man United dont have. Antony at LWB isnt gona work and Dalot and Mazraoui dont have much attacking threat down the right side. Also, unless Man United play a 3-5-2 posession shape with 2 strikers and a number 10, Bruno and Mount's game will be effectived negatively. I dont believe sticking them right wing is gonna work. Bruno and Mount are number 10s and Bruno's game has been hampered due to the 3-2-5 posession shape this season. Unless Bruno is played in the middle, the 5 at the back wont work. Personally, for Man United, this season the problem has been the tactics Ten Hag has deployed, not necessarily the formation. Problem 1: 4-2-4 high press leaving huge gaps in the centre of the pitch. Problem 2: 3-5-2 in possession shape which has destroyed Bruno and Rashford's attacking threat. I would go back to the 4-2-3-1 or the 4-5-1 with Bruno tucking into midfield making a 5 in the middle out of possession. Then, in possession give Bruno a free role which allows him to create and stop inverting Dalot. Instead tell Dalot to make underlaping runs down the left side so Rashford has more space to operate. Rashford has been best when an attacking full back has been supporting him. In the current 3-2-5 shape, he is too wide and too far from goal which has affected his game this season. For Man United to be successful this season, Bruno and Rashford have to be freed. Just my thoughts and of course I could be wrong.

[@odonkoryunus9367]

All the managers playing a back five, Almorin,inzaghi all Use a proactive approach when defending... The reason they do this is to maintain a healthy defence and balancing the midfield equally. With one of the defender doubling as a dm.. The problem with ten hag is that, he is struggling to find the best system for his profile of players..🤔

[@siddharth1reddy895]

Branthwaite and Yoro as wide defenders would be crazy good.

[@sergeilopez4575]

Do the video again but with a fully fit squad

[@philanimagagula5458]

This would be detrimental in the long run imo, unless the club is planning on playing with a back 5 for the next 5 years it's only a short term fix

[@shadowside8433]

You obviously need more defenders in your squad, and especially in the full back area - as the system falls apart if your full backs are rubbish! or injury prone. ;)

[@thedeliciousdelightoflivin4636]

You did not mention Onana's role as a ball -playing keeper which can make it a back 4

[@joni.sirvio8867]

Back 6

[@hussienjammal2254]

A 4-4-2 format, 4 defenders, Erikson mainoo Ugarte Amad, hojland zirkzee

[@lancerevo9747]

I like this one.

[@enricochristie4982]

Good analysis. I like the idea. I would start with mount and Fernandes behind hojlund. Obviously the wing backs could maintain the width in the final phase. That would make the center harder to play through. Also antony's work rate defensively on the left flank is a good shout for playing him there but I remember the manager asking him to play left back against Liverpool and arsenal late in games and he wasn't pleased about it so I'm not entirely sold on that but I do think the formation could suit most of the squad although not perfect

[@SC-CEO]

I have had this idea for months; particularly because it allows us to utilise our most expensive player at LWB, in a position that appears more naturally suited to him than RF. The only change for me would be Hojlund and Rashford upfront, with Bruno and Maino just behind, then Ugarte at DM alone. Yoro or Evans can replace Lindelof.

[@DJCam87]

I like your thinking, and had ETH/Man Utd been willing to experiment at an earlier stage before clearing out then I think there was scope for a more efficient use of personnel. Like, I think swapping out Lindelof for Wan Bissaka would have fit on the right of that 3 and Mainoo could start then be late subbed for Oyedele to have added defensive legs to close out games. As much as I like your idea for a LWB, I think it'd be a real slap in the face to Harry Amass...I mean I could understand trying to fit Garnacho in the absence of Shaw but Antony is a step too far after his performances lol!

[@alvin4303]

I definitely think it could work however you can never have Rashford being the guy to track back. So you need a midfield 3. Definitely viable with Yoro coming back and even now. Especially against the bigger teams

[@akbeast5086]

AJ please analyze a 4-3-3 thats a 3-1-6 in possession with Martinez at LB/LCB, a pivot of Bruno/Ugarte, Zirkzee at the 10, and Dalot inverted higher up the pitch!

[@jiggersotoole7823]

I've been saying 3 CBs and Anthony as wing back for a while . Although i had Maguire in the back line.

[@dr.vinay_v]

One more thing to include- Try not to counter attack or transition immediately after the ball is won. Honestly fed up with losing ball every time team tries it. Make sure the structure is in place, players are in designated position and then go forward. A game of football can be won with a solitary goal margin too!

[@mphoothusitse]

You can always revolve into a back 5 in a game where ur CDM joins the back 4 and change into back 4 when you need to

[@paddywan]

It could work but and especially in some special games perhaps but for me it doesn't make sense considering which players we bought and soldin the summer transfer market.

[@tactical_statician]

3-2-4-1. Similar concept to what I’ve been saying for a while on a video of mine. They have the players for it but are they capable and do they have I.Q to read the opponents defensively? Great video brother.

[@melchertnowee8443]

I would love a back 3 and I want to see Yoro alongside de Ligt and Martinez, but I'd rather see Ugarte (and mainoo) slide inbetween the centerbacks with three attacking mids (Bruno/Mount, Amad/Mazraoui/Dalot & Garnacho/Antony) and Zirkzee alongside Hojlund/Rashford up front. So 3-2-3-2

[@kaybee7125]

Thanks for the video but you didn't explain what problems this would solve for the current squad. In a 343 you are still asking the double pivot to defend huge spaces and Rashford and Bruno to press with discipline(which they can''t). Ten Hag believes in high press while the Cbs drop off so they would still concede transitions and cut backs but now you have one fewer players out wide. With one less player upfront Bruno's hero balls would be even less useful with only Rashford running in behind. Ten Hag does not use practiced, repetitive attacking patterns like Conte or Tuchel (the 2 guys who made this formation work in the premier league), he just tries to overload the last line, which would be harder with this formation. De Ligt struggled in a back 3 for the national team and says he is not comfortable with it. I dont see the potential upside

[@joni.sirvio8867]

AJ, video idea: i have noticed that united players moans on field. I have seen atleast 10 times of field that there is chance or dribble or something like that and player turns back throws arms in the air like they are in a church..but ball is still in play. If they only have followed situation through they could have had redemption..another chance. It would be nice to see full reel of those and how those might be even goals

[@vs6300]

I support, it will give better support at the back.

[@EXEplosion4242]

TBF i did this formation with MAN U in my FM... but i often use amad instead of bruno

[@أميرهاشم-ق9س]

Brother Big Fan 🇲🇽

[@thedeliciousdelightoflivin4636]

layers like Frimpong would suit left and right wing backs. Alas perhaps next year or 2 on left.

[@osado8703]

Can we make a petition to use Antony as a wingback?

[@habiladam6363]

For the CB, why not the Portuguese CB from Sporting (i cant remember his name); the one who's been called up to the national team quite a lot recently. Video idea: Can you do a video on ETH's best 11 since joining (to win a game against e.g. MC or RM in a one off match)

[@FinalTruce]

If you don't even know his name why are you even suggesting that he's better than anybody our current centrebacks?

[@habiladam6363]

@@FinalTruce its Gonçalo Inácio.

[@abasionohezekiah5187]

good idea, but i would love to see zirkzee take that fernandes role while hojlund comes into the team, i mean three strikers wouldnt hurt right?

[@snakekime7608]

When everyone is fit Onana De ligt - licha - yoro Dalot - ugarte - mainoo - shaw/maybe garnacho Bruno - rashford Hojlund

[@ishan5220]

I think bruno as the sole no 10 and rashford and hojlund up top would be better

[@snakekime7608]

@@ishan5220 thats ofc an option on a system like this, feelin denmsrk might play something like that, im watching that game with hojlund up top, eriksen fitting is as the creative 10 and probably poulsen whos a good linkup striker

[@danielehiagwina]

Changing formations mean absolutely nothing if the players still live in their heads on the pitch.

[@Sandas-m3d]

Could Eric also rest Bruno now for a bit coz he needs it he's burning out especially in that formation and use Amad there and Garna/Rashy on the other wing with Rasmus on the eye

[@javorgeorgiev6130]

If we're playing a back three, I'd rather see Martinez step out of defense and move up higher in possession with Mainoo and Eriksen in midfield. No Bruno, unless he's swapped with Eriksen as the second 8. Ugarte can start in games where we're expected to not have the ball.

[@jplay1i973]

I personally don't think you have the players to do this formation. Manchester United lack the attributes and players to do so. The positions you see as problem I see aswell, but there is more. I think de Ligt is one of the players who can fit in this formation, he has played in a man marking role at Juventus. But the rest of the players are a serious doubt. I suggest to sell atleast 7 players of the current team and buy some 8 if you want to do this. Martinez is the other one I think is suitable for this formation and possibly Ugarte, Mainoo and Onana. The question now is, how would spectators look at it? How would the media react? And how quickly can players adapt?

[@benedictkarl9190]

Aj there is no difference between you and Erik Ten Hag Playing players out of position Bruno is not perfect at right wing amad has to be in the team Rashford out for garnacho Bruno should replace maino Playing deep suites bruno

[@kevin98989]

No bruno cant play deep with his hollywood passes that barely gets completed playing deep doesnt suit bruno

[@benedictkarl9190]

@@kevin98989 watch Bruno in Portugal That's a tactical instruction ftom the coaches

[@Doctor_Kroom]

Bruno should eat bench. He can't control games like Ericksen or mainoo.

[@phillipgessa1446]

Your videos are fresh air , not like those those idiots only jumping in to criticize our coach. Forgetting they have never coach any where. United only problem is that the media is always toxic towards united And always pumping rubbish into the ears of united fans

[@lancerevo9747]

The best formation we can possibly play is the one where ten Hag is sacked.

[@zeeshanhaider2205]

Point is ETH is too rigid to change the palyers let alone the formation..

[@sirhawk705]

Antony saving his United career by becoming a wingback would be quite a story

[@craiggmelville]

Ultimately, the formation adds little to no value personnel who implement the play is what should be focused on!

[@MrLePov]

Ten Hag would rather persist with a failing system than try anything different like this.

[@thedeliciousdelightoflivin4636]

if this can get more out of ashford that would be great.

[@JustMyOpinion007]

3 5 2 Onana De Ligt Evans Martinez Amad Bruno Ugat Main Amas Rashford Hojlund I think Bruno would suit being that disciplined midfielder and he would excel in a formation like this. Evans in between De Ligt and Martinez would organise them. Garnacho would come on in the second half.

[@gracesheridan-d7l]

why not try a 3412. onana yoro - de ligt - martinez dalot - mainoo - ugarte - antony bruno rashford or garnacho - hojlund or zirkzee

[@joni.sirvio8867]

AJ, sorry i dont get it. You showed 5-3-2 that is 3-2-5 in pressing, but isnt that what we do?

[@roshawnjacobs413]

No that's what we are doing in possession. In pressing ETH uses of 4-2-4/4-4-2 hybrid

[@joni.sirvio8867]

Ok thanks, but in general only real change would be that dalot stops inverting and bruno play more deep on paper and ugarte or mainoo will be replaced with cb

[@humble50]

If thomas Tuchel comes in as manager thats exactly the formation he playes

[@mustaphasirina1892]

Ten haag problems has to do with tactics not formation, ove seen teams play 4 at the back and end up being solid

[@Ev3rNoor23]

Nope we need to learn how to play with possession. We switch the formation and we are starting back at 0. Doesn’t matter who the manager is. Unless we play counter attack we have some learning to do.

[@info0]

Not going to work. Simple reason, you need discipline to run this system. Not only that, but your wingbacks/fullbacks need to have lots of stamina to run up and down the pitch and pace helps here. They should also be able to defend. Now with Mazraoui gone for 8 weeks or so, you can scrap this idea. ;)

[@perfectentrytrading]

given the lack of left footed options i think antony in lb would work well in this structure and ugarte as the centre most defender as he did it well for uruguay last night and can just edge forward of the other 2 cb as needed

[@cheburnley6143]

Don’t we play like this ? The oppsition will just go long to the wings

[@dotunbello]

Everybody is a football manager in their heads.

[@docgraal485]

Do you guys think the staff and manager have or haven’t thought of the merits and drawbacks to this formation already?

[@delmanpronto9374]

i've seen united already in a few games try to play out the back with 5 players, 2 mids, and 3 defenders.... and FLOPPED. they can't deal with the press, and tottenham and liverpool walked all over them. formation change won't make a difference. the coaching and/or the recruitment needs to improve, else, the team will continue to struggle.

[@Jayluxq]

I think it was the plan but yoro got an injury

[@thedeliciousdelightoflivin4636]

can Bruno play on right in this system?

[@dsetinychibuikem8889]

Who and who are the full back injury mazaroui and over played diogo dalot

[@Silver_surferrr]

Ill only allow utd to play 3/5 at the back if tuchel or frank takes over…but in the meantime JUST 👏FIX 👏YOUR👏 DEFENSIVE👏AND PRESSING 👏 STRUCTURE FFS

[@abiesa]

That's basically Tuchel

[@Haraamcore13]

They should try a new manager.

[@VINI-VIDI-VICI289]

I dont think Anthony is a good idea because that means we dont have a proper defender and on that side and we be blasted on that side

[@ChadYu]

Hi AJ you should sell hoodies

[@darkchannel7527]

That's mean a back 3

[@chriswood753]

ETH needs to accept his tactics aren't working first. Bruno needs dropping, he is not a ball winner, he gives the ball away far too much as well. Not what a struggling side needs. Bruno is not a captain, pulling out of 50/50 tackles is a disgrace he isn't a leader or an example to follow. United need to go back to the basics of football with 100% effort and commitment, be solid at the back and in midfield. Use the pace of the wingers and put crosses in the box for Hojlund.

[@RohitSharma-bp9fg]

play goat antony on lwb

[@biswapratimmili1070]

why not a 433?

[@m4767]

Are we now saying Lisandro Martinez isn’t elite because of some stupid 4 games? And the media says so? Damn what’s wrong with this fan base?

[@coinburaeu610]

As a wide defender or didn’t you hear that?

[@kamathwal3100]

Aka tuchel formation

[@danburgess4210]

You lost me when you used the term 'Football Meta'

[@jeevass3825]

Erik is too stubborn to try anything new😂

[@joni.sirvio8867]

Used atleast 3 different tactics this season. Normal 3-1-6/3-2-5/4-2-4 and 2xf9 and the one with villa. Only stubborn is you

[@nemboy1567]

Antony cannot play LB, LM, LW. He just can't

[@Doctor_Kroom]

But he can play LWB. which is different to LB.

[@iswilson]

Play 5-5-5 ETH can't deliver

[@RealityIsALuxuryForSome]

He can play 100 100 100 and they will probably lose

[@Doctor_Kroom]

Remove bruno, play amad. You bruno worshippers always want him squeezed into the team when there are better options in those positions.

[@guz3108]

Bring back 4 4 2

[@dylanlau8858]

this bunch of players are too dumb and too undisciplined to play whatever system

[@thomasjrgensen7393]

Eriksen or no goals

[@docgraal485]

Do you guys think the staff and manager have or haven’t thought of the merits and drawbacks to this formation already? Creato

[@roylandgabriel7815]

Pls rest for awhile stop exposing our tactics all in the name of analysis.. please

[@ambroseokolo]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 If you don't have content there is no need to make a video.