3-4-1-2 might fit Rooney, Van Persie and Mata United's attacking play was as good as the scoreline suggests. Seven goals were scored, fo...
3-4-1-2 might fit Rooney, Van Persie and Mata
United's attacking play was as good as the scoreline suggests. Seven goals were scored, four of them in the second half, when United did not have a recognised striker on the pitch.
Playing three at the back allowed United to be more adventurous in midfield. Although Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia will face much sterner tests as wing-backs, they both covered their flanks well.
Van Gaal's formation was distinctly a 3-4-1-2, as opposed to a 3-4-3 or 5-3-2. The wing-backs played a very advanced role, and in the first half Mata played in the pocket behind the strikers.
He was afforded the freedom to drop deep to provide support to the midfield, but his main role was as a No. 10.
He was afforded the freedom to drop deep to provide support to the midfield, but his main role was as a No. 10.
Welbeck and Rooney combined excellently, but it seems unlikely that the system is built with that combination in mind. Rather, Van Gaal is setting up a system which can accommodate Mata, Rooney and Robin Van Persie.
Whilst it worked superbly well today, the change in personnel when Van Persie returns may unsettle the balance.
Welbeck is prepared to sacrifice himself for the cause, providing superb running, and an aerial presence allowing for longer ball forward when necessary.
Welbeck is prepared to sacrifice himself for the cause, providing superb running, and an aerial presence allowing for longer ball forward when necessary.
It is unclear whether Rooney will be prepared to do the same.
The 3-4-1-2 may solve the problem of accommodating United's three best forward players, but it is as yet far from certain.
Ander Herrera Looks Every Inch the United Player
Ander Herrera gave an exceptional showing during his first run out in United red.
He played in two different positions. In the first half he played alongside Fletcher in the centre of midfield, with Juan Mata operating in a free role ahead of them.
In the second, Herrera moved into Mata's No. 10 role ahead of Shinji Kagawa and Tom Cleverley in midfield.
His range of passing was superb, long-range balls to find Antonio Valencia on the right wing, incisive through balls for Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Nani and Ashley Young, and simple give-and-go touches with his midfield colleagues.
He unleashed a fierce shot early on, something which United fans are no longer used to seeing from their midfielders.
Sterner tests surely await, but Herrera's first United outing was mightily impressive.
United Can Play 3 at the Back
Well, it has happened. There was a good deal of speculation over whether Van Gaal would import his three-man defensive strategy from the Dutch World Cup run.
This game showed that United can indeed play with a back three.
This game showed that United can indeed play with a back three.
In the first half, centre-back duties fell to Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans. In the second half they were replaced by Tyler Blackett, Michael Keane and, um, Darren Fletcher.
Assuming the former trio are likely to be first choice, there is absolutely sound logic in playing them together.
There are tactical benefits further up the field (more on that in a moment), but it also makes a good deal of sense defensively. After all, whilst all three now have significant experience at United, none of them has much experience in playing the role of senior man.
With the departure of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, United have lost vast experience of the very highest quality. Playing together in a three will afford greater security to the pretenders to Vidic and Ferdinand's throne.
The second-half version of the back three gave glimpses of the back-up that may be available should injuries once again befall United's defenders.
As well as the players coming through the ranks, Van Gaal is clearly prepared to gamble on players less familiar with the role to help cover.
As well as the players coming through the ranks, Van Gaal is clearly prepared to gamble on players less familiar with the role to help cover.
Michael Carrick's previous showings at centre-half have almost always been something of a concern.
With the additional support available as part of a back three, he may be better equipped for an emergency defensive berth.
With the additional support available as part of a back three, he may be better equipped for an emergency defensive berth.
Given the comfortable nature of the win, it is too soon to make grand statements about the stability of the new-look defensive platform. However, a clean sheet, excellent ball retention and an apparent comfort with the tactic is as good a start as Van Gaal could have hoped for.
