06 Nov 2018 09:27:51
Morning guys, Darren Fletcher made some interesting comments about Paul Pogba last night on MNF. I know the Pogba debate has been done to death but Fletcher thinks he maybe lacks the discipline to play in CM and believes he is better deployed further forward so with that in mind does anyone think we could adopt a narrow 4-4-2?

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think Atletico Madrid have enjoyed great success under Simone using a narrow 4-4-2 formation. They don't play with wingers in the traditional sense. They are well organised, defensively solid and like to play on the counter. They are a hard working, pragmatic, physical side and I see lots of similarities with how Mourinho wants Utd to set up.

I speculated yesterday if Matic could play CB but I think the general consensus was this wouldn't work. Is Matic better therefore in a midfield 2? Is he left isolated and Does he have to cover too much ground when playing at the base of a midfield 3 with two more advanced midfielders ahead of him? Is he progressive enough on the ball in that position? He's not like Jorginho and doesn't set or control the tempo of the game. He's a very good defensive shield when he's allowed to sit in front of the back 4 with a midfield partner.

Could Pogba be shifted to the left, Matic and Herrera in the middle with Lingard or even Fred on the right with Sanchez and Martial upfront?

I think we've seen on Saturday that Pogba has the power, strength and skill to beat a man and cross the ball or cut inside and shoot. I've always thought Pogba is at his best when he drives forward with the ball. He's very good at playing cross field passes switching the play balls or he could play balls over the top and into the channels for Martial and Sanchez.

Lingard has fantastic movement and would link well with Sanchez and Martial. With Pogba and Lingard not operating as wingers more wide midfielders we should have numbers in central areas allowing us to dominate the ball. Lingard, Sanchez and Herrera all bring an intensity and energy when out of possession with their pressing and mobility. Sanchez could drop deep at times and link the play with Pogba and Lingard operating either side of him with Martial pulling into his favoured left channel.

I honestly believe most of the pieces of the jigsaw are already in the box. Maybe we just need some creative thinking to find a way where they all fit together and find a system that let's everyone flourish and play to their strengths. Alternatively maybe I'm just over thinking and over complicating things and need to give my thumbs a rest.


1.) 06 Nov 2018
06 Nov 2018 14:57:22
DLIb - your points are well put without the realisation that several of the players may not be there in the summer but its possible a couple could be gone in January. Sanchez and Pogba being touted around and Martial DDG and Herrera not signing extensions, could prove costly for replacements and the process starts again.


2.) 06 Nov 2018
06 Nov 2018 16:19:33
Cookyman - Maybe but Pogba and Sanchez are still under contract. I think we have the option of a years extension with Martial and I think Herrera will re sign. I accept we might lose De Gea.

If we could find a system that allowed all the players to perform to their potential then maybe they'd be more willing to stay at the Club for the short to medium term anyway if they believed we could challenge for trophies.

It would be more a of 4-2-2-2 formation anyway. Two holding midfielders would allow Pogba and Lingard to play in more advanced positions drifting left and right of centre and covering those areas defensively. Martial would be relinquished of much of his defensive duties meaning he could stay higher up the pitch and pull into that left channel where he can be so devastating. I'm convinced Sanchez will perform better centrally.

I'd try De Gea, Young, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw, Matic, Herrera, Pogba, Lingard, Martial and Sanchez tomorrow night.

It's only a slight tweak in the formation but it might just provide more stability defensively with the two holding players allowing Pogba, Lingard and the full backs to get forward in support of Martial and Sanchez. Matic has looked a little leggy recently and I think he's asked to do too much as the anchor of a midfield 3.

Just my thoughts but I think we have to change something if we want to improve defensively without blunting the attack. We need to find that balance and stability which is proving so elusive.


3.) 06 Nov 2018
06 Nov 2018 17:55:09
agree we have some decent personel and indeed the changes could work but I think the confidence and mental attitude of the players is at such a low level that more than a formation change is needed and there is no fast fix. I do hope/ wish we can turn it around quickly but if we only play 45 mins against Juventus or/ and city we are toast and even with wins in the last 3 epl games under our belt any improvement is fractional.