I don't know if it's LVG's stubbornness that's at fault but there seems to be such an obvious way to fix our plodding, stab-me-in-the-eyeballs style of football. I know all fans seem to think they know better than the manager but here's my short and simple list of things that would instantly improve our team's play (imo), feel free to add yours below. Emphasis on short and simple guys, I know we can all whinge for hours if we wanted to... 1. Play a back 4. 2. Play at least two proper central midfielders in every game. It's fine to have an attacking central midfielder, but he must be backed up by 2 authentic ones. You can't have 2 attacking mids out of 3. Proper central mids: Blind, Carrick, Herrera, Fellaini Attacking mids: Rooney, Di Maria, Mata, Januzaj 3. Only play 2 strikers if Rooney is one of them. Falcao is not a starting striker, let him earn his place off the bench. RVP + Falcao = disaster. Januzaj and Di Maria are two great wingers, I don't see the point in playing so narrow all the time. P.S. Can we add polls these days? Wanted to add the following: What does LVG need to change the most urgently in terms of his formation/choice of players: A) Defence B) Midfield C) Attack (front 3)
--------------De Gea------------- Whichever of your back 4 is fit -----------------Blind-------------- (Or Carrick) ------Herrera--------Felllaini---- -----Mata-------------Di Maria--- --------------Rooney--------------- Would something like this not work? I know Mata is out a little wider than i have been saying he should be but it might be worth a go.
You can create a pole at bottom of the thread you create, same as always, just looks a little different
Same as Bods, but Roo back to replace Mata a bit and RvP in --------------De Gea------------- Whichever of your back 4 is fit -----------------Blind-------------- (Or Carrick) ------Herrera--------Felllaini---- -----Rooney-------------Di Maria--- -------------RvP----------------
I wouldn't have RvP in there to be honest, people are living 2 seasons ago when it comes to him. Obviously you dont become poo overnight, but the guy is 31, very injury prone, and it doesnt make sense having him up front when you have Rooney, who we know does the business there, plus one of the best No.10's on the planet in Mata, who you would just leave out of the side altogether?!?
Right now I would go with; ---------------De Gea------------- Valencia---Jones--Rojo------Shaw -----------Blind------Herrera Di Maria-------Mata------Young ---------------Rooney--------------
That would also work. You would have Carrick and Fellaini to swap out with Blind or Herrera should there be any injuries or if you want to shake the game up. If you can, you really should have Rooney upfront with Mata Centrally behind him.....I think that could be an awesome combo...has Moyes or LvG ever actually tried that?
I just dont see the benefit in gimping Rooney, and leaving out an awesome No.10, just to try shoehorn in an over the hill, injury prone striker.
Dont get me wrong, I am not saying RvP has nothing to offer. I am sure he can still be world class on his day, but Rooney, when played as a striker, has shown class and consistency. If needs be, you can swap Mata out with RvP and move Rooney back to midfield in the course of a game if the situation calls for it.
I'd go with this with maybe Janujaz instead of Young against the weaker sides; where his defensive game wont be so exposed. Carrick as central mid back up, RVP as back up forward and Fellani to come on when all that is required is hoof ball
This My preference would be for Januzaj in place of Young, but doesn't make too much of a difference. If Mata is hurt, drop Rooney back and play RVP up top.
I agree with the 4-2-3-1 formations above, and the comments about them. It leaves more room for squad rotation and players will need to perform to stay in the team. Two places for Blind/Herrera/Carrick/Fellaini is perfect, and then our attacking four players are quite adaptable so depending on who is on form we can play as required. Hopefully LVG changes things for tomorrow night.
Same here - Januzaj and Di Maria wide of Mata, gives them the ability to switch wings at times to confuse opposing FBs. RVP or Wilson can come off the bench for one of Januzaj or Di Maria if we need a late goal, then switch to a diamond with Herrera pushing up. In answer to the OP, the priority is for LVG to change his attacking choices, as playing RVP and Falcao together is like having two OAPs up top.
Following up, I think Young has fully justified his return to the side based on his efforts at wing back before he was injured. Januzaj hasn't. That's why Young gets my vote. This formation gives us so many options it's unbelievable whereas the others he's been trying simply don't and just appear to be attempts to shoehorn his favourite players into the side regardless of position. It's like watching a Sven Eriksson England team.
An attacking 4 of Rooney, Mata, Januzaj and Di Maria would give you a great combination of Youth and experience, lots of energy, pace, strength and skill.
I have a theory, which I know is echoed by many other fans: The following team will beat ANY team LVG puts out, no matter who plays in the blank role (even Doris the tea lady): Standard GK and back 4 CM: Blind and Herrera Wingers: Di Maria and ANYONE (take your pick: Young, Januzaj, Valencia) AM: Mata Striker: Rooney I swear LVG writes the positions on small pieces of paper, puts them in a hat and makes the players draw them out every week! Rooney, this week you are playing... ... ... Defensive midfield! Hooray! Di Maria, this week you are playing... ... ... Striker! Lucky bugger!
