As long as we don't retreat into a back 5, I think it's better than the 4-2-3-1, and the way we've been employing it as a 3-2-3-2, I think it suits the lads we have right now. Shows that Ole is learning his tactics and growing as a gaffer. Only a complete nkob thinks we're playing 5-3-2 - Brandon and Luke are working together on the left very well!

We do use it as a 532 when we play the counter attack - when we have the ball it turns into a 352 - but against city and Liverpool it was a 532 for most of the game

I happen to think the right of a back three could be perfect for AWB too.

But it also allows for bailly kamakaze defending not end in such catastrophic results.

Our issue is the CM and attack. Maybe Ighalo/ Rashford could replace James and Pogba replace Fred/ Matic and we'd likely see a different level of performance.

comment by Bryan ROBBson (U22311)
posted 6 minutes ago
We do use it as a 532 when we play the counter attack - when we have the ball it turns into a 352 - but against city and Liverpool it was a 532 for most of the game
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Which is fine, so long as the full backs have the energy and willingness to bomb forward.

only if AWB learns to attack more. Apart from the goal he wasn't that great yesterday. But maybe against less dangerous team we can play Dalot there so we are more offensive.

comment by Busby (U19985)
posted 55 seconds ago
I happen to think the right of a back three could be perfect for AWB too.

But it also allows for bailly kamakaze defending not end in such catastrophic results.

Our issue is the CM and attack. Maybe Ighalo/ Rashford could replace James and Pogba replace Fred/ Matic and we'd likely see a different level of performance.
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I think when Pogba is back we will opt for a 442 with a diamond. Pogba on the left and Fernandez on the tip .

I think Dalot would be perfect for the wingback role there

comment by Busby (U19985)
posted 12 minutes ago
I happen to think the right of a back three could be perfect for AWB too.

But it also allows for bailly kamakaze defending not end in such catastrophic results.

Our issue is the CM and attack. Maybe Ighalo/ Rashford could replace James and Pogba replace Fred/ Matic and we'd likely see a different level of performance.
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I agree. A 3 of Shaw, Maguire and AWB could be used at times.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

huge element of good fortunes, awful defending and Chelsea lack target man

I happen to think the right of a back three could be perfect for AWB too.
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I really dont think so. Positionally he isnt great.

I do like Shaw on the other side though.

huge element of good fortunes, awful defending and

......

Are you talking about the 94th minute in your game with Villa Morespuds?

De Gea
Bailly
Maguire
Shaw
AWB/Dalot
Williams
Fred/McTominay
Fernandes
Pogba
Rashford
Martial

On paper that looks a good side. Will we get the chance to see it? Hard to say. Even if we do, getting the balance right in midfield is tricky. Might be easier without Pogba...

comment by Clockwork Red (U4892)
posted 44 minutes ago
De Gea
Bailly
Maguire
Shaw
AWB/Dalot
Williams
Fred/McTominay
Fernandes
Pogba
Rashford
Martial

On paper that looks a good side. Will we get the chance to see it? Hard to say. Even if we do, getting the balance right in midfield is tricky. Might be easier without Pogba...
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Yep. If it’s a 3-4-1-2 like last night, then you’re better off with McT and Fred in the middle of the park, with Bruno behind the two forwards.

Big advocate of united using 3 cbs

Major problems at the moment though because it, generally, only works if you have:

a) a solid, intelligent keeper
b) 3 reliable, quality cbs - united only have two
c) both wings well covered

United have to play a 'flat back 4' (playing deep) because they are having to protect weak keepers. Sort that problem, get another cb to support maguire/jones and a left winger, then maybe it's worth looking at.

But until then ......

Hard to go off of the other night, as we had chances, 2 dissallowed goals etc, and brandon williams and AWB looked terrible.
Infact watching williams v willian summed up the first half for me, both were awful.

Could definitely be something you implement though.