Blog: Tactics set to change?
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During a summer of chopping and changing of personnel, Reds fan Simon O'Hare wonders how United's formation and tactics might alter...
It was classic Ferguson: as the gossip columns linked United with the same old transfer targets, the old master surprised us all. But as the ink dries on Michael Owen's contract, we’re left with some pertinent questions; how will his arrival, and that of Antonio Valencia, impact on United's tactics next season? Will Sir Alex continue with the fluid, free-flowing football of recent? Might we see a return to 4-4-2?
Last term was record-breaking for United as our rock-solid back four and goalkeeper rightly took the plaudits for that incredible run of clean sheets. However, the team as a whole played its part in making United so hard to beat.
The cliché ‘defend from the front’ had never been truer: United's lone striker and hardworking wide players halted opposition breakaways before they even began. But with the immense defensive record came United's most modest goals-for column since the 2004/05 season.
The emergence of the 4-3-3 formation is a growing trend in the modern game at the top level, with each of the so-called big four deploying some variation of the theme. The work ethic of a wide player such as Rooney or Park - Liverpool's Kuyt is another - benefits the team defensively by helping to dominate midfield possession.
Look back ten years at United's wonderful attacking 4-4-2 in the treble-winning campaign and it seems almost quaint in its single-minded desire for goals. Two out-and-out strikers, and two attacking wingers, backed up by a penetrating central midfield duo.
Since that treble win, United's tactics have gradually evolved in line with the wider trend. Jose Mourinho was perhaps the major influence – although Carlos Queiroz should take credit, too – as Chelsea's physical title-winning side threatened to out-muscle all two-man central midfields that came before them.
This summer's transfer activity might just herald the next stage in the evolution of United's tactics under Sir Alex. It would be fantastic if United remain hard to break down, but it would be even more impressive if next season's remodelled attack sees the team score lots of goals.
As an out-and-out striker, Owen brings something new to the squad, as Tevez, Rooney, Berbatov and Ronaldo preferred to attack from deep. If United operate with a central strike pairing more often next season, with Valencia attacking from the wide areas, then we could be in for a treat. -
Play 4-3-3 if Huntelaar comes.
