Manchester United could be set for a huge change in the starting lineup when the full interim boss is appointed.
Manchester United fans have finally seen the back of Rúben Amorim, and with him? His 3-4-2-1 formation that didn’t win him any fans upon his move from Sporting CP to Old Trafford in November 2024.
Darren Fletcher immediately reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation for his first game in charge of the senior side against Burnley on Wednesday evening. While United only drew 2-2, fans were much more pleased with the performance than they had been with Amorim’s last games at the helm.
Benjamin Šeško looked like a new man with Bruno Fernandes playing closer to him. The opening goal came from brilliant movement from the Slovenian, before Fernandes – who had just switched to the right wing – played a slide rule pass for Šeško to run on to.
Even Patrick Dorgu, who many argue no longer has a natural position after the switch to the back four, looked like a new player. His cross gave Šeško his second goal of the game and gave United the lead, but a wonder goal from Jaidon Antony levelled the scores once again.
While the back four and 4-2-3-1 formation is likely to stay – both interim boss candidates Ole Gunnar Solsjkær and Michael Carrick favour the shape – the personnel in the system looks destined to change, with at least one key man missing out.
Jason Wilcox has had meetings with Solsjkær and Carrick, so UtdDistrict took a look at how either coach could set up at Old Trafford.
United’s best XI in a 4-2-3-1
The easiest choice for the new head coach is Senne Lammens in between the sticks. The young Belgian has been nothing short of exceptional since he was handed his first start against Sunderland before the first international break of the season.
Now it becomes difficult. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui will compete for the right-back spot – providing Juventus don’t sign United’s full-back – with even more competition in central defence. The three positions have now shrunk to just two, with Matthijs de Ligt close to a return from injury following Harry Maguire’s bench appearance.
Luke Shaw is almost a certainty at left-back, especially with Dorgu’s impressive performances on the left flank, although the Denmark international is unlikely to continue in that role when everyone returns to the squad.
Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte started against Burnley, but Kobbie Mainoo returned to action from the bench. The England international will be hungry for a start in midfield, with Fernandes moving into the No.10 role that made him so impressive under Solsjkær.
The biggest point of contention comes on United’s flanks. Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford were the two left-wingers at Old Trafford, but they were both moved on in the summer, leaving just Dorgu as a left-sided attacker.
The attacking dilemma
The new interim boss must decide between Amad, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Šeško for just three attacking positions. Cunha started as a right-winger against Burnley before moving to the No.10 role in the second half, allowing him to drift into his favourite area: the left half space.
Fletcher’s tactical change suggests Cunha is most likely to start off the left, with allowance to frequently drift inside if Shaw can get forward and hold the width, as he did many times for Rashford under Solsjkær.
Read More: Manchester United hold Ole Gunnar Solsjkær concern following Michael Carrick meeting
Amad, who has been described as “dangerous”, will be directly competing with Mbeumo for a starting spot after combining so well when both occupied the right flank under Amorim.
It won’t be an easy call for the next interim boss; at least one key man will miss out. Here is UtdDistrict’s Best XI in a 4-2-3-1 formation
Lammens; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Heaven, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha, Šeško.
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