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.
