Manchester United Football Formation

Lineup (4-1-3-2)

The only difference of this formation and the one used by Sir Alex Ferguson is the usage of an attacking midfielder and ball holding midfielder instead of two centre midfielders.

The thing which the team play is lacking now is creativity which I think can be found in this formation. This formation that I would call as 4-1-3-2 rather than 4-4-2 diamond has two starting point of defense and attack, which is the ball holding midfieder and the attracking midfielder.

From the team that we have now, Anderson should be given more chances to play and of course, as an ATTACKING MIDFIELDER. Fletcher, who is known to be a tireless midfielder, can be used as a ball holding midfielder at the MC position.

When the team lose the possession, Fletcher will be the first one to move into defense and while the team has the possession, Anderson will be the attacking playmaker at the centre of the park. Both Fletcher and Anderson are freely moving from left to right but Fletcher will always operate behind Anderson.

For the defense, Rafael will be less attacking than Evra due to the advance position of Valencia. Evra will involve himself in attack when needed. Vidic stays further ahead of Ferdinand so Ferdinand will be the centre defender to cover the defense.

For the midfield, Fletcher will stay nearer to the right side and again, due to the Valencia who runs down the flank as typical winger. Anderson will stay centre or a bit near to the left while Nani plays as Winger which is less advanced than Valencia and look to cut inside. Occasionally, Nani can exchange postion with Anderson with himself moving into the centre and Anderson to the left with Evra as the back up at the left flank.

For the forward, Berbatov and Rooney can both drop deep and move forward. However Berbatov will play as a Target Man and act as the first passing option for Valencia near the right side and I would say that Berbatov is important at front to hold the ball while Rooney will be the most influential player on the pitch slightly ahead of Anderson as he will act as the Trequartista. Rooney will be given the free role to create chances and score goals in front with Anderson supporting him.