Jun 21
Man Utd: 07/08 Formations and First XI
Well, its the first time I’m writing a Utd post… So here’s to hoping I don’t put any of you guys to sleep. 
With our recent signings (or ‘to-be’ signings if you want to be picky) on their way in a bid to a) help us defend our title b) help us win other cups and c) provide a long-term solution to some of the older player; the questions on most Utd supporters’ lips are
1) What formation will Fergie and Queiroz employ?
2) What is likely to be our first XI in the opening months?
The answers at the moment are very subjective as most fans (myself included) have hardly watched the likes of Nani and Anderson (apart from YouTube video compilations) so our only source of information on these players is what comes out of Old Trafford and Football Manager, of course
Before I continue, I must say that what I have written below is not what I would do, but what I feel the management will do.
Given the new signings, and the inevitable return of some of our loanees (Rossi, Pique and Evans) there are likely to be some transfers out. I will assume the following players are sold: Richardson, Smith, and that there are no new signings (not even a striker as I think we can manage with Rooney, Saha, Rossi, Ole and not to mention our midfielders and wingers to get us the goals we need). What the new signings have brought us is about a million different permutations and combinations for the manager to mull over – an excellent situation to have. There will be competition for places all over the pitch and as a manager, you always want that. In addition, we now have strength in depth – something we haven’t had for some time and consequently, we won’t tire as we did at the back end of last season.
4-2-3-1
I believe that Fergie will be using primarily 2 formations next year: the 4-2-3-1 (shown above) and the 4-3-3 (Europe away and big games in the EPL). I prefer the former because of the style and attractive football it produces. The latter is one I feel many Utd fans will wince at because of the reminiscence it brings of Chelsea (who used this formation before Sheva and Ballack arrived) and the fact that whenever Utd have employed it, it has horribly backfired. But, I say, Chelsea play boring football whatever formation they use (look at this year) and the 4-3-3 has never worked for us as we have never had the right personnel for it to work. We never had a Hargreaves type player and Rooney was always shunted to the left where he is atrociously ineffective in comparison to being in the centre.
Regarding Wayne, many (myself included) feel that he is best playing as a second striker (behind the main striker) or ‘in the whole’. Long-term, I believe that this is the position he will occupy but for the forthcoming season, especially if we do not sign another striker, I get the feeling that he will be the main striker (Saha is unlikely to go through half a season unscathed and for those wondering, the reason I did not assume he will be sold is that I believe we will only get 3-4m for him because of his injury proneness) .
I also believe that Rooney is capable of getting us 30 goals (all competitions), provided that he gets the support from the wide men who cut in when we are in the final third much like Messi and Ronaldinho at Barca. In Anderson, Nani and Ronaldo, I think, we have players who can do this for us to devastating effect. They all have super dribbling skills (from what I have seen of Anderson/Nani), pace and with regards Ronaldo/Anderson, great strength on the ball. These 3 together with Park (who is under-rated and also unlucky with injuries) will be our main wingers for the season ahead regardless of the formation.
You may ask, what about Giggs. I see Fergie using Giggs more in the centre as the player behind the front man, a role he performed at the start of the season where he produced some super displays and the role that Rooney played later on in the season. The reason I see Giggs more and more in this role and less and less on the wings is that I seriously believe that he has lost a lot of pace and no longer is as good taking on players as he was. This is understandable given that he is 33 and has spent the best part of 16 years buccaneering down the left. What he has lost in terms of pace, he has more than compensated in other aspects of his game which make him more suitable for the role behind the front man. His intelligence on the ball, vision and passing have improved and, in addition, playing in the centre should give him a couple more years at the highest level.
I think it is quite obvious that of the 3 signings, Hargreaves is the only one that is likely to be a first team starter in the early months of the campaign. Utd have missed a ball winning midfielder ever since Keano left and he certainly fits the bill. At 16m, he probably is a tad overpriced but like Carrick, I think he will prove to be a fantastic acquisition, especially in the long-run. Talking about the long-run, Fergie clearly has gone with a Gattuso-Pirlo-esque combination; in Carrick we have the deep-lying playmaker (Pirlo) and Hargreaves the more warrior, hard-working type (Gattuso). If the Carrick-Hargo combination can be nearly as effective as the Milan pairing, Fergie would be over the moon.
Back to the present, I feel that in the EPL, Fergie will only use 2 of the 3 world class central midfielders at his disposal (Scholes , Carrick, Hargreaves) and that the preferred combination is probably Hargreaves-Scholes although Carrick and Scholes can be rotated. Another option is to play Scholes behind the main striker in the 4-2-3-1 and pair Hargreaves-Carrick in the midfield. I am not so sure if this is what Fergie is planning as Scholes has never played so far up the pitch since the last time we won the league (02-03) when he had an outstanding season playing behind Ruud. If you look at last season, Scholes often played deep (a role Carrick will assume when Scholes retires) and looked to spray passes and dictate the game from there. A role he performed admirably.
In Europe, especially away in big games, I can envisage all 3 playing in the 4-3-3 with Rooney, Ronaldo plus one of Anderson, Nani, Giggs, Saha… up top in a counter-attacking formation. This would be more effective than how it worked against Milan away or Chelsea in the Cup Final mainly because of the addition of Hargreaves that means the 2 wide men (Giggs, Ronaldo..) can provide the main striker (probably Rooney) with more support when attacking – something that was clearly lacking in those games. Lets just hope Rooney is shunted to the wings again.
I hope I’ve covered the main talking points above regarding team selection. For the 4-2-3-1 system, I believe the following would be the first team, in the early months:
GK - van der Sar
RB - Neville | CB - Rio | CB - Vidic | LB - Evra
CM - Hargreaves | CM - Scholes
RW - Ronaldo LW - Anderson/Nani
ACM - Giggs
STR - Rooney
subs – Foster/Tomasz, Heinze, Carrick, Park, Saha.
For the 4-3-3 (Europe away, big games in EPL):
GK - van der Sar
RB | Neville CB | Rio CB | Vidic LB - Evra
DCM - Hargreaves
CM - Scholes CM - Carrick
RW - Ronaldo LW - Giggs
STR - Rooney
subs – Foster/Tomasz, Heinze, Carrick, Park, Saha, Nani, Anderson
Once again, just to remind you guys, these aren’t what I would do (I would employ the 4-2-3-1 regardless of who we play and which competition) but I do believe that Fergie is hell bent on making the 4-3-3 work and he will employ it in big games.
P.S. Thanks to sharathciddu’s post for the pic
Related items from Red Rants:
- Manchester United ‘Official’ 07/08 Away Kit
- Rooney Out For A Month
- Manchester United Fixtures for the 07/08 Season
- Liverpool v Manchester United: Preview
- Kit Update: Official Man Utd 07/08 Black Away Kit Pics
Tags: Opinions/Columns
June 21st, 2007 at 20:48
That post showed how much of a TOP RED you are son.
Good knowledge of the game. You really know your onions. Boring though, very boring…your writing is very poor. But I like you. I like you a lot.
If there’s United in your heart you’ll do for me.
June 21st, 2007 at 21:12
Formation: 4-5-1/4-3-3
—————————————–VDS/BF———————————–
Neville/Evans-Ferdinand/Pique———Vidic/Brown-Evra/Silvestre
———————————–Hargreaves/O’Shea————————-
—————Scholes/Rossi—————–Carrick/Fletcher————-
Ronaldo/Anderson————————————–Park/Giggs/Nani
———————————-Rooney/Saha/???—————————-
June 21st, 2007 at 21:15
Nice post…and I agree with you totally but on one main issue….after watching Nani in the 4 u-21 games…i can surely say, unless he is extremely fatigued, that Nani wouldn’t be tasting first team football next season…he would be used primarily as a sub when used going off his performances in the u-21
June 21st, 2007 at 21:25
Mate expect 4-2-3-1 to be the system used through out not a 4-3-3 .
Saha will always be first choice as the starting main striker if fully fit and if we buy no other striker.
Furthermore, Giggs will be on the bench far more. Anderson is going to be first choice on the left if fit.t. no matter the games. He is that good.
Lastly, in tough Euro matches like the San Siro one, expect Hargreaves and Carrick to be a fixed partnership. On top of only one of Scholes and Giggs possibly (not guranteed) playing in front of them in a 4-2-3-1 formation. For Saha will most likely still start if fully fit.
June 21st, 2007 at 21:36
Nice post mate, but I’d see less and less of Scholes and more of Carrick in the starting lineup as the season wears on.
June 21st, 2007 at 22:04
A pretty good analysis, I’d say. I would personally prefer 4 4 2 for home games at the very least -but at this stage the ppl in the squad and the comparitive lack of strikers suggest the 4-2-3-1.
Best wishes
Phil
June 21st, 2007 at 22:33
i think that the first eleven will start again only hargreves will play instead of carrick or schools and the other two will go in the team by time untill they will settel down
June 21st, 2007 at 22:35
i think that the first eleven will start again only hargreves will play instead of carrick or schools and the other two will go in the team by time untill they will settel down but no we will play 4 2 3 1for sure
June 21st, 2007 at 23:59
Good post mate … i agree you know your stuff
However , i would like to see rooney definitely playing off a striker such as saha … hes the best we have got at the moment as long as he stays fit and healthy. As a lone man up top , you do not see the best of wayne!!!
Secondly, scholes will most surely be seeing more of the subs bench with him and carrick continuously swopping and changing in matches. Scholsey being chosen more in europe and rested in cup games. Im lookin forward to seeing Hargreaves play week in week out ….. i agree he wasnt the best a few years back , but his class has now shrone through and he should light up old trafford …… and how has no1 managed to talk about ronaldo yet!!!!!!!!!
He is the only player who when fit is gaurenteed a starting spot out of the attackking options. Him and Anderson will set the EPL alive next season. CHelski will be lagging by xmas once again i predict!
June 22nd, 2007 at 1:44
Your comparison to AC was spot on. I honestly believe Man U would be better suited to have both Hargreaves and Carrick on the pitch at the same time as much as possible. That way, Owen can shoulder some of the defensive duties while Carrick can push up more and act as a playmaker, a role he excelled in this year. This would also allow Scholes and the wingers to better serve passes in to Rooney who will need more midfield support due to the absence of a true striker. Also, this formation would do well to prevent or disrupt counter attacks (especially if drawn against an Italian side in Europe because Kaka killed us with them) because there will be the two defensive mids dropping back instead of just Carrick like we had this year. However, in the event that Ferguson and Gill sign a striker worthy of the Starting XI, I think Fergie will employ the 4-4-2 at least in league and the team will have the same look it did when Ruud was around. Nevertheless, it is going to be a fantastic year and with a deeper, more talented bench, four trophies still seems a longshot but not impossible.
June 22nd, 2007 at 2:08
Yea i would expect to see more of Carrick too. Scholes will probably be there for the big matches, but not every match. Carrick and Hargreaves need to form a proper partnership in midfield before Scholes retires.
Would expect to see more of Anderson too, but not Nani.
June 22nd, 2007 at 5:17
Excellant post. But dont discount the fact that Rooney could or should play the ACM role behind Saha (or new striker) in the 4231. It is his ideal role with Ronaldo on the right and Anderson/Nani/Giggs on the left.
June 22nd, 2007 at 5:29
are you shaheen form the goalposts?
June 22nd, 2007 at 6:59
I love the formation, but I would have loved to see a little more action given to Rossi
June 22nd, 2007 at 7:01
SAF could probably use Anderson on the left – as a playmaker like Barca use Ronaldinho. I’m sure he’s capable of playing wide. Nani probably needs a little more time, but you never know what happens.
With both Rooney and Saha fit, I’m sure SAF will play the 4-4-2, because it’s simply the best way to put out weaker opponents. When we play Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and in Europe, he’ll need to bolster the midfield employing the 4-2-3-1. With Giggs now more of a midfielder behind the striker, SAF has loads of midfielders to find games for. Hargo, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Giggs, Anderson. This probably means, we’ll see both Giggs and Anderson on the wing occasionally (probably Giggs more). I wouldn’t be surprised to see Anderson on the right, Ronaldo on the left and Rooney up front – sort of like Ronaldinho, Eto’o and Messi – with loads of movement in-field. And with Nani at OT, Ronaldo could be rested for 3-5 more games this season, which I think the team will benefit from. Hopefully Park will be back soon as well to provide cover.
He now has players to rotate when needed, but I’m pretty sure that the stating line-up will be somewhat similar to last season… at least in the beginning:
VDS
Neville – Rio – Vida – Evra
Ronaldo – Hargo – Scholes – GIggs
Rooney – Saha
I honestly have difficulties seeing which players SAF will play as CM in the 4-4-2, but I’m still certain, we’ll see it.
The 4-2-3-1:
VDS
Neville – Rio – Vida – Evra
Hargo – Carrick
Ronaldo – Scholes – Giggs
Rooney
or the alternative 4-1-3-1-1
VDS
Neville – Rio – Vida – Evra
Hargo
Ronaldo – Carrick – Giggs
Anderson
Rooney
June 22nd, 2007 at 7:15
Nice article.
I think Scholes will be pushed a bit more upfield insted of defensive. SAF knows his tackling is a bit suspect.
The one criticism I have of SAF of late is that he is very predictable. I hope that the additions give him a bit more freedom to try different formations. I for one would not want the 442 to die out. When WE play it, it is still the most sexy to watch.
June 22nd, 2007 at 7:20
RedRanter: I still think scholes has at least 1 more great season in him. I was looking at highlights of our season the other day and you can just see how influential he was in being involved in the goals we scored.
sharathciddu: Forgot about Rossi. I think he definitely has a big season ahead of him. I don’t expect him to play week in week out. I think he will be given his chance initially in cup games and off the bench (to get integrated) and when saha does get injured (which is a near certainty), I expect him to play in the hole behind Rooney.
Tomas: Agree with the comment about Anderson playing right and Ronaldo left. I do expect the wingers (whichever play) to switch positions, much like they did this season.
June 22nd, 2007 at 7:21
I’m confused…
Before the transfer-window, everybody went ‘Nani-befuck’. Now that we’ve signed him however, people don’t think he’s all that. I get the impression that Anderson is now rated higher?
I don’t know either of them, so what’s the deal?
Also, anyone know what’s the current status with Anderson’s work permit?
June 22nd, 2007 at 7:25
Karl
TBH, no one expected us to make a move for Anderson. Last year, he was linked heavily with Real and Chelsea. From what I gather, he is rated more highly. Nevertheless, Nani is still a bright prospect. Its just that he didnt quite light up the U21 as most thought he would.
I wouldnt read too much into it. I still think he has a great future. Of the 2, I expect Anderson to make more appearances initially.
June 22nd, 2007 at 8:01
Personally I’ve said from the day we signed them that Nani probably needs more time than Anderson.
The thing is, though, that Nani might actually get quite some time on the pitch with Giggs needing more rest. I’m sure, Nani is seen as Giggs’ replacement, and so we’ll see him out there. But for him it will be a more slow integration than Anderson, who I think is a more mature footballer.
For me it has nothing to do with Nani’s performances at the U21, because although he has received some criticism, he’s also had some good reviews and scored a class goal, so I honestly don’t think his performances have been that bad in the tournament. It’s all just too high expectations imo.
But then again…it’s all just guessing. And you’re right that we don’t really know any of the players.
Neither Anderson nor Nani will be first team regulars this coming season, but they’ll get their chances. I expect them to play 20-25 matches each.
June 22nd, 2007 at 8:13
Guys.Perhops we are forgetting we have a top class striker named Rossi. With team experience he can be very useful in a 4-4-2(the best man utd formation). we will have strong wingers to support strikers plus defending midfielders to win balls. what else do we want.
I think we should wait and see for anderson and nani.dont forget what happened with kleberson! But I believe 100 % we will be better in 07-08
June 22nd, 2007 at 8:57
Guys, I believe Nani is a great player in the making, he didnt have good players besides him in the under-21 tournament, that probably affected his perfomances. Rem the goal he scored against Inter-Milan in the Champs lig, that was a cracker, I also watched him when Portugal played against Belgium and he scored a fantastic goal.(2-1). Still on statistics, Nani was the man of the match, when Portugal thrashed Belgium in the fist leg of Euro qualifiers, he scored 2 goals. SAF and I know that NANI can play in any team in the world, but also the guy is still young and can improve.
Guyz have now changed the tune and Anderson seems to be the lad of the moment, but I have no doubt that these signings are great. Again I’l stick to the statistics, all our signings for the last 3 seasons have all been fantastic.-carrick, park,heinze,v.d.s, vidic, evra,foster. If this is anything to go by, then these lads will light up old trafford.
We must not put alot of pressure on these new lads, give them time settle and they will light up the premier…4-2-2 is my formation…
June 22nd, 2007 at 9:09
There’s no question that both the young players will thrive playing with older team mates, and we’ll probably see stunning things from both, even though it might not be on a regular basis the first 6 months. But just watch when they acquaint themselves with the league…they’ll be great players here.
June 22nd, 2007 at 9:42
Good text mate – but it is too long too long. Whenever you want to write some stroy, be straight to the point so that the reader can quickly get what you want befroe he gets bored reading and reading on….Good analysis though, it shows that you are a United fan to the core.
As for the formation – we should stick to the 4-4-2 formation in all the moderate games (forget the 4-2-3-1 formation) with Rooney and the other striker (Rossi or the one we shall buy) with Giggs/Nani and Ronaldo on the wings. Anderson will be coming on as a substitute. Hargreaves replaces Carrick at the defensive midfielder role but Scholes remains a permanent figure.
For harder games e.e. against Chelsea, Milan, Middlesborough – we shall use the 4-3-3 formation.
June 22nd, 2007 at 9:49
4 2 3 1
GK vdsar
RB gary nev / pique CB rio CB vidic LB evra
DCM hargraves DCMcarrick / scholes
RFcristiano / park AM rooney / anderson LF nani / giggs
ST saha or new signing(hopefully)
i too share the opinion that 4231 is better suited to our attack minded philosophy than the tried & failed 433 option as this formation would be both fast paced and creative in attack and a lot tighter in defence than last seasons version
June 22nd, 2007 at 9:55
u guys r bit high u hav to understand tht wt wrk with united is a 4-4-2 mi man seedat here is talkin bout IF we dnt get striker which is fair but if u lk at the formations he is talkin bout these r the 1s real madrid and barcelona use and they both hav well expeienced and and hard hitting goal scorers which is wt we dnt hav rooney is the type of player tht can go anywer on the pithc and still play unbeleivablee he is manoverable and has power and thats y he wud be perfect if he had another strerong stiker to compliment him a fit saha wudnt do badly and rossi who is lernin quik is also 1 of the 1s we shud lk at nxt season but gettin anotha strker isnt ruled off the table so dnt be suprised if ther is suprised bid for torres or even this quagliarella business wrkin out either way i cnt see fergie emplyin these tactics they arent suited to the english way or the UNITED way the 4-4-2 will be the norm nx season withe 4-5-1/4-3-3 as alternatives GLORY, GLORY UNITED!!!!!!!!!!!….. NX SEASONS GNNA BE INTRESTIN
June 22nd, 2007 at 9:58
any1 ere sayin nani or even rossi r a bit below par they shudve watched lst nite matchin the U21 both of them performed and nani was runin the show above evry1. showin wt e can do at strt sum peple will be srprised how gd e is. jus lkin to see anderson now hopefully in copa america nx week wensday 11pm on skysprts1
June 22nd, 2007 at 11:17
@ thegoalposts
yes, I am the same guy from thegoalposts.com
June 22nd, 2007 at 12:14
Spot on mate, spot on, i think fergusons buys do point towards the long term with him trying to create his own version of Gattuso and Pirlo. I also agree that Giggs has lost his pace, at the end of the season this was abundantly clear. Great article, keep em’ comin!
June 22nd, 2007 at 12:16
I don’t think that we can assume that Hargreaves will automatically replace Carrick in the team. After all, we just won the league playing Carrick and Scholes together. At the start of the season Sir Alex might just keep that combination. Personally, I don’t think Carrick has done anything to merit being dropped to the bench. I think Hargraves may first have to earn a place in the team.
June 22nd, 2007 at 12:19
JUS LKIN AT SUM OF THE POSTS ERE AND GETTIN ANOYED people keep ratin players highly thn other players and havnt evensin them play andersaon beta dn nani! and vicve versa dnt judge them bi transfer fee judge by perfonces not only in the premiership but at international lvl aswel. can any1 ere say they sin anderson or nani aprt frm a gme or 2 on utube
June 22nd, 2007 at 12:22
Seedat dnt know how type story prply, to tell the truth e shudnt be second gesin wt fergie is gnna be doin nxt cus at end of day nun of us now for sure seedat and billal shudnt be typin ther stories
June 22nd, 2007 at 12:56
I love the fact that you’re already getting ready and all of us too for the new season.. I’ll speak for every United Fan that this article has pumped us up.. I can’t wait to see what Anderson and Nani will be like and Evans and Rossi too!! We all know what Hargreaves..
I think 4-2-3-1 is the perfect formation… I also do believe a fully fit Saha will start all the time as a lone striker with rooney playing behind him..
Hargreaves will definitely also be a starter while Anderson and Nani will be coming in..
With this Squad we do have a realistic chance of winning the league and the champions league…
I really can’t wait for the seaon to start.
June 22nd, 2007 at 15:00
@ Shera
Quoted from the article:
The answers at the moment are very subjective as most fans (myself included) have hardly watched the likes of Nani and Anderson (apart from YouTube video compilations) so our only source of information on these players is what comes out of Old Trafford and Football Manager, of course )
I think I speak on behalf of most Utd fans in saying we haven’t seen much of Anderson or Nani to draw conclusions with any certainty. But that definitely does not mean we cannot speculate or pass on opinions/predictions on them. If it really bothers you, I suggest stop reading the posts.
June 22nd, 2007 at 15:03
@ Danny
Dont forget Pique mate. My friends that watch la liga say he has a great future ahead.
June 22nd, 2007 at 15:42
it should be
…………………………………………..vds……………………………………
…………..gary………………….rio……………..vidic………………….evra.
…………ronaldo……………..hargreves…..anderson……….nani.
………………………………roony…………………………………………………
dat da best line up!!!!!
June 22nd, 2007 at 15:59
Yo guys I still rate SAF should add Fabio Quagliarella, just to complete the team. He would certainly give us more options up front. Perfect player to lead the line.
And I do think that SAF engineered the 4-2-3-1 formation specifically for Europe.
I think we are definately still gonna se the 4-4-2 formation in premierleague.
June 22nd, 2007 at 16:29
@ Moya
To be honest, I don’t know much about Fabio Quagliarella. What I can say though is that he is rated highly and scored a copuple of crackers for Italy. Is that enough to say he is quality? No. But does that mean he isnt quality? No.
I’ve drawn up his starts from last year. 35 appearnces, 13 goals. By no means a good return if he his an out and out striker (which is the type we need).
If you look at Rossi at Parma (relegation threatened as well) – 19 appearances, 9 goals. So based on that, I would rather give Rossi a chance. I have seen this guy play and he is class. He needs a chance. Im sure Fergie will give that to him this year.
June 22nd, 2007 at 16:39
I foresee the starting lineup to be more like this….
VDS
Neville – Rio – Vida – Evra/Pique
Hargo
Ronaldo/Park/Fletcher – Carrick/Scholes – Giggs/Nani
Anderson/Rossi
Rooney/Saha
This front four will be rotating with the exception of Saha. If saha is not available it will be mostly a trio of Rooney,Anderson and Ronaldo who will keep interchanging positions…Giggs and scholes will be used judiciously…Owen and ronaldo are def going to be sureshots in starting lineup if they are available or being rested…Anderson,Rossi,rooney or even giggs might fill in the SS position..
June 22nd, 2007 at 18:17
Very nice site.
I think there is a possibility that Scholes And Carrick may feature in a lot of our home league games as a duo in a 4 4 2 (assuming we eventually recruit a striker or two). We have enough about us to win nearry all home league games without the hustling style of Hargreaves. It’s more important to use our superior possesion wisely then, and Carrick and Scholes combined are ideal for this.
But, as everyone seems to agree, without at least one top striker to play alongside Rooney -we still have a lot to offer -and would only be 1 or 2 signings away from the complete squad (may have to wait until 2008 tho)
June 23rd, 2007 at 1:41
The bottom line here is that Sir Alex is a genius. The man has been at OT for over 20 years and he is never set in his ways. Look at what he has done here: He has basically stolen the ideas of the past 2 CL winners and it is evident in the three signings so far. He stole AC’s defensive mid pairing of Pirlo and Gattuso by putting Hargreaves and Carrick together (although you could argue he did this last summer by signing Carrick and partnering him with Scholes). Now he is steading Barca’s formation of having a trio of strikers that move (seems a but Total Football-esque to me, which means he is stealing from Ajax in the 1970s who won 3 consecutive European Cups) by signing 2 extremely mobile midfielders with an outstanding knowledge of the game for players their age. And bringing back Rossi only helps this formation. My only worry is that injuries may force SAF to adopt some other formation, but I think the team has enough depth to cope. Plus, the man is a genius, so he should have no trouble dealing with it.
June 23rd, 2007 at 9:03
I wouldnt expect to see to much of nanai anderson or rossi nxt year, they will be bench players for most of the season, due to there age and inexperience at the very highest level, except for one seaon in portugal anderson nani, and rossi half a season in serie a. expect things to happen season after this one. i personally think theres too much to risk this season…
June 23rd, 2007 at 9:25
Steve from CA.
I wonder how much of this was down to Carlos and not Sir Alex. I thiink that Carlos is under-rated as an Assistant and I think that nowadays, a lot of our strategy/formation is down to him – but again, its just a hunch and nothing concrete.
The only thing we need is a quality striker (an out and out striker). One who is athletic (pacy and strong), mobile and a decent finisher. Also, the price needs to be affordable (Eto’o would cost 30m+). Much like Saha, but less injury-prone and more deadly on one-on-ones. The problem is, I cant think of many that fit the above (Torres? Not so sure and he will be expensive)
But we do have Rooney fits most of the above although he needs more consistency in front of goal and he might be the one to play upfront when Saha breaks another part of his body again.
June 23rd, 2007 at 14:45
@ Shaheen
Yeah i definately agree eith about Rossi… He has a lot of potential and I rate him really highly.
Though Quagliarella would bring more variety and options. You should see him play… Most of his goals for Sampdoria were basically created by himself. He’s big, fast and can certainly finish with both feet.
I really just hope we don’t miss out on Fabio and regret it like Berbatov…
June 23rd, 2007 at 15:47
————————VANDERSAR—————————
—–NEVILLE————FERDINAND——–VIDIC———-EVRA
——————————-HARGREAVES—————————–
———————————-CARRICK———————————————
RONALDO—————-SCHOLES————————–GIGGS—–
-
——————————————–ROONEY——————-
June 23rd, 2007 at 16:14
4-4-2 : E.Van der Sar; G.Neville,R.Ferdinand,N.Vidic,P.Evra; C.Ronaldo,P.Scholes,O.Hargreaves,Nani; W.Rooney,Anderson (Subs: T.Kuszczak,W.Brown,J.O’Shea,R.Giggs,M.Carrick)
4-3-3 : E.Van der Sar; G.Neville,R.Ferdinand,N.Vidic,P.Evra; P.Scholes,M.Carrick,O.Hargreaves; C.Ronaldo,W.Rooney,Nani (Subs: T.Kuszczak,W.Brown,J.O’Shea,Anderson,R.Giggs)
Giggsy still amazing, but i think he can play in consistency in all games
June 23rd, 2007 at 20:32
Seedat mi man it dnt matter to me bout speculation all tht matters to me is ur lak or writin skills nutin personal. I personaly lov speculation and predictions i was simply findin UR post to be very poor much like ahmed bilaals
June 24th, 2007 at 5:48
what i feel mainly is that we will still follow the 4-4-2 strictly in the domestic league and shift to the 4-2-3-1 in the champs league.
i think that both the central midfield positions, in the league, will be filled up by two of the quartet of scholes, carrick, hergreaves and anderson with the likes of scholes playing the bigger matches and sitting out in the matches before champs league ties. the other 3 is anybody’s bet.
ronaldo, giggs and nani, and at times anderson, will fllod the flanks with nani and giggs in constant rotation much like the scholsy situation and we will have saha and rooney up front or rossi and rooney up front coz this season is definately the season where rossi plays in a man utd startin line up. I base this on the various reports after rossi was loaned out to newcastle when SAF had made it clear the all he is doing is giving him playing time as a starter in the premiership. so if SAF thought he was capable to do that last season he god damn well is this season.
however, in the CL games, the 4-2-3-1 will be very interesting coz rooney loves the hole and without him as a leding liner, we might have some formation crisis where some players may be out of position like this season but i think the heargreaves arrival will change this. we will control more of the ball when we are playing games now that we have a out and out ball winner and the same will allow our always rotating frontline to do what they can do best. The rooney and target man issue will only become important towards the end of games if we have to score late goals by playing some long balls, in which case we might well have saha being used as a sub.
Whateva happens, we are getting the treble next season….
June 24th, 2007 at 8:18
anyone read the comment by anderson about his favourite position? left-back – roberto carlos style. an intriguing prospect given that handsome gaby is off to spain – he might be occasional cover for evra there? certainly better than o shea.
i think we’ll move to 4-2-3-1 full time. that formation has enough attacking impetus for us to dominate the easier domestic games from the start, but is tactically cute enough for the CL too. it’s fared barcelona fairly well in recent years.
hargreaves and carrick with scholes rotating in and out, and sometimes playing in the centre of the 3, maybe. some combinatin of giggs / nani / ronaldo / rooney playing off the main striker. if louis could stay fit i’d be happy with him as first choice but he’s a perpetual crock. out till xmas again isn’t he? he did play a tough 10 mins v city…
if the money isn’t there for a young, established, pacy imposing striker who can really finished – eto’o, torres etc etc – then i’d like us to go for anelka. but i wouldn’t mind seeing rossi being given his chance either.
anyway it’s good to have some quality in depth. the squad was on its knees by the end of this season, really a stupendous achievement (and a bit of good luck) to have won the league with relatively little top notch cover. bardsley, rossi, evans, pique, nani, anderson, rooney, ronaldo – it’s looking pretty decent long term. vidic hargreaves and evra all relatively young too. the wizard is very far-sighted. if he could just sell that no-talent bell-end kieron richardson now.
June 25th, 2007 at 16:56
Keep up the blogs. I enjoyed it.
On who starts, I would point to the fact that there is an established hierarchy at Old Trafford. Starting from Sir Alex down through Neville, Scholes and Giggs to Ferdinand, Rooney, Ronaldo et al then down again to the even younger players. For that reason, I suspect we will see Nani and Anderson begin life on the bench and we will integrate them slowly – unless they do what Ronaldo did on his debut against Bolton and then we may see more of them more quickly. However, we should not look to right off Giggs, Scholes etc just yet. They were absolutely fantastic for us this season. Their experience and consistency was critical to our success and you won’t get that week in week out from players new to the team and new to the country. They need time.
A lot is made of formations. What really matters is that we have a strong defence and good attacking options going forward. Players must be able to adapt to situations. See Rooney’s ability to play anywhere across the front line now as a good example of how much his game has come on. He looked lost on the left for some time. Now he looks dangerous. I like it when are attackers are able to roam and swap positions, in fact the only people that don’t like it are the opposition! Clearly our purchases this summer have been made in the knowledge that they these players will be technically good, be able to retain possession and be free flowing in attack. You can call it 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 but in reality it is about ability. You need the right players to match the style of the club. Free flowing football is what United are all about. Bring it on!
June 26th, 2007 at 15:56
1. WE DONT NEED A STRIKER.
we already have enough… adding a striker is a waste of money our squad is great enough.
2. ROSSI is amazing.
this is to support point no. 1.
3. I hope i’ve mentioned WE HAVE ENOUGH FIREPOWER.
go to bbc’s football page and use the squadselector for ManUtd and all will realise that even after we replace our first team with every sub we have, we look great!
4. ROSSI IS VERY VERY VERY ^ 100 GOOOD.
5. personal opinion WE SHOULD LEARN FROM OTHERS.
i hate arsenal. but i have to admit i found them scary in the carling cup because their youth was good. i feel that we should let guys like Nani and Anderson and the rest of the youth play in the Carling Cup and things which arent of great worth, our first team will get ample rest this way. (i know Ronaldo is Superman but even he gets tired). we may not win the carling cup but just look at how much expirience the guys can get just form playing in it. guys like Nani and anderson can learn Utd’s style of play.
6. I AM A RED AT HEART AND I LOVE FERGIE AND TRUST THAT THE FORMATION HE USES WILL BE SUITABLE.
i should take this opportunity to remind everyone that even though formations are often set… what usually happens is that a player plays at the position he fits into naturally… formations are not rigid…so kindly stop arguing about them.
7. and final point… the guy who wrote that article on the top wrote it well… and his analysis was very valid.
June 27th, 2007 at 13:44
4-2-3-1………
VDS
NEVILLE – RIO – VIDIC – EVRA
HARGREAVES – CARRICK
RONALDO – SCHOLES / ANDERSON – GIGGS / NANI
ROONEY
Formation for most of the season
June 28th, 2007 at 14:18
Trust Me =D The Ultimate Formation 4-1-3-1-1:
VDS/B.Foster
G.Neville/Pique – Rio – Vidic – Evra
O.Hargreaves
C.Ronaldo – Carrick – Nani/Giggs
Anderson/Scholes/Rossi
Rooney
Subs: (Alternatives) Pique – Rossi – Anderson – Nani – B.Foster & Others Such As Evans – Smith – Saha – Brown – Silvestre – O’Shea Will Be Back Up For The First Team.
June 28th, 2007 at 15:20
Really great article. Iwouldn’t have thought of 4-2-3-1. United have a lot of great players a it incorparates them all. I think Sir Alex is a real fan of Giggs and he will continue to use him a lot. I have a slight change to the formation in the article.
————————–EVDS——————————
GN————-RF——————–NV————–GH
—————–MC——————–OH——————
CR————————PS—————————RG
—————————-WR——————————-
Giggs could move cenrtal with Scholes slowing down, also giving Nani some extra time. Anderson definetly for Scholes otherwise. I really want to see Fletcher coming on as a sub too. Rossi and Ben Foster are my first choice subs for Rooney and Van Der Sar. It will be a very interesting season.
July 20th, 2007 at 13:24
We dont really nead a target man for upfront as if in furture our 2 first choice wingers will be Nani/Anderson and Ronaldo then these are the kind of players who cut inside and not the traditional wide men who would put crosses into the box for a traget man to get onto the end of. You want players who can get on the end of low crosses, good at long shots and just someone who will be in the box ready to mop anything up and tuck it in.
July 20th, 2007 at 14:34
VDS
NEVILLE FERDINAND VIDIC EVRA
HARGREAVES/CARRICK
RONALDO SCHOLES/ANDERSON GIGGS/NANI
ROONEY TEVEZ
August 17th, 2007 at 16:54
GK
van der sar
D
gary, ferdinand, vidic,evra
M
ronaldo,hargreaves,scholes(also use carrick and anderson because schles is old)giggs and nani
F
rooney,tevez(great signing and he will sign a permanent deal)
I just love Manutd
Come on manu my team
I love tevz,rooney,ronaldo,hargreaves,anderson,nani,scholes,giggs,carrick ,ferdinand,neville,vidic,evra,van,foster
they are the best team in the world
come on manu TEVEZ
and they might sign cicinho too as a replacement to neville