'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
After a mediocre 2017/18, Manchester United and, more importantly, Jose Mourinho, has a lot to prove this season. Manchester United, the 20-time league champions and the most successful club in England, have not come close to winning the league since 2013. The closest they came was last season when United finished 2nd with 81 points but 19 points adrift of Champions Manchester City.
Coming to the current crop and their chances this season, Jose might argue that he needs a natural right winger and a central defender but he cannot dispute the fact that he lacks options in midfield. United currently have Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Fred, Herrera, McTominay, Pereira and Marouane Fellaini as their midfield options and here are 3 ways they can make full use of their options:
#1 Matic - Fred - Pogba
This is United's predicted first choice midfield. Nemanja Matic as the Defensive Midfielder, Pogba on the left of a 3 man midfield and Fred on the right. Paul Pogba has struggled for consistency over the past two seasons, but a player like Fred has the attributes to help the France international shine.
The towering presence of Matic as CDM and the productivity of Fred will allow Pogba to stay further up the pitch. All three of them are good passers of the ball. Both Pogba and Fred can play as a No.6 and No.8 at times. Having two box-to-box midfielders in the same lineup is surely going to help United dominate and recycle the possession. Fred brings energy and productivity into the midfield that looked lethargic most of the time last season.
Pogba, who dazzled for the World Cup-winning French team, will be looking to continue his rich vein of form once the season commences.
#2 McTominey - Pereira - Pogba
Scott McTominay, the 21-year-old midfielder, enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season. McTominay quickly earned the trust of Mourinho and started some of the important matches of the season.
McTominay is a tidy, defensive-minded, no-nonsense player and he will be looking to play a bigger role this campaign. Andreas Pereira had a great pre-season playing as Centre Defensive Midfielder and a Box-to-Box midfielder at times. He is creative, attack-minded and has a solid technique. Pereira and Pogba are very good passers of the ball, technically strong, highly creative and not afraid to carry the ball forward. Both Pereira and McTominay have incredible potential but need a lot of game time to flourish and Mourinho knows that. Mourinho might consider this lineup as a back-up whenever Matic or Fred is in need of a rest.
#3 Fellaini - Herrera - Pereira
The midfield trio of Fellaini-Herrera-Pereira can serve as the backup option for the Matic-Fred-Pogba trio. Fellaini, who ended all the rumors regarding his exit and signed a contract extension, might lack the passing and decision-making skills of Matic but his defensive presence and his set-piece abilities will help United when they are under the pump.
Ander Herrera is a workhorse whom the fans love. Herrera is known for the passion and energy he brings to the team. He has all the attributes to become the United captain. Herrera does not wander forward too often and can form a formidable two-man midfield alongside Fellaini. Andreas Pereira will offer the much-needed creativity and will help in taking the ball forward. He can play as a No.6 or as a No. 8 or as a No. 10 in a central attacking role.
