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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be taking charge of his second game as Manchester United boss against Huddersfield Town – a team that proved a tough cookie to crack for Manchester United under Jose Mourinho.
There’s much buzz and optimism from the Manchester United fans about their new manager, especially having won their previous game against Cardiff City 5-1. This is because the fans enjoyed a fluid and mesmerizing style of play that they hadn't seen since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club.
Now with Ole Gunnar -- a man who previously played for the club and even coached the club academy -- at the helm of the club, fans expect more of the same after that inspiring display against Cardiff City. The fans like to call it the United way of playing.
Ole Gunnar’s first game gave the fans a hint of what exactly to expect during his time as caretaker manager.
His first lineup spoke volumes of how he is going to set Manchester United out for the remainder of the season.
But still, with a number of players missing through injuries, you can’t say that the line up against Huddersfield won't be Ole Gunnar’s strongest lineup. But the Manchester United fans will still expect an attacking side.
Among the injured first teamers are Chris Smalling, Romelu Lukaku, Marcos Rojo and Alexis Sanchez.
But honestly, among the injured players, only Chris Smalling would have been guaranteed to start if he was fit.
With the Norwegian favouring a 4-3-3 formation against Cardiff City (which alternated to a 4-1-4-1 at times), Ole Gunnar may want to go into the Huddersfield game with the same formation
Here’s how his team selection may look like
Goalkeeper:
David De Gea is the obvious choice to start in the goalkeeping position. He has proven time without number that he can be relied upon, so no need to change that.
The number one jersey at Manchester United is in a safe pair of hands under David De Gea.
He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he's sure to start every game for United through the season, barring injuries.
Defence:
Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot to start as part of that back four.
Lindelof can be rugged and still pick a pass from deep to initiate counter attacks.
Though overlooked for Ole Gunnar's first line up, Eric Bailly’s pace and strength should be needed to shut down any attack and he too can spot a pass from deep. And he should definitely start.
It is time that Diogo Dalot got trusted to start as many games as possible to aid in his development. Besides, Ashley Young is not the future of the club.
Luke Shaw, against Cardiff, showed how good he is and has been through the season, the momentum should be kept for him to continue.
With the two wingbacks, the width will be provided and also, they will help out in defence when the need arises.
They will overwhelm Huddersfield defenders any time Manchester United is on the attack. The fans want an all-out attack system, and with these two wingbacks, they will enjoy some mesmerizing wing play.
The transition from defence to attack will be swift and lethal to Huddersfield Town.
High concentration will be key for these men, to stifle out any attempt by the opposition.
Midfield:
Nemanja Matic will most likely start as the defensive midfielder as he did against Cardiff City. He is also the one who will be tasked with controlling the tempo of the game
Ander Herrera will play as the runner in that midfield chasing down every ball. He will also be charged with the role of covering for the fullbacks when they are on the attack.
Herrera will also be the one who will be the initiator of counter attacks as he will be viewing the ground broadly. And as a Basque-born player, he sure can pick a pass and that will be needed against opposition that will come out to defend.
Paul Pogba’s role will be to make sure that the team doesn’t lack in creativity and fluidity just as he did in the previous game. If he continues where he left off against Cardiff City, expect Manchester United to have the ball more than their opponents.
He'll beat his markers with his skill and hence create chances for the forward line. Also, he will not be over-burned by the defensive duties so he can do his thing higher up the pitch and make a statement.
Attack:
On the attacking front, Ole Gunnar will want pace, flair and penetration. Also, of more importance, he will want guys that are clinical.
The three obvious men to lead that forward line are Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, just as they did to great effect against Cardiff City.
The three men have pace and can easily beat their markers and that will be important for the team. Especially coming up against a team that is likely to defend for most of the game.
Jesse Lingard will be coming in from the right of the attack and expect to see him infield most of the time. This he will do to great effect to help accommodate the marauding Diogo Dalot behind him.
On the left hand of that attack, Anthony Martial will continue to do what he has been doing all season. That is cutting in from the left and trying to score goals from that area. With him cutting inside, he will ensure that Marcus Rashford isn’t isolated by the opposition's defence.
The point man for this attack will be Marcus Rashford (again) who will make sure to chase down every loose ball and press the Huddersfield Town defenders anytime they have the ball.
He will also need to be more clinical than he has been this season. Any chance that he gets he should bury it early enough and ensure Manchester United kills off the game early enough.
Conclusion
Expect an all-out attack football game from the former Manchester United striker. He wants to make sure that he continues to make his mark and give the fans hope of greater things to come under him.
