Manchester United: Three tactical changes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should implement against AZ Alkmaar

Solskjaer needs a drastic change of tactics right now.
Solskjaer needs a drastic change of tactics right now.

#1 Switch to a 4-3-3

Solskjaer should switch back to the 4-3-3 system that served him well before
Solskjaer should switch back to the 4-3-3 system that served him well before

When Solskjaer took over as the caretaker manager of Manchester United, the first change he implemented in the team was a switch in formation. Manchester United was struggling in a 4-2-3-1 system, and the Norwegian changed it his favored 4-3-3 system. The impact was instantaneous – United played some swashbuckling football, scored goals galore and even stayed compact at the back. While the effect could not stretch till the end of the season, it was expected that with the right reinforcements in the summer, the form could return.

However, the Norwegian shocked the world by reverting back to the 4-2-3-1 system over the summer. And that has been United’s bane so far this season. Deploying Paul Pogba in a double pivot has not worked, due to the lack of creativity in the final third. And it has also restricted the Frenchman’s impact on the team. There’s a lack of proper No. 10 in the squad and as such, Solskjaer should immediately revert to the tried and tested 4-3-3 system.

A three-man midfield with Scott McTominay sitting deep and Fred and Pogba operating on either side would be just what the doctor ordered for United. It would allow both the Brazilian and the Frenchman to play their natural game and could very well turn United’s season around.

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