Shinji Kagawa and Manchester United's new formation

SHINJI KAGAWA: Providing midfield the creative flair.

When Robin Van Perise signed for Manchester United, many doubted whether Shinji Kagawa, the other summer signing, would get sufficient game time. Many even claimed, that had Ferguson known that they would manage to sign Robin Van Persie, he might not have signed Kagawa. But after two games it seems that Manchester United is finally moving into a fluid 4-2-3-1 system, and at its heart is Shinji Kagawa.

In the two matches many of the old and new attacking players found themselves starting on the bench, which included Wayne Rooney, while Nani was altogether dropped from the squad. But it was only Shinji Kagawa who started both the games. Whether it was a disappointing display against Everton or a nervy win against Fulham, the only United outfield player to win accolades is Kagawa. His Man-of-the-Match performance against Fulham, quenched fears that he might not feature prominently in the starting lineup.

What caught the spectators eye were the extra amount of creative flair which Kagawa injected into the United midfield. He played in his preferred position in the gap between the midfield and the striker upfront and his link-up play was brilliant. Ever present to receive the ball and playing clever passes close to the box and creating chances. So this season’s creative responsibilities rests with Kagawa at the moment while players like Tom Cleverley have a deeper role in the United midfield.

Kagawa can yet become the pivot over which the midfield would hinge to create chances for attack. The wide players would combine with the fullbacks and take the attack to the opposition. We have seen how well both of United’s fullbacks Evra and Rafael link-up in the attack, with Valencia and Young/Nani/Welbeck expect the attacking threat to come down the wings as the fullbacks and the wingers link-up play. The new formation would make United keep possession better as already shown by them, by dominating possession in both the matches.

However there is a flaw in this formation yet, with the lack of a defensive midfielder. Kagawa is great as an attacking midfielder but would not fit the bill when it comes to shielding the defense. For Kagawa to be given the freedom to perform freely as the playmaker upfront, the two deep lying midfielders would have to screen the defense from being overrun. When United’s defensive crisis eases we can expect the experience of Michael Carrick to fill-up one of these two positions, while the other one would probably feature Cleverley or Anderson. While Anderson’s fitness has always been a matter of speculation, Cleverley may not completely fit the bill. Primarily an attacking central midfielder, having to sit deep, his effectiveness as a shield for the defense remains to be seen. Cleverly has the most number of successful tackles this season among his team mates and would look to succeed in the role given to him.

It would seem natural to see Darren Fletcher, taking up that position but Fletcher following his long term illness is still someway away from fitness, and there are not even speculations as to when he might return to first team action. Fletcher recently played two full games, one in preseason against Aberdeen and one for the Reserves against Spurs. He is seemingly making progress, but with a surgery scheduled, first team action is some way off. But United does miss Fletcher’s ball winning ability and big match temperament.

The only catch with the new formation is that United should look to avoid being overrun in the midfield because of the lack of defensive shielding from the midfield. The United defense is likely to see players from last season retaining their places with the welcome exception of Nemanja Vidic returning to lead them. The uncertain fitness of Rio Ferdinand would mean now-fit Jonny Evans to try and build upon his exceptional performance last season. Evra and Rafael are also likely to feature in the first choice defense.

But then what of Wayne Rooney, Welbeck and Chicharito? Well the season is long, do not expect everyone to feature in every game! Van Persie’s ability to hold of the starting berth would depend on his form and fitness. Wayne Rooney yesterday rubbished claims of him leaving United. He is likely to feature, when he recovers from injury and will be back to his sharp self. Rooney can play in two or even three different positions. In the absence of Van Persie, he is likely to head the attack or might even drop Van Persie to the bench if he makes a strong comeback. He might also replace Kagawa as the link between the midfield and the striker, a role which he had performed in the past. While many would argue that Rooney is at his best when playing as the main striker, he has in the past played below the striker as a link-up in play. He may well feature with Van Persie, playing in that gap. Welbeck would feature as substitute for the main striker and can also feature on the wings. But Chicharito, who can only player as the most forward player, might find it hard to make first team appearances and might only be limited to appearances in smaller tournaments.

But United’s options and versatility of the players would be very important as the season is long and would be punctuated by injury setbacks. How well the manager is able to utilize the squad and get results would determine the success of the formation. Given setbacks, the manager would shift to more adaptable formations. However, on current form of the players, the formation would be around the playmaking skills of Shinji Kagawa.