Hard to argue with this based on form.Bruno, Fred, McT for me
That could be an outstanding midfield; Martial and Rash up top..Hard to argue with this based on form.
I'm wondering whether a diamond with 2 up top could be an option we can explore before the end of the season with Pogba back:
------- Bruno ---------
Pogba ------ Fred
------- Mct -----------
Problem will probably be the added attacking responsibility for the fullbacks
It's only a small tweak but I wouldn't go with a diamond but a flat midfield three. A 4312 instead of a 41212 with Fred as the most central and Pogba/McTominay using their mobility to support the attack wide.Hard to argue with this based on form.
I'm wondering whether a diamond with 2 up top could be an option we can explore before the end of the season with Pogba back:
------- Bruno ---------
Pogba ------ Fred
------- Mct -----------
Problem will probably be the added attacking responsibility for the fullbacks
"Easily be upgraded" I don't know where to start with this. You mean Fred who has been MOTM in countless matches for us this year and McT who more or less carried our midfield on his own last year and who we have badly missed whilst he was injured?Fred-McTominay
Bruno
But the first two can easily be upgraded on and made into excellent squad/rotation players. Strength in depth is what wins you major honours. Imagine those two on the bench and playing cup games, instead of Matic and Pereira? Yeah, that's what you call a proper team. One capable of competing with even Liverpool/City.
It's also about desire and commitment. In that regard benching our most talented midfielder doesn't seem so illogical.I never thought I would say this but for me right now I am not sure Pogba is even in my prefered midfield. It will be interesting to see how Ole is going to solve this puzzle. It ain't always about fielding all your best players. It is also about balance.
Yeah, but no. Pogba is still easily our best player.I never thought I would say this but for me right now I am not sure Pogba is even in my prefered midfield. It will be interesting to see how Ole is going to solve this puzzle. It ain't always about fielding all your best players. It is also about balance.
It will be interesting to see what Ole does. How will Fred, McT, Matic react if Pogba comes straight in when he is fit.I never thought I would say this but for me right now I am not sure Pogba is even in my prefered midfield.
That actually seems like a good fit. Fred and Bruno are good in close spaces and possess a good range of passing so being central will do them good. Pogba can roam a it forward with Scott more defensive.It's only a small tweak but I wouldn't go with a diamond but a flat midfield three. A 4312 instead of a 41212 with Fred in the most central and Pogba/McTominay using their mobility to support the attack wide.
Would like to see us try thisIt's only a small tweak but I wouldn't go with a diamond but a flat midfield three. A 4312 instead of a 41212 with Fred in the most central and Pogba/McTominay using their mobility to support the attack wide.
Perfect for park the bus merchantsWell, I'd like to see us try Pogba, Bruno and Fred, although it may be a bit lightweight. Bruno is very hard-working and mobile though.
That's the one. On paper, Pogba should be in there, but it's not just about talent. Half the battle is playing well together as a team and having a happy dressing room. Players who aren't eager to be part of the future of Utd are not what we need.Bruno, Fred, McT for me
yup - hopefully Pogba comes back and shows his best form if he wants to earn his move to madridIf not this
Then this with McT/Fred rotating
---------------McT/Fred----------
----Bruno-----------------Pogba---------
That actually seems like a good fit. Fred and Bruno are good in close spaces and possess a good range of passing so being central will do them good. Pogba can roam a it forward with Scott more defensive.
Only drawback is lack of width and dependence on fullbacks. Also we are lacking a bit upfront.
In a 4312/41212, you get the width from the wide CMs, one of the striker and the attacking midfielder. The fullbacks aren't actually giving you consistent width because it would be a massive weakness particularly in transition, fullbacks are support players in attack and our fullbacks are able to provide that if we are properly drilled.Would like to see us try this
This issue with these narrow formations though is we don’t really have the right full backs for it
Couldn't disagree more. That midfield would be run over. Pogba and Matic can't or don't run. They strength of McT and Fred is their abilities to get around the pitch and 'be everywhere'.Tough one this. Pogba has to be in there so needs a proper DM really.
Matic
--------------Pogba
Fernandes-------
Is probably the best "balance" + quality, yet Fred has been our best player this season in my opinion so I'm completely unsure.
I'm sure Guardiola would play Fred instead of Matic and make it work, but can we do that? Do we have enough possession for us to "get away" with Fred as the DM?
Either way, I still think we need to add a top quality prime DM to our ranks in the Summer.
Precisely, and as I've been saying we deserve a top 4 parting gift from him, so he should come in when fit to play!yup - hopefully Pogba comes back and shows his best form if he wants to earn his move to madrid