To be honest, I do think our problem is a bit more complicated than just replacing Lingard with a different #10, let's say Eriksen or Dybala. They surely would make our team look a lot better, but to make it work properly other parts of the team also need to be better. I think Ole has already improved us quite a lot by implementing a pressing game and building up from the back. I think most of us have noticed that De Gea is no longer kicking the ball long too often or the full-backs hoof the ball up by a country mile. The pressing and the patient build-up play from the back are key ingredients to dominate football teams in the modern game and to carve open a low block. However, it also takes considerable time to fully implement it and to see the real benefits of it (and with considerable time I mean close to a season, not just a few weeks).
In the build-up fase a lot can still be gained. Pogba and McTominay link the play reasonably well, but it will get even more effective if 1 player is able to do their job instead of two, and if that player can drop in between the centre-backs. Currently, either Pogba and McTominay drop in between the centre-back and the full-back which give an automatic tendency to play the ball out wide, which limits the passing lanes and the general build-up play. Ideally, in the build-up, you from a 3-4-3 formation with the DM splitting in between the CBs and the FBs pushing up next to the two other midfielders. Most of these things are currently happening, however the DM is an area that needs improvement. I would suggest that till the next transfer window, we keep the system at it is. Only against weaker opponents, we could try to use a 4-1-4-1 to implement the system I suggested above, with Fred or McTominay sitting as the DM (they have good passing ranges, and tackling will be less important if we dominate the ball) and having Pogba, Andreas, Fred/McT, Gomes, Mata sitting up front as the two more advanced midfielders.
The attack could also do with some improved decision making. Against both Wolves and Crystal Palace, we advanced to quite promising positions on numerous occasions. As soon as we reach those positions, often wrong decisions are made. Key passes made too soon, shooting in stead of combination play, holding the ball too long, trying to dribble past three players.. and so on. Personally, I believe Martial has improved his game a lot in this regard since Ole came in, but Rashford, Lingard and James can improve in this aspect quite a lot. Especially Rashford has immense talent and some maturity and more selfishness would be much appreciated. Too often he goes for the hard way or the nicest way, instead of the most effective/efficient way. If the forwards can improve their passing and decision-making in the final third, this would actually already improve our problems by quite some margin, I believe. Be patient, pass the ball quickly yet concisely over short distances, keep making sprints; the forwards will have enough ability to play the final ball.
Finally, I think improving these two areas by coaching and training, will improve us a lot. In addition, I think a better #10 would elevate us to another level. If the build-up goes smoother and faster, and the forwards make more intelligent movements a top-quality #10 can be the difference between top 4 and being a genuine title challenger. I think we should be looking to improve the two points above this year and try to buy a top #10 next season. As for this season, I believe Andreas would be more suitable than Lingard. I do know the deficiencies of Andreas, such as poor first touch, unawareness, defensively being caught out but these weaknesses are far less important in the advanced role, than in the #8/6 roles. He is aggressive, he is energetic, he presses quite well, so he is mostly on par with his strongest points. Next to that, he also adds creativity to the squad and an end-product. He can score goals (see Southampton last season), he can provide assists (Martial vs Chelsea, Lukaku against Saints as well) and be another creative passer in midfield other than Pogba. The pass for Greenwood last season (against Cardiff I believe) on which he put Greenwood 1-on-1 from a central position, is a pass I haven't seen from anyone else bar Pogba. For this season, he should be the nr 1. #10 for me, and if he gets injured either Fred/Pogba should pushed forward. They also have a far better passing range than Lingard and more creativity, which is key against 75% of all our opponents who sit deep anyways. For me, Lingard should only be used on the right wing, as a #10 against top 6 teams and as a backup for the attackers in case of injury. Next season, Lingard should be sold in my opinion and let Gomes take his place in the first-team. Gomes can develop his game this season in the cups. I think it is irresponsible to trust on Gomes now as a #10 and also unfair to expose him potentially to so much criticism which is associated with playing for United, especially in such a demanding role which is currently below par.
Ps. Hello guys, this is my first post on this forum but have been reading for quite some time. The name is Willem and I am a Dutch fan who has been following United for a little more than a decade now. Since I have only 3 posts a day, I did not want to waste one post with introducing myself in the introduction thread. Instead, I would like to contribute with more relevant information..
