How Louis van Gaal’s 3-5-2 formation might look next season.
With Manchester United’s new manager Louis van Gaal speaking yesterday about sticking with a 3-5-2 as his main formation for the season ahead, CaughtOffside takes a look at how the Red Devils could line up under the Dutchman and his exciting tactics.
With United already bringing in Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera, the formation could suit both their needs well, as Shaw’s attacking ability could see him utilised in a wing-back role that would put less emphasis on tracking back and cautious play, while Herrera’s ability to to his defensive work and dictate the play from deep should help the team move forward from the back.
After something of a disaster in the transfer market last summer, things are looking up this year, and further big-name signings could be made before the start of the season, with central defence and midfield still a priority for the club if they are to establish themselves as genuine title challengers again.
Click below for a run-through of United’s possible new-look XI, with van Gaal’s 3-5-2 formation and transfer targets taken into account.
Goalkeeper and defence:
New signings: Mats Hummels, Thomas Vermaelen
With the addition of two top transfer targets in Mats Hummels of Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen, van Gaal should have a perfect back three for next season, with those two lining up to the left of Phil Jones. With Hummels taking the most central role, suiting his ability as a great all-round central defender, the more versatile Jones and Vermaelen should be comfortable with roles slightly to the right and left of the German international, respectively. With the ever-reliable David de Gea in goal behind them, this three-man centre-back pairing should provide United with the kind of solidity they lacked last season and give them a good platform to work on for years to come.
Midfield:
New signings: Paul Pogba, Juan Cuadrado, Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw
Joining the already-signed Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera in midfield could be two superb midfield signings in Paul Pogba of Juventus and Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado, both of who have been continually linked with United for much of this summer, and both of whom would represent perfect signings here. Pogba’s strength, power and work-rate should make him a great complement to the abilities of Herrera and the more advanced Juan Mata, while Cuadrado’s experience of playing as a wing-back should make him a similarly suitable player on the right-hand side as Shaw is to the role on the opposite flank. The Colombian international is also superb going forward, and will provide United with what they have badly been lacking from the likes of Nani, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia in recent times. Potentially as good a midfield as you’ll see anywhere in Europe, this would certainly put United back among the big boys if they can succeed in landing their top transfer targets.
Attack:
No signings necessary in the front two, with van Gaal surely the man to get Wayne Rooney back to his best alongside his trusted national team striker and captain Robin van Persie. On their day, this strike duo should be up there with the best in the world, and with some improved service from midfield behind them, both should be aiming for 25+ goals next season, with both now afforded the chance to play in their preferred striker role in this 3-5-2 lineup, rather than one dropping deep or drifting out wide to accommodate the other. Neither player had the best of times last season, but there looks plenty to be optimistic about now at Old Trafford with their new manager building an exciting new team.
Manchester United 2014/15 potential starting XI in full: