Man United know they go into this game this afternoon with a chance to put themselves four points clear at the top of the table, but it was always going to be interesting to see how Solskjaer decided to approach it.
Liverpool are having some serious defensive issues just now with multiple injuries so a makeshift defence is inevitable, while it’s also clear that United’s strongest area is their attack.
That suggests it would be logical to really go at Liverpool and force a high-scoring game if they had the belief that they could out-score them, but Solskjaer tends to play not to lose when the stakes are high.
In the end it looks like he’s been caught in-between as he’s gone for an extra midfielder instead of starting Cavani or Greenwood:
A huge game at Anfield awaits – and here’s your United starting XI ?
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2021
It does open up a few different tactical possibilities – Scott McTominay started to shine for Scotland in a back three so a 3-5-2 is certainly possible, but it looks like a diamond midfield is the most likely option here.
There’s also a chance that he’ll stick with a 4-3-3 with Pogba being forced into one of the wider roles again but that wouldn’t make sense, but it’s the defensive selection that’s provoked some reaction from the fans.
Eric Bailly has been impressive lately and his pace helps to compliment and even mask Harry Maguire’s deficiencies, so a few are upset at the decision to drop him for Lindelof:
When is Solskjær going to learn, you can’t play Lindelöf and Maguire at centre back together? Salah will tear them to shreds.
— Richard Weaver (@RichWeaver84) January 17, 2021
100% I’m oles biggest defender but how do I defend that? Bailly is clearly our best cb along with maguire. Their partnership is light years ahead of lindelof/Maguire.
— Bruno Gunnar Solskjaer (@Keanetona716) January 17, 2021
Has Lindeloef got something on Solskjaer or something? https://t.co/iy2hb2BFpQ
— Danny (@Danny_Miller97) January 17, 2021
A reminder that the defeat to coty could’ve been avoided if he started Bailly. Solskjaer’s love affair with lindelof continues with yet another bizzare team selection
— Kidus Firde (@offensiveforjoy) January 17, 2021
If you ever feel stupid in life just remember there is a person named Ole Gunnar Solskjær who believes that Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are better centre backs than Eric Bailly#LIVMUN
— Aditya (@aditya__88) January 17, 2021
Lindeloff for Bailly and Martial preferred to Cavani. Hope I’m wrong but these selections look questionable.
Lendeloff has been out a month,ole has a team that’s played together well,sometimes messing with a team too much can go against you.
Drop martial n put ashford up front.
You guys make some observation that is not backed by stat, Lindeloff is better tactically and more reliable despite a more sporty and faster Bailey. So let’s drop this argument, Bailey has his game but not against elite side, he can easily get red or cause penalties, Lind is more disciplined and much less vulnerable to mistakes. I am not sure if anyone has beaten him one on one recently despite his lackluster appearance. So I support Oles decision to play Lindeloff ahead of Bailey for now but I am hopeful soon Bailey will take over spot- but but has to prove himself first
I believe Pogba slows down our game and makes Fernandez invisible and less effective- Fernandez was scoring until Pogba can back into the line up. Please just try someone else, Pogba can produce a good pass but we require some who can keep moving into spaces to relieve other players. He is also overworking Fred and Mc Tominay ? please buy Grealish and dispose Pogba he can’t thrive in high tempo premier league
I’m failing to understand why this moron Ole keeps fielding martial, he’s the worst in his starting 11. Very useless when we’re not in possession and over works his teammates while he walks around and losing the ball more than anyone . Not a natural center forward and must fight for that position maguire/lindelof pair too soft, slow and no pace. Bailey/maguire ? complement each other well
Ole have started that his stupidness again ooohhh waiting the shock u for brain nah we tell you say we the enjoy the way u are paring harry an Victor ahhhh see wahala the use Eric my senior defender intelligent man
Why do people always ignore this Maguiire is our worst defender bt he is very protected maybe becoz he is English
Not bad but have failed to understand why you prefer grealish than pogba remember poul can play wide attacking as well as defending compered to grelish who’s good in attacking than defending.i know both are good players all can play at the same time midfield of tomany or fred holding pogba grelish wide posion bruno deep matial rashfod or cavani what ateam? Do u agree with that?
i’ve been meaning to ask (olesolksjar), is it that u delight in buying players & not using them? what have alex tellex, van de beek & cavani done 2 u that u dnt use them regularly? note this also that u aint gonna win anything, if u dnt sign players.
man utd, pls get guadiola as a coach, els no trophy 4 man utd & its a shame!