Manchester United are about to play their biggest game of the season in the Premier League, as they are about to face the noisy neighbours. The Red Devils are chasing Manchester City in the title race and need to win the game to have any chance of winning the league. Despite a dip in form, Solskjaer is positive about the fixture as he looks to keep up his good record against Pep Guardiola.
The return of talismanic midfielder Paul Pogba doesn’t seem to come fast enough for Manchester United, as they are evidently missing him. It has also been reported that David De Gea will miss the next few games due to personal reasons. Amongst all the chaos, Solskjaer needs to have a clear mindset before the game at the Etihad Stadium, in what has become a rollicking encounter in the Premier League
Let us now have a look at how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might set his Manchester United side up against Guardiola’s Manchester City.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 has been Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s most frequently used system, especially in the Premier League against Manchester City. With Fred and McTominay sitting in the midfield, the Red Devils get a strong base from which they can spring forward and counter attack. But it seems that they have been recently been found out as they are finding it difficult to churn out victories out of tough games.
Dean Henderson is likely to play the next string of games for Manchester United as their No.1, as De Gea has flown to Spain due to family reasons. Eric Bailly might just be selected ahead of Victor Lindelof in this game but Solskjaer always changes Maguire’s centre-back partners. The full-backs will surely be Luke Shaw and Wan-Bissaka, as the former has created the most chances in the Premier League this season for a defender.
Edinson Cavani will be expected to lead the line for the Red Devils as he has quickly become an integral part of Soslkjaer’s team and the manager’s plans.
THE 4-4-2 (DIAMOND)
The 4-4-2 (Diamond) is also another option for Solskjaer who sometimes looks to stack the midfield with the array of talent he has got at his disposal. But without Pogba, the manager might go with Van de Beek who has had limited game-time in his first season in the Premier League. The likeliness of playing with this system also makes sense for United as Manchester City will look to dominate the midfield and control it and play their way out.
Marcus Rashford has been prolific against the neighbours and the United faithful will hope for the same again. Mason Greenwood has also had a strange season as he has played well lately but has been devoid of goals and assists. The strike force will have to step forward and take the onus off Bruno’s shoulders as he is surely going to be man-marked throughout the game.
THE 3-5-2
The 3-5-2 was the system, Solskjaer extensively used earlier in big games against Manchester City and it worked wonders as well. Thus, there is a slim chance that the Norwegian might employ the 3-5-2 again this weekend in the clash oif the titans. The game is surely going to very predictable, with City keeping all the possession and United trying to counter.
