Manchester United are back in the cup competition after topping the Premier League table once again after the win against Fulham. Next up for the Red Devils, arch-rivals Liverpool travel to Old Trafford to play in the fourth round of the prestigious FA Cup, after a poor loss against Burnley. Solskjaer was tactically spot-on the last time these sides faced each other about a week ago in the Premier League.
The Manchester United manager will look to make it even better this time around as it will be in the knockout stage of the FA Cup. It will be expected for Manchester United to make a lot of changes to the side that started against Fulham a couple of days ago in the Premier League. The likes of Van de Beek, Dean Henderson and Alex Telles are almost a surety to start against the Reds.
Let us now have a look at how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might set his Manchester United side up against Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 is the most likely system for Manchester United against Liverpool this weekend in the FA Cup, as it was also used in the Premier League. Dean Henderson has been a constant for Manchester United in between the sticks in the cup games and he is likely to keep his spot. He hasn’t been able to get a lot of games under his belt but in cup games has been Solskjaer’s first choice.
Harry Maguire has been an ever-present figure for the Red Devils since his arrival and is likely to be partnered by Lindelof or Tuanzebe. The Swedish international has had fitness issues thus Tuanzebe is likelier to start the game with Wan-Bissaka and Telles as the full-backs. Alex Telles will surely be tested against a side of Liverpool’s stature and needs to perform well as Shaw has done in the recent past.
Cavani should start the game as the centre-forward, as he gives United the physical Liverpool lack in their defence.
THE 4-4-2 (DIAMOND)
The 4-4-2 (Diamond) formation has worked out well for Manchester United this season as the strength of the squad lies in the midfield area. Solskjaer has a lot of midfielders to choose from but is likely to go with Fred, McTominay, Van de Beek and Bruno in such a game. Van de Beek will need to prove himself sooner rather than later as he has been under the limelight for quite a while now.
Bruno Fernandes has also played a lot of games since his arrival and might just be rested for this game as he looks tired. Van de Beek might be used as the attacking midfielder, with the likes of Lingard or James playing from the sides. Rashford has also looked shabby in the last few games and needs to get his mojo back if United want to win silverware this season.
THE 3-5-2
Manchester United can possibly also use the 3-5-2, as they have done in the last season against Liverpool, to stop the Reds attack. But this season, Liverpool have looked toothless and haven’t even scored in their last few games in all competitions. Manchester United will be favourites to win this game but the Red Devils have failed the big tests this season and will look to turn their fortunes.
