Manchester United are in a great run of form in the Premier League and are looking to challenge for the title this season. But now, the Red Devils host their noisy neighbors as Solskjaer will once again face Pep Guardiola in the EFL Cup. Manchester United will try to win at least one silverware this season after losing three semifinals last season, and have a strong chance of winning.
Manchester City aren’t at their potential best due to COVID-19 situation in the squad, keeping players in isolation. United have had a great record against their neighbours in the recent past and will look to continue the record. There might be several changes in the United side as Solskjaer has played a very distinct side in the EFL Cup, this season so far.
Let us now have a look at how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might set his Manchester United side up against Manchester City in the semifinal of the EFL Cup.
THE 3-5-2
The 3-5-2 is one of the most used formations and systems Solskjaer has used against Pep Guardiola’s Man City side in the last couple of seasons. This system has done wonders for United as they have sat back, soaked up the pressure and have hit on the counter. The pace of Rashford and Martial has caused them a lot of trouble and they will look to avoid it as much as possible.
Fred and McTominay will be charged with protecting the midfield against a City side which will be expected to dominate possession. Bruno Fernandes has been a lynchpin for Manchester United since his arrival and will dictate the pal for the Red Devils with his charismatic passing. The defence has looked much better since Eric Bailly’s return to the starting XI as he brings pace and strength to the shaky Manchester United defence.
THE 4-4-2 (DIAMOND)
The 4-4-2 (Diamond) shape has hugely helped Manchester United this season and is one of the reasons for their place in the Premier League table. Paul Pogba has been a revelation in the system as he has had the license to bomb forward and create play for the strikers without worrying too much about the defensive side. This system is very likely to be seen in the game as Solskjaer will look to put out his best side in the semifinal.
Luke Shaw has played very well this season but might just have to sit out the game due to Alex Telles. Dean Henderson is almost a surety for the EFL Cup game as he has done pretty well since making his Manchester United debut. Axel Tuanzebe might also be played in the right-back spot as he has also done well when he hasn’t been injured this season.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 is the only other formation Solskjaer has used at Manchester United during his time at the helm. But it is very unlikely for the Red Devils to go with such a formation as it opens up the space in the midfield area where Manchester City usually dominate the play. Thus the 4-2-3-1 might be a suicidal tactic against City, especially after looking at how they tormented Chelsea a couple of days back in the Premier League.
