Manchester United play hosts to West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League this weekend after a 14-day break due to the international break. The Red Devils have a lot of injury concerns in the squad, with Rashford, Martial and Lindelof ready to go last-minute fitness tests. Thus, Solskjaer might have a problem with the starting XI he initially wanted to put out, with a fully fit squad.
Luke Shaw will out of the game due to a hamstring injury, thus Telles might get his first in the Premier League. The midfield is fine though and all the midfielders will be fit to play after the international break. With so many injury concerns, Solskjaer will be working out on how to lineup his United side already.
Let us now have a look at how Manchester United might lineup against West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League this weekend.
THE 4-4-2-1(DIAMOND)
The 4-4-2 (diamond) has been Solskjaer’s most effective formation and system this season, as the team doesn’t have natural wingers. Manchester United have done well lately with a couple of strikers up top, especially with Martial. The Frenchman has become essential to the Red Devils as he is probably the only player in the team who can hold the ball up and bring other players into play.
Due to a shoulder injury, Rashford might not be involved in the game, and even Cavani is doubtful for the weekend. Greenwood was spotted training at Carrington and will be expected in the absence of Cavani and Rashford. Lindelof, also being a doubt for the game, Tuanzebe will be expected to play in the Premier League, for the first time in a long time.
The selection of Telles, Fred and Bruno Fernandes are almost guaranteed of starting positions in the side, due to their previous performances. This system has served well to the Red Devils and Solskjaer will be expecting the same.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 was Solskjaer’s go-to formation and system last season, but this season it has worked as well as he would’ve liked. Teams in the bottom half will sit back and defend against such a formation, with United failing to break down defences. This has been a problem for the manager to sort out, as the Red Devils have no lack of talent in front of goal.
In such a formation, any two out of the likes of Mata, Van de Beek and Pogba are highly likely to play and Rashford might also take part if fit. Creativity is one of the main things lacking in United’s play and Solskjaer must find a way out to play his best players in the same team. The base of the midfield is very likely to be made up by the pivot of Fred and McTominay.
THE 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 might be an option against West Brom, as Solskjaer knows that the visiting team will sit back and defend deep. This formation is very attacking, but with Matic’s lack of pace in the holding midfield, this system can backfire. Thus, it is unlikely for Solskjaer to use it in the weekend.
