After potentially seeing their challenge for the Premier League title go for a toss, Manchester United will now focus to do well in the cup games. Manchester United dropped points against Everton in the league, but can’t afford a slipup against West Ham, who they face next in the FA Cup. Solskjaer will look to alter his side a bit like he does in the cup games but it is expected for him to put out a strong lineup.
Old Trafford will welcome West Ham and its old faithful David Moyes and Jesse Lingard once again this midweek. The Londoners have been in some good form and will be keen to get a result out from the game against the Red Devils. Manchester United should be raged and motivated after the Everton game and will look to unleash their wrath on West Ham.
Let us now have a look at how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might set his Manchester United side against West Ham in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 has been Solskjaer’s go-to system and formation in the last couple of seasons and team has done well in the system. Despite some injury concerns, Eric Bailly will be expected to start against West Ham in the FA Cup fixture. Bailly has performed very well this season but for some unknown reason, Solskjaer prefers Lindelof ahead of Bailly, which for some, might have cost United the Premier League title.
Donny Van de Beek is also a surety to start the game as he looks for more chances in the Red Devils outfit. The Dutch midfielder might play in the double-pivot and be accompanied by Fred who has also been a revelation this season. But the Brazilian needs to improve his passing and touch significantly if he wants to become one of the fan favourites at Old Trafford.
Anthony Martial is also likely to get a start in the game, as Cavani has taken over the No.9 role at Manchester United since his arrival in the summer. Martial has had a barren run this season and will be looking to get his spot back in the United starting XI.
THE 4-4-2 (DIAMOND)
The 4-4-2 (Diamond) formation has also become a well-used system at Manchester United by Solskjaer because of the abundance of midfielders in the squad. Nemanja Matic is the only established and experienced defensive midfielder in the squad and he will be expected to start in such a formation. Matic hasn’t played a lot of football in the recent past and might soon be reaching the twilight of his footballing career.
Luke Shaw is arguably the best left-back in the Premier League currently and will be expected to start the game against the Londoners. Fred will thrive in such a role in which he will be allowed to roam and tackle around the pitch, with defensive cover behind him.
THE 3-5-2
The 3-5-2 is the final option Solskjaer has is in the armoury of systems and formations what he has used at Manchester United. But it is highly unlikely for Solskjaer to use it against West Ham as the Moyes side don’t possess a great attacking threat. United should be focused to get the most out of this game and should perform well.
