After a hard-fought win against West Ham in the fifth round of the FA Cup, Manchester United will be back on the road to face West Bromwich Albion. Manchester United have been incredible on the road in the Premier League and will be looking to do the same against big Sam’s side. As the Londoners won’t make it easy for the Red Devils, Solskjaer needs to take this game very seriously.
It looks as if it will be Manchester City’s title to lose from now on as Manchester United need to keep up the pressure. The Red Devils need to win this game to have any chance of challenging for the title, in case of a City drop off. The team will surely see some changes from the starting XI that faced West Ham and Solskjaer must be aware of the necessary changes to be made.
Let us now have a look at how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might set his Manchester United side against West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League this weekend.
THE 4-2-3-1
In the FA Cup game, Henderson started in goal but in Premier League games De Gea has been Solskjaer’s no.1 choice despite his criticism. It was recently reported that De Gea’s lapse in form might see a change in rein though as Dean Henderson is pushing hard for the No.1 spot. The defence in front of the goalkeeper picks itself as they have been great away from home but the form has been completely opposite at Old Trafford.
Scott McTominay has been one of the revelations of the season at Manchester United this year, because of his goals in crucial times. The Scot has mostly played alongside Fred in the midfield double-pivot and it is likely to be the same this weekend as well. The 4-2-3-1 system has been very effective for Manchester United with Bruno Fernandes sitting on top of the pivot and dictating the play.
Mason Greenwood looks a different player now as he is now looking to cross the ball a lot more with Cavani in the box ready to pounce on any chance.
THE 4-4-2 (DIAMOND)
The 4-4-2 (Diamond) has worked well for Solskjaer’s men especially in games where they need to attack and score goals. The Manchester United squad has a lot of talent in the midfield department especially but this system might not be used because of the absence of Pogba. The Frenchman has endured a thigh strain and will be out till the end of the month and United are sure to miss his skills.
Van de Beek might also be played in such a role and a lot has been talked about his talent but he has barely been given a chance. There are a lot of varying opinions on Van de Beek but he has shown he is a world-class footballer. Rashford and Cavani should lead the line in such a system and score goals for the Red Devils.
THE 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 is one of the options as well for Solskjaer and Manchester United with Matic playing at the defensive midfield role. Martial might play in such a system as goals have dried up for him and he has been at the centre of a lot of criticism. Rashford and Bruno Fernandes will be responsible for creating the chances, as they have done all season.
Manchester United will be expected to win the game easily but you just never know what to expect with big Sam and his West Brom team.
