Solskjaer Considering A Change To His Formation For Next Season

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is exploring a change of formation for the 2021/22 season.

Raphael Varane’s potential arrival at Old Trafford will certainly transform United’s defence, but it could also lead to an implementation of a 4-3-3 formation.

As per ESPN, the Norwegian tactician has communicated his idea to players returning to preseason training. Solskjaer wants the United of next season to be more attacking, and a lineup which includes more of the side’s adventurous stars.

Ideally, both Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes – the club’s most forward-thinking midfielders – would slot in front of one defensive midfielder. But in order for this system to work, the Old Trafford outfit don’t have a top class defensive midfielder, bereft of whom their defence is bound to be exposed more.

Declan Rice fits the profile of midfielder the coaching staff at Carrington would admire, but West Ham are reluctant to sell him this summer.

Regardless, signing a new centre-back is being seen as an important factor in switching to an attacking formation.

Varane – Solskjaer’s top defensive target – will make up a solid backline alongside Harry Maguire with his athleticism and recovery pace, especially while defending counter-attacks.

This new approach would also mean the end for the midfield partnership of Fred and Scott McTominay. However, for all of this to happen, the English giants need to acquire the Frenchman – or any other similar central defender – in the first place.