Manchester United's Potential Tactical Options

As you have probably noticed by now, Manchester United hasn't had the best of seasons so far. Some say it's the players being unable to step up to the occasion without players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez.

Others say that Manchester United must buy new players.

Still others blame Sir Alex's tactics. I, for one, believe that the tactics utilized by Ferguson may be most of the blame. The traditional 4-4-2 can win games for the Red Devils only against the weak or mid-table teams. Against teams like Chelsea or Barcelona, this more defensive and compact formation won't do very well. 

Simply put, there are plenty of other formations that can be used to boast the full talent of this squad (for the following ideas, I assume that most players are uninjured, even though at the present, many are injured such as Ferdinand and Vidic).

Let's start with the 4-3-3. This formation was used by Barcelona to defeat Manchester United in the 2009-10 Champions League final, and is still used by the Spanish/European/World champions. 

The goalkeeper and the back four of Manchester United are pretty much set, with Van der Sar playing between the sticks, and many choices in defense. Evra is a given at left back, and right back can be taken by either Wes Brown or Rafael da Silva. In the center, two of Ferdinand, Vidic, and Evans can be paired. 

There are many options for the midfield three. Antonio Valencia's scintillating form this season makes him an obvious choice to slot in at the right. In the middle, one of either Fletcher, Carrick, or Anderson can be put in, while Nani can play on the left. 

Now I know that Nani hasn't been to great this season (actually he's been horrible compared to past seasons), but unless Manchester United can buy another better winger or Obertan wants to play in the midfield, then we're stuck with Nani. I think Obertan would do better up front.

Another option can be Giggs, but due to his age, he can't play many games consecutively. Fabio da Silva would also be an interesting option. He definitely has attacking venom, but he has to work on his defending a bit. 

And this leaves me with to finish the front line. The center forward is definitely going to be Berbatov. Everyone knows how Berba tries his hardest NOT to break a sweat during the game, and leaving him in the center gives him fewer defensive responsibilities.

One advantage to this is that if Berbatov is injured, Owen can slot smoothly into the formation for him.

Wayne Rooney can slot in as right striker. Rooney may think that for him personally, playing in the middle would be best for him. However, not only is Berba a better center striker, but Rooney has the ability to roam more on the wing. Plus, when Ronaldo was playing as a striker for Manchester in the 08-09 season, Rooney provided some great crosses from the left. He clearly has a good crossing ability.

Gabriel Obertan can deputize on the left. Obertan has showed some great touches and pieces of skill this season, and he's a great attacking winger. Obertan and Rooney can be interchangeable of course. 

Another formation that can be used by the English champions is the 4-2-3-1. As I mentioned earlier in this article, the backline is pretty much set.

Carrick and Fletcher can play as the two defensive midfielders. Owen Hargreaves would make a great holding midfielder (granted he can make a full recovery in time for a few games this season). 

The right attacking midfielder is definitely Antonio Valencia. Valencia's also one of those players who won't usually shirk his defensive responsibilities, so he would be a great attacking and defending option on the right. 

The center attacking midfielder can be Anderson. Anderson has been dying to score more goals for his team. He would make a great attacking midfielder. He's got a great shot and some real imagination.

Also, Carrick and Anderson can switch positions throughout the game. Rooney can play as the left attacking midfielder. Of course, he loves to run, so he definitely won't forget to defend.

Plus, his striker instincts will tell him to join in the attack anytime. The striker is pretty much obvious—Berbatov. 

I'm sure there are plenty of other formations and tactical options that can be used for this squad, but these formations stuck out to me the most.

I don't really know if Sir Alex will change his tactics around. However, one thing I know for sure, some players need to be let go. 

If Nani doesn't impress any more, he definitely needs to be sold. 

If you have any suggestions, ideas, opinions, please comment! I would love to hear any differing opinions.