Manchester United vs. Liverpool: Tactical Issues Louis van Gaal Must Address

Currently, Louis van Gaal's Manchester United are riding an impressive five-game winning streak, jumping up to third in the Premier League table after Monday's victory against Southampton.

Despite the 2-1 scoreline, United were pretty poor and lucky to not drop any points at St Mary's.

United's poor performance surely won't be causing any panic—especially after a victory—but Van Gaal should be looking to make some tactical changes going into Sunday's clash with Liverpool.

During United's current winning streak, there have been two games in which United were, quite frankly, pretty fortunate to win: both away at Arsenal and Southampton.

What do both of those games have in common? 

Van Gaal used a 3-4-1-2 setup.

Though Van Gaal's three-man defensive system worked wonders at the World Cup, it has been fruitless for United and resulted in the team looking devoid of any ideas and creativity.

Against Southampton and Arsenal, the Reds registered a measly two shots on target, according to WhoScored.com, and while Van Persie finished well on Monday, defensive mistakes played a part in both of his goals.

Besides their frightening offensive stagnancy in this setup, United have looked woeful on the defensive side of the ball, giving far too much space to attackers and fielding wing-backs who are seemingly unsure when to attack and when to defend.

Against Arsenal and Southampton respectively, they allowed 23 and 15 shots, only being saved by poor finishing and the sure hands of David de Gea.

While many United supporters will be clamoring for a diamond formation, the reality is this setup can be very unbalanced at times and leaves United susceptible at the back—lest we forget the 5-3 meltdown against Leicester City.

The more conservative and—in the case of United—more effective alternative to a diamond formation is the slightly different 4-3-1-2. Unlike the 3-4-1-2, which has pigeonholed Juan Mata in a box-to-box role, the 4-3-1-2 allows for a dynamic playmaker behind the strikers, while a more compact three-man midfield allows for more defensive solidity.

United used that formation against Hull City and Stoke City and dominated both possession and, for the most part, the game in those victories.

Jon Super/Associated Press

In terms of personnel, United shouldn't be looking for a massive overhaul, as they are winning at the moment. However, two players that deserve to be dropped for the weekend's match are also two of the club's biggest names: Juan Mata and Robin van Persie.

Currently, the jury is out on Mata. Despite having four goals in EPL action so far, his play his been largely ineffectual, showing little dynamism or threat to opposing defenses.

His performance against Southampton was representative of his play overall this season, as he completed 96.2 percent of his passes, yet created no chances and completed no dribbles. Per Squawka, he has created just 16 chances in 12 appearances this season.  

Better suited and more deserving of a berth in the No. 10 role in this fixture is Ander Herrera. The Spaniard is faster, works harder and is generally more dynamic than Mata. With more assists than Mata in four fewer appearances, it seems he is the more prolific creator at the moment and could put in an industrious shift on Sunday.

Tony Ding/Associated Press

Another player change that Van Gaal should but likely won't make is swapping James Wilson for Van Persie.

Though the Dutchman netted a brace against Southampton, his involvement through the course of the game was minimal—he attempted the fewest passes out of any starting player (32). While it was nice for Van Persie to get on the scoresheet, let's be honest here: Van Persie is not the player he once was.

His lack of pace is becoming a liability, and if he doesn't score, he doesn't really have an impact in matches. While he, like Mata, is usually tidy with the ball, his lack of ability or desire to take on players would play right into the hands of the Liverpool defense, who love inviting pressure and giving space to attackers.

Enter Wilson. The 19-year-old striker is great with the ball at his feet and has a directness about him. Perhaps he is not as clinical as his Dutch teammate, but he proved he can be more than an impact sub when he started against Stoke, and his pace could terrorize the Liverpool back line.

United have finally started winning games, and they have a chance to win their sixth on the bounce at home to Liverpool.

To do so, it is up to Van Gaal makes the necessary changes.

Stats and info via WhoScored.com and Squawka.