Manchester United: Reds' Best Defensive Options for Rest of EPL Season

For all of the talk of United's defensive woes, and all of the injuries experienced by the back line, Manchester United's defense hasn't actually been all that bad.

United, thus far, have conceded the third-least goals in the EPL, only allowing two more goals than the ferocious back line of Chelsea (21 to 19). While some of that must be attributed to the stellar play of David De Gea, the defensive solidity of United as of late has been a pleasant surprise.

United fans, however, would rather see their team play a 4-4-2 and win 4-2, than play a 3-5-2 and win 1-0.

While this formation hasn't worked wonderfully for United, only one loss in their last five matches (vs. Southampton) means that the stubborn Van Gaal probably won't be ditching his current shape.

Van Gaal defended his 3-5-2 after the match vs. QPR, per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News 

"

I know in advance when we play with four midfielders in a diamond that we create more chances. But then the balance of the team is also weak.

"

Van Gaal is right in stating the obvious that a diamond formation will create more chances and probably be more prolific for United. However, the diamond hasn't been used since the beginning of the season, and perhaps with a more settled back line, and Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini bossing the midfield, the team would be more "balanced."

For now, however it seems United will be sticking with a three-man defense, and Van Gaal will have to sort through his now-healthy group of defenders to create the most effective back line.

As mentioned in my previous piece, a massive part of the 3-5-2 formation is having center-backs who are able to distribute the ball and dribble from the back. The three players capable of playing center-back who have these skills in the most abundance are Paddy McNair, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind (Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young are all strictly full-backs or wing-backs).

Mark Thompson/Getty Images

McNair, an exciting prospect, hasn't played in the EPL since December 28th at Tottenham Hotspur, and he has looked a bit shaky at times at the young age of 19.

If Van Gaal is feeling a bit unconfident with McNair, he could look to Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones at the back to bring a bit more assuredness. One of Evans, Smalling and Jones can serve a valuable role in the team, but with all of them being prototypical ball-winning center-backs, it's probably best to not play any of them together.

Out of the three, Smalling probably brings the best balance of much-needed physicality and also passing ability that would mesh into the 3-5-2 setup.

With Blind, Rojo, and McNair/Smalling manning the back, and Fellaini, Carrick, and Ander Herrera winning tackles in the middle, United may see their play become a bit more free-flowing whilst still maintaining their defensive solidity.

Stats and info via ESPNFC