Manchester United's Best Midfield Evident in 1-0 Win Against Aston Villa
It is usually futile to draw broad conclusions from games so early in the season, but Manchester United’s narrow 1-0 win against Aston Villa did at least make clear to manager Louis van Gaal what his best midfield is.
In the first half, two things stood out: Adnan Januzaj was effectively playing as a second striker, and Michael Carrick was being man-marked extremely well. The two combined meant that United lacked any sense of control in midfield.
In the second half, at least when Van Gaal introduced Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ander Herrera on the hour mark, United looked more settled and began to dictate proceedings. The formation also changed slightly, moving from a 4-4-1-1 to something that resembled a more traditional 4-3-3.
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Such tactical detail might seem unimportant one week into the campaign, but the game illustrated that United need to play with Carrick or Schweinsteiger sat deep behind a duo of Herrera and Morgan Schneiderlin.
Although United ended last season playing with three in midfield, Van Gaal decided to switch to a two-man system in pre-season to accommodate Memphis Depay and ensure Wayne Rooney didn’t become isolated.
The win against Aston Villa, however, highlighted why the Dutch manager would be better off switching back to a three-man midfield permanently.
During his hour on the pitch, Carrick had just 38 touches of the ball, while Schweinsteiger managed 40 touches in half an hour after replacing the vice-captain. In a similar vein, Schneiderlin had 0.93 touches of the ball per minute following the substitutions, registering 0.80 touches per minute beforehand.
Those two statistics demonstrate that United had more control when playing with three midfielders compared to two midfielders.
The same was true last season. United struggled in a 3-5-2 formation with two central midfielders but played better football when a 4-3-3 formation called for three central midfielders.
The point, which has now been illustrated twice since Van Gaal took charge, is that the possession-based style of football that the Dutch manager prescribes suits formations with three-man midfields. Any system with two in the middle looks vulnerable and lacks stability.
The win against Aston Villa also established the personnel required for a three-man system. A midfield of Carrick or Schweinsteiger controlling from a deep position with Schneiderlin and Herrera sat slightly further ahead appears to be the most balanced midfield at Van Gaal’s disposal.
Both Carrick and Schweinsteiger will benefit from rotation as a means of safeguarding their fitness. At 34 and 31, respectively, the duo won’t stay fit for an entire season. Switching between the two will protect the pair and is a welcome luxury.
Schneiderlin, meanwhile, made a number of tackles and interceptions against Aston Villa, which is what his role is—a ball winner—and what United have lacked for years. His energy will further shield the player sat deeper than him in midfield and alleviate pressure on what remains a makeshift defence.
Herrera is perhaps the key component to the midfield. He has the unique ability of linking the defence, midfield and attack together. Although Van Gaal has so far been reluctant to hand the Spaniard a starring role, United are simply a better team when he plays.
What’s particularly encouraging about United’s midfield is that each player offers a unique skill set. Carrick is one of the best passers in the Premier League, Schweinsteiger’s leadership qualities add authority, Schneiderlin’s athleticism increases the strength of the side and Herrera’s cleverness improves the creativity of the team.
Serious questions must be asked if Van Gaal can’t find a functional midfield from those four players.
United didn’t play particularly well against Aston Villa for two main reasons. Firstly, as has often been the case since Van Gaal became manager, the ball was moved too slowly and predictably around the pitch. Secondly, the formation—and the home side’s pressing—meant that United’s possession was rarely in threatening areas of the pitch.
Both of those aspects changed when Schweinsteiger and Herrera were introduced. The German began dictating the play, particularly on the left-hand side, while the Spaniard buzzed around the pitch and did a good job of bringing Memphis, Rooney and Juan Mata into the game more.
It was ultimately a game that demonstrated to Van Gaal what his best midfield is: 4-3-3 with Schneiderlin and Herrera playing ahead of Schweinsteiger or Carrick.
All statistics via WhoScored.com.
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