Sunderland Vs Manchester United Preview: Will It Be 4-4-2 Or 4-5-1 For United?
How surprising, who would of thought? 10 games into the season and Wayne Rooney has only bulged the net once. Nevertheless, United have notched up 25 goals with their rather retro, adventurous 4-4-2 formation to positive effect for top scorer Dimitar Berbatov and the brilliant Paul Scholes. With Owen, Fletcher, Nani, Giggs, Vidic all chipping in, goals are once again been shared among the squad.
However, no wins in three away league games, 11 goals conceded, vital leads lost late on against Everton, Fulham and almost Liverpool, United's free spirited, attacking football has come at a price which could cost them the Premiership Title in the long run.
But last night, at Valencia historical Mestalla Stadium saw the returns for Micheal Carrick, Anderson and Rio Ferdinand. Cue the more cautious 4-5-1 setup. And it worked, a 1-0 smash and grab win thanks to Javier Hernandez late strike.
On the whole it was a comfortable win, the in Spain for seven years. United looked solid at the back again with Rio - Vidic reunion, but there is no doubt the five man midfield with Carrick and Fletcher protecting the back four made a massive contribution for United keeping their first away clean sheet of the season.
Attention will now switch to the away tie at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on Saturday. It's a must win game with title rivals Chelsea and Arsenal clashing at Bridge a day later.
Despite Rooney's three week lay-off, United have still have Hernandez, Berbertov, Owen and Macheda all competing for a start up front. But in central midfield, Anderson, Fletcher, Scholes, Gibson, Carrick are also hoping a place, all of sudden United's strength and depth is giving Fergie a selection headache, not just with his starting eleven, but also with his tactics.
With Berbatov, Owen and Hernandez all scoring vital goals in the last 10 days, should Ferguson unleash his attacking talent with a 4-4-2 formation or opt for durable 4-5-1 approach to heal their defensive frailties?
