Manchester United have had inconsistent performances under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Currently, they are 6th on the table.
The main problem for Manchester United seems to be performing against big teams. Cristiano Ronaldo helped them out of the mud thrice but even he cannot do it anymore.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is often criticised for making bad player choices and substitutions.
Here’s how we think Manchester United can play against big teams.
Over the years there has been a ” top 4″ or the famous “big 4”. These teams are Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.
With their current squad it is difficult to win against these three teams but let’s take a look.
Manchester City vs Manchester United
On November 5th, Manchester City beat Manchester United 2-0. They totally outclassed them. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should not be blamed completely. The Norwegian international had a lack of options because of player injuries.
Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane both were unavailable. Pogba was unavailable because he was sent off in the Liverpool game. Varane, a key player in the defence, was missing because of a hamstring injury.
Against City, they played in a 3-5-2 formation. The formation is not wrong when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have more options. Pogba, Varane and Rashford can definitely help their team in the next derby.
Liverpool vs Manchester United
The Scousers thrashed the Red Devils 5-0 in their last meeting. Not to be pessimistic but there is no way possible that the current United squad can win. There’s little to zero chance possible.
Currently, they lack a good defensive midfielder. Even against Liverpool, Ole should prefer a formation of 3-5-2 because defending against them is key.
Chelsea vs Manchester United
Chelsea has a defensive system under Tuchel. United have not faced them yet this season but Ole can surprise them.
Instead of using 3-5-2, he can definitely use 4-2-3-1. With Ronaldo upfront, Greenwood and Rashford providing support, he can be effective.
The backline will be the same with Luke Shaw, Wan Bissaka and Varane definitely starting.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has preferred to play Harry Maguire despite him being average. It cannot be termed as Meritocracy but rather a wrong decision. If Ole realises his mistake it is possible that in every game, he can play Lindelof or Bailly.
Eric Bailly is a good option for Manchester United. Even Axel Tuanzebe made his name against PSG in the first leg(2020/21 season).
Axel was rock solid against Mbappe and was not dribbled past even once.
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