Manchester United current midfield Set-up under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might not be acknowledged as one with greater measures in United’s history but certainly one that gives the manager dilemma.
It is of view that Fernandes and Pogba are the centre of the midfield set-up. Questions might be asked regarding the set-up, pairing; in a right or wrong way and of course opposition.
SET-UP
Solskjaer’s preference for the 4-2-3-1 is obvious and occasionally would deploy the 5-3-2 or 4-4-2 (diamond).
The 4-2-3-1 set-up, a lot of Pogba’s attacking qualities have been limited so much fans have called out the manager to switch to a 4-3-3 formation. Pogba was banging goals for United in the early parts of Solskjaer’s reign when he was playing as an attacking-midfielder.
Against PSG, Solskjaer deployed a 5-3-2 formation for more fluidity in attacking and defending against the forward the French side. It is certain Solskjaer will continue to use different formation while setting his team up to different opposition.
PAIRING
McTominay and Fred have so far started our three games since returning from the international break.
After Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Chelsea, Solskjaer acknowledged he may have been unfair to Paul Pogba over the way he had been used early the 2020/21 season. Solskjaer’s midfield paring have varried so far this season. He has also come under scrutiny over the lack of match action for van de Beek. The Dutchman was an unused substitute against Chelsea and is yet to start a Premier League game. The availability of Pogba, Van de Beek, Fernandes, McTominay, Fred and Matic have given Ole the dilemma to find balance.
“It is not easy. It is hard to leave players out like the last game with Donny, Nemanja and Paul to start on the bench.”
Solskjaer continued – “As midfielders they are all experienced international footballers. Of course, the depth of our squad is better now. It is going to be a long season – we have so many games. They are all going to play a big, massive part in different periods of the season.”
The fixtures are coming in thick and fast, and it is expected that Ole will shuffle the midfield a lot this season.
