This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
In what was a major tactical surprise from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manchester United rattled arch-rivals Liverpool last weekend at Old Trafford with a switch to a back-three. The move saw the visitors struggle to break down the Red Devils’ rearguard, with their wide players of Sadio Mane and Divock Origi registering just one shot on goal combined.
To all intents and purposes – at least from a defensive perspective – the set-up worked, and United halted Jurgen Klopp’s men flawless start to the Premier League campaign. But offensively, there were several limitations, with serious question marks over whether such an approach could work against the division’s lesser lights.
Watch Manchester United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
One potential solution for the United boss is to perhaps move Aaron Wan-Bissaka into one of the three centre-back roles. The £50m summer signing from Crystal Palace has enjoyed a fine start to life at Old Trafford, and has endeared himself to the Red Devils faithful with a series of full-blooded displays and tackles.
However, even in his time at Selhurst Park, there are doubts over whether the 21-year-old’s game going forward is good enough for a side like United who are interested in dominating matches. But moving him into a centre-back role could help Solskjaer gain more attacking creativity by opting to choose someone like Diogo Dalot at right wing-back.
Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…
The Portuguese man’s more adventurous style of play has seen some fans of the Manchester side even call for him to be given a run as an orthodox right-winger rather than as a full-back. But choosing Wan-Bissaka as a central defender like Chelsea have done in previous years with Cesar Azpilicueta, could give greater balance defensively, and more creativity from more naturally gifted attacking players in the wing-back role.
Solskjaer’s side have scored just ten goals in nine Premier League games this season. But a tactical switch for their £50m man could be the key to being more effective going forward.