The 3-5-2 Formation: A Game Changer For United's Title Charge.

After a tough win against a dominant Spurs side, Manchester United are closing in on table toppers

and noisy neighbours, Manchester City. United defeated Spurs after an 84^th minute winner by Anthony Martial. The game ended 1- 0. Many fans thought that Jose would once again park the bus, but this time at home. But, this time Mourinho created a perfect blend of defense and tactical attacking on the Hotspur defence. All without talisman Paul Pogba. But today’s question is a debatable one, Is the 3-4-3/3-5-2 formation best suited for United? Which players are best suited for the same?

The 3-5-2 formation consists of three centre backs deployed at the back followed by a five-man midfield consisting of two central midfielders, one attacking midfielder and two wide defenders often give roles of holding back and protecting the backline and to run forward and supply the attackers, also known as wing backs. Finally, two strikers to sum up this formation. Sometimes, managers like to add an extra man in the attack by tweaking the formation and adding an extra attacker in the frontline, thus making it a 3-4-3 formation with wing backs and attacking wingers. It was first introduced by Argentine coach, Carlos Bilardo, who found a lot of success with this method. It is called a vintage formation, as many managers prefer playing with four defenders at the back due to the rise of fast and lethal attackers. However, this system is still used in modern football and is a favourite for many managers. The best examples are, Antonio Conte and Louis Van Gaal. Conte used this formation with Juventus and won three back to back sucdettii’s. He also used this formation with Chelsea during their title wining campaign in 2016/17. Van Gaal used this formation in the 2014 FIFA World Cup with The Netherlands.

Why is Jose wanting to implement this?

Jose Mourinho started using this formation with United late last season, and as an experimentation during the pre-season. United’s current injury crisis predominately in midfield with the absence of Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick is a main reason for this. Herrera and Matic are the only fit central midfielders. Jose doesn’t have any option but to play them in each game until Pogba and Fellaini are back, unless he wants to start inexperienced Scott McTominay, which will never happen. Match after match both of them get tired and slow the game. Pogba and Fellaini are United’s two midfielders with attacking capabilities. In their absence, Jose requires more attacking fluidity in the form of wing backs who can attack as well as defend. Thus, uses this technique.

A Tactical View Of The Formation.

How is he implementing this? Which players are best suited in it?

The above picture shows the formation being used in the Spurs match. It starts off as a 3-5-2 with De Gea, Jones, Bailly and Smalling in defence. Valencia as a right wing back and Young as a left wing back. Herrera and Matic in central midfield along with Mkhitarayan in a more advanced role of an attacking midfielder. Finally, Lukaku and Rashford make the two strikers up front. Based on the picture, Valencia and Young are the two wing backs who support the attack by making runs in the attack and supply crosses from the wings and subsequently falling back to support the three centre backs in a defending situation. The midfield trio of Herrera, Matic and Mkhitarayan plays a crucial role, where during the course of the match Mkhitarayan is made to shift back and forth from an attacking midfielder to a right winger, which leads to Rashford shifting to the wing and Lukaku playing as a false nine and striker. To sum it up, Jose intends to fool and confuse the opposition defences by repeated changes in formations from an original 3-5-2 to a 3-4-3. In the second half Lingard (Number 2 blue) was made to play centrally instead of his natural formation. Mourinho stated that he would further assess Lingard in that role. When Martial (Blue number 1) came on for Rashford, the formation was changed to a 3-4-3, suiting his natural wing play which resulted in a goal. He too was made to pair with Lukaku, dropping Lingard as an attacking midfielder switching back to the original.

Based on the current situations, injured players, the ideal line-up for this formation would be, De Gea, Jones, Bailly, Smalling, Valencia, Herrera, Matic, Young, Mkhitarayan, Rashford, Lukaku.

Would this formation still be useful with the return of Pogba and Fellaini?

Yes and No. This formation would further be improved with the addition of Pogba as United will regain that flair and creativity which he provides, but Herrera will have to be benched for Pogba to play. In the context of Fellaini, this formation would not suit him as a team can’t have twelve players on the pitch. Which means, Fellaini will have to settle for a role of an impact player from the bench as Pogba, Mkhitarayan are crucial. Matic cannot be replaced as he controls the midfield and allows Pogba to move forward. If Mourinho would want to start Fellaini, he will have to remove Matic or Pogba or change the formation to a 4-2-3-1 in which he would have to remove a defender to accommodate Marouane. Jose has used the 3-5-2 formation thrice this season against Swansea, CSKA Moscow and Spurs and has been victorious in all three encounters. 

Pogba And Mkhitarayan Are Crucial For This Formation.

Based on the quality of the team and recent performances, we feel that the 3-5-2/3-4-3 formation would be the most ideal formation for the United team and could be the game changer for the rest of the season. This would be the crucial element in winning the title. This formation would require only the best players who can fit right in and can deliver results. Them being, De Gea, Jones, Bailly, Smalling, Valencia, Matic, Pogba, Young, Mkhitarayan, Lukaku. Although, Rojo would be a better fit than Smalling, but due to his injury and form Smalling makes the cut. This formation would also suit Shaw. The England left back is on the fringe of the squad and suffers from lack of game time and fitness. Mourinho would want to play him, but due to his lack of fitness and form, he can’t fit in, although he can still progress in this system due to his attacking playing style and comparisons to a young Gareth Bale. But it looks very unlikely that he may start anytime soon. Given Young is 32, it would be risky to play him week in week out. He can easily be replaced by Daley Blind, who has played in this system before and can fit right in. Darmian, on the other hand cannot be used in this style of play due to his lack of pace and attacking instinct. But, Jose should buy a new natural left back in January to strengthen the squad and formation, as this formation requires a full-back with good stamina and pace.

To conclude, the 3-5-2/3-4-3 formation should be United’s ideal formation for the rest of the season and will be a game changer for United’s title challenge.