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| Van Gaal |
He has the air of a man focused on the task at hand and has wasted no time setting about his work.
Days after he began his new role, he insisted changes at the club’s multi-million proud training complex were implemented due to the windy conditions. Soon after, he openly questioned the gruelling pre-season tour that his squad has been forced to endure, due to a number of money-making sponsorship commitments.
The Dutchman seems adamant that he will make his mark at Old Trafford, yet the biggest aspect he is attempting to alter is the team’s formation. United turned their back on a traditional attacking style under David Moyes yet a 3-5-2 system will be the order of the day in the forthcoming season, unless Van Gaal has a change of heart between now and mid August.
Van Gaal has admitted his choice of formation was influenced by the need to accommodate several un-droppable players from what he described as an imbalanced squad.
In truth, the formation makes complete sense in regards to the attacking line-up at his disposal. Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie both command a place in the side accompanied by another forward, while Juan Mata in behind at number 10 will benefit the entire trio.
However, with few sides playing three at the back in the Premier League on a regular basis, what seems to have been taken as a recipe for instant success, due to Netherlands’ World Cup exploits, is far from a guarantee. For all the strengths of Van Gaal’s tactics, there is a real risk of exposure.
Constantly referred to as attacking system, in reality the Dutchman’s preferred line up can seamlessly slip into a 5-3-2 and is far from adventurous. Granted, it could be argued that the international stage is a higher standard, but the Premier League’s unique brand of football is unlike any other.
Pace, pace, pace. The end to end battles that have become synonymous with England’s top tier could derail the Dutchman’s plans. More sides displayed a tendency to field two strikers up front last season, meaning that the three central defenders in United’s system will have their hands full.
If their opposition leas towards a 4-4-2 system, or a variation of the tradition, their natural wingers could potentially draw the right and left sided defenders out of position, leaving plenty of space to attack in the centre of the field. The tactical nous of Van Gaal’s charges will need to be nigh on perfect, but as they old saying goes, there is no substitute for pace. Teams built around penetrating runs such as Everton could theoretically punish the Red Devils on the break.
Of course, the wing backs are designated to assist the defenders and are the crux of the system. Yet, as Luke Shaw has found out already, the role is the most physically demanding that a professional footballer can face.
Man Utd’s alternatives for the wing-back roles.
Huge demands will be placed on the the pair to provide cover in defence and width in attack. The youngster will line up on the left, while the injured Rafael is expected to be given the nod on the right. Even if the duo adjust to the demands, options beyond them do not fill you with optimism. Antonio Valencia is solid and dependable, but the prospect of Ashley Young, Nani or Wilfried Zaha displaying defensive duties does not seem to be adequate.
Such frailties bring the next point into focus; at present the personnel seems suited in attack alone, although we are yet to see whether it will get the best out of the forwards in a competitive fixture. Yet the defence needs to be addressed. Van Gaal has admitted he will bide his time in regards to new additions but they are a necessity if his back line is to cope. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones seem suited to right sided centre back role given that they both seem torn between the two traditional positions. But neither are particularly pacey or positionally sound.
As Smalling said himself, organisation will be key to success and a leader and marshaller is a necessity, as well as much needed pace, with Jonny Evans unable to provide either with aplomb. It has been suggested Michael Carrick could thrive in the central defender role, but his clear lack of pace would be a risk.
Against teams that sit back, as Internazionale did last night, plenty of possession could be enjoyed and though a player with Carrick’s passing ability may be given time to create and pick a pass, the opposition will be difficult to break down. Pushing too many men forward in an effort to do so, including the wing backs, opens up counter-attacking opportunities for their opponents once more.
The Dutchman’s set-up can leaks goals; the brace conceded against Australia is testament to that.
The majority of new managers seeks to stop their side leaking goals as a first port of call on the premise that sorting out the defence means you won’t lose games at the very least if a clean sheet remains intact. Van Gaal will do things a little differently, it seems.
3-5-2 is far from flawless although it has been placed on a pedestal, mainly because it dismantled the tiki-taka of Spain in the World Cup. But do not expect others to copy the system in England’s top tier in the manner that a defensive midfielder was rolled out everywhere after Claude Makelele made his mark at Chelsea.
It is an intriguing prospect to witness the system, that could also be a huge success if executed well. But, for it to excel on a consistent basis, the calibre of players, which many believed to be the root of United’s problems last season, needs to be right. Whether there has been enough time to forge the formation into the mindset of United’s squad, remains to be seen.
A delve into the defensive transfer market soon before the new season begins would be beneficial, with the addition of a marquee signing or player well versed in his workings. Meanwhile, if the new era does not begin well, with early suggestions that United could miss out on Champions League football once more, the blame will be laid at the formation’s front door.
Sourced from: www.goal.comhttp://www.goal.com/en/?ICID=HP_TN_1_1
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