It is safe to say that Manchester United have had their fair share of problems in recent times. Coming into the game against Tottenham Hotspur, they had lost five of their previous nine games in all competitions and had been handed a 5-0 defeat by Liverpool last weekend. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would have known that his future could very well have depended upon the result of this game.
It is safe to say that if it did, his team passed with flying colours. Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford found the back of the net as Manchester United came out with a huge 3-0 win.
And while the players deserve huge credit for rising to the occasion, the manager does as well, for making some significant changes to his system.
Solskjaer went with three at the back on this occasion, with a couple of wingbacks in Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, a midfield double pivot of Scott McTominay and Fred, Bruno Fernandes playing in the number 10 role and a front line of Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani. It is safe to say that it was an inspired change and could be the way to go moving forward.
Solskjaer might have solved Manchester United’s biggest problem
There have been several problems at Manchester United this season but the biggest one has been the balance of this team. Solskjaer might very possibly have found the solution to that in the game against Tottenham Hotspur.
Three at the back combined with a double pivot in midfield gives them extra protection in defence, which was evident as they kept just their second clean sheet of the season.
On the other hand, Ronaldo and Cavani up top means that they have two great goalscorers who can find the back of the net even if the team does not create a lot of chances.
The football might possibly be a lot less exciting but it can definitely prove to be a lot more effective. Chelsea have used this system to great success since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel and it might be a great fit for Manchester United as well.