Manchester United's Best Formation is a Four-Four-Two
It’s early in the 2024/2025 campaign, but at least for the time being, Erik ten Hag has earned support from the fans and boosted the confidence of his players. After Saturday’s draw with Crystal Palace, per Football Reference, United are ranked third in the Premier League in xG (expected goals), seventh in shot-creating actions, and third in tackles won.
Although this progress won’t erase the nightmares of conceding late goals from last season, even the most cynical fan has to admit that this year’s version of Manchester United looks more organized and confident on the pitch.
Over his tenure as manager, Ten Hag has utilized several different formations – often opting for the premier league standard 4-2-3-1, but he’s also employed a 4-2-4 when going forward as well. Joshua Zirkzee has seemlessly fit in as a play-making striker. The Dutchman's hold-up play and his ability to see the pass before it happens has kickstarted United's offense.
Although Zirkzee has excited supporters, his finishing needs improvement. The former Bologna front-man has eight shots on target, but just one goal. But hope is on the way. Rasmus Hojlund, who scored 16 goals across all competitions last season has been given the greenlight on his return from an injured hamstring. Fans and pundits will debate who should lead the front line for United.
My take is that I feel they should be playing together.
Zirkzee's outstanding link-up play suits a play-making role that will return major dividends with a striker like Hojlund on the end of his passes. The Dutchman can play the no.10, and Bruno Fernandes would drop back into midfield with either Manuel Ugarte or Kobbie Mainoo. Fernandes already plays all over the pitch, and this position change may actually provide more opportunities for shots outside of the 18-yard box, and area where Fernandes excelled at Sporting Lisbon.
Of course most fans would scoff at the idea of dropping Mainoo, who’s proven to be an other-wordly talent, but the 19-year old played over 1,900 minutes in 24 matches last season, and this year’s campaign promises to tax the young English-international even more. Managing his minutes will be a key part of Ten Hag’s to-do list in 2024/25.
Furthermore, Ugarte’s swashbuckling style of play is also going to warrant some monitoring as he is more likely to face suspension from accumulation of yellow cards and/or risk of injury.
In the end, although the sample size is small, Zirkzee’s vision, passing in tight spaces, decision-making and, movement warrant a consistent spot in the starting 11. Pairing him with Hojlund’s speed and ability to the run the channels could spark an offensive resurgence for Manchester United.
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