FOOTBALL FORMATIONS

About this formation

This is likely the formation Mourinho will employ given he has no transfer activity and all players are fit. This is a basic 4-3-3 attacking formation that switches to 4-2-3-1 in several situations that will be explained below.
In Defensive phase, the formation could become 4-2-3-1 depending on the opposition numbers marauding forward, Herrera could help out in defence if the opponents are getting bodies forward, in situations where the numbers are not much or against a team we are expected to beat Herrera could just drop a little deep and help out in a high line hoping for the defence or Carrick and Schneiderlin do get the ball and give it to him to spread the play or either of the holding midfielders could spread the play. Fullbacks are allowed to overlap, whether or not as much will depend on the breaking power of the opponent or quality of wingers as the wingplay will be a key feature in our style of play.
In the center of park, Carrick will act as the midfield general the one who controls the tempo and breaks opponents rhythm with good positioning and interception. The other midfielders who help out are players with loads of stamina, box-to-box type of players who constantly press the opponents to stop them from creating chances for their striker(s) and widemen to cross. In defensive phase, Schneiderlin and Herrera press players while in attacking phase Herrera is allowed freedom to roam and seek out passing opportunities either out on the wings or through the middle, Schneiderlin could be allowed freedom to get into the box against teams that set out to defend with Carrick pushed up and also the backline pushed up too to prevent leaving any space between defence and midfield.
In attacking phase, the widemen are allowed freedom to switch flanks depending on whether one can do better when matched up against a certain fullback or is having no joy on his flank. The left winger is given freedom to come in and run at defenders with the option of linking up with Martial and Herrera whilst he could also switch the play to Young if he is free on the other side. His fullback overlaps down the line, Schneiderlin covers for the fullback as he makes his runs. The right winger runs gets to the byline or in behind defenders but hugs the touchline most of the time as Herrera is pushed up towards that side more from the center. The striker should be ready to attack the near post when crosses are coming in, ready to run in behind defences incase any of the midfield players can seek him out with a through ball and also ready to hold the ball up and do lay-offs for players who are in for the 1-2 combo.