Manchester United Football Formation

Lineup (4-2-3-1)

A formation to beat Barcelona!

It's all about (1) maintaining defensive shape and depth and (2) the transition.

(1) Compact defensively, it has two midfielders shielding the defense and two hard working wingers who will track back.

Every player must have a high work rate and positional discipline. This includes Rooney at the top of the midfield and Welbeck too, all pressing the Barca ball distributors.

In this way, there is some hope of containment. Barca are so good that you certainly cannot afford to give anything away -they must be made to work hard to break you down.

(2) The transition phase is key with Barca. If you win the ball in your half your are immediately subjected to an intense press. Good ball users are essential - hence Carrick, Scholes & Rooney - and the objective must be to spring the press and counter-attack with pace.

Both wide-midfielder and full back must be offense minded and look to join up with Welbeck / Rooney at a high tempo. Barca do commit bodies forward and, particularly if the press is rapidly by-passed, can be vulnerable to the counter.

Hernandez is an option up front but was ineffective in the 2011 CL final. Welbeck's combination of work rate and physical presence are preferred for this reason. Welbeck also give options if possession is with the GK or deep in defense as it is usually preferable to play the ball long rather than be subject to the risk of turn-over in your own defensive 3rd to the high press tactic.

Utilising De Gea's accurate kicking to Welbeck for holding up & knock downs to Rooney gives some variety to the play. Again, wide midfielders must look to support quickly so front 1-2 do not become isolated. This being said, counter-attacking numbers must be limited to maintain defensive shape.

Playing at the level of intensity required will be demanding. Ideally there will be players on the bench who can be introduced in the 2nd half to maintain energy levels while keeping to the plan. The system varies to a 4-4-2, with one holding midfielder sacrificed and more players allowed to commit to attack, if you are behind with 20-30 minutes to go.

All-in-all Barca are the toughest of opponents but they can be beaten!