Manchester United Football Formation

Lineup (4-3-3)

Defense: Vidic and Evans were a good pairing last season. Rafael is always first choice. Evra has no real competition at LB.

Midfield: Fellaini in his stated preferred position. Cleverley next to a solid physical presence does very well. Kagawa in his preferred, and according to Jurgen Klopp, best position.

Attack: This configuration, or variations thereof, has worked well in the past. Rooney left, RVP center, Wellbeck right.

Subs: All outfield subs can either sub like for like, be used to change formation, or just bring a different feel to the game.

Reasons for omissions: Several of the players selected have not gotten enough of a look in, yet results have been terrible. These players, who are not normally selected, either in position, or at all, have talent, and much to prove. Results could hardly be worse.

The players left out are what most consider automatic selections, but whom I see as under-performing.

Ferdinand is left out because he has been uncommonly weak, either slow, or lacking judgment. Last season he didn't play every match, presumably because of age and injuries.

Giggs is left out because he keeps getting surprised by no longer being lightning quick. If he had a run of 5 or 6 starts he may be able to adapt his game, but the team can't afford it.

Carrick is left out because of his tendency to be overwhelmed by physical opposition, or make stupid mistakes under pressure. He's excellent against mid-table clubs and below, but provides an obvious weak link for stronger teams to pressurize.

In 2011, when Scholes had retired the first time, Cleverley and Anderson were THE midfield pairing until Cleverley's injury against Bolton. Carrick did not even make the bench until the Bolton match. The results, including with Bolton, were all wins: 2-1, 3-0, 8-2, 5-0. The Chelsea match following was also a victory, 3-1, but more of a struggle. And as Carrick became the regular selection again the results became dismal: needless draws, hard-fought wins against weaker sides, and a home humiliation by City.

There need to changes. This is a worthy risk to take, as this line up looks to the future as well as striving for immediately positive results; many of the young players were meant to be the foundation of the club as older ones retire.

And things could hardly be worse.