Manchester United Football Formation

Lineup (4-1-2-3)

There's not much to be said about the defense. I love Ferdinand, formerly a worldclass CB but he is obviously close to the end of his career. I don't think he's a poor player, I just think that Smalling shows lots of potential and should be given a chance to develop - especially alongside Nemanja Vidic who can hold down the fort while assisting him.

I believe Michael Carrick is NOT the most underrated midfielder in Europe, I think he's kind of overrated actually. But more importantly, last week Schmeichel claimed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic was born to play for United because of his power, confidence and playing style. Well I equally believe that by this logic, Carrick was born to play for any team other than United. His negativity and lack of risk taking/adventure contrasts Manchester United's trademark counter attacking football. In fact, the more influence he has gained over the years, the more United have changed their playing style - which was a major factor of success. He's applauded for consistently not making mistakes, but this is because he doesn't attempt to drive at the opposition or assist goals or even make goal-stopping tackles. I'm not the biggest fan of Fellaini, but he's better suited to United than Carrick.

I would play Kagawa and Januzaj more centrally than Moyes does. This idea that United HAVE to play 4-4-2 has thrown these two players out on the wings where I believe they are less effective, especially Kagawa. The fact that we don't have any worldclass wingers at the minute shouldn't be a reason to play two great prospects out of position, instead we should adjust. Play them where they are strongest. In United's 1-0 win over Real Sociedad Hernandez was replaced by Young with 10 minutes to go. As a result Kagawa moved from left wing to CAM to sit behind Rooney. Within 25 seconds he threaded a ball in between the two centrebacks and a better first touch would have seen Rooney one-on-one with the keeper. It frustrates me when people judge Kagawa on his performances on the left wing. Everyone thinks that Januzaj has been fantastic on the wings so far this season, and they're right to a certain extent. What they haven't noticed is that despite being positioned at LW, he has played his best football when he picks the ball up in central midfield and runs at the goals or plays a great through-ball. I genuinely believe he can be best summed up as the next Johann Cruyff. This is my justification for the midfield trio.

There will probably be eyebrows raised at the decision to play three up front, never mind the audacity to put Hernandez in the middle ahead of Van Persie. Well, here's why; Hernandez is a poacher. A poacher who will score 20 goals a season (if given the chance). A poacher underrated like no other. A poacher who can do things no other player can do, however, he can only do magnificent things when played in this role. Van Persie, on the other hand, will score goals from anywhere in the final third of the pitch. His ability to cut in on his left foot and curl a ball into the top corner makes him ideal for this right striker position. With that said, I agree that three forwards are not ideal for United, most notably because their midfield isn't the strongest in the Premier League (probably not even in the top 5). BUT, it is undeniable that Chicharito has earned his place through hard work, dedication and he always displays a love of the club unlike others. Eden Dzeko complains and whines week in week out that he is sick of the sub bench, that he is not Man City's super sub, that he deserves to be on, that he will look further afield if not given a starting role. Does Hernandez? No. He is happy to do whatever he can for Man United. If Moyes asked Hernandez to be mascot on matchday, he'd do it. He has been a victim of United's 4-4-2 formation for 2 years now. With that said, the biggest reason for my 4-1-2-3 formation is (once again) the lack of worldclass wingers like Ronaldo, Ribery, Hazard, Di Maria or Robben. As well as that, United have been shy of goals in most games this season.

As for Rooney, I apologise for the pathetic role he has been given, but like RVP he can do a job from where he is. I fear that Rooney will never be able to play where he wants at MUFC, but that's the price you pay for success. At the end of the day, football is a team game.