By Sam Preston

Solskjaer explains decision to switch to three at the back

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has changed Manchester United’s formation for the clash with Tottenham.

He has gone with a 3-5-2 formation, bringing Raphael Varane and Edinson Cavani into the side.

In his pre-match interview with Sky Sports, he was asked to explain the change in system.

Solskjaer emphasised the importance of the experience in the tough situation United find themselves in.

“We have put a few more experienced players in there,” said Solskjaer.

“I think we needed that experience and solid foundation to perform from. That’s the main thing.

“We need to control the game with and without the ball. With the ball, we need to use the full width of the pitch.

“That’s our wing-backs’ responsibility now and we’ve got Cristiano and Edinson on the pitch together. They are two players you want in the box together and we need to get them the service.”

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Sam Preston

Sam Preston is an NCTJ gold standard news and sports journalist who studied with the Press Association. He also has a 2:1 law with French law degree from the University of Birmingham, which included a year studying at Bordeaux Montaigne University. He is an FA Level 1 football coach who appeared on the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show in 2018 and has also written digital football content and match-day programme pieces for Colchester United, Mansfield Town and Stockport County.