Manchester United ended last season as a very predictable side.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had a favoured XI which he stuck with in consecutive games.
One of the challenges this summer was to sign players which could shake up his selections.
Donny van de Beek has not done so yet, but he will do eventually. New signing Edinson Cavani will do, as will Alex Telles.
One of the big boosts has been how Fred and Scott McTominay have re-established themselves as first team options.
This in part came down to Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic’s slow starts, while in defence, Axel Tuanzebe is pushing for minutes.
All over the pitch, United’s options are unpredictable. From the defence, to the midfield, to the front three.
It is even uncertain which formation United will pick week to week now, after a successful return to a 3-4-1-2 in Paris.
This eventually will become a big asset to United. Once Ole Gunnar Solskjaer masters it.
Difficult to plan for
United become more difficult for opponents to plan for thanks to the multiple options at Solskjaer’s disposal.
In attack alone United have Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial, Edinson Cavani and even Odion Ighalo.
Then there are the midfield options of Bruno Fernandes, Juan Mata, Donny van de Beek, and Paul Pogba who can all play variations of an attacking role.
The problem facing Solskjaer is that right now he does not know his best side yet.
He is still learning how to master the options at his disposal, and there will be some trial and error involved in finding his best side.
Once Solskjaer finds his best options, United will be dangerous. He has enough combinations to win, providing he does not overthink it and play too cautiously.
Competition for places is good, and United finally have that. Now in the Premier League, Solskjaer needs to start getting regular wins on the board.
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