Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must be feeling a bit of deja vu.
12 months ago at the October international break, a poor run of results had put his job under close scrutiny.
While there have been just three league games this season to get to this point, Solskjaer’s job is once again the subject of speculation, with The Mirror reporting Ed Woodward will fire him if results worsen.
Last year Solskjaer’s answer after the break was to change formation, going with a 3-4-1-2 system at home to Liverpool.
Now ahead of a home game against Newcastle, Solskjaer has more reasons to change his formation. Here is a look at three reasons why it could work…
Defensive strength in numbers
United’s defence has been the biggest problem at the start of the season, with 11 goals conceded in three games.
There is debate over United’s best partnership, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, or Eric Bailly. Or is it Lindelof and Bailly without Maguire?
Solskjaer can spare himself the dilemma by picking all three, or even mixing in fit again Axel Tuanzebe.
Having three at the back helps with strength in numbers to eliminate mistakes with extra cover.
Unleash Telles
New signing Alex Telles could become Manchester United’s new biggest weapon in attack.
The flying full-back has a chance to be a big player going forward and United can get the best out of him at first by deploying him at wing-back.
This allows him to focus more on getting forward, and United’s three centre-backs will be able to cover him defensively if required.
Next week’s game at home to Newcastle will be Telles’ first in English football, and playing him at wing-back will put him in the best position to succeed.
Better strike options
United enter this game with Anthony Martial suspended and Edinson Cavani unavailable due to quarantine.
Going with a 4-2-3-1 leaves a likely option of Odion Ighalo leading the line; an uninspiring prospect given his recent two Carabao Cup starts.
Instead United should go with a two-man strike force of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood in attack.
This is a good chance for both to step up and for Greenwood, a rare chance to lead the line, an opportunity to show his best in arguably his best role.
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