The Red Devils’ new boss could deploy a three man defence next season…
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Louis van Gaal has proven already at the World Cup with Holland this summer that he’s extremely tactically diverse. The legendary boss has deployed a number of formations, including a ‘3-4-3’ (or 5-3-2 if you’d prefer) wing-back formation, which the Mirror claims he could use next season.
If LVG does decided to play with three central defenders, here’s how United could line up next campaign with their proposed new formation, and the proposed new signings.
GK) David de Gea
The Spanish keeper has all the talent and ability to start between the Old Trafford sticks for much of the next decade.
DRC) Phil Jones
In a three man defence, Jones (or even Chris Smalling) would fit perfectly on the right of it. Jones is strong, excellent in the air, and will be capable of playing the ball simply into midfield – or carry it into the centre himself.
DC) Mats Hummels
Hummels will be United’s ideal defensive lynchpin – although it remains to be seen whether they’ll be able to secure his services, with Barcelona also sniffing around the German.
DLC) Thomas Vermaelen
Vermaelen is left-footed, and like Jones on the other side of the hypothetical back three, he’d be perfectly suited to this position. Vermaelen will have extra support as part of a back three as well, having struggled at times in the middle of a conventional back four with Arsenal. United could sign him for £11m before the start of the season.
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