Man Utd’s formation change should make Declan Rice transfer a priority

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s consideration of a formation change should see Declan Rice become one of Manchester United’s transfer priorities. The Norwegian has mainly used two defensive holding midfielders in a 4-2-3-1 formation since he took over from Jose Mourinho.

But he is now reportedly considering switching to a 4-3-3 formation, which would likely contain just a single defensive midfielder.

Fred and Scott McTominay have usually been Solskjaer’s defensive midfield partnership, with Paul Pogba pushed out to the left wing.

Using a formation that contains two holding midfielders has though had a negative impact when United come up against a team playing with a low defensive block.

This was most evident in the Europa League final when the Red Devils struggled to create clear-cut chances against a compact Villarreal side.

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As a result of those challenges, Solskjaer is now believed to be considering changing formation when next season kicks off.

United will need to dominate the more defensive teams much more next term if they are to challenge for the Premier League title, especially at home.

That could mean that Pogba is pushed back into central midfield, in a role similar to the one he holds with the French national side.

While he has excelled in a central attacking midfield role, Bruno Fernandes would occupy the other advanced midfield position.

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Pulling Fernandes and Pogba further back would then open up space in the team for another attacker, be that Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood or potential new signing Jadon Sancho.

To be able to utilise Pogba and Fernandes effectively in a three-man midfield, a new pivot player will almost certainly be required.

That is because neither Fred nor McTominay appear to be trusted by Solskjaer to work as a sole holding midfielder.

Those concerns over the duo means that United will need to step up their search for a defensive midfielder.

Declan Rice has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, though the Red Devils appear to be prioritising signing Sancho and a new centre-back.

For Solskjaer’s new formation to be successful though, Rice, or a player in his mould, must be brought to Old Trafford to take the defensive midfielder spot.

Pogba and Fernandes are much more suited to more advanced roles and their attacking talents will be crucial in unlocking more defensive-minded teams.

Rice has excelled in the pivot role at West Ham, helping David Moyes’ side to qualify for the Europa League and the solidity he brings could also ensure United can make a successful formation change.
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