Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick explains the team’s switch to a 4-3-3 formation


Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick explains the team’s switch to a 4-3-3 formation

Manchester United have recently switched to a classical 4-3-3 formation under interim manager Ralf Rangnick. With Paul Pogba returning to the team following his injury the German international sheds light on changing the system which has also helped Bruno Fernandes to regain his lost form.

ADVERTISEMENT

Manchester United used a 4-2-2-2 formation when Rangnick first took over in December but following a 1-0 loss against Wolves in January saw Rangnick revert back to a 4-2-3-1 formation which was used by the former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. After an underwhelming performance against Aston Villa in the FA Cup in January, Ralf Rangnick transitioned United to a 4-3-3 against Aston Villa in the Premier League and have been using the traditional formation since then.

Manchester United’s tactics in the new 4-3-3 formation

It is fair to say that United have notched up a gear since the change in formation and have not lost a game in normal time in the last five matches. However United’s performances in the first half have been far more dominant than the second half. With Paul Pogba back in the side and also finding the back of the net for the first time since January 2021 scoring in a recent 1-1 draw against Burnley. Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay look set to line up in the new system with Fred still isolating due to Covid-19 and Matic out with a shin injury.

“I think this is the right formation for us”- Ralf Rangnick believes that the transition to a 4-3-3 formation is the right one for Manchester United

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick(right) with assistant coach Darren Fletcher(left)

Ralf Rangnick believes that switching to a 4-3-3 is the right formation for Manchester United going forward and the performances have improved significantly since the change. “To start with, it was logical to stick to the formation that they were used to and that the team has played before. As you know in the first game against Crystal Palace and against Norwich we played in a 4-2-2-2, quite like Southampton is playing. I think this is the right formation for us, where most of the players or all of the players play in their best possible position.” Rangnick said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rangnick further added that he does not regret his decision on not adapting the 4-3-3 formation straight away. “No, because this was something that we had to find out. Paul Pogba is only available since two weeks ago but also Fred can play on that number eight position.”

Also read: Ralf Rangnick responds to claims suggesting United players have found his training sessions ‘outdated’