Going to back 5
Full-back issues
Manchester United’s full-backs are excellent on the ball, but the team still struggles with buildup play from the back.
This points to a structural issue.
Often, when building from the goalkeeper, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui push too high.
This isolates Andre Onana and the two centre-backs, forcing risky passes to progress the ball.
By playing Dalot and Mazraoui as wing-backs, with Luke Shaw at LCB, Manchester United could create better passing angles, allowing the wing-backs to push higher up the pitch.
This shift would unlock the creative potential of both Mazraoui and Dalot.
A back five would also solidify Manchester United defensively across the pitch.
It would give Lisandro Martínez the freedom to step out and press without leaving gaps behind, while Shaw’s experience as a centre-back from Engand would ensure he can seamlessly tuck in.
This system would also relieve the midfield from covering wide areas, with the wing-backs pushing into the midfield line when pressing, helping United squeeze up the pitch.
Also, this setup might accommodate both Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee in the same lineup, either as a front two or with Zirkzee operating in a narrow wide-forward role.
Luke Shaw returning to the starting XI is a huge bonus for Manchester United.
He will no doubt improve them if he finds his form.
But will Erik ten Hag be brave enough to use his return as a chance to change his system and fit 3 of his best players into the side?
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