Manchester United have been told they got their tactical plan involving Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes correct against Watford – with just one important thing missing.
Consecutive victories over Brighton and Leeds United revived top-four hopes this campaign and United followed that up with a creditable draw against Champions League opponents Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday night.
Back on Premier League duty, four changes were made by Ralf Rangnick before kick-off against the Hornets.
Anthony Elanga was rewarded for his goal-scoring cameo in Spain with a start at Old Trafford, while Rangnick also opted for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Alex Telles and Nemanja Matic this afternoon.
Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, summer signing Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford dropped to the bench.
The decision to include Serbian veteran Matic, meanwhile, prompted a tactical tweak from United.
Having taken up a central position since returning to action following three months on the side-lines with a thigh injury, that meant Pogba was deployed on the left-hand side. Joined by Elanga and Cristiano Ronaldo in attacking quarters, the decision allowed United to chop and change throughout the opening 45 minutes.
At that stage, though, the opener had yet to come despite United creating several chances.
Did you agree with team selection? Have your say in the comments section below.
Speaking about United team selection to BBC 5 Live Sport, pundit James McFadden said: “I wondered how having Pogba, Fernandes and Ronaldo in the same team would work. They’ve been really fluid.
“At times, Pogba is playing off the left, Bruno is through the middle – but they are swapping. When they are coming inside, that is freeing up Alex Telles on the left and Elanga is holding his width.
“It was making it hard for Watford to shuffle across, but they haven’t scored yet. They need a goal.”
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