With INEOS reportedly considering sacking Rúben Amorim if Manchester United fail to secure a win against Everton this week, speculation about potential managerial changes has started circulating. Should Zinedine Zidane take charge, here’s a possible lineup he could employ using a 4-3-3 formation:
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper:
- Andre Onana – Onana would remain as the starting goalkeeper. Despite some inconsistencies, his shot-stopping ability and ability to play out from the back would likely keep him in the first-team picture under Zidane.
Right-back:
- Diogo Dalot – Zidane may opt for Dalot in the right-back position, as he is more dynamic going forward compared to Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Dalot’s ability to overlap and contribute to attacks would be an asset in Zidane’s system.
Centre-back:
- Raphaël Varane – Varane would likely keep his spot at the heart of the defense. Zidane has previously worked with him at Real Madrid and knows the Frenchman’s ability to read the game and lead defensively.
Centre-back:
- Matthijs de Ligt – After a mixed start at United, Zidane could put his faith in De Ligt, whose leadership and physicality could be beneficial in a back-four system. He’s a solid choice for the second centre-back position.
Left-back:
- Luke Shaw – Shaw would likely remain at left-back, as he is both defensively solid and offers more going forward, which suits Zidane’s attacking approach. His ability to provide width on the left would be crucial.
Central midfield:
- Casemiro – The Brazilian defensive midfielder would be key in Zidane’s system. Casemiro would sit at the base of the midfield, providing defensive stability and shielding the back four, just as he did during Zidane’s time at Real Madrid.
Central midfield:
- Bruno Fernandes – The Portuguese playmaker would likely thrive under Zidane’s guidance, offering creativity and energy in the midfield. Bruno would operate as a box-to-box midfielder, linking play and contributing with assists and goals.
Central midfield:
- Christian Eriksen – Eriksen’s technical ability and vision would fit well in Zidane’s midfield, providing that additional creativity and flair alongside Fernandes. Eriksen’s composure on the ball could help United control the tempo.
Right-wing:
- Jadon Sancho – Zidane would likely give Sancho a more prominent role, allowing him to cut inside from the right flank and be a creative force. Sancho’s technical dribbling and playmaking ability could be key in breaking down opposition defenses.
Striker:
- Marcus Rashford – Rashford would lead the line in a central role, with his pace and directness being crucial for Zidane’s counter-attacking strategy. While he’s more comfortable on the left, Zidane could opt to utilize his speed centrally, especially with limited options in the forward line.
Left-wing:
- Alejandro Garnacho – Zidane could opt to use Garnacho on the left wing to take advantage of his speed and raw talent. Garnacho’s ability to drive at defenders and provide pace in the attacking third would be key in an attacking 4-3-3 system.
Possible Lineup:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Goalkeeper: Onana
- Right-back: Dalot
- Centre-backs: Varane, De Ligt
- Left-back: Shaw
- Midfielders: Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes
- Right-wing: Sancho
- Striker: Rashford
- Left-wing: Garnacho
This lineup offers a balance between defensive stability and attacking threat, with a midfield trio that can control the game and offer creativity. The wingers, Sancho and Garnacho, provide pace and flair, while Rashford’s directness up top can exploit any defensive weaknesses. Zidane’s experience with nurturing attacking talent and balancing tactical discipline could bring a much-needed spark to Manchester United’s season.
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