New Boss Set To Bring New Tactics – How Van Gaal’s 3-4-3 Formation Could Work At Manchester United

During the 2014 World Cup, Louis van Gaal has been using a formation of 3-4-3, which has seemingly worked as the Netherlands have now progressed into the semi-finals. There are reports saying that the Dutch manager will transfer that formation over to Manchester United. Although it has worked for his national side, will it have the same effect on United?

First of all, a new formation will need to be practised on the training pitch, and this could take some time to drill into the players. If van Gaal’s plan is to use these tactics, though, he has probably got someone working on it already with them before he eventually arrives at United.

During the last game against Costa Rica, the Netherlands had three at the back and Daley Blind, who is primarily a left-back, on the left of midfield with Dirk Kuyt on the other side. If Manchester United wanted to do this they could have Luke Shaw on the left-hand side of midfield and Rafael on the right, or they could use actual left and right midfielders. £30 million signing Luke Shaw would surely have to fit in somewhere, though.

I would guess he might play Shaw on the left of midfield with Danny Welbeck or Ashley Young in front of him as a left winger because in that formation the left and right midfielders have to work equally as hard getting back as they do getting forward and this is something Luke Shaw is very efficient at. The same can be said for Rafael, but it is possible that van Gaal will make a signing that will be his first choice on that right-hand side of midfield.

There is also the problem of who will play in the striker role; could he possibly rotate it each match or will he play Robin van Persie up top with Rooney in central midfield or on a wing?

Overall I think the 3-4-3 formation could work for United but it will take some getting used to for the players. If they can get the hang of it quickly then they should have a very good chance of winning silverware next season.