Football transfer market is always full of rumours. This makes the sports full of exciting and entertaining as well.
Recently there are headlines in the newspapers, apart from official transfer, the news about “The possibiliy return of Ronaldo to Old Trafford” is something makes the headlines more noticeable. Experts know that the return of Ronaldo to Old Trafford is just a hype from British news. It looks like there is unlikely the summer comeback for Cristiano Ronaldo will be happen.
However, it does not avoid us to think about: How would it be if Cristiano Ronaldo make a stunning comeback to Manchester United.
So what would it be for the Red Devils’ formation ?
There is not a lot of changes for Manchester United formation in this new season. With Robin van Persie and Falcao, two attacking strikers leaving, they import the “new Oranjes Ronaldo”-Depay. In defensive midfield position, they have Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin, and in right back, they got Damian. Apart from these, it almost confirm that Angel Di Maria will be leaving soon.
Let’s take a look from a few pre-season warming up matches, in the new season it’s more likely the Red Devils would play in 4-2-3-1 formation, Luke Shaw, Phil Jones, Smalling and Damian would standing in for the backline. Michael Carrick, Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Herrera, Fellaini would be vying for the two defensive midfield slots.
In the focused attacking flank, Ashley Young most likely would be joining Juan Mata at left midfield flank.
Rooney will be in lone striker, Depay will be at the back to support Rooney with a attacking midfielder or second striker’s role.
Let say, this happen ….. Cristiano Ronaldo comes…
C.Ronaldo as one of the best footballer is the world, 3 golden ball owner, although at its prime, but Manchester United would still be using Ronaldo as their core attacking plan. If this happen, how would van Gaal plan for the formation to make the best of Cristiano Ronaldo for Manchester United ?
There are 3 types of options:-
Obviously, there is minimal effect at least for the defensive slots when Ronaldo fit into the formation. As we know, in Real Madrid Ancelotti’s generation, Cristiano Ronaldo always appear on the left wing for 4-3-3 formation. Now under Benitez 4-2-3-1 formation, Portugese winger will be primarily at the left side.
Formation: 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1
If Ronaldo were in left wing in Red Devils. Then Wayne Rooney is a certain option for the striker role. New comers, Depay can play at the right wing. This arrangement would have some small issue here. That is Depay prefer more in left wing, But as we all know, Ronaldo likes to cut-into the box from the left side. Depay would probably same as Gareth Bale – move in to the right midfield side.
In the midfield option, Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin, the two good defensive midfielder would be there along with creative attacking midfielder, Juan Mata or Herrera to make their passing through the attacking frontline.
Formation: 4-2-2
Another possibility formation is 4-4-2, Rooney would be joining Ronaldo as the striking partner. This position is not strange to Ronaldo. In Real Madrid Ancelotti’s generation, he has give 4-4-2 a try with Ronaldo as one of the two strikers when there are injuries in the team.
4-4-2 is a formation which balanced the attack and defense. It could be a full released for Ronaldo’s attacking mentality.
In recent year, Ronaldo dribbling past players ability could not compare to the past as he is haunted by injuries and stamina issue. A striker role partnering with Wayne Rooney can let him show his shooting and finishing ability to the maximum potential.
Apart from that, Ronaldo is not good at defending portion, at striker’s role, it would minimize his support to the defense.
At defensive midfield area, Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger could partnering with two flanks midfielder, Depay and Mata. This midfield partnering would ensure their defense is solid, and two flanks continue to have their passing and defense breakthrough ability.
van Gaal always admire 3-5-2 formation, although this season is not repeatable. But if he have Ronaldo, then why not he can try it again.
3-5-2 formation have its demand for the stiker’s speed and agility. With this, Rooney can fall back into the centre midfield.
Rooney has contributed 25 assists in the past 3 seasons in Barclays Premier League, and the retreat position could have see Red Devils’ Captain to bridge the midfield and forware position. Also, it could be sending Ronaldo a killer goal.
After Rooney, centre midfield would have Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger there, to support the interception and defense. 3-5-2 formation is very dependable on the two right wing back, Luke Shaw and Damian. This two back flank is still questionable to the formation.
As conclusion, although Ronaldo is not coming. But the transfer market still have one month to go. Di Maria would be leaving as soon. Manchester United’s team still need big players. The question is who will be the next Red Devils ?
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