Manchester United’s Answer is Not the 3-4-3

Jul 23, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; (Editors note: caption correction) Manchester United midfielder Reece James (41) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the second half at Rose Bowl. Manchester United defeated Los Angeles Galaxy 7-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

There was hardly anything worth taking away from Manchester United’s 7-0 massacre against the LA Galaxy unless you’re a fan of the MLS. If it weren’t for several amateur level defensive miscues, the LA Galaxy would not have lost at such a steep margin (A 3-0 defeat perhaps?). As for Manchester United, the match was nothing but a hard day’s work as they trudgeed along their obligatory tour across the United States.

Jul 23, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Manchester United midfielder Ashley Young (18) runs the ball down the field against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the second half at Rose Bowl. Manchester United defeated Los Angeles Galaxy 7-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard for Manchester United to pinpoint their weakest player in this match because LA Galaxy’s awfulness somehow made the Red Devils look like world beaters. New signing Ander Herrera looked impressive, but his performance didn’t hold much weight given that Danny Welbeck and Ashley Young put on an equally strong showing.

The biggest question coming into the match was whether Manchester United would thrive under Louis Van Gaal’s 3-4-3 formation. The answer has yet to be found despite the win.

“I think always the results do matter because with such result, you get confidence and confidence in the new system,” said Van Gaal after the match.

While the squad could use a lot of confidence after a disastrous season, a 7-0 victory over an American club doesn’t prove anything about the effectiveness of the 3-4-3. The Red Devils showed that the 3-4-3 enables the club to maximize the talent of their central midfielders and not force them to play wide in every build up. The 3-4-3 also ensured the club quick recovery of the ball on the offensive end and provided plenty of options in the passing lanes. However, as a precaution, Manchester United should not utilize the 3-4-3 as their main formation.

Even though world class defenders are a dying breed in Premier League football, clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Everton boast great managers who can tactfully see through United’s attack and open up the Red Devils with a simple counter attack.

Jul 23, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Manchester United defender Phil Jones (4) kicks the ball away from Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane (7) during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

If there are any positives the LA Galaxy could take from their match against Manchester United, it’s that one misplayed ball can easily be converted into a golden opportunity. While LA Galaxy lacked the quality up top to get a single goal past David De Gea, they’ve found holes in Manchester United’s system that most Premier League clubs can easily expose. One misplayed ball by a midfielder or defender on the defensive end will spell trouble for the Trafford side.

Simply put, Manchester United will be putting a lot of faith in Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, Michael Keane, Reece James, and Chris Smalling. These aren’t the kind of defenders you should place your hopes in, given their lack of skill or experience. If the 3-4-3 remains their key formation, this will only create problems for the well-storied side that looks to sit in fifth or sixth place for the remainder of Van Gaal’s tenure.

The best solution for this club is to sell two of their playmakers and bring in players who can anchor the central defense or play wide. The possession based 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 has been the staple for Manchester United’s success in the Premier League and must remain so if they wish to climb back up the ladder. A change of tactics isn’t the solution Van Gaal has been looking for. It’s the change of personnel, and this season Van Gaal will learn this lesson the hard way.