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How Manchester United can use the Diamond Formation to Revitalise their Form (long thread):
Manchester United have persisted with their 4231 this season, in an attempt to shoehorn Bruno and Pogba into the same side. Their early season form has been variable to say the least; therefore other formations should be looked at.
Simply put, to utilise a midfield diamond, a team requires:
-significant quality from central players
-a variety of midfield profiles
-strikers comfortable out wide
-versatile fullbacks
-significant quality from central players
-a variety of midfield profiles
-strikers comfortable out wide
-versatile fullbacks
Manchester United’s squad has a breadth of midfield profiles: a roaming destroyer (Fred), an anchor (Matic), a rounded interior (Pogba), a runner + high volume passer (McTominay), a functional #10 (Bruno), a raumdauter (Van de Beek).
There is no better example of the strengths and weaknesses of the diamond formation than Ancelotti’s AC Milan, in the 2005 UCL final. They exemplified the strengths perfectly, but later capitulated.
A primary strength (one that led to two goals) is the use of split strikers. The strikers peel wide upon Kaka/Pirlo gaining possession in transition, opening central spaces for Kaka to penetrate, while being threats in the channel.
Manchester United have three forwards capable of splitting (Martial. Rashford, Greenwood); all of whom actually prefer to start slightly wider than simply up front. Cavani is a smart enough player to split too.
Another strength of the diamond is in settled defensive shape; the diamond gives a numerical superiority when attempting to win the ball back. Furthermore, the diamond is also very compact, with two ball winners flanking a less mobile anchor.
Similarly, the diamond is strong in defensive transition, as there are often two or more midfielders in the vicinity of the ball upon losing it. Conceding wide areas is less dangerous than central areas in transitions. This is conducive of counters too.
Manchester United highlighted the effectiveness of this away at Everton last season, when Bruno Fernandes scored from a turnover.
One weakness of the diamond defensively is the reliance on the shuttler to assist centrally and wide. Here we can see how Gattuso is dragged out of position by a wide 2v1 combination from Liverpool.
Another weakness of the diamond is the reliance on fullbacks to control their respective flanks. They must be available to defend 1v1 out of possession, and delay if a 2v1 overload occurs. The approach isn’t fool-proof.
With the signing of Alex Telles, United have a dynamic fullback capable of crossing from deep (pictured). Wan Bissaka is also competent in wide 1v1s; see his assist for Martial vs Sheffield United (H) 2020 (pictured), or Chelsea (A).
The fullbacks must progress up the flank to be available in 2nd phase possession and must provide width in the final third. Maldini (pictured) played this role to a world class level.
Both Aaron Wan Bissaka and Alex Telles have the required stamina to keep a flank under control.
Both Aaron Wan Bissaka and Alex Telles have the required stamina to keep a flank under control.
One question mark is Alex Telles’ ability to defend 1v1. Using him over Shaw is a calculated risk however, due to the vitality of attacking, dynamic, crossing fullbacks in a diamond formation.
Another pressing issue Manchester United must address is the position of Pogba. Flanked by Fred and McTominay, Pogba could play as the anchor, spraying passes in transition from central areas.
Conversely, Pogba could play as the left sided shuttler, with a more defensive minded anchor (Matic). This would open up the possibility of those infamous leftback-Pogba-Martial combinations on the left.
Manchester United can really instill a good run of form if they establish the right balance in the midfield positions, in the diamond formation. We have seen Chelsea go 13 consecutive league wins under Conte, when he initially used the 3atb...
We have seen Liverpool go 24/26 with their established formation and automatisms using fullbacks and wide forwards. Opposition teams can’t work out how to play you when the sample size is less than half a season, if you have a functional lineup.
Manchester United are currently too predictable; they lack wingers and balance up front and are easily picked-off in transition when playing 4231. Perhaps shifting to the diamond formation can change this. It's a risk, but a calculated risk United are well-suited for embracing.
(end of thread)
Thanks for reading if you made it this far! Feedback/discussion encouraged!
Thanks for reading if you made it this far! Feedback/discussion encouraged!
