Manchester United travel to Goodison Park to face Everton on Saturday in what could be a do-or-die game for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Red Devils shockingly lost to Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League, which was their second loss in a week after losing to Arsenal in the Premier League. Everton, too, have lost in their last two games, losing to Southampton and Newcastle United in the league.
Ahead of the clash between Everton and Manchester United, let’s take a look at 3 burning questions.
Which Manchester United will turn up?
Manchester United have once again blown hot and cold as they have been clinical and strong in some games, while meekly surrendering in others. After solid wins in the Champions League against PSG and RB Leipzig, the Red Devils fell to Arsenal – who have also been sub-par this season, and then to European minnows Istanbul Basaksehir. Solskjaer’s side have turned it around when the chips are down, which has been a characteristic of their side over the last year and more.
Will the defensively sound and deadly counter-attacking side turn up or the one that is clueless at the back and lacking penetration in attack?
Will Carlo Ancelotti change his tactics to target United’s frailties?
Carlo Ancelotti and Everton had a dream start to their 2020-21 season with four wins on the trot and a somewhat fortuitous draw against champions Liverpool. But the Toffees were brought down to earth over the last two weekends as they were outclassed by Southampton and then didn’t take their chances against Newcastle United.
Ancelotti played a system that employed several central midfielders against Newcastle United, which didn’t quite work out. They lacked the direct running of Richarlison, who will miss this weekend’s game through suspension. Will the Italian manager ditch his midfield heavy side and play with speedy wingers, which could target United’s weak defence. The Red Devils have not been able to cope with sides that run at them, which could be a tactic that Ancelotti uses.
What formation will Ole Gunnar Solskjaer employ?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has experimented with numerous formations this season, but none seem to have brought sustained success for him. The midfield diamond has been used by Solskjaer over the last few games which was exposed by Istanbul Basaksehir. The Turkish side hit United on the break time after time with wide players and full-backs bombing forward which opened up a lot of space in United’s backline.
Will Solskjaer revert to the 4-2-3-1 system to bring balance to the team offensively and defensively? His tactics also depend on if he will start Paul Pogba, who has been very poor lately. If Pogba starts, Solskjaer will likely have to play a diamond formation to give the Frenchman freedom to roam forward.