Before we show you Scott’s solution, let’s remind ourselves of the challenge he was posed.
https://twitter.com/TotalAnalysis/status/1252655482646511617
Here’s the tactic wars dilemma…it is time for the MLS All-Star match and I have been selected to coach team MLS as we face Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United during the Red Devils’ pre-season tour. MLS and I want to make a statement by beating English Premier League side as we’re are sick of people overlooking the MLS as a competitive league.
This year I am picking a team to win, and I’m not planning on rotating my whole squad at half time. I am picking a starting eleven to beat Manchester United.
Of course, picking the best starting eleven is one thing, but considering the talent available to the Norwegian boss, my tactics are going to be the deciding factor in this one.
Manchester United, likely playing in their 4-4-2 diamond, have a fully fit roster to pick from and haven’t made any transfers during the summer window. A tactical analysis of Solskjaer’s side has guided my roster decisions.
Lineups
Manchester United (4-4-2): David de Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelöf, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes; Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford.
With the delay in the EPL and MLS seasons, the MLS All-Star game has given Manchester United time to heal from some prominent injuries. Solskjær’s side sees Pogba and Rashford return to the starting lineup, making my job more difficult. I expect McTominay to play more defensively as the right-sided box-to-box midfielder, allowing Pogba to play higher up the pitch. He’ll combine with Fernandes, the forwards and Shaw while McTominay and Matic offer coverage against the counterattack. Even with Pogba playing higher up the pitch, Fernandes will offer a key outlet for United, so my side will have to deny him time and space on the ball while also protecting ourselves against the pace of Rashford and Martial.
