16 Feb 2014 11:05:14
It is quite clear that Moyes worships the ground that Rooney walks on so will never sell him and reports have already surfaced that he has signed a new deal. I also am not convinced by these RVP rumours, his agent has said that he wants to retire here so that is also a good sign for him staying. This still leaves Moyes with a HUGE headache though, how does he get the best out of these players? I am really struggling to formulate a system. What we ideally need is Rooney, RVP, Mata, Januzaj and Kagawa on the pitch - our 5 best players by a long way. The only way to do that is play the 4-1-4-1 and have no fixed positions, but I think that would terrify Moyes as it would be so far out of his comfort zone - that is what Pep would play if he was here though.

One saving grace may be that RVP is getting older and will need to pick and choose him games a little more - this would mean that Rooney can play up top with the three behind him. But for me, we need Kagawa on the pitch. I read a tactical analysis of Kagawa against Leverkusen and he completely ran the show, pulling the strings from an advanced midfield position. The likelihood is though that one will have to be dropped at all times, and Moyes doesn't favour Kagawa and probably never will even though he would link up with Mata the best.

I must admit, if it was up to me I would probably have to bite the bullet and the fan backlash and sell Rooney, it would advance the club. But Moyes will never do that. The only solution is probably a 4-2-4 with Fellaini and Carrick holding, Rooney and RVP up top with Mata/Kagawa/Januzaj having free roles to drift. That's the only way I see this squad of players working.

1.) 16 Feb 2014
Interesting post that man I think your right about having to play mata rvp rooney kagawa and januzaj but I would play them in a 4-1-2-3 with carrick holding and mata and kagawa playing just ahead of him with rooney rvp and januzaj all interchanging up top a bit like teez rooney and Ronaldo did back in 2008 but like you said I can't see moyes being that bold either. it's also a shame h doesn't have any faith in kagawa because it seems like our best performances this season have happened when he has played in the centre. so in conclusion what i'm saying is moyes needs to play kagawa in centre mid with mata and we will be unstoppable imo

2.) 16 Feb 2014
Agreed that it could be effective, and we would have a lot of possession. Moyes would never do something like that. The best that we can hope for is a 4-2-3-1 that's fairly narrow, start Mata on the rights of it, Rooney on the left of it with Kagawa through the middle. Then have Januzaj et al to rotate with. I can't see it though unfortunately - I think Kagawa's days are numbered and he will be used in a deal with Dortmund for Gundogan and hopefully also Reus.

3.) 16 Feb 2014
16 Feb 2014 13:34:56
Carrick on his own in midfield with two players infront that aren't that defensive we'd get destroyed. Teams walk through us now. The 1 would have to be Vidal to stand a chance.

4.) 16 Feb 2014
Some really good, insightful comments regarding Kagawa (rightfully getting a bit of recognition) and how Mata, Kagawa, Januzaj and Rooney could/should line up. I think the potential of that attack is incredible. I think van Persie is the odd one out. Think back to how Dortmund played with Kagawa and Lewandowski, they were telepathic and I believe Ferguson wanted to buy Lewandowski and play him with Kagawa at United and offload Rooney. Things haven't quite gone to plan unfortunately, as I would of loved to have seen that partnership at United. And no, I'm not a Rooney hater. It's all about the team and how they play and represent the United ethos.
If the midfield is strengthened, ( I don't like the prospect of Carrick being the holding midfielder in this set up) and a left back and a centre back and the defense can start playing a higher line, then we could start challenging.
But do you think Moyes can deliver? I just don't think he has the ability or technical know how. But who knows. It's a funny old game after all.

The Big Lewandowski

5.) 16 Feb 2014
I would say that Rooney is the odd one out, RVP is more like Lewandowski and a far superior striker. He would be ideal with Kagawa, Mata and Januzaj behind him, but I think that the changes of that are slim as Rooney by default for some reason takes one of those spots.

6.) 16 Feb 2014
Agree in principle Fresh but I think that van Persies age and fitness issues tied in with the fact that he looks an unhappy player indicates he might leave or want to.But you're right Fresh, in a perfect world, that formation is world class
The Big Lewandowski