24 Aug 2014 20:27:07
With the imminent arrival of Di Maria, does anyone else think this might signal the end of the 3512 system?

It seems to me that LVG wants to play Mata, Rooney and Van Persie in the same side; and with the arrival of Di Maria - unless LVG plans to use him as an attacking wing-back - I can't see how LVG will fit all these players into that system. I suppose Mata could drop deeper, but I seriously doubt LVG would use Mata in that role. Thus it seems to me that we might see the manager revert back to his tried and tested 422 system, which would allow for all the above players to be used in their natural positions. I suppose it would be more like a 4213 system, with Mata spearheading a three man midfield.

I expect we will learn a lot when he picks the team for the Burnley game.

1.) 24 Aug 2014
Not sure about the 422 system but the rest seems about right.

2.) 24 Aug 2014
"tried and tested 433 system" that should have read.

3.) 24 Aug 2014
24 Aug 2014 21:24:21
If we had not been forced through injuries to play today without a single left back or right back in the squad, I would question if we would have played 3-5-2 and all?
It didn't exactly play out as planned in the first game. I think 3-5-2 has always been due to the players available and not because LVG prefers it.