Man Utd fans rejoice as manager Ralf Rangnick ditches 4-2-2-2 formation for Aston Villa FA Cup tie
MANCHESTER UNITED fans rejoiced as Ralf Rangnick reverted back to their usual 4-2-3-1 formation. The German has insisted on using a 4-2-2-2 setup since taking temporary charge in November. United had used two holding midfielders, with Bruno Fernandes often in a No10 role, two wingers and one central striker. But in recent matches Rangnick introduced […]
MANCHESTER UNITED fans rejoiced as Ralf Rangnick reverted back to their usual 4-2-3-1 formation.
The German has insisted on using a 4-2-2-2 setup since taking temporary charge in November.
United had used two holding midfielders, with Bruno Fernandes often in a No10 role, two wingers and one central striker.
But in recent matches Rangnick introduced pairings in midfield, out wide and up front.
United were fortunate on many occasions to avoid defeat before finally being exposed by Wolves in a 1-0 home loss.
That defeat seemed to spark a change of mind for Rangnick, who deployed a 4-2-3-1 against Villa.
And it had instant success as Scott McTominay headed United 1-0 in front.
Before the game, Rangnick opened up about the change in formation and why he introduced it in the first place.
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He said: “Before I arrived it was obvious the team conceded too many goals.
“The first approach was to make sure we stopped conceding as many and we have achieved that.
“But at the same time it is all about creating chances, dominating the game when we have the ball and this is where we haven’t improved as yet.
“The only way you can dominate and control games in the Premier League is by being proactive.
“As soon as we begin to look passive, like we did against Wolves, we are struggling.
“The formation is a means to an end, a tool. The formation has to fit to the players you have available.
“In the long run it would be better to have one system and one style.”
In the first instance it is about winning games. It did not work overnight with other clubs. It’s about small steps, but at least it has to be steps forward.
Ralf Rangnick
Rangnick added: “It took Jurgen Klopp a few months to get his Liverpool side playing the way he wanted.
“When Thomas Tuchel arrived at Chelsea, he played with a back three.
“Pep Guardiola has selected his whole squad over five years to fit this possession-based football.
“For me, my job now is to work with the players I have available who I have inherited here.
“In the first instance it is about winning games. It did not work overnight with other clubs.
“It’s about small steps, but at least it has to be steps forward.”
