RALF RANGNICK ditched Manchester United’s 4-3-3 formation after just 24 minutes against Brighton.
The interim manager first opted to go with a 4-2-2-2 formation in a bid to gain more control during games after arriving at Old Trafford in December.
Following victories over Crystal Palace and Norwich, Rangnick then tweaked that to a 4-3-3 system.
United beat both Brentford and West Ham playing that way before they were beaten on penalties in the FA Cup by Middlesbrough and then held by Burnley at the weekend.
Now after a slow start against Brighton at the Theatre of Dreams on Tuesday night, he was spotted telling his stars of another change.
Just 24 minutes were on the clock when Rangnick was spotted signalling for change to 4-2-3-1.
His side had offered little going forward as the Seagulls looked the most dangerous throughout the opening exchanges.
And that tactical switch enabled United to effectively push Bruno Fernandes further forward alongside Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga.
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But it failed to have an impact before the break as the hosts were booed off by the home crowd at half time.
Fortunately it did pay off as United ran out 2-0 winners.
Speaking ahead of the clash as to why he had recently opted for 4-3-3, Rangnick said: “This is something we had to find out.
“Of course Paul Pogba has now only been available as of two weeks ago and Fred can play in that number eight position too.
“To start with for me, it was logical to stick with the formation that we were used to and the team has played before.
“As you know the first game against Crystal Palace and against Norwich we played in a 4-2-2-2 quite like how Southampton is playing now.
“Once we realised that players like Bruno [Fernandes], Fred and Paul Pogba were better playing to their assets and their strengths, it suits us better when we play them in a No 8 position.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
