#How do Manchester United solve their midfield conundrum after Crystal Palace defeat?"

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How do Manchester United solve their midfield conundrum after Crystal Palace defeat?

While a new wave of Manchester United attacks crashed onto the rock of the Crystal Palace defense, Old Trafford echoed again with moans of frustration.

United fans had seen their side owned 71 percent and yet fired only three shots at goal, the first of which arrived in the 58th minute.

In the end, United & # 39; s lacked the lead it deserved – an unexpected 2-1 defeat that thoroughly and truly pierced every good feel-good factor from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Manchester United struggled for creativity in midfield home loss against Crystal Palace

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gives instructions during the shock Old Trafford loss

And with the transfer window long since closed, it exposed an area w here United could not strengthen this summer.

With a forward line from Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Dan James, this United team is blessed with the speed that goes forward.

That was a treat in their season-opening 4-0 win over Chelsea, who came to Old Trafford to attack but made himself vulnerable to United's rapid counterattacks.

But faced with opposition in Palace who wanted to defend and hold themselves Arm-length united, they missed a player who could choose a penetrating pass

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Dejected United players think about a disappointing afternoon against Palace in Old Trafford

[19459002InretrospectUnitedmayhavepushedalittlehardertosignadefensivesplittingpasserbyinthesummerbutinsteadgaveprioritytotheirdefenseandattack

So with another hard-to-break team waiting for them this Saturday in the form of Southampton, Solskjaer Will have to make do with a tactical adjustment in midfield.

But what are his options and will they achieve the desired effect?

How did United settle down at the moment?

It has been a consistent 4-2-3-1 system for United in their three opening games in the Premier League.

Pogba and Scott McTominay have formed the basis of midfield in all three games that are expected to protect the defense, as well as

Against Perez Chelsea, Andreas Pereira started in the No. 10 role with Rashford left and Lingard right.

But Pereira made no impression that afternoon and was replaced by Lingard's central position for Wolves' 1-1 draw, with James on the right.

Andreas Pereira started the season in the No 10-roll for United, but has since lost weight

Jesse Lingard is busy during Saturday's match against Palace in Old Trafford

This was replicated against Pala ce, but it soon became clear that United had become very dependent on the individual runs of their attacking speedsters to create opportunities.

With Palace leaning back, Rashford, Martial and James noticed that they encountered dead ends instead of highways.

What United shouted for a lock-picker to slide in passes behind the back line of the palace as these faster players advance.

Get the best out of Pogba

Pogba was inevitably the man United turned to a moment of inspiration as the Saturday game continued.

But the Frenchman was burdened by the duties of his deeper station next to McTominay and could not fully commit himself to the attack.

He tried to play as far as possible, but it was finally his home on the ball that invited a tackle from Christian Benteke that led to Patrick van Aanholt's injury time winner.

So much is expected from Pogba and this was a theme so lskjaer picked up the game from Saturday when he said: & We know that we don't have Roy Keane, Veron, Scholes, Giggs, Cantona in one player can get. & # 39;

Pogba expresses his frustrations during the first defeat of the season of United

Against the likes of Palace – and Southampton – perhaps it would be better to position Pogba farther forward alongside Lingard in an advanced midfield behind Martial in front.

If Pogba knew that his only job was to pass and create, rather than having to cover, he could even improve the already impressive 55 chances he created last season.

It would cause a bigger burden n on McTominay of course, but a back line that seemed considerably stronger for the summer acquisition of Harry Maguire should be able to withstand most teams.

This 4-1-4-1 would do Rashford and James everything, but United would also bear the extra threat in the middle.

Dan James celebrates the late equalizer of United on Saturday – but there was a late twist

Time to bring Kata back into the fold?

Juan Mata has just played 18 minutes this season and there were enough irritations that it would be 85 minutes for the Spaniard to get off the bench against Palace with United behind.

Kills is now 31, but you have passing skills and set-pieces skills that set him apart from the other forward options from United.

His eye for an effective pass would have been useful on Saturday and he has often made the difference first opponents defending in numbers.

Although his lack of pace makes him less useful in more open games against better opposition, Mata certainly plays a role at United.

There is certainly a case for playing him in the No. 10 position against Southampton on Saturday as a counterpoint to all that pace

Juan Mata is one of the few United players who can deliver a defense-splitting pass

Back to a 4-3-3?

Solskjaer, especially during his caretaker who was in charge of Old Trafford last season, a favorite on 4-3-3 formation as he watched to get the most out of his players.

Rashford, Martial and Lingard would form the foremost three, with Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera in midfield.

Herrera left in the summer and has not been replaced, while the days of Matic on Old Trafford also seem to be numbered.

The Serb has reportedly demanded his own talks with Solskjaer because he feels ignored because he has not yet played this season.

Matic can become stiffened, given that McTominay continues to place consistent displays in the same position and Solskjaer, who wants to put an emphasis on youth, favors him.

So McTominay and Pogba can be combined with Kills in a midfield three that still offers a nice balance.

Nemanja Matic seems to have disappeared from Solskjaer's favor in United & # 39; s midfield [194590010]

Scott McTominay remains deliver consistent performance on the basis of United & # 39; s midfield

Is there a chance of a diamond in midfield?

There were a couple and matches last season when Solskjaer bets 4-4-2 with a midfield diamond. One of them was in the 1-0 win over Tottenham in an attempt to match the Mauricio Pochettino system.

You could theoretically have a diamond with McTominay at the base, Pogba on the left, Kills on the right and Lingard at the moment, with Martial and Rashford ahead.

But the more compact form deprives United of the pace that Solskjaer seems to cherish, although it could certainly be an option in games against the top six.

Is there a way back for Fred?

It seems that United is sticking to their £ 52 million Brazilian maverick Fred despite interest from the Italian club Fiorentina.

He played in 25 games in all competitions last season, but struggled to reach the rank and his outings for Solskjaer in the spring coincided with a collapse in shape.

The £ 52 million United signs for Fred seems to be ready for another bit-part role during this season

If Fred does not move before the European transfer window closes on Monday, he is probably alone this season involved in the national cups and the Europa League.

But given United & # 39; s lack of options in midfield that Herrera and Marouane Fellaini lost in the past year, they may need him.

He plays in the two of a 4-2-3-1 on the rare occasions that he is likely to be selected.

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