Manchester United had a creditable 2-2 draw with Liverpool last Sunday, January 6, at Anfield in a Premier League match to rise up to the 13th position in the league table.
After a string of unimpressive performances, the Red Devils fought bravely and intelligently to deny Liverpool all three points in the latter’s home ground.
However, as Alejandro Garnacho made a late entry into the match as a substitute and had an assist, one is compelled to wonder whether the young Argentine winger should have a place in the starting XI.
Ruben Amorim will, however, have to alter his formation to accommodate Garnacho into his starting line-up.
Why Bruno Fernandes as a False Nine Could Benefit Garnacho
It is quite evident that Garnacho cannot play behind the striker in a 3-4-2-1 and can only thrive in a 3-4-3, playing on the left flank. Considering Rasmus Hojlund’s indifferent form, it might make sense to play Fernandes as a false nine in a 3-4-3, giving Garnacho the opportunity to start.
Hojlund has managed seven goals in 23 matches this season, including just two in his 15 Premier League appearances.
Tactical Risks and Rewards
If Fernandes plays as a false nine, he will enjoy the freedom to drop back at will, a role he thrives in. However, Fernandes cannot feature as one of the two central midfielders in a 3-4-3—it would be too risky given his defensive limitations.
Additionally, using Fernandes, their most creative player, in a deeper role is a gamble the Red Devils should avoid. Yet as a false nine, Fernandes might face challenges converting crosses from the flanks.
Being relatively smaller in stature, Fernandes could struggle to meet aerial balls in the box. While some might compare this to Lionel Messi’s success as a false nine for Barcelona, it’s worth noting that Barcelona’s tactics relied heavily on short passes rather than crosses from the wings.
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Garnacho’s Role in Widening United’s Attack
United’s attack has lacked width, often relying on long balls to Hojlund or Amad Diallo in their current setup. While this works defensively against stronger opponents, it leaves much to be desired when chasing goals.
To address this, Manchester United could benefit from Garnacho and Diallo providing width in attack. Garnacho’s speed and crossing ability could be instrumental in breaking down stubborn defences, particularly against smaller teams that adopt a defensive strategy.
Ruben Amorim will need to carefully consider his options. His back-three system, which transitions into a back-five when defending, has strengthened United’s defence. However, injecting more bite into the attack is equally important.
Fielding Garnacho in the starting XI could be the key to a more lethal approach. It remains to be seen whether the young Portuguese manager will make this adjustment in the upcoming matches.