Is Van Gaal’s formation failure costing Manchester United?

In recent weeks, it seems the dreaded 3-5-2 formation Louis van Gaal was hell-bent on using has slowly filtered out.

Van Gaal did not take the criticism he faced to heart, but it was clear that playing just three at the back was not working.

The fans were not the only ones who held this opinion – Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Paul Scholes spoke out about the formation and the fact it was not working.

Gary Neville said when Manchester United play a back four, ‘there’s less possession but goals, more shots and generally a far better performance.’

Louis van Gaal has reverted to playing a 4-4-2 formation, and while the defence looks somewhat more solid – in particular, when Marcos Rojo is playing – the teams he is putting out do not seem to be utilising the players in the best way.

Case in point came when the Dutchman elected to play Angel Di Maria up front. He may be one of the world’s best footballers, but he’s at his best when he is played in position on the wing. Van Gaal used him as he needed ‘pace in our striker’s position’ but if that was the case, why not use James Wilson?

Van Gaal has been persistent in using captain Wayne Rooney in midfield. You have to assume that most people would agree that is not his best position. When played up front, Rooney flourishes and scores much needed goals for his side. When in midfield, he just does not look like the player he can be.

The manger feels he has to use Wayne Rooney in midfield, as without him there would be a ‘problem’ in the middle of the park. Yet, Manchester United are not short of options when it comes to players who can create chances and push forward for their side.

Namely, Ander Herrera.

Herrera was supposed to sign for Manchester United a whole year before he eventually did – which proves how much he was wanted at Old Trafford. He cost £29 million, and has been a key player since he joined.

But as the weeks are progressing, it is becoming the norm to see the Spaniard on the bench, rather than in the starting XI. Why has Herrera falling so out of favour under Louis van Gaal?

It seems that Juan Mata is suffering the same fate. Despite his outstanding conversion rate and the fact that he is the third highest scorer for Manchester United this season, he cannot seem to nail down a regular starting spot.

Is it time for Louis van Gaal to rethink the formation he is currently playing?

The combination of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao as strikers is not working as well as it should be, and it could be time for some rotation. Play Wayne Rooney at the top with one of the two, and take him out of the midfield position at the very least!

Manchester United fans. Has Van Gaal made too many mistakes tinkering with the formation of the side? Let us know your thoughts below, become a guest blogger or tweet us @LaFootyettes.