'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Every post-season transfer window has a long- drawn transfer saga and this summer, it's Willian who finds himself in the midst of one. The talk of the Chelsea man's next destination has lasted for pretty much the whole window but with just 10 days left until the transfer window shuts, the Brazilian's future might just be decided.
Though it seemed like Willian was on the verge of joining Barcelona just a few days back, it now looks like the winger is all set for a reunion with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United. Willian could be United's third significant signing of the summer after Diego Dalot and Fred and one can expect him to be one of the first names on Manchester United's team sheet next season.
Here are three ways how Manchester United could line-up with Willian in their ranks next season.
Trending
#3 4-4-2
The 4-4-2 formation is one of the oldest football formations and used to be Sir Alex Ferguson's prefered style of play during his trophy-laden time in charge of the side. But ever since the Scotsman bid farewell back in 2013, United have hardly used the formation, with the likes of David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho all having their own prefered formations.
But Willian's addition could well see Mourinho and United going back to the tried and tested formation as the now the Red Devils have Willian playing on the right and Alexis Sanchez, playing on the left, both of whom are willing to combine their defensive responsibilities along with their natural attacking play.
More importantly, United have also been linked with a stunning move for Harry Kane and though that may be a long shot, the fans will be salivating at the prospect of having Romelu Lukaku and Kane link-up in attack with Alexis and Willian down the wings.
But even if Kane does not join Mourinho's side, United could still give this formation a shot with Marcus Rashford partnering Lukaku up top.
#2 4-3-3
Mourinho has used the 4-3-3 formation as his second choice formation during his time at United. And the Portuguese manager may continue to use it next season as well. Mourinho has the option to start Nemanja Matic in the centre of midfield with Fred and Willian as the wingers.
The ploy would also unleash triple trouble on the opposition defenders with Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez combining with Romelu Lukaku in United's attack. More importantly, if Mourinho does choose to go with this formation, it will give Pogba the license to express himself much more freely in attack as he will be relieved of his defensive responsibilities.
The Frenchman has been inconsistent to say the least, ever since he rejoined United on a then world record transfer fee and the United faithful have been waiting to see him achieve his full potential at the club. One of the ways by which Mourinho might be able to get the best out of Pogba is by giving him a license to attack.
1. 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 is undoubtedly Mourinho's prefered formation and hence it is hard to see him moving away from it. Though the additions of Fred and Willian are set to bring steel and endeavour to United's midfield respectively, it will not necessarily bring a change in Mourinho's tactics.
In all probability, United will continue to play with this formation and one can expect Fred to partner Matic at the base of United's midfield. As a result, one can also expect Sanchez and Willian to play down the wings with Pogba playing just as the no.10 just behind Lukaku.
This was the position that Pogba thrived in during his time at Juventus and the United fans will hope that history repeats itself this season. Pogba and Lukaku had developed a good understanding with each other during the initial stages of last season as United kicked off their campaign in style with a series of impressive wins before they faded away. This time around, the stage is once again set for 'Pogkaku' to unleash themselves on the opposition and the duo has Willian's impending arrival to thank for that.
With Willian's arrival, United may have got their hands on one of their top transfer targets, but in no way does it mean that the Red Devils have completed their shopping list. United are still in the market for a ball playing central defender and it might take them till deadline day to tick that box.
Regardless of whether the defensive reinforcements come or not, Willian's addition does bring a few attacking options for the Old Trafford outfit. But only time will tell whether or not these options have their desired effect.
