3 potential ways Manchester United could line up should they sign Erling Haaland

Manchester United’s current season has hardly gone according to plans. The Red Devils have blown hot and cold quite frequently this season and gave another display of their inconsistency against Watford last weekend. The bottom-placed side were hardly troubled until the later stages of the game as United struggled once again to break down a team that sat deep and succumbed to a 2-0 defeat.

Their inability to score against teams who do not allow them space on the counter has indicated that reinforcement in the striking department could be the need of the hour. Of the many names currently doing the rounds, one player who has been tracked by the Red Devils for long is Erling Haaland of Red Bull Salzburg.

Speculation is ripe regarding his imminent move to Old Trafford and if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does manage to coax his countryman to make the move in the near future, it would be a tremendous business for the club. But how would the Norwegian fit into the team if he puts on the United shirt? Today, we present 3 potential ways Manchester United could line up with Haaland in the team.

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#3 Lone striker in a 4-2-3-1

Erling Haaland

The Norwegian’s 6’4” frame has proved to be a handful for even the most experienced defenders this season. As such, using him as a lone striker in the current United formation could work very well for Solskjaer.

Haaland will be the target-man that the Red Devils have missed this season and the team will finally have a towering presence in the box to aim the balls towards. The Norwegian is also very mobile on the pitch; one of the highlights of Salzburg’s style of play is their off the ball pressing and the 19-year-old is very good at closing down the opposition.

Haaland is quick and nifty with the ball at his feet, so he will suit Solskjaer’s counter-attacking style of play very well. However, his biggest asset is his ability to score goals. The Norwegian has already scored 28 goals from 22 appearances in all competitions for his team so far this season and is averaging 2.8 shots per game. Haaland, as such, could be the right player to lead the line for United in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

The Norwegian’s movement in the final third is another vital aspect of his gameplay. His style of play will create space for the players around him to run into and it will also be useful for those runners from the midfield to arrive late into the box. Haaland could actually be an upgrade to Anthony Martial in this system.

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#2 As a part of a front two in a 4-4-2

Erling Haaland

While Solskjaer has not shown a preference for a traditional 4-4-2 system at Manchester United, he could warm up to the idea with a player like Haaland in the team. Against teams that defend deep and require greater penetration, Manchester United could revert back to the tried and tested 4-4-2 of the Ferguson era.

However, the lack of quality wingers could be an issue, but maybe Solskjaer can address that with attacking full-backs. Nevertheless, the Norwegian can use the former Molde player as a two-man strike force if he desires for more firepower in the team.

Haaland could fit in quite well as a part of a front two with Marcus Rashford. The Norwegian’s work ethic is quite similar to the Englishman and the two could join forces to tear defences apart.

On the other hand, Haaland could also form an interesting partnership with Anthony Martial. Because of their different styles of play, the two players could actually complement each other on the pitch. Haaland’s movement and physicality could open up spaces for the Frenchman to wreak havoc in the final third.

As such, in case Solskjaer wants to change from his current tactics and delve into plan B, Haaland could also work like a charm in a front two system.

#1 As a part of front three in a 4-3-3

Erling Haaland

The Norwegian striker would also find himself at home if Solskjaer decides to revert back to his tried and tested attacking 4-3-3 from last season. Ideally, Haaland would fit in the center of an attacking three, with Daniel James and Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial either side of him. Because the Norwegian is fast and comfortable with both feet, he would be quite effective in a fluid frontline that would interchange if required.

Haaland’s cleverness in picking up important areas in the opposition box has been a treat. With Rashford and James running either side of him, the Norwegian’s ability to anticipate final balls would come in handy for the Red Devils. His movement and runs through the channels would also give his teammates a target to aim their final balls at.

This system could work very well if Solskjaer opts for counter-attacking strategies against attack-minded teams. Haaland would also bring the best of the players around him. He would be vital in implementing the off-the-ball press and his closing down could cause unforced errors from the opposition that the other United attackers could take advantage of.

If United do manage to secure the Norwegian’s signature in the near future, Haaland would be the perfect man to lead the line for Solskjaer’s young United team.

United lack a player of his caliber in their current team. Haaland’s ability to effortlessly slot into any of the above three 3 systems would make him an indispensable member of the first team at Old Trafford.