Manchester United: 3 different tactical formations that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could implement in the upcoming 2019/20 season

Manchester United are trying to revamp their group of players after finishing sixth in the league- way behind their main rivals Liverpool and Manchester City. Ed Woodward has set the tone right in the transfer market by signing two young players in Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka thus far.

The Red Devils' spending spree shows no signs of stopping as they target more signings ahead of the 2019/20 season to bridge the gap between themselves and the Premier League's pacesetters.

The new arrivals have addressed some glaring issues prevalent in United's crew, and it also opens the door for Solskjaer to implement various tactics. On this note, let us glance through multiple systems that Ole could implement next season.

Note: This analysis has been done concerning fresh arrivals- subject to change as the club sign new players.

Romelu Lukaku is excluded from this piece due to intense speculation over his future at Man United.

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#1 First Formation: 4-3-3

Manchester United's probable lineup in a 4-3-3 formation

Jose Mourinho used a 4-3-3 system for a major part of his Old Trafford tenure. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer used a similar shape after succeeding the Portuguese tactician last season.

Despite deploying a three-man midfield, the Norwegian inverted the shape with Paul Pogba operating as a number 10 and two defensive shields behind him in the form of Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera.

Much onus will be put on Fred to express his ability as Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera's departure have left the engine room depleted. The Brazilian is blessed with tenacity and silky skills with the ball at his feet - the attributes which Solskjaer craves for in his players. Fred's industry and ball-winning credentials could allow Pogba to operate further forward.

Scott McTominay could compete with Matic for the number six spot after excelling in that position towards the end of last season.

United's latest signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka will compete with Diogo Dalot for the right-back slot and Daniel James could be eased into the frontline while playing on either flank. Tahith Chong is set for a prominent role in first-team next season and could help Lingard in the forward line.

#2 Second Formation: 4-2-3-1

Manchester United's probable lineup in a 4-2-3-1 shape

During his time at Molde FK, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer often deployed multiple formations, switching between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 according to the game's profile.

Manchester United have players who suit this system where either Scott McTominay or Nemanja Matic could use their combative presence to win the midfield duels with Fred playing the role of a ball-progressor, where he drives the ball from deeper areas into the final third, linking up and supplying the forward line during the transition phase.

Paul Pogba could take up the number ten role where he flourished under Ole last season, using his guile and physique to provide a menacing presence in the opposition's box. Jesse Lingard might play second fiddle to the Frenchman in the central attacking role behind the striker.

Juan Mata will have an important role in this formation as he could switch between central and right-wing positions with Lingard or play a supporting role to Daniel James.

With zero central defensive recruitments till now, Victor Lindelof is a no brainer in Ole's back four with either Chris Smalling or Eric Bailly being his partner. Luke Shaw has made the left-back spot his own and Diogo Dalot will have to compete with Aaron Wan-Bissaka for a spot on the opposite wing.

#3 Third Formation: 4-4-2

Man United's probable lineup in a 4-4-2 shape.

Solskjaer's fixation with United's culture and traditions could spark 4-4-2 setup's return at Old Trafford next season. This system defined Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United dynasty which is considered archaic in contemporary football.

Fred and Scott McTominay are the prominent candidates to provide the energy and drive required in a four-man midfield system, with Daniel James occupying the left flank. Pogba will hold an orchestrator's responsibility which Paul Scholes followed with aplomb.

Didier Deschamps implements this system with the France national team and Paul Pogba thrives in this formation with N'Golo Kante alongside him. The 26-year-old could find a similar adjacent partner in the aforementioned players - Fred or McTominay.

Some developments suggest that Solskjaer is prepared to hand Diogo Dalot an advanced role after Aaron Wan-Bissaka's arrival which could see the Portuguese youngster competing with Jesse Lingard for the right wing spot in the imminent season.

Marcus Rashford is the prime candidate to lead the Red Devils' attack next campaign with Anthony Martial sharing the responsibility. The French attacker enjoyed a fantastic debut campaign, scoring 17 goals from a center-forward position. Next season could finally be the one where Tony realizes his world-class potential while playing as an inside forward.