Manchester United are looking for a new permanent manager (Image: Getty)
Several big names are expected to remain in contention until Manchester United officially announce their new permanent manager. Manager Luis Enrique was linked with a move to Old Trafford in 2022, when United ultimately appointed Erik ten Hag, but he has resurfaced in the headlines recently, giving his current squad something to think about.
The Spaniard played for Paris Saint-Germain and led the club to their first Champions League win last season. His existing contract at Parc des Princes is understood to extend until 2027, but club bosses are keen to keep him beyond that. Michael Carrick’s performances as caretaker manager may prove to be enough to convince United to appoint him permanently. And if the Red Devils choose Enrique, his past record could cause problems for certain players in the team.
In April 2023, just before PSG took over as manager, The Coaches’ Voice examined Luis Enrique’s preferred formations and tactical approach. Nevertheless, as we have seen over the past two and a half years, he has shown adaptability depending on the players available.
The 55-year-old generally prefers a 4-3-3 formation for both club and country, but has indicated that he is ready to employ a back three if the situation demands it. What this means for United’s current squad…
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4-3-3 (Spanish style)
At Euro 2020 and at the 2022 World Cup with Spain, Luis Enrique preferred a 4-3-3. However, the composition of these aspects was not necessarily the same. In Qatar, possession-oriented Dani Olmo played wide and led to a 7-0 victory over Costa Rica. It was a stark contrast to the more direct players like Pablo Sarabia and Mikel Oyarzabal from the last tournament.
Returning to the 2022 approach, Bruno Fernandes could shift from midfield to a more advanced left-wing role. Matheus Cunha’s attributes also suit this system, but the major disruption that would result from Casemiro’s departure may not be welcomed.
Judging by United’s existing squad, this approach may require some new additions. Luis Enrique prefers a certain degree of defensive composure with his Spain squad, and used Rodri as a central defender at the 2022 World Cup.
Such an approach seems particularly suited to Lisandro Martínez, given his comfort on the ball and previous appearances as a defensive midfielder, while Nosair Mazraoui could be given a chance ahead of full-back Diogo Dalo, although players such as Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt may have concerns about their involvement in central defence.
This formation also includes Manuel Ugarte, but it is worth noting that the Uruguayan was unable to develop a rapport with his fellow PSG manager. There is a good chance he will be given another chance, but it seems more likely that a fresh player will be brought in to strengthen the center of the pitch.
Potential XI: Ramen. Mazraoui, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw. Ugarte, Mainu, Fernandez. Mbeumo, Sesco, Cunha
Luis Enrique could become Manchester United’s next manager (Image: Getty)
4-3-3 (PSG style)
The 4-3-3 he employs at PSG occasionally utilizes a false-9 system, and Ousmane Dembele flourished in that role during last season’s Champions League-winning campaign. In the final, Inter Milan were completely helpless against attacking threats, with Hviča Kvaratscheria and Desiree Due occupying wide positions.
One player whose position may come under scrutiny is Benjamin Sesco, who is suited to the role of Alvaro Morata, who was appointed by Spain coach Luis Enrique, while his closest counterpart in the PSG squad, Gonzalo Ramos, has mainly featured on the bench.
Luke Shaw is another player who will have a hard time getting a regular start. Luis Enrique prefers full-backs with boundless energy who can attack up and down the flanks, as Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi have proven, so the 30-year-old’s inconsistent fitness record may not be his go-to guy.
This could be a system that encourages Martinez to drop back into midfield to maintain balance as the full-backs rush forward. What would United give to have Casemiro in the squad for the 2022/23 season?
Potential XI: Ramen. Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Dorg. Martinez, Mainu, Fernandez. Mbeumo, Cunha, Amado
3-4-2-1
United’s side are quite used to a three-man defense courtesy of Ruben Amorim, even if the results haven’t always been good. The Portuguese manager will make securing Patrick Dorg and signing a new wing-back a priority when he takes over in 2024, and the Dane could well be Luis Enrique’s preferred option to fill the left wing-back position where Nuno Mendes excelled for a time in Ligue 1.
The manager changed his attacking strategy when placing three players at the back. However, two truly attacking support forwards are usually his choice, meaning a front three of Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesco remains a possibility.
This system was often used against lower-ranked opponents and encouraged a partnership between Koby Mainu and Bruno Fernandes, but Amorim decided it would not work in the Premier League. Judging by Luis Enrique’s track record, it seems likely that this formation will be used somewhat less often (if at all).
Potential XI: Ramen. Yoro, Maguire, Martinez. Amado, Mainu, Fernandes, Dorg. Mbeumo, Cunha. Sesco
Who is at risk?
As you can see, there are quite a few variations on the methods previously employed by Luis Enrique. The Premier League is very different to Ligue 1 or international football, so if a manager takes over, he is likely to prefer to experiment during pre-season to establish what works best.
Some positions will undoubtedly be addressed with new contracts, while others may already be eyeing an exit if the Spaniard takes over. Ugarte’s motivations are already well-documented, but De Ligt, Sesco, Shaw and Dalot could all have prospects that fade depending on the preferences of the next manager.
However, given the clear signs of progress he has shown throughout this season, one might expect Sesco to be the most likely to get a real chance to prove himself among that group.
