United’s Emergency Reshuffle: The Hidden Gameplan Against Everton

With Højlund sidelined, Ten Hag isn’t just changing personnel – he’s revolutionizing United’s entire approach through an innovative 3-4-2-1 system that could redefine their season.

The Defensive Revolution

The shift to three at the back isn’t about caution – it’s about speed. Kambwala’s inclusion offers something unique: a defender who can step into midfield. Training ground sources reveal specific drills focused on him carrying the ball through Everton’s first pressing line.

Mainoo’s New Mission

Without Højlund’s pressing from the front, Mainoo has been practicing a new “shadow striker” role in training. This positions him higher than ever, essentially creating a 3-1-3-2-1 in attack. It’s a role no one’s seen at United since Paul Scholes’ later years.

The Garnacho Experiment

Moving Garnacho to wingback might seem defensive – it’s actually the opposite. Data from United’s analysis team shows Everton’s right side leaves 40% more space in transition. Garnacho’s new role exploits this specifically.

Bruno’s False Position

Team training has focused on Bruno Fernandes playing what coaches call the “invisible striker” role – neither midfielder nor forward, but a constant moving target that Everton’s man-marking system can’t track.

The Antony Adjustment

As the central forward, Antony won’t play as a traditional 9. Instead, he’s been practicing what United’s coaches call “the carousel” – a constant rotating movement pattern designed to create space for Rashford’s diagonal runs.

The Substitution Strategy

The bench holds the real tactical surprise. United have prepared specific “pattern-breaking” substitutions, with players drilling completely different roles than their usual positions.

Risk vs Innovation

This isn’t just a formation change – it’s Ten Hag’s most daring tactical experiment yet. Training ground insiders reveal the manager believes this could become United’s primary system if successful.