Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed his preferred formation heading into the last nine games of the season, according to reports from the Express.

After experimenting for much of the campaign, Van Gaal now believes that the best formation for his side is the 4-3-3.

At the start of the season, the Dutch boss deployed a 3-5-2 set-up before changing to a 4-4-2 diamond midfield after some criticism from the fans.

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But, after their emphatic 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in their latest game, Van Gaal finally believes he found the best system for his current crop of players.

The former Bayern Munich boss explained in an exclusive interview for The Telegraph that using only one striker helps his side switch from attack to defence and vice-versa much more effectively.

He explained: “I am the most flexible manager you can imagine. When the players are coming with good arguments, I change my opinion.

"They need to have very good arguments. It is not so easy to convince me - that’s true. But when you convince me I change my opinion.

“Most of the players here think the manager is deciding that (change). I ask also the players which system they want to play. And then I ask individual players: ‘What’s your favourite position?’ First they don’t want to answer but now they are more open, and they answer.

"[4-4-2?] No. The fans are shouting it. I have played it but that was to do with accidental circumstances.

“The system we play now is the system that I prefer, that I have played everywhere. Yesterday (against Spurs) is my preferred system. When it is needed, then I play with five at the back.

"Yesterday was 4-3-3 when we had the ball. For example, Juan (Mata) more inside and (Ashley) Young outside. When we defend it was more 4-1-4-1 yesterday. Next game is different.”

United travel to Anfield to face an in-form Liverpool side this Sunday, with the Reds winning eight out of their last nine league games.

 

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