Tuesday, 29th July, 2014
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has insisted that his side are looking forward to playing in a new formation under Louis van Gaal.
The 62-year-old, who guided the Netherlands to the third spot at the 2014 World Cup, deployed the 3-5-2 system in Brazil.
Manchester United have played in the same formation in their two pre-season matches so far, against LA Galaxy and Roma.
And Smalling, who started against the MLS outfit as a right-sided centre-back in a trio with Phil Jones and Jonny Evans, explained that he likes the new formation over the 4-4-2 system as it provides the defenders ample freedom to play in an aggressive manner.
"We were very much looking forward to playing the system", the defender explained to his club’s official site.
relatedNewsStory
"We obviously saw Holland’s success [at the World Cup] in the summer and that gives us a lot of confidence that we can pick it up and do a good job.
"I probably like this system more than the traditional 4-4-2 because it gives us a lot of freedom to play and be aggressive. As a defender I’d like to think that’s my game."
Manchester United, who edged out Roma 3-2 in the International Champions Cup at the weekend, will next play Inter Milan tomorrow before facing Real Madrid on 2nd August.
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
