Chelsea FC Vs. Manchester United, 2011 UEFA Champions League: United’s 4-2-3-1 That Isn’t

Though their lineup has never been listed as such, longtime viewers of Manchester United will know that when they line up in a 4-4-2, their lineup is not actually that in practice. Wayne Rooney likes to drop off of his strike partner, back into midfield, and this UEFA Champions League clash against Chelsea is no different. Javier Hernandez is the man leading the line, sitting on the back shoulder of the Chelsea back line, while Wayne Rooney drops into midfield. Additionally, Ryan Giggs is almost playing as a holder and a a deep lying playmaker rather than the box to box player that usually occupies that spot in a 4-4-2. So, United kind of play a de facto 4-2-3-1.

Chelsea have been the more lively and more dangerous side early. Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba look lively, while the Blues look like a team able to keep the ball if they want to, due to their narrow midfield and their lack of ball winners. Currently, despite their lack of attacking width, they’re doing a surprisingly good job of keeping United’s fullbacks from attacking.