Man United scheme for Julen Lopetegui – new formation and the role of Cristiano Ronaldo

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Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui has emerged as one of the main contenders to succeed Ralf Rangnick as Manchester United boss – his appointment would boost Cristiano Ronaldo

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Manchester United are intensifying their search for their next permanent manager to be appointed this summer.

Ralf Rangnick is the interim manager at Old Trafford until the end of the current season after he replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in December.

The German will take on a two-year advisory role at the club after this season to help the club transition towards a new, long-term approach.

United will begin the process of deciding on a permanent position in the coming weeks, taking into account Mauricio Pochettino, Eric ten Hag, Luis Enrique and Julen Lopetegui.

These are the details mentioned by Athletic, with Spain coach Luis Enrique and his predecessor Lopetegui, currently in charge of Sevilla, said to be admired among the United hierarchy.

Have your say! Will Lopetegui be a good date for Manchester United? Tell us what you think here.

Lopetegui has previously held leadership positions at Porto, Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, but what will he achieve in the role of Old Trafford?

This is Lopetegui’s scheme and what a move to United could be like.

New formation Lopetegui has a specific way of how his teams are formed and how he wants them to play (

picture:

Palestinian Authority)

United’s squad has varied this season. Solskjaer favored a 4-2-3-1 system before returning to 3-5-2 in the final weeks of his reign.

Under Rangnick, the side wobbled through a few ways with the 4-2-2-2 and 4-2-3-1 setup leaving the system of choice in recent weeks.

The Lopetegui system is basically a 4-3-3 – one that hasn’t been used with any regularity in recent seasons.

It’s a setup that focuses on defensive solidity from the midfield and relies on high output from attackers – in a similar way to Liverpool.

The Importance of the Show The production of Luke Shaw’s attack has increased exponentially in the past 12 months

As with the Reds led by Jurgen Klopp, the importance of defenders is critical to Lopetegui’s approach to play while encouraging both to blast forward.

Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are key attacking players for Liverpool while the same applies to Sevilla under Lopetegui.

And the Andalusian side’s victory in the Europa League in 2020 saw the crucial roles of Jesus Navas and Sergio Reguilon, who were encouraged to move on regularly.

This could be bad news for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, whose offensive credentials have been criticized, and would make the likes of Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot and Alex Telles especially important.

Perfect for Declan Rice Declan Rice was the standout player for West Ham in their defeat at Old Trafford on Saturday (

picture:

OLI SCARFF / AFP)

Because of Lopetegui’s insistence on attacking full-backs, the deepest lie of the midfield trio often returns to the center of the defence.

This is a particularly critical role as this will push both central defenders into a slightly wider range and will act as the main link between defense and midfield.

The role he played in Seville has been played by former Man City midfielder Fernando and United’s main transfer priority in this summer transfer window is a player in that mold.

Declan Rice of West Ham is a name frequently associated and that will make a lot of sense in this system – the England international excels in interceptions, positioning, ball carrying and playing from behind.

Playing from behind Varane and Maguire feel comfortable playing the ball from defense (

picture:

Getty Images)

Speaking of which, Lopetegui insists that his side build their attacks from deep and be patient with the ball.

This puts the onus on defenders to be comfortable with the ball at their feet – and that goes for Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof.

There is an emphasis on rhythm and interconnected passing high up on the pitch, but Lopetegui prioritizes his team to dominate both possession and position on the pitch.

This organized approach means that United will be encouraged to spend their time on the ball and think more about their passes, rather than rushing to make decisions and playing on instinct.

Ronaldo strengthens Cristiano Ronaldo will play an important role in Lopetegui’s system

Lopetegui’s insistence on the full-back going forward is linked to his desire for a powerful delivery inside the penalty area to the central striker.

His side in Seville are a huge free-kick threat – something United were not like in this campaign – and the quality of delivery in the penalty area is very important to him.

Somewhat controversial, Lopetegui put a great deal of faith in Luuk de Jong – the striker who lacked mobility but was a threat in the air, could stop play and create space for himself in the penalty area.

This is the role that fits Cristiano Ronaldo, whose aerial threat will allow him to thrive on this new approach.

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