How Manchester United's improvement at both ends was built on a consistent three-way midfielder



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reUnder the reign of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager of Manchester United, it was refreshing to see the players whose career suddenly faded again become drummers of the world. Where José Mourinho reportedly complained and looked for alternatives, Solskjaer found solutions.

It's really easy to forget how much Nemanja Matic was recently ridiculed, Paul Pogba was the man United needed to get rid of – rather than Mourinho – and Ander Herrera was a partial player who could make a work – scoring Eden Hazard, but often loses in starting training against Fred or Marouane Fellaini.

Since he took office there are 13 games, Solskjaer has invigorated a whole team and he has done so with a consistent selection almost every week in his midfield.

Matic, Pogba and Herrera have made United's midfielder in 10 of those 13 matches. Matic and Pogba took two positions in all but one match – the FA Cup 2-0 win over Reading when a second full round was played.

The difference was striking. With Central Matic, Herrera on his right and Pogba on his left, the consistency of the selection was comfortable.

During Mourinho's reign, Pogba would have much to gain if he played on the left side of a three midfielder. Although he often played in this position, at least in theory, he would – willingly or forcibly – wander on the ground trying to do too many things on his own.

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