article_snippet: the Paul Merson/Scholes pairing in my team or two of Adam Lallana, Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling for December — have the freedom to get wide, to move in front of wing-backs or to go inside into positions that threaten in the box.
article_snippet: Manchester United, with the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans, have not succeeded because them are not comfortable in possession under pressure.
article_snippet: The likes of Chris Smalling (above) and Jonny Evans are not accomplished enough on the ball .
article_snippet: They played one holding player against Southampton — and having Carrick back in that role really makes a difference — with Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini as the inside right and left.
article_snippet: Juan Mata and Ashley Young played so wide Juan Mata and Ashley Young reminded me of Finidi George and Marc Overmars in Van Gaal
article_snippet: Juan Mata had to stay wide, which is not Juan Mata natural game, but that gave space to inside forwards.
article_snippet: But United must ensure an extra player drops in deep alongside Carrick, especially in that opening 20 minutes.
article_snippet: At the right time you can press with three players in attacking positions through Wayne Rooney, Ander Herrera and Fellaini.
article_snippet: But initially I would drop players deep and tell Wayne Rooney to save Wayne Rooney energy for the times when United have the ball.
article_snippet: Ashley Young and Juan Mata played so wide against Tottenham just like Marc Overmars and Finidi George did for Ajax under Van Gaal .