Manchester United's new tactical plan, devised by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has been questioned.
Solskjaer was set to make a move for the new season, with Raphael Varane on the verge of joining from Real Madrid for an initial £34 million fee.
The arrival of the French centre-back gives United's back line a lot more athleticism, and his ability to cut-out counter-attacks means United will be able to take more risks.
Last season, Solskjaer's team scored a number of goals on the counter attack, forcing the opposition to commit before exploiting their pace with their forwards rather than breaking them down.
The Red Devils could've afforded to push higher and add an extra attacker with Varane partnering Harry Maguire instead of the steady but limited Victor Lindelof - but their plan has already been thwarted.
The Norwegian coach, who recently signed a new three-year contract with the club, was said to be ready to ditch the divisive midfield duo of Fred and Scott McTominay.
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One of them was expected to be dropped, with Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes completing a midfield trio in a 4-3-3 formation to replace the tried-and-true 4-2-3-1.
However, due to an injury to another key player, Pogba may be forced into a different role.
Marcus Rashford will have surgery on his shoulder, which has been bothering him for much of the past year, it was announced on Friday.
That means Pogba will play on the left wing, where he was so effective towards the end of the season, and Rashford will play on the right, where he struggled to make an impact.
Mason Greenwood, with his two-footed ability, is a much more natural right-winger, and Jadon Sancho spent four years at Borussia Dortmund primarily on that side.
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He did, however, play on the left in his final few games for the German champions, and Daniel James or Anthony Elanga could step in.
Although some expect £73 million signing Sancho to start on the left and Greenwood on the right, Solskjaer is known for taking a more cautious approach to lineups.
So, when United hosts Leeds on Saturday, August 14, for the start of their Premier League season, 'McFred' could be back in the middle at Old Trafford.
Fred has yet to return to pre-season training after helping Brazil to the Copa America final, but he has been a first-choice regular under the 48-year-old manager following a resurgence in form last season, particularly in big games.
After United's 2-2 friendly tie with Brentford, Solskjaer hinted that the signing of Varane could change the way the Red Devils play.
"First and foremost, the club has showed ambition by bringing in one of the most exciting young forwards in the world [Sancho] as well as one of the most respected and successful centre-backs in the world," he stated.
"Of course, we have different methods of playing with him [Varane], and I can imagine different ways of playing with Raphael."
"I can't wait to get him in, and hopefully we'll be able to get that taken care of as quickly as possible."
"From what I know, the club is working on the shortest possible option to get everything sorted," Solskjaer said after Wednesday's match when asked when the agreement would be finalized.
"I don't have a timeframe for it yet; of course, there is a visa need for entry into England, as well as quarantining."
"Everything must be completed as quickly as possible, but according to the book."
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