Is 4-3-3 working?

[Linz]

For me, I think the answer would be no.

A fluid midfield working properly could confuse the opposition to our benefit, but at the moment, all it's doing is confusing ourselves. Our midfield players haven't got a clue where they're meant to be and who is supposed to be doing what.

 

[SotonBlade]

i said as much on a post on BU last night, this change has made the goals dry up, need to move back to 442, swap Sharp for webber and stick Stokes on the right, squinny on the left howard and spring in the middle.

 

[Bladesman]

Nope it isn't working.

It seems we pose less of a threat going forward.

 

[Oughti-blade]

I for one like to see an attack minded 4-3-3. The important bit at the minute is that we are not conceding(lowest in division). So for me i would continue on the 4-3-3 and just wait for it to click. We have new players in the middle at the moment(which most wanted) and i suppose due to the amount of matches we have been playing recentley they do not do a lot in training so give then time and i'm sure they'll gel.Onwards and upwards fellow blades...

 

[Linz]

I for one like to see an attack minded 4-3-3.

See, that for me is the thing. 4-3-3 ought to be an attacking formation but we seem to be unable to score at the moment with too many players getting around the box but no one wanting to take responsibility for a final ball.

I am pleased with having the best defence in the league, but if we want to go up, we have to score goals too.

 

[BV]

Nope, quinn and webber out for me, 4-4-2 with stokes up front and dyer and cotts on the wings.

It's easy this management lark.

 

[The One]

Not sure why people are saying Stokes should start infront of Webber.

Webber had a much better game than Stokes....again.

 

[sufcmax]

I'd definitely move it back to 4-4-2 next game now. Bring Sharp back in. To me, United playing 4-3-3 just feels...wrong, but at least we have been solid at the back.

 

[SRBlade]

Once the players get used to it i reckon it will work.

Spring said in the week that the players only had 1 session working on 4-3-3 in training. Also said the players were a little unsure as to who goes forward and who drops back.

Possibly play Speed there instead of Quinn/Spring or Howard when his ban takes place (I think he is banned) and get Speed to drop off when others are going forward.

It may well click together soon and we find ourselves winning 3 or 4 nil

 

[jodman]

In Dyer and Cotterill we have 2 out and out wingers on our books so i would expect us to revert back to a 4-4-2 sooner rather then later.

The problem is that both of the afore mentioned players are right sided so we may still lack balance on the left but that could give us the perfect opportunity to keep switching our wide men to unsettle the full backs.

 

[BV]

Not sure why people are saying Stokes should start infront of Webber.

Webber had a much better game than Stokes....again.

Because I'd like to see us play with wingers getting to the byline and getting balls into the box. I think Stokes would be more suited to playing up front in that role than webber. Nothing to do with last nights performance.

 

[The One]

Because I'd like to see us play with wingers getting to the byline and getting balls into the box. I think Stokes would be more suited to playing up front in that role than webber. Nothing to do with last nights performance.

Fair enough.

I would go on performances though.

 

[keenzy]

Although sharp hasn't been banging them in, i think we look alot stronger playing 4-4-2 with him up front. He holds the ball up well and we look alot more likely to score.

 

[jose_d_blade]

id like to see sharp given a chance in the centre of a 443
hed be good at holding the ball to allow wide players to cut in
not to mention bt looks a little fatigued im sure sharp wouldn’t take long to score

 

[BV]

I can't see how people critisise Cotts for not performing over a few games this season but would like to see Billy Sharp, performed once since signing for us, is still seen as an answer. Everytime i've seen him he looks slow, weak and out of his depth.

 

[keenzy]

Everytime i've seen him he looks slow, weak and out of his depth.

Pretty much how cotterill has been playing TBH

 

[BV]

Pretty much how cotterill has been playing TBH

I'll give you weak and out of his depth but will have to pull you up on slow

 

[The One]

I can't see how people critisise Cotts for not performing over a few games this season but would like to see Billy Sharp, performed once since signing for us, is still seen as an answer. Everytime i've seen him he looks slow, weak and out of his depth.

Come on that's a bit harsh. He's played atleast 3 good games for us.

 

[bricktop]

If 4-3-3 is going to become the formation i would seriously think about using Squinny differently.

I'd go with Kenny as keeper, a back four of Naughton, Naysmith and 2 of Ehiogu, Killa and Mrogan

A central three of Speed, Spring and Sun, and then Squinny and Cotterill or Dyer playing off Beattie

 

[BV]

If 4-3-3 is going to become the formation i would seriously think about using Squinny differently.

I'd go with Kenny as keeper, a back four of Naughton, Naysmith and 2 of Ehiogu, Killa and Mrogan

A central three of Speed, Spring and Sun, and then Squinny and Cotterill or Dyer playing off Beattie

No room for Howard?

 

[jodman]

Pretty much how cotterill has been playing TBH

The difference being that sharp has had a prolonged run in the side, has been given the full backing of the manager and can do no wrong in the eyes of the majority.

 

[SRBlade]

I was thinknign we could use a front 2, but with someone running in the space between the the oppositions defence and midfield.

Possibly;

Kenny

Naughton Morgs Ugo Sun

Spring Speed Squinn (Howard is banned for 1 game and then not able to play v Dingles)

--- Webber
Beattie - Sharp

 

[keenzy]

The difference being that sharp has had a prolonged run in the side, has been given the full backing of the manager and can do no wrong in the eyes of the majority.

perhaps he's had a longer run as he's put more into the team than cotterill.

Play well and keep your shirt. Cotterill has had a good 45 mins this season so far, and at the minute webber is doing better than him.

 

[SotonBlade]

Fair point there Cotts has only had one good half.

Although, i think he needs a long run in the side to get any form, and he's not getting that at the moment

 

[The One]

Fair point there Cotts has only had one good half.

Although, i think he needs a long run in the side to get any form, and he's not getting that at the moment

To be honest I don't agree. He's a professional footballer who earns a heap load of money. He should be able to perform without a decent run in the side.
I know you'll say, "yeah but then he'll get upto speed with things and play better".

He's a fit lad and faster than most, so why doesn't he use it to his advantage?

 

[keenzy]

he's only about 20/21 isnt he?

he dosen't need a run in the side to know not to stand still when we are attacking. He needs to move around more and make space.