The Premier League thread

As the Manchester United manager, I'd aim to create a balanced team that plays dynamic, attacking football while maintaining defensive solidity. I’d focus on a high-pressing game with an emphasis on quick transitions and creative play in the final third. Given the squad's strengths, I'd likely go with a 4-2-3-1 formation, which offers defensive security with two holding midfielders, while allowing freedom for the front four to attack.
Starting XI (4-2-3-1 Formation):
Goalkeeper:

André Onana
Onana is excellent with the ball at his feet, which is crucial for building out from the back. His shot-stopping abilities are solid, and his sweeping skills help the high defensive line.

Right Back:

Aaron Wan-Bissaka
I’d opt for Wan-Bissaka in games where defensive stability is more important. He excels in 1v1 defending, and I’d encourage him to improve his attacking contribution. In matches where more offensive threat is needed, Diogo Dalot could be an alternative.

Center Backs:

Raphaël Varane
Varane’s experience, leadership, and pace make him the ideal leader of the defense. His ability to anticipate and read the game is key to stopping counter-attacks.

Lisandro Martínez
A ball-playing defender who’s aggressive and tenacious in challenges. His ability to step into midfield with the ball helps with overloads and maintaining possession.

Left Back:

Luke Shaw
Shaw offers balance between attack and defense. He’s strong going forward with crosses and overlapping runs, while also being solid defensively.

Holding Midfielders (Double Pivot):

Casemiro
Casemiro’s experience, defensive awareness, and leadership are invaluable. He shields the backline and wins crucial midfield battles while distributing the ball effectively.

Sofyan Amrabat
His energy, tenacity, and ability to progress the ball make him a perfect partner for Casemiro. He can also drop deep to form a back three when the fullbacks push forward.

Attacking Midfield Three:

Right Wing: Bruno Fernandes
I’d push Bruno Fernandes to the right flank but give him the freedom to drift inside. This allows for more central creativity while leaving space for the overlapping right-back. He’s also a pressing machine and key playmaker.

Central Attacking Midfielder: Mason Mount
Mount can play in the No. 10 role, bringing high energy, creativity, and relentless pressing. He can link play between the midfield and attack, while also taking up advanced positions to score.

Left Wing: Marcus Rashford
Rashford is best utilized cutting inside from the left wing. His pace, directness, and goal-scoring ability are vital to our attacking threat, especially on the counter.

Striker: Rasmus Højlund

Højlund provides physical presence and is excellent at pressing from the front. His movement off the ball creates space for the attacking midfielders to exploit, and he’s an aerial threat in the box.
Key Tactics:

High Press: With Bruno, Mount, and Rashford leading the press, the team can force errors high up the pitch. Casemiro and Amrabat provide the structure behind to win second balls.

Fluid Attack: The front four (Bruno, Mount, Rashford, Højlund) have the freedom to rotate, which can unsettle opposition defenses. Rashford cutting inside, Shaw overlapping, and Bruno drifting into central spaces creates overloads.

Quick Transitions: When the ball is won, we aim for rapid transitions through the middle, often utilizing Rashford’s pace and Højlund’s hold-up play.

This setup balances United's defensive needs while maximizing their attacking potential.

Forest lost to a very soft penalty that the referee initially didn't give but was sent to the screen for, then in a very similar incident at the other end was not sent to the screen - where's the consistency?