Bruno Fernandes On The Bench? | Here’s How Manchester United Could Line Up Under Antonio Conte

Manchester United’s 5-0 loss to arch-rivals Liverpool has brought things crashing down for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as significant discussions were held within the club over his future at Old Trafford.

The Norwegian coach has been in such tight situations over the years, but with the quality of squad he has at his disposal this season, the pressure seems to be more than ever.

United fans from across the globe have already started their search for potential candidates to replace Solskjaer, and it’s no surprise that former Inter manager Antonio Conte is at the top of the list. A serial winner who has won numerous trophies at the club level, Conte has the potential to turn things around immediately at Old Trafford.

As revealed by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano on October 26, the Italian tactician is all set to accept the offer if it comes in.

‘There’s no doubt on Antonio Conte decision since days. He wants Manchester United job and he’d be ready to accept. But there’s still no official proposal on the table, as things stand tonight. #MUFC

Manchester United are still thinking whether sacking or not Solskjaer.’ – Tweeted the journalist.

Here, in this article, we look at how Manchester United might line up under the stewardship of Antonio Conte.

The Italian gaffer will probably opt for his usual 3-4-3 formation with several tweaks from the current set-up. Jadon Sancho might get the nod over Mason Greenwood in attack, whereas the Scott McTominay-Fred partnership at the centre of the park might be binned on a permanent basis.

Defence

David de Gea is certainly expected to continue with his role between the sticks as United’s number one. The Spanish shot-stopper has been in blistering form this season, and under Conte’s defensive set-up, he might finally start securing some clean sheets.

In United’s defence, Harry Maguire (left-centre back) will continue to form the centre-half partnership with Victor Lindelof (right centre-half).

Raphael Varane will slot in at the heart of United’s backline.

Midfield

Luke Shaw is a guaranteed starter at the left wing-back position, whereas Diogo Dalot might get the nod over Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the other flank as the right wing-back.

The Mc-Fred partnership has been horrific for United over the years, and Antonio Conte might as well put an end to this misery by reducing them to mere off-the-bench options.

Nemanja Matic could be asked to fill in until and unless the club signs a new defensive midfielder. On the other hand, Paul Pogba seems to be the best player to slot in as the central midfielder.  Capable of playing a wide array of passes, the France international could turn out to be an integral part of Conte’s set-up at Manchester United.

Attack

As surprising as it might sound, Bruno Fernandes seems set for a place on the bench, with Jadon Sancho likely to take the creative role in the front three.

Conte would not prefer three out and out shooters in Marcus Rashford, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mason Greenwood, so deploying Jadon Sancho down the right flank might solve two problems at one go.