Sir Alex Ferguson has generally favored 4-4-2 as his Manchester United formation throughout his tenure at Old Trafford.
He has been known to switch to 4-5-1 when his side face a difficult match, often away from home, against one of their major rivals.
But 4-4-2 is United’s default setting, with youngster David de Gea generally selected in goal.
4: Defense
Ferguson has no shortage of alternatives in defense, with several of his players versatile enough to play in more than one position.This is the case with Chris Smalling, who, although prefers to play in the center, can operate very effectively at right-back. Rafael da Silva is another option for that position, and his twin Fabio can also play there.
Nemanja Vidic is the undisputed first choice central defender. The club captain has never been afraid to put his head in where boots are flying, and is one of the first names on Ferguson’s team sheet. Rio Ferdinand has been his partner for several years, but injuries have meant Ferguson needing to find alternatives. In Smalling, and another England youngster Phil Jones, he has these. Jonny Evans is another that Ferguson turns to, but generally when others are injured.
The fiery Patrice Evra is the first choice at left-back. One of the best attacking full-backs in the world, the Frenchman has been a key presence in the defense since joining from Monaco in 2006. Fabio is Ferguson’s main alternative in that position.
3: Midfield
Nani, after taking a couple of seasons to find his feet at Old Trafford, is now a regular on the right of midfield. His pace, trickery and explosive shot means he is the player most similar in style to Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo. Antonio Valencia is a harder working alternative on the right, while the versatile Park Ji-Sung can play on the right, left or center of midfield and is often selected by Ferguson when the Scot wants to contain the opposition.In the center of midfield, Ferguson has a variety of different players to call upon. Darren Fletcher is one of Ferguson’s best midfield tacklers, an expert at upsetting the opposition’s rhythm. Michael Carrick and Anderson are better passers of the ball, but can contribute defensively when called upon. Tom Cleverley looks as though he has the potential to be an England international for many years, and made his United breakthrough in the 2011-12 season after a successful season on loan at Wigan. In his advancing years, Ryan Giggs has played less on the left and more in the center, lacking the pace to beat players on a regular basis. Darron Gibson and Jones are other options for Ferguson if injuries are taking their toll. Generally Ferguson will play one defensive midfielder and another more adept at going forward.
On the left of midfield, Ashley Young is the first choice. Excellent in one-on-one situations, Young loves to cut in and cross or shoot with his right foot. Giggs and Nani provide competition for Young’s place on the left.
3: Attack
Wayne Rooney is the main man up-front. One of the best strikers in the world, Rooney can play as an out-and-out striker, or behind the main frontman. One of Danny Welbeck or Javier Hernandez is usually favored to partner Rooney, who will play just in behind. Hernandez is perhaps the best finisher at the club.Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen are next in line, but Ferguson usually opts for two from Rooney, Hernandez and Welbeck.
