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Three Ways Man Utd Could Line Up With Cristiano Ronaldo This Season

Three Ways Man Utd Could Line Up With Cristiano Ronaldo This Season

We take a look at three ways Manchester United could line up with Cristiano Ronaldo this season.

Twelve years after swapping England for Spain, Manchester United pulled off the near-unthinkable by bringing Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford.

Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently hailed the 36-year-old as “the world’s greatest ever” player, but many have been left wondering how he will fit into his star-studded side.

Already at his disposal, the Norwegian tactician has flexible options for his attack, with Mason Greenwood firing on all cylinders, Jadon Sancho now fully fit and Marcus Rashford nearing a return from injury.

Manchester United pulled off the near-unthinkable by bringing Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club
Manchester United pulled off the near-unthinkable by bringing Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club

Ironically, United have been looking for a long-term replacement for Edinson Cavani, 34, but have instead brought in Ronaldo, nearing his 37th birthday. 

With that said, we take a look at three ways United could line up after Solskjaer completed an astonishing deal for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

4-3-3

This 4-3-3 formation line-up might look a bit heavy up top, but United's strongest starting 11 - especially when everyone is fit - looks like a terrifying prospect for opposition defenders.

Since hitting his 30s, Ronaldo is no longer the speedy winger he once was at United those 12 years ago and has instead matured into a lethal centre-forward.

On the face of it, the Portuguese phenomenon has, almost certainly, been signed to lead the line with Sancho and Rashford providing support from the flanks.

When coupled with Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes creating chances, United could have an attacking force that they have craved for years.

How Ronaldo would line up in a 4-3-3 formation
How Ronaldo would line up in a 4-3-3 formation

4-2-3-1

Should there be matches that require a little more caution, then a 4-2-3-1 would also work brilliantly with Ronaldo leading the line.

This formation could also see Pogba be positioned on the left flank, where he has played his best football over the last year -making room for Fred to join Scott McTominay in the midfield.

It would also Fernandes to play further up the pitch and closer to Ronaldo, allowing the pair to rekindle the relationship they have in the Portuguese national side.

How Ronaldo would line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation
How Ronaldo would line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation

3-4-1-2

As United improved last season, Solskjaer stopped using the back-three formation as it was clear his team were good enough to no longer have to sit back and defend.

Even more interestingly, especially following Ronaldo's arrival, is that it could see him play in a front two rather than being the lone striker.

While Sancho, Rashford, Cavani or Anthony Martial could all play there, how great would it be to see young Greenwood playing alongside him?

How Ronaldo would line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation
How Ronaldo would line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation
Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer