Ralf Rangnick explains why Manchester United changed to 4-3-3 formation

Ralf Rangnick has suggested Manchester United will continue in a 4-3-3 formation for the remainder of the season now Paul Pogba has returned from injury.

When Rangnick took over in early December United switched to a 4-2-2-2 system which was abandoned when they lost 1-0 to Wolves at the start of January. United reverted to a more conventional 4-2-3-1 for the next game against Aston Villa in the FA Cup before transitioning to a 4-3-3 at Villa Park in the Premier League five days later.

United have started in a 4-3-3 in their last five matches and not lost a game in normal time, while their dominance has been noticeable, albeit often restricted to one half.

Pogba, Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes are certain to start together for the third match running against Southampton on Saturday as Fred is still isolating with Covid-19 and Nemanja Matic has a shin injury.

When asked if he regretted not adopting 4-3-3 straightaway, Rangnick replied: "No, because this was something that we had to find out. Paul Pogba is only available since two weeks ago but also Fred can play on that number eight position.

"To start with, it was logical to stick to the formation that they were used to and that the team has played before. As you know in the first game against Crystal Palace and against Norwich we played in a 4-2-2-2, quite like Southampton is playing, but once we realised for all our players - Bruno, Fred, Paul Pogba - it would fit better to their strengths to play in an eight position, we did that.

"I think this is the right formation for us, where most of the players or all of the players play in their best possible position."

Rangnick felt United lost their shape after Burnley equalised on Tuesday night and said Pogba and