Tactical Philoshpy, Squad Analysis and Pathways
Lets get stuck into it. First thing I always do is determine how I want to play. Since 04/05 I've always played 2 different formations/styles of play. Around 13/14 I started dabbing in strikerless models. The 3 are
4-2-3-1/4-3-3 fast paced attacking
3-4-3 possession based
4-3-3-0 strikerless based on the magnificent work at Strikerless.com (dare to think outside the box)
For me, it just wouldn't feel right going to Manchester United and implementing a slow, European possession based philosophy. 4-2-3-1 is solid and would provide an excellent base. However, every second team I will come against the same formation. So let's dare to dream.
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Obviously it isn't going to be a cut and paste, but the idea will be the same. Will have to make some sort of tweaks, the first would be implementing a deeper line and playing with the player roles a bit, but this formation has always excited me.
Lets take a look at the first team squad
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As you can see, its a decent squad but does lack some depth. I like to apply a rule that I'm sure others also apply, which is called the "times 3" rule. I make sure that every position has 3 players able to play there. 3 different players. One first choice, one backup and one prospect. So if we play 2 centrebacks, we would need 3 for the LCB and 3 for the RCB. First thing I'm going to do is implement this. It also gives us a pretty good scope of our needs for the squad.
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Glaring hole in midfield as we don't have a starting midfielder to play along side one of Bruno/Pogba. I don't believe Tuanzbe and Williams to be 2nd choice yet, may change. Few prospects here and there need to be signed up but those aren't of real concern.
Lee Grant, Jesse Lingard and Phil Jones are deemed a surplus and will be moved on.
So for this transfer window, I believe we need the following
-LCB
-RCB
-LB
-CM
With CM taking huge priority over the rest.
Youth Pathways
Having a youth pathway I think is one of the most important things you can implement in your save. Having a structured system that each player has to go through, regardless of ability is a mainstay for some of the biggest academies in the world.
Each player needs to fulfill checklists before moving on to the next stage in the system.
This will be my Youth Pathway for Manchester United
-Each youth team to have 18 players in each. Best 11 +7 subs.
-Player must play a minimum of 1 full season in each team.
-Players who have graduated from U23 then must be sent to our affiliate in the Championship for 1 season.
-Players in the U23 who are talented, will join in on First team training sessions.
-Players at the age of 19 who haven't graduated from U23 will then be sent on loan.
-Maximum age for the U23 team is 21.
Till next time
Lets get stuck into it. First thing I always do is determine how I want to play. Since 04/05 I've always played 2 different formations/styles of play. Around 13/14 I started dabbing in strikerless models. The 3 are
4-2-3-1/4-3-3 fast paced attacking
3-4-3 possession based
4-3-3-0 strikerless based on the magnificent work at Strikerless.com (dare to think outside the box)
For me, it just wouldn't feel right going to Manchester United and implementing a slow, European possession based philosophy. 4-2-3-1 is solid and would provide an excellent base. However, every second team I will come against the same formation. So let's dare to dream.
Obviously it isn't going to be a cut and paste, but the idea will be the same. Will have to make some sort of tweaks, the first would be implementing a deeper line and playing with the player roles a bit, but this formation has always excited me.
Lets take a look at the first team squad
As you can see, its a decent squad but does lack some depth. I like to apply a rule that I'm sure others also apply, which is called the "times 3" rule. I make sure that every position has 3 players able to play there. 3 different players. One first choice, one backup and one prospect. So if we play 2 centrebacks, we would need 3 for the LCB and 3 for the RCB. First thing I'm going to do is implement this. It also gives us a pretty good scope of our needs for the squad.
Glaring hole in midfield as we don't have a starting midfielder to play along side one of Bruno/Pogba. I don't believe Tuanzbe and Williams to be 2nd choice yet, may change. Few prospects here and there need to be signed up but those aren't of real concern.
Lee Grant, Jesse Lingard and Phil Jones are deemed a surplus and will be moved on.
So for this transfer window, I believe we need the following
-LCB
-RCB
-LB
-CM
With CM taking huge priority over the rest.
Youth Pathways
Having a youth pathway I think is one of the most important things you can implement in your save. Having a structured system that each player has to go through, regardless of ability is a mainstay for some of the biggest academies in the world.
Each player needs to fulfill checklists before moving on to the next stage in the system.
This will be my Youth Pathway for Manchester United
-Each youth team to have 18 players in each. Best 11 +7 subs.
-Player must play a minimum of 1 full season in each team.
-Players who have graduated from U23 then must be sent to our affiliate in the Championship for 1 season.
-Players in the U23 who are talented, will join in on First team training sessions.
-Players at the age of 19 who haven't graduated from U23 will then be sent on loan.
-Maximum age for the U23 team is 21.
Till next time
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