Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney suggests his former side must gamble ahead of their FA cup final against local rivals, Manchester City.
On Saturday, Wembley will host the all-Manchester encounter. And United can prevent City from trying to repeat their 1999 treble feat.
Pep Guardiola’s team won the Premier League title last week to claim their fifth league crown in six years. They are also billed to face Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final.
After defeating Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final, United are aiming to win a second trophy during Erik ten Hag’s first campaign as manager at Old Trafford.
The key question for the Red Devils before the FA Cup final is how Ten Hag chooses to set up his team. And Rooney thinks the Old Trafford coach can defeat the Cityzens by imitating Jose Mourinho’s success at Chelsea.
What Did Rooney Say On How Man United Should Set-Up?
Speaking to the Times, Rooney said: “How could they do it? Well, I think Erik ten Hag has to gamble a bit. What City have had so much of during the incredible run they’re on is control. Teams have put 11 men behind the ball against them, hoping to keep it tight.
“My strategy would be to go the other way and ask City to do something different. I’d try something similar to a tactic José Mourinho sometimes deployed in his first spell at Chelsea. Where he would get the likes of Joe Cole, Arjen Robben and Damien Duff to take up ‘half’ positions. Where they didn’t come all the way back and defend when Chelsea were out of possession.
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“United could do similar using Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial: defend with eight players and have those two waiting in counterattack positions. That would ask City different questions.
“Playing my way carries risks. But I feel you have to risk it against City and ask questions that force them to do something different. Gamble and they may punish you. But if you just sit back you’re going to get punished by them anyway. So why not take the initiative and try something?”
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