How Man Utd would line up under Simone Inzaghi

Cameron Smith

30 Sept 2024 17:30 BST
4 min read

Simone Inzaghi is reportedly one of the favourites to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

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The Dutchman is under intense pressure at Old Trafford after a poor start to the new campaign and reports have suggested that Inzaghi could be chosen as his successor.

Ten Hag still has the full backing of the Man Utd hierarchy, as per Fabrizio Romano and The Telegraph, and he will still be in charge for this week’s fixtures against FC Porto and Aston Villa.

READ MORE: Why Man Utd CAN'T sack Ten Hag

But, he could potentially be sacked if results don’t improve soon.

Inzaghi is among the contenders to replace Ten Hag, although it remains to be seen if the Italian is willing to leave Inter Milan in order to join Man Utd.

However, if Ten Hag is sacked and Inzaghi is appointed as his replacement, how would Man Utd line up?

How Man Utd would line up under Simone Inzaghi

Inzaghi is one of the best managers in world football and he has helped turn Inter into genuine Champions League challengers over the past few years.

However, his potential arrival at Man Utd would shake a few things up.

A key reason why is because Inzaghi favours a 3-5-2 system. He has played this formation at both Lazio and Inter, and while Antonio Conte has recently reverted away from his tried-and-trusted back three at Napoli, it’s unlikely Inzaghi would follow suit.

As a result, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo and Antony could all face the prospect of becoming bit-part players at Old Trafford.

© IMAGO - Marcus Rashford could lose out if Simone Inzaghi joins Man Utd

Rashford certainly has the ability to play in a front two, while Garnacho could adapt to that role, but Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee would potentially be utilised as a strike partnership by Inzaghi.

Luke Shaw is perennially injured, but remains first-choice on the left, and Diogo Dalot is arguably a better fit at right-wing-back than Noussair Mazraoui.

Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte could become the latest midfield crop to enjoy a renaissance under Inzaghi, while a back three would suit Lisandro Martinez.

The ex-Ajax man would likely be accompanied by Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt at the back, with Andre Onana maintaining his place in between the sticks.