United get caught out on defence by teams running the 433 Formation

It was an eventful day at Kings Power Stadium.  Controversies left right an Centre, 2 penalties being given, while the second was fair, the first was utterly ridiculous.  While on the sidelines, Van Gaal's choice of substitution was also questionable.  But most bizarre of all, was Manchester United's defence as the back 4 barely got a header through the entirety of the game, often being caught out by stronger and faster players.

Tyler Blackett was struggling all day, getting out muscled off the ball and failed to clear the danger more often than not.   Marcos Rojo was beat at the byline and Jonny Evans made the mistake of ball watching which led to a near post header that put Leicaster back into the match.  Rafael was also barged off the ball on multiple occasions.

Louis Van Gaal's substitution of Juan Mata for Angel Di Maria was questionable, it was even rumoured that there was a fallout between one United player and Van Gaal.  It's certainly a head scratcher when considering the impact Di Maria had on the match, providing a goal and an assist.  Also considering that Juan Mata needs needs runners in order to be effective, there was no reason why Di Maria should be the player coming off.  The play that should have gone off at that time was Wayne Rooney, with Falcao already on the bench, Robin Van Persie would have been the instinctive finisher.  Putting Januzaj up top would have further enhanced the team's pace.

To counter the 433, Van Gaal should implement the 4341, with Mata in the hole, Di Maria on the left, Januzaj on the right.  Rooney dropping deep next to Herrera.  Rojo will play centre back, replacing the suspended Blackett.  Smalling with play right centru back, while Rafael will play right full back.  It would look something like this.

With Di Maria moving out wide, Rooney is the ideal candidate to play at central defensive midfield.  Van Persie is still the player that is most likely to be dropped.  Januzaj is a winger with pace, something United desperately need at the moment.  Herrera has shown over the past 2 matches that he has the physical tools to cope with the Premier League and would be able to control the tempo of the match.  Which is an ability United lost since Paul Scholes retired.

With two defensive midfielders, it would allow United to get in a better position to track back, defend the counter attack and regain possession of the ball.  Marcos Rojo at centre half will provide the physicality Manchester United needs, maintaining shape allowing Rafael and Shaw to support Rooney and Herrera.  This would relieve  pressure from the central midfield allow the ball to be moved up the pitch efficiantly.  When defending, Di Maria and Januzaj could sit back and form a 4411 

United need a formation that could allow players to always stay behind the ball defensively, if they could do that, I am sure the club would return to their winning ways against the 433 in the near future.