Ole Gunner Solskaer’s decision to revert to a back three in the 3-0 victory over Tottenham felt like one that was made not through want, but rather necessity.
The move isn’t a cure-all for Manchester United's issues, yet it was a big factor in Solskjaer securing both a positive result and indeed a solid defensive display against Spurs on Saturday evening.
For the first time this season, a United opponent failed to register a single shot on goal. Furthermore, only Leeds United registered a lower Expected Goals Against (xGA) total than the Londoners' 0.7.
Far from out of the woods yet, such a display could persuade Solskjaer to maintain the 3-5-2 formation in upcoming fixtures versus Atalanta and Manchester City.
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