The merits of the quarterback role
Manchester United interim coach Ralf Rangnick admits he feels Nemanja Matic performed well in a 'quarterback role' during the 3-1 win over Burnley at Old Trafford.
The Reds ended the year in positive fashion by securing the success with three first-half goals and Scott McTominay, who got the opener, deservedly won our Man of the Match award.
The Scotland international was one of two deeper midfielders in the 4-2-2-2 formation deployed by the German but had the licence to move forward to join the attack, which he did to great effect on several occasions. Indeed, he was denied by two outstanding saves by Wayne Hennessey, the first of which led to Cristiano Ronaldo prodding in the rebound.
'We met the demands of energy and physicality'
In our interview, Ralf explains why he was pleased by a much-improved performance against Burnley...
"It was important to have six fresh players on the pitch," said Ralf. "I think it paid off. The right players in the right positions.
"It was important to have every player in his best possible position and that's why we decided to play Jadon [Sancho] from the left and Mason [Greenwood] from the right and two strikers up front.
"We decided to play with the two 'sixes' as we did. To have Nemanja in the team, as a sort of quarterback player, who can calm the play down and play passes from that position. And Scotty's energy on the pitch is contagious. That was an extremely good performance by Scotty today.
"He [McTominay] played in a 4-4-2 defensively and a 4-2-4 offensively. Therefore, it was important to have him and Nemanja as the two 'sixes' playing together."
Fred, another option in midfield, came on in the dying seconds of the victory and, with Donny van de Beek also among the substitutes, it will be interesting to see the team selection for our next outing, the opening game of 2022, when we take on Wolves at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes will be available again after serving his one-game suspension.