Manchester United could unleash new strike partnership to get their season back on track

Erik ten Hag is certain his side will be 'fine' despite their difficult start to the new campaign, but there is still a feeling Manchester United might need to mix things up if they are to get their season back on track after the international break.

Although there have been glimpses of real promise in their opening three matches of the season, the same old problems have also been present. Even if Ten Hag is adamant they have not.

While United's midfield was the biggest issue in their dismal defeat to Liverpool last weekend, another key issue so far this campaign has been the abundance of missed opportunities in front of goal. United have missed nine big chances so far, with just two goals to their name, the most in the Premier League.

In the absence of the injured Rasmus Hojlund, they have lacked a main focal point in attack, with some concerns already raised about Joshua Zirkzee's preferred role as a link-up player and how they will get the best out of him in a way that compliments the wider team.

At the current moment in time, it is hard to see Zirkzee and Hojlund operating successfully as front two, given Bruno Fernandes occupies the same area of the pitch as the Dutch forward. United have played their best football in a 4-2-2-2 set-up so far.

It would be no surprise to see United persist with the more attack-minded 4-3-3 approach when they travel to face newly promoted Southampton next weekend, but beyond that, Ten Hag's side could be at their most effective playing in the 4-2-2-2 that looked so promising against both Fulham and Brighton.

Mason Mount's energy and enterprise out of possession are key reasons why the formation has worked so well at times. With him currently sidelined, a player such as Amad Diallo or even Zirkzee could be required to fill in to make it work. Kobbie Mainoo is also an option, though it would require Casemiro to partner Manuel Ugarte in the holding roles.

United would not only benefit from an extra body in midfield, but it could also bring the bonus of solving their woes in front of goal with some additional firepower to go along with it.

When fit, Hojlund has to return to the starting lineup and he could form a lethal strike partnership with Marcus Rashford on the back of it. Having the duo paired together upfront would allow both players to get plenty of the ball in their preferred positions, their respective combinations of pace and power could offer a threat either out wide or through the middle, depending on where they are needed. Rashford's tendency to drift out wide and cut inside on his stronger foot could compliment Hojlund's more direct approach, though the Danish forward is also capable of playing in the channels if required and could reverse the roles to turn provider for his strike partner too.

Another endorsement of the partnership is that it would give United a very flexible approach and the option to switch to a 4-3-3 on the fly whenever required, with Rashford staying out wide and either Fernandes or Amad heading out to the other wing to bring balance to the attack.

The elephant in the room is that there is no place for Alejandro Garnacho in the set-up. He is another contender to fill in one of the two attacking midfield spots, while he also formed part of a two-pronged attack with Rashford when the same set-up was used in the FA Cup final victory over Man City.

Though the decision to take Garnacho off during the Liverpool match was booed by home supporters, Rashford arguably played better, with the Argentine perhaps in need of a rest after his meteoric rise to become a regular starter under Ten Hag.

It might not be the most popular suggestion, but if it improves results then it will be vindicated.