MX23RW : Thursday, January 23 09:58:10| >> :600:253644:253644:

How Manchester United could line up with Marcos Llorente

With Manchester United said to be keen on a deal for Marcos Llorente, Sports Mole predicts where the Atletico Madrid man could feature in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans.

Manchester United are currently in the process of identifying transfer targets for 2020, with the latest name to be linked with a move to Old Trafford being Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente.

Six months ago, Real Madrid allowed the defensive-minded player to make the switch across Spain's capital in order to earn more first-team football at Wanda Metropolitano.

However, things have not gone according to plan for the 24-year-old, who has made just three starts and 12 substitute outings in all competitions this season.

Despite having a contract with Atletico until 2024, Llorente's lack of minutes has resulted in speculation over his future at Los Rojiblancos.

While Diego Simeone may be keen to keep hold of the Spaniard, much could depend on whether United are prepared to give Atletico a chance to make a quick profit on a backup member of the squad.

Here, Sports Mole predicts how United could line up if Llorente moved to the Premier League side.



MNUXI with Marcos Llorente© Reuters

There is an argument that Llorente's qualities are exactly what United have been lacking in the middle of the park, and that would likely lead to him immediately earning a place in the starting lineup.

With Solskjaer needing to accommodate either Paul Pogba or probable fresh face Bruno Fernandes, the expected scenario would be Llorente partnering Scott McTominay in front of the back four.

While both players have similar attributes, they have the potential to strike up an effective partnership, which would also take responsibility away from attack-minded players further forward.

The addition would also allow Solskjaer to work with different formations without necessarily feeling the need to mix up the combination of McTominay and Llorente.

Fernandes or Pogba could drop deeper to allow for a 4-3-3 formation, while the former would be able to move out to the right if the United boss used a 3-4-3 strategy.

Given his lack of aerial presence, Solskjaer is unlikely to consider pairing Llorente with Fred, possibly leading to the Brazilian only being used in a three or as a straight alternative.

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