Liam Kennedy’s Newcastle United XI for Manchester United - with a controversial system & personnel switch

System switch - stick or twist?

Eight goals conceded in the opening three Premier League games despite naming a five-man backline probably suggests something is not right with the way United are set up at the moment.

And the fear is the gaps in this 5-3-2 will be made to look cavernous by a glittering Manchester United frontline.

While I am not sure trying to reinvent the wheel at Old Trafford is the greatest idea, it would represent progress, at least, to see players playing in their correct positions.

So, for me, a move to a 4-3-1-2, or a defensively-minded 4-3-3 in old money, might suit more better.

Here’s the XI, in my opinion, who’d best fill those roles against the Red Devils...

GOALKEEPER: Freddie Woodman

Karl Darlow is back but it’s hard to make a case for him to replace Woodman, who has done little to cement his place in the side, but as little to lose it. Jury remains out, but Woodman remains, for now.

RIGHT BACK: Javier Manquillo

A proper right back. Play proper players in their proper position. It’s not rocket science.

Jacob Murphy has been patchy at best on the right of a five, so a switch to a four, with a more disciplined defensive requirement needed would not suit the winger.

LEFT BACK: Paul Dummett

United are a better defensive unit with Dummett in it, plain and simple, whether than be in a four or five-man backline. If he is fit - and we know he was very close pre-international break, he plays. Matt Ritchie drops out, which is harsh but necessary.

CENTRE HALF: Federico Fernandez

United’s best defender and is one of the first names on my team sheet, week-in, week-out. Fabian Schar is unlucky not to be involved.

CENTRE HALF: Jamaal Lascelles

The skipper and one of United’s leaders in the dressing-room - and for that reason he plays. Not everyone’s cup of tea, especially after giving away two point-costing penalties in the last two, but has actually played well bar those slips. And I think the attempt at stopping what looked a certain goal in the last game was actually justifiable. All about opinions, I suppose.

CENTRE MIDFIELD: Joe Willock

Started to look a whole lot more like the Willock of last season in the Southampton game. His legs will be invaluable in this game. Needs to do a job going both ways in this one.

CENTRE MIDFIELD: Isaac Hayden

A tough shift calls for a tough cookie, and Hayden definitely is that. Plays if fit, for me, despite his lack of mobility. His defensive quality could come in handy in the same space as Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.

CENTRE MIDFIELD: Sean Longstaff

Has impressed me in his slightly deeper role while Jonjo Shelvey sits things out with a calf problem. Has no doubt impressed Bruce, too.

ATTACKING MIDFIELD: Miguel Almiron

By trade would call himself a No.10, but has been used as No.6 far too often lately. This slightly more advanced role, between the lines, would suit the player better, without doubt. Can drop in when needed, and also provide a direct running threat in the gap behind the Red Devils’ attacking-looking midfield.

FORWARD: Allan Saint-Maximin

Is often United’s Plan A, B & C. And will be used as such again at Old Trafford. Might struggle for support in this one, but on his day can take any defender to the cleaners.

FORWARD: Joelinton

Wouldn’t be many people’s choice in the frontline, but, to me, offers a whole lot more than Dwight Gayle physically. And even after a really tough start on Tyneside, has rarely let United down in the last six months.