Man Utd’s 4-1-3-1-1 no-wing attack for Newcastle

It is the mix Old Trafford fans have been looking for – that elusive touch of creativity and midfield graft that seems so much in evidence at Chelsea and Manchester City.

After mixing and matching and losing, Sir Alex Ferguson may have finally found the winning combination.

Wayne Rooney in midfield with Tom Cleverley and Anderson on either side, Shinji Kagawa just in front and Michael Carrick or maybe even Darren Fletcher just behind.

Robin Van Persie will be the spear of that 4-1-3-1-1 formation.

For those in doubt, Sir Alex had already laid down ther marker for Rooney.

Ferguson said: “Rooney is fit, he has trained really well.

“I think Rooney will start scoring soon, once he gets a few games back.

“I think Rooney will explode again soon. It is just the start of the season.”

Irrespective of who the back four now are – Rafael and Alex Buttner to start perhaps to ensure some wing play – United will have to go out to win the game at Tyneside or risk falling way behind in the title race.

Paul Scholes could still come off the bench in the second half if needed, but if Sir Alex truly has Rooney back, Scholes will be the luxury choice he was always intended to be.

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