Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dramatic formation shift was described as a “last throw of the dice” by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville ahead of Manchester United’s crucial trip to Tottenham. By full-time, it seemed as though the under-pressure United manager had come up with a winning formula, which covered for his team’s weaknesses and enhanced their strengths. After last weekend’s 5-0 thumping by Liverpool left United way off the pace in the Premier League, and with Tottenham and Manchester City to play before the international break, Solskjaer’s future was on the line. His response was to overhaul the set-up. Solskjaer went to a three-man defence, with the fit-again Raphael Varane in alongside Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof. Defensive midfielders Scott McTominay and Fred remained in the centre of the park, with Edinson Cavani forming a front two with Cristiano Ronaldo, with Bruno Fernandes just behind. Image: Manchester United’s 3-4-1-2 formation against Tottenham “This is on...