As Victor Lindelof drifted into midfield to provide cover for Manchester United against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, it was clear that Ralf Rangnick's experiment with the centre-back was destined to fail in such an important game.
Lindelof started at right-back at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium and with Fred, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes all inclined to roam forward, he looked to cover in the centre of the pitch. Lindelof was left with no choice, but it left Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane vulnerable. Rangnick accepted his experiment had failed when making a triple change in the 65th minute.
United improved after those changes. Rangnick deserves credit for possessing the tactical awareness to address the problem and his in-game management continues to impress, however, his original team selection reminded the United hierarchy watching on from home of the club's transfer priority this summer. It's imperative United sign a world-class defensive midfielder.
