GENGEN PRESS 4-2-2-2 EXPLAINED

Early in his Manchester United reign, Ralf Rangnick used a 4-2-2-2 structure with Cristiano Ronaldo up front alongside Marcus Rashford (bottom). Bruno Fernandes has continued as a number 10, but has more responsibility through the inside channels, with Jadon Sancho used in a much narrower role than he had previously played for England or Borussia Dortmund. The full-backs consistently push forward, with Scott McTominay and Fred forming a familiar double pivot to support the press from deep.

*What are the benefits of playing with a 4-2-2-2?*

The 4-2-2-2 shape can help create central overloads in dangerous positions around the opposition's central midfielders, leading to frequent progress through the centre of the pitch.

When playing against a back four, both opposing centre-backs are occupied by the two centre-forwards. This discourages them from stepping into midfield to compete for the ball, which can help the two attacking midfielders receive in higher positions.

The presence of a double pivot enables the full-backs to attack simultaneously without the need for complex rotations or positional changes to add numbers in central midfield.

The 4-2-2-2 is a good shape from which a team can counter-press centrally, and also launch counter-attacks. This is because, without many movements or rotations, there should be significant numbers around the ball when possession is lost centrally.

The 4-2-2-2 also provides lots of defensive support and cover through central spaces, which is ideal for protecting goal in a mid-block. It also lends itself to forcing the opposition wide when they have the ball.

*What are the disadvantages to playing with a 4-2-2-2?

The 4-2-2-2 lacks natural width in attack, so wider counter-attacks are rare. As a result, additional movements from the central players are often required.

The centre-backs are required to cover the wide areas whenever the double pivot can't get across once the full-backs have pushed forward. This can lead to a detached back line, especially when dealing with quick, direct counter-attacks when the full-backs have advanced.

A team in a 4-2-2-2 can be vulnerable to accurate switches of play, with the wide areas left open much of the time.