Louis van Gaal has faced a lot of criticism at Manchester United for using a 3-5-2 system when it is clearly evident over the last six months that the players are comfortable playing with four at the back.

United had secured some excellent results when playing with the regular system with four defenders. Despite this, Van Gaal has tried to go for this unique formation whenever he has had the opportunity. The controversial system was once again back in the headlines after United lost 1-0 to their top four rivals Southampton at Old Trafford.

Despite being at home, United did not create much opportunities and ended the match with no shot on target for the first time in more than three years. Southampton boss Ronald Koeman said after the match that he had identified the formation as a weak link with this United team, but defender Phil Jones does not agree. The former Blackburn Rovers defender says that United are more than comfortable in playing in this formation, but he has acknowledged that the passing is not as crisp as the team would like. United have given the ball away on too many occasions this season and it needs to be worked upon according to Jones.

“I think we are comfortable playing in it. Whether we have a back four or three, we are comfortable with both.Sometimes maybe we play that pass in the defence that we shouldn’t but we are comfortable playing in both formations the manager has shown.We are still improving as a team. It’s a learning curve. It doesn’t just happen overnight. You don’t just click your fingers and you are used to playing in a new formation. It’s like anything, it takes time,” said Jones. United travel to QPR for their next league match.