6 top European clubs that have changed tactics in the 2014/15 season

The world of football is an ever-changing playground and even the best teams must evolve if they want to avoid being left behind. That ability to keep pushing forward is the most important characteristic of the best teams and managers, and often separates the good from the great.This season has been no different with a number of Europe’s elite making notable transformations over the past few months to their playing styles. Here are six big clubs who are now benefiting from those modifications:

#1 Manchester United

After the humiliating ill-fated David Moyes era, change was inevitable at Old Trafford this season and Louis van Gaal has definitely implemented a whole host of new ideas.

Most notably, the regular use of three defenders has ushered in a new style of play – whilst the move has been received with mixed emotions, the overall change in philosophy has largely been positive.

The Red Devils have reverted to a strong attacking line-up, with the likes of Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and the emerging James Wilson all providing plenty of firepower up top. Meanwhile, skipper Wayne Rooney has primarily been deployed in a more reserved role, allowing his tenacious and creative sides to thrive.

Manchester United have also used the wings to much greater effect than they did under Moyes, using it in bursts rather than pre-dominantly, with Ashley Young becoming just one of the names to benefit from this switch. It is still someway short of the width that Sir Alex Ferguson used, but is a step in the right direction.

This is still a work in progress for the Dutch manager but his influence has at least steadied the ship in 2014/15, as a presumed return to Champions League football will attest.