It is rather ironic that Manchester United's recent success has come from playing the very formation Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tried to implement last summer.
Having conceded his side were too reliant on hitting teams on the break, the Norwegian coach looked to switch things from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 with the focus on United controlling possession and, in turn, their own destiny.
Things started well as United blitzed Everton in pre-season with the new-look formation, and they were on red-hot form for the opening match of the season too, as Leeds were dismantled at Old Trafford.
However, as form began to dip, United reverted back to type with the same predictable approach, which was well beyond its expiry date.
Such a demise would eventually cost Solskjaer his job, with Ralf Rangnick the man chosen to steer the ship until the end of the campaign, even if the experienced German would quite like to keep the job himself.
His own reign started with somewhat of a system crisis after failing to adapt to a 4-2-2-2 approach and nearly two months after taking the job, United find themselves back where they started last summer looking to make a 4-3-3 work.
The early signs are very promising, with Fred shining in a more advanced role and Scott McTominay looking good in the deeper one, but there remains a clear need for a defensive-minded addition in order to make the formation a permanent switch.
United already accept that midfield is the 'biggest problem' in their squad as they continue preparations for the summer transfer window and, no matter who takes charge, they will be given money to address the issue as a matter of priority.
No matter who the club decides to pursue in the coming months, they will all be tasked with the same objective of not only winning, but winning in an authoritative manner that sees the side control possession.
During Solskjaer's reign, United had a good record against fellow top sides, although there were some memorable hammerings too, but almost all of these big wins came with his side adopting the identity of underdogs and looking to pick opponents off on the break.
It was very rare to see United dominate proceedings against any other top side, something which will need to happen in the future if they are to not only challenge for the Premier League title but actually come out on top.
While there is still plenty to play for this season, the recent change to a 4-3-3 formation, which Rangnick describes as 'one holding six, two eights and three offensive players', can only be good news for the next manager who takes charge at Old Trafford.
Rather than persist with a rather unique 4-2-2-2 set-up which will only be ditched in the summer, it is vital United lay the groundwork now for their future tactical shape and get to grips with the formation that is adopted by so many other elite clubs.
It is also particularly timely given Erik ten Hag guided Ajax to victory over fierce rivals PSV playing in a 4-3-3 at the weekend, while Mauricio Pochettino adopted the same tactic as PSG strolled to a comfortable win over Reims.
United are hoping to appoint their next permanent manager before the end of the season, and their recent formation change certainly appears to cater to the two favourites for the job.
