Manchester United are set to finally adopt Louis van Gaal's favoured 4-3-3 formation against Sunderland on Saturday.
It is understood Robin van Persie's ankle injury has prompted Van Gaal to experiment with the system in training this week, which could feature Wayne Rooney in the lone striker's role.
Over 90 per cent of United fans voted for Rooney to start up front on his own in an M.E.N. poll this week.
Michael Carrick's return from a muscle rupture has further bolstered Van Gaal's belief in a formation he relied on at Ajax and Barcelona, even though he admitted the midfielder was lacking 'match rhythm'.
It is unclear whether Van Gaal will start a second striker, with Radamel Falcao and James Wilson both available.
As Netherlands coach, Van Gaal abandoned the 4-3-3 formation on the eve of last summer's World Cup when Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The Dutch instead lined up in a 3-5-2 formation in Brazil and were penalty kicks away from reaching the final.
United, though, have struggled to adapt to the three-at-the-back set-up.
Van Gaal switched to a 4-4-2 diamond for the visit of Queens Park Rangers in September before Rooney and Falcao's fitness caused him to revert to 4-2-3-1 at West Brom in October.
The Reds have recently adopted a 4-3-1-2 set-up with Marouane Fellaini in the hole and Angel di Maria on the left of a midfield three.
Earlier this month, Van Gaal admitted he was still striving for the right balance.
“I have played now already five or six systems and I am looking still for the balance,” said Van Gaal.
“This system is more balanced than normally and I can play with more attacking players.
“In spite of the fact that we are looking for balance, our results are not bad and our defensive organisation is not bad, and we also score a lot of goals.
“So I cannot say that I am very disappointed about that.”
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