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Louis van Gaal plans to bring his Holland World Cup tactics to Manchester United - and play 3-4-3 next season.

The Dutch mastermind has already told his Old Trafford backroom staff that he is looking to use that system more often than not in his new job.

Van Gaal came up with the scheme in the build-up to Brazil 2014 and thinks it is the best way forward for United too.

However, news of the idea has forced an adjustment in the Reds' transfer plans, as they will need three top-notch centre-halves in the team.

And with Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand leaving this summer, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has to recruit a couple of centre-backs who can handle the task.

England international Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, who are not used to that system, will now have extra demands placed on them.

The idea is sure to need a couple of clever and adaptable centre backs, with Borussia Dortmund's Germany international Mats Hummels an even more significant target.

The versatility of Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen would also work in that way of playing - despite his current run of injuries.

There is bonus in moving to 3-4-3 for some United stars: It would suit athletic wing-backs, with new boy Luke Shaw perfect down the left and the re-signed Antonio Valencia also given a boost.

A three-pronged attack also potentially gives Wayne Rooney a lift as insiders reveal Van Gaal sees him, Robin van Persie and Juan Mata as ideal for those roles.

Van Gaal is famed for chopping and changing, but word about the Dutch method being adopted at Old Trafford has been passed on to his new employers.