Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that his newly-implemented 4-4-2 formation "is going well", with Los Blancos recording a 2-0 win over Manchester United on Wednesday night.
The capital giants opened their preparations for the 2023-24 campaign with a 3-2 success over AC Milan before winning by two goals against Man United in Houston.
Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo started as a front two against Erik ten Hag's side, with Jude Bellingham operating as the number 10, and all three players were in excellent form against the Red Devils.
Bellingham made the breakthrough in the sixth minute of the contest before Joselu came off the bench to score a second for Real Madrid in the final exchanges.
"The new system is going well. Vini Jr. likes to play a little more on the inside and sometimes he has to play on the outside because he is also very strong," Ancelotti told reporters after the match.
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"His position and that of Rodrygo create a lot of danger because they are very fast and we can play more directly like this. The system also facilitates the quality of Bellingham.
"We have played a good game, especially in the first half. We have played well and defended well. The second part has been more controlled, but with a good attitude and commitment.
"We have a team of great physical and technical quality. The squad is very good and has improved with the additions. We are complete.
"The one (goal) from Bellingham shows his quality, arriving from the second line at the right time. Joselu's goal is not seen many times. We know what he can contribute, which is this. He is a great area finisher and stands out very well at the back post. Today he has had three or four opportunities to score."
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Thibaut Courtois was again not involved against Man United, with Andriy Lunin playing the full 90 minutes for the second successive match.
Ancelotti has said that the club's number one goalkeeper is currently struggling with "a little discomfort", but he will be back for the clash with Barcelona on Saturday alongside summer arrival Arda Guler.
"He has a little discomfort and it doesn't make sense to risk. He's going to play the next game, like Arda Guler, who is going to play soon," the Italian added.
Real Madrid will also take on Juventus as part of their pre-season tour before heading back to Spain to prepare for their 2023-24 La Liga opener against Athletic Bilbao on August 12.
Matt Law
