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Martin Ling

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Ling focused on flexibility

Cambridge United manager Martin Ling believes he has the right players at his disposal to facilitate a change of tactics without having to make a substitution.

The U's boss usually favours a 4-42 formation but he has revealed that he will also be employing a 4-3-3 system this season with the new signings at his disposal.

"I've spoken about it with Paul (Carden) and John (Schofield) and I think we can actually do it (change formation) within the unit and not need to make a sub," Ling told Cambridge News.

"We do need a Plan B and 4-3-3 seems to be the fad at the moment, with both teams in the World Cup final playing it.

"That's not to say a 4-4-2 couldn't have won it, and I wish England would have used a 4-3-3.

"It comes down to what players you've got and you will see Cambridge United use it this pre-season.

"If you look at Spain, you can't say they were defensive. They had (Xabi) Alonso sitting, but they had five midfield players who could hurt teams, and their full-backs didn't hold back either."