Manchestsr United 3-5-2 formation ...
Not really 3-5-2.
It was 3-4-1-2:
Like I said earlier, it was same like Chelsea formation. 3 main defenders, 2 wing backs , 2 defensive midfielders and attacking midfielders and striker. If we compare both the teams formation, then the major difference is that Chelsea works out with two attacking midfielders and one striker while United today dropped two strikers and one attacking midfielder- Bruno Fernandes to link them up.
The main change I saw from the deployment of the formation was that it gives the team more possession and helps the players to adopt some new roles. For the formation to work better it needs players with good passing and ball winning abilities to work the formation to the best. Right now United players aren't at their best but the formation should work for them for a while.
Very intelligent observation from you sir.
Apart from giving the team more possession, it also relieved the two defensive midfielders (Fred and Mac). Some of the pressures meant for them were unconsciously absorbed by Shaw and Bissaka. That is the reason Fred did not give those his inaccurate passes.
It is also the reason Bruno didn't loss ball to the opponents to counter Manchester United.
Another problem I see with that formation is that, if either Bissaka or Shaw is injured, there will be a problem to the entire team. Also, the presence of Varane made it work, if not Maguire with his slow pace will not be able to cover in the case of any through pass.