Kenny Cunningham and Keith Andrews analyse the weekend's action from White Hart Lane and Leicester's King Power stadium on the Monday Rewind, while I talk Transfer Deadline Day duds.
Di Maria's debut
The big question ahead of the weekend was how Louis Van Gaal would accommodate record signing Radamel Falcao into Manchester United's system.
As it turned out, the Argentine partnered Darren Fletcher at the heart of a 3-4-1-2 formation with licence to break forward against Burnley.
Di Maria still ended up drifting out to the left flank - something he often tended to do as part of a trio at Real Madrid - despite the fact that he was part of a two-man central midfield. During the match he attempted eight dribbles which was more than any other player and shows what his aims were against Burnley.
A Squawka heat map shows where Di Maria was involved or influenced the game
He also showed a side of his game that is not always apparent with a couple of accurate long balls from range, including the one which set up Robin Van Persie for a shot on goal in the first half.
As debuts go - and the same can be said of Mario Balotelli this weekend - it was an encouraging start.
But with Daley Blind arriving from Ajax before the deadline, it may be an opportunity for Van Gaal to go to a 4-3-3 shape that allows Di Maria to break forward with greater midfield stability behind him.
Then again that also presents more problems based on the personnel available in other areas of the squad, namely the forward line.
The back three is also lacking a player who is comfortable stepping forward with the trio of Tyler Blackett, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans averaging 81 per cent in terms of a collective pass completion rate. That is poor fare when defenders normally average 10 per cent higher than that.
Diamond shape, glittering performance for Liverpool
On the opening weekend of Premier League action, Liverpool's post-Suarez shape was of particular interest.
But Balotelli's signing has changed things. That was demonstrable against Tottenham Hotspur.
Although, the Reds' players interchanged positions the general shape saw Balotelli on the left of the forward line and Sturridge pulling towards the right as he likes to do; Raheem Sterling in that central attacking midfield role that he excels in, Steven Gerrard almost playing like a third centre back at times and Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson in advance of him in a diamond shape.
Of course, the diamond was used in the second half of last season but Balotelli obviously brings different attributes to the table in comparison to Suarez, with the latter more likely to commit players with a mazy dribble.
Also, excellent tactics writer Michael Cox of Zonal Marking and ESPN made a brilliant point about Liverpool's use of third man runs from midfield i.e. Sterling's late run into the box to tuck in the opening goal and Joe Allen's foray into the box which resulted in a penalty. As Cox explained, Tottenham's pressing could be circumvented.
The beauty with Liverpool now is that they have the depth and players available to tinker with the system, whether it be bringing on Lazar Markovic, Adam Lallana or Phillipe Coutinho - which makes it harder for teams to truly prepare for them.
Sanogo attempts a first touch with his mouth EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA
Sanogo
One team who are easier to prepare for are Arsenal, who tend to use the same system in almost every match.
For the most part, there is enough technical ability and firepower to overcome most challenges. All except yesterday where there was an Olivier Giroud-shaped hole against Leicester City.
You can imagine that Arsenal fans are awaiting the next few months with trepidation if it turns out that unproven youngster Yaya Sanogo will be the lead striker as the Gunners go in search of a title challenge and Champions League progress.
The France youth international does have a knack of being in good positions and making clever runs, evidenced by the number of chances he gets, as well as Arsene Wenger's trust in him.
The only problem is he has not shown an ability to convert any of those opportunities and it is a worry for Arsenal if they are reliant on a player who is still learning his trade on the job.
However, calling for a Radamel Falcao type striker - he is off to Man United in any case - is not necessarily the answer as any new signing would also have to learn Arsenal's system. To take the Colombian as an example, Falcao is not the best when it comes to combination play which is not an ideal trait for a prospective Gunner.
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