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A thread on my thoughts and observations from Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Sheffield United yesterday:
United continued to build in a back three after it was introduced on Friday night vs Spurs, and it was largely effective. Often, a 3313 shape was created in possession. The two FB’s maintained width on either side and positioned themselves on similar horizontal lines to Pogba.
This shape is very similar to the shape that Hansi Flick has deployed at Bayern Munich; back three in build up, two FB’s maintain width, attacking players operating BTL, CF able to drop deeper and link play. Certainly lots of similarities. https://twitter.com/jkregista/status/1275869226360868864
The positioning of personnel was different to the Spurs game, in that it was one of the double pivot (usually Matic) who dropped into the back three during build up play, rather than one of the FB’s.
This was probably due to two reasons: 1) Matic is more comfortable in possession within the first phase, and 2) Greenwood is more effective when drifting inside rather than maintaining width on the touchline, so the feasible solution was to allow AWB to advance high + wide.
The performance of Matic was a standout; he bought stability to United’s new functioning midfield, constantly broke opposition lines via penetrative passes and his intelligent positioning whilst United were attacking the final third ensured protection vs a Sheffield Utd counter.
Matic often found Bruno in between the lines via vertical, line breaking passes; this resulted in Bruno often receiving possession either on the half turn/with his back to goal. A common phase of play since Bruno’s arrival has been find him BTL -> flick round the corner + spin
-> CF dropping deep receives flick + turns. This specific action occurred on multiple occasions throughout yesterday’s match. This combination play is difficult to defend against because it consists of two attackers operating on the same wavelength as a predetermined pattern
is being performed. Therefore, it is difficult to contain because all actions are performed to a high standard due to repetitiveness of the phase in training. Bruno is also often able to drag an opposition defender out of position during this phase, which creates space for
a vertical pass to a runner in behind (Martial, Rashford).
I also noticed an increase in progressive passing options when the wide player, usually the FB, received possession. When the ball travelled wide, the wide attacker offered a passing option inside; however, perhaps the
I also noticed an increase in progressive passing options when the wide player, usually the FB, received possession. When the ball travelled wide, the wide attacker offered a passing option inside; however, perhaps the
better passing option was a diagonal pass into the CF drifting over to the ball side. In turn, the AM is positioned in proximity with the ball when the CF receives, offering a ‘lay off’ pass. This specific phase of play can be utilised to help switch play rapidly.
United’s new shape in possession is also perfect for Mason Greenwood. As mentioned above, Greenwood is most effective when operating in the right half-space. This usually presents opportunities for him to move the ball onto his left foot and perform his trademark shot: a low https://twitter.com/halfspaceftbl/status/1263196325618876424
driven shot into the near post. Greenwood is exceedingly more effective than Dan James in this system and against low blocks in general because he can be utilised in tight spaces, whereas James often needs space to attack in order to be a threat to the opposition’s defence.
Overall, United’s performance was extremely encouraging; they sustained attacks in their new attacking shape and created numerous goal scoring opportunities. There are many differences between now, and before the coronavirus break. It’s clear to see Ole and his backroom staff
have been/are working on new tactical ideas with this squad. Promising times for Manchester United.
