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Analysing Manchester United’s 1-0 Win versus Burnley in the Premier League through data analysis: a thread.
Manchester United’s plan was to progress the ball wide then pass it centrally — but little to no movement, long difficult crosses, not stretching the backline & being slow on the ball caused struggles.
They then bypassed their midfield much better using vertical incisive passes.
They then bypassed their midfield much better using vertical incisive passes.
We can better examine this using the pass flow plot: Manchester United had a weak presence in the opposition half.
Struggling to progress the ball, little danger from the right and sideways passing.
Second half, there was balance and verticality to penetrate the box.
Struggling to progress the ball, little danger from the right and sideways passing.
Second half, there was balance and verticality to penetrate the box.
Example: Manchester United didn’t stretch Burnley’s backline well to create spaces to then then exploit — little to no movement and runs.
This (and frustration) ultimately led them to attempting long range crosses and shots which were more difficult in terms of opportunities.
This (and frustration) ultimately led them to attempting long range crosses and shots which were more difficult in terms of opportunities.
A closer look at Manchester United’s central exploitation.
It was key to the second half — it allowed them to penetrate the opposition box better, push forward and exploit the half-spaces.
It was key to the second half — it allowed them to penetrate the opposition box better, push forward and exploit the half-spaces.
Example: Manchester United were able to reach Burnley’s opposition half through just two quick forward incisive passes in multiple sequences.
(A) Pogba uses his physicality to shield the ball off *3* players.
(B) AWB’s pass exploits the pass left behind Burnley’s press.
(A) Pogba uses his physicality to shield the ball off *3* players.
(B) AWB’s pass exploits the pass left behind Burnley’s press.
In terms of defensive actions — they attempted more in the opposition half after the second half.
This was good because this allowed Manchester United to sustain the pressure of their attacks and created opportunities for quick transitions.
This was good because this allowed Manchester United to sustain the pressure of their attacks and created opportunities for quick transitions.
An important piece to this puzzle was allowing Pogba to push higher up the pitch *vertically* and attack their box — his teammates passed to him 64 times in total, the highest of any Manchester United player.
Manchester United’s goal came from 4 important actions:
(A) Pogba winning the aerial duel and Bruno anticipating the ball.
(B) A quick pass and a timed run by Rashford.
(C) Delays to allow Pogba to run into the box.
(D) The quality of the cross was fantastic.
(A) Pogba winning the aerial duel and Bruno anticipating the ball.
(B) A quick pass and a timed run by Rashford.
(C) Delays to allow Pogba to run into the box.
(D) The quality of the cross was fantastic.
One important thing I’d like to note is the strong mentality of Manchester United players after frustrating decisions.
This win took patience against a well organized side and execution by the players.
Top of the table.
END.
This win took patience against a well organized side and execution by the players.
Top of the table.
END.
