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Fulham vs Manchester United: Coached Positioning & Paul Pogba's Brilliance (thread):
Manchester United's performance at Fulham may have appeared scrappy, a tight game that finished 1-2. The reality was that United controlled proceedings for large parts and exemplified some astute player positioning in the 2nd phase/attacking third; most evident for Paul Pogba.
Pogba has played a variety of positions in recent weeks.
He was used as a false winger against Aston Villa: https://twitter.com/utd_Visionary/status/1346843597811970049?s=20
(1/2)
He was used as a false winger against Aston Villa: https://twitter.com/utd_Visionary/status/1346843597811970049?s=20
(1/2)
(2/2)
And as a defensive right midfielder in United's stalemate at Anfield: https://twitter.com/utd_Visionary/status/1351191692263772160?s=20
And as a defensive right midfielder in United's stalemate at Anfield: https://twitter.com/utd_Visionary/status/1351191692263772160?s=20
Against Fulham, he joined Fred in the double pivot initially, but had specific instructions that will be discussed below.
United usually built-up with the usual 3-1 structure; sometimes an adaptation of the defensive 424 shape:
United usually built-up with the usual 3-1 structure; sometimes an adaptation of the defensive 424 shape:
In the 2nd phase/final third, United used the 235 structure:
This is a reason for Shaw's apparent lack of ambition in the final third - he was forced to invert at times: https://twitter.com/Adroit_Cadet/status/1352008940935131142?s=20
This is a reason for Shaw's apparent lack of ambition in the final third - he was forced to invert at times: https://twitter.com/Adroit_Cadet/status/1352008940935131142?s=20
The 235 United used is not novel; they have used it many times before in the attacking phases. What was important was Pogba's positioning: he was very disciplined at remaining in the right half space (or near by at the very least):
Pogba occupied this zone to great effect. One example of his threat was the notorious half-space crosses that many players are renowned for (none the more so than Kevin De Bruyne).
Technically proficient players excel from deep in the half space.
Technically proficient players excel from deep in the half space.
One more telling contribution was his goal, which was simply sublime. He cut in on his left to shoot on this occasion. Not many players pose such a threat, in such a variety of manners, from this deep position; but Pogba is a special player.
Ole was astute to deploy Pogba here.
Ole was astute to deploy Pogba here.
Ultimately, again, Pogba was United's match winner. United showed off a good positional structure in the attacking phases, which is a sure sign of progression and good coaching.
Pogba played a multitude of roles in recent weeks, and each time he seems to have the desired impact.
Pogba played a multitude of roles in recent weeks, and each time he seems to have the desired impact.
The win yesterday wasn't pretty, but analysing the performance in more detail has unearthed some of the tactical framework that helped us beat a solid Fulham side.
