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Yesterday Manchester United beat Liverpool for the first time since the 10th of March 2018.
This thread will be looking at the tactics that Solskjær implemented in transitions and how these helped United win the match.
This thread will be looking at the tactics that Solskjær implemented in transitions and how these helped United win the match.
When they attack, Liverpool have both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson operate high and wide in order to get crosses into the area and to support the attack.
An example of how the full-backs operate in the final third is shown below.
An example of how the full-backs operate in the final third is shown below.
Usually, Liverpool looks to shut out the opposition through their counter-press, but if they manage to start a transition; Jordan Henderson can often make up the ground to cover for the high full-backs; mostly Alexander Arnold.
They were without this profile, so United aimed to take advantage of Liverpool’s full-backs in their transitions.
The Red Devils focused on getting the ball to the wingers, who would often be gambling in the spaces behind the Liverpool full-backs.
The Red Devils focused on getting the ball to the wingers, who would often be gambling in the spaces behind the Liverpool full-backs.
This was an even better plan due to the fact the Rhys Williams was starting on Rashford’s side and the winger could isolate the 18-year-old centre-back.
Rashford attempted 4 dribbles and 3 were successful. [ @SofaScoreINT]
Rashford attempted 4 dribbles and 3 were successful. [ @SofaScoreINT]
We can see in the examples below that United gameplan in transitions was clear to see from the off.
United scored their first and second goals in transitions, with the attackers making their runs in these areas when the full-backs were out of position.
Firstly, we will look at Greenwood’s goal.
Firstly, we will look at Greenwood’s goal.
Both Robertson and Alexander-Arnold are caught high up the pitch when the turnover occurs.
Both Rashford and Greenwood are already half-gambling to run into space behind the full-backs when van de Beek releases Rashford.
Both Rashford and Greenwood are already half-gambling to run into space behind the full-backs when van de Beek releases Rashford.
Salah does well to recover and stop Rashford progressing into space but Greenwood still has multiple yards on Robertson on the left and is attacking the space in behind. Rashford finds him with an excellent switch and the teenager finishes expertly, choosing to shoot across goal.
For Rashford’s goal, the winger decides to gamble and start his run on the wing when Alexander-Arnold engages in a duel. The ball then finds its way to Greenwood, who straight away looks for the ball into the flank to his teammate.
The quick pass from Greenwood was vital to ensure that Rashford was both onside and clear of the full-back.
The pass was an indicator that this was a clear gameplan by United, to exploit the high full-backs of Liverpool.
Here are multiple other examples of this plan.
The pass was an indicator that this was a clear gameplan by United, to exploit the high full-backs of Liverpool.
Here are multiple other examples of this plan.
Solskjær’s plan in transitions worked perfectly in this match and was a major factor behind the victory for United.
Greenwood also did very well to attack the spaces in transitions, whereas it usually comes more naturally to Rashford.
Greenwood also did very well to attack the spaces in transitions, whereas it usually comes more naturally to Rashford.
The right-side of Liverpool was so vulnerable in transitions, with Alexander-Arnold pushing up and leaving the inexperienced Wiliams alone a lot of the time.
It was perfect for Rashford on the right-side.
It was perfect for Rashford on the right-side.
Overall, United did well to win against Liverpool and their transitions throughout the game took full advantage of the Liverpool set-up and helped take The Reds into the 5th round of the FA Cup.
