'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#2. United is an ideal fit for Rakitić
Manchester United have been far too inconsistent this season for them to be considered among the Top 4 challengers, let alone the Premier League contenders. Though impressive at times, their season has been marred by injuries to crucial players and their inability to string together a consistent winning run. The club took a new path in the off-season by getting rid of a lot of deadwood and recruiting young and exciting players. As much as the club should be praised for this approach considering the fact that all 3 new signings have been pretty impressive.
Under Ole Gunnar Solkjær, Manchester United have transformed into a pretty efficient counter-attacking side. The raw pace that Manchester United players like Martial, Rashford, and James possess, gives the side a competitive edge. United have shown this season that they are pretty capable of hurting the sides that play expansive football. As it was evident by the results against Chelsea, Tottenham and City, United can cause a lot of trouble on the counter.
However, that is exactly what is the root of United’s struggles. Their gameplay is one dimensional. Except for counter-attacking, they do not seem to have anything else in their locker. It is also a testament to Solkjær’s tactical naiveté that United struggle to break down teams that play a mid or low block. As was seen in the games against Crystal Palace, West Ham, Newcastle United and Bournemouth, teams who sit deep against United can become troublesome to United.
This issue has been aggravated by the injury to Paul Pogba, who is United’s most creative player. Without Pogba, United’s midfield of McTominay, Fred, Perreira, and Mata struggle to create much and look stifled. In Pogba’s absence, creativity has come from the link-up play between Martial, Rashford, and even James. This has been working for them currently, but can’t be relied upon for the entirety of the season.
The solution you ask? Well, who else than Rakitić. The perfect tonic to United’s midfield troubles. Rakitić could be United’s get out of jail card when facing opponents who sit deep.
