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Manchester United were on the receiving end of a humiliating 3-2 defeat away at Brighton this weekend and it does not look good for the Red Devils. United conceded three goals in the first half itself, which is something very surprising under a manager like Jose Mourinho. Clearly, United don’t have the threat going forward and have been caught being on the defensive side way too often. Mourinho’s men at times have looked very clueless while going forward and it seems tactically United have a lot to work on irrespective of individual performances on the pitch. We take a look at five possible tactical changes that can improve United’s performances this season.
5. Involvement of full-backs:
One of the biggest concerns for a United fan has been the usage of full-backs under Jose Mourinho. While United have seen wingers turned into make-shift full-backs like Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia, it is safe to say that it hasn’t turned out to be the best of options for them. Valencia has looked good defensively but has struggled to contribute as far as the attack is concerned. The same goes for Young and it seems United do need raw pace and energy on the wings. Luke Shaw has looked good this season but it is necessary that he and the right-back contribute more in the attack. Fullbacks under Mourinho haven’t been that adventurous and have avoided overlapping more than often. The most dangerous attacking sides in the league like Manchester City and Liverpool have always encouraged their full-backs to go forward as much as possible and it is time United allow their full-backs to do the same. This will not only provide more unpredictability but will also stretch the opposition and can do wonders for United if executed correctly.
4. Off the ball movement:
The problem with United’s style of play right now is there isn’t much movement off the ball to drag defenders out of their position or to spoil the shape of the opposition. The opposition isn’t stretched much with United’s current style of play. Romelu Lukaku is involved in making runs off the defender’s shoulder but it becomes easy to track him after a certain period. When you have a player like Paul Pogba in your ranks, who can supply brilliantly deep from the midfield, you need to make runs to make it count. What France did in the 2018 World Cup is exactly what United need to do with their attackers. Pogba was the feeder from the midfield, with the attackers making runs time and again. Also, it becomes too easy to defend when the attacking shape is a constant which is what is happening with United right now. To add a new dimension to their attack, United will have to encourage more movement without the ball especially in the final third.
3. Intense pressing:
Jose Mourinho’s side have been guilty of defending deep and not going strongly to win the ball back from the time the Portuguese has taken over. United are happy to sit back and let the opposition commit mistakes in order to retrieve the ball, which is not the best strategy especially when facing tougher teams. Teams like Manchester City, Liverpool and Spurs put a lot of efforts when on the ball with their intense and high work-rate. Their pressing instigates the opposition to make mistakes and helps them to recover the ball at a better rate. That is something United have to bring in to their game and it is not that they don’t have the players for that. In fact, with the addition of Fred in the midfield, United can press even more effectively. Sitting back will only encourage the opposition to be more confident and hopeful while going forward and it is best that Jose deploys the strategy of high energy pressing to intimidate the opposition.
2. Better Plan B:
While there are doubts over United’s Plan A in a match, their Plan B hasn’t been great too. Given the options Jose Mourinho has at his disposal, it is safe to say that they are not used entirely to their best level. United’s preferred Plan B has always been to supply long balls targeted specifically to Marouane Fellaini or in some cases, Romelu Lukaku. It gets very obvious and is easy to defend for the opposition as it is no secret that the ball will be heading towards the taller players. United have some good attacking talent in the squad and their interlink play can be quite handy with the blend of young and experienced players they have. United definitely have the option to go with two strikers up front but very scarcely have we seen the Red Devils do that. Jose should encourage more players to get into the box and pile up more pressure on the opposition rather than players desperately trying to make things outside the box.
1. Formation change:
United needed a good transfer window this summer but it is safe to say that Jose Mourinho wasn’t given the support he needed from his management in that prospect. Having signed Fred and Diogo Dalot this summer, United failed to sign a much-needed player at both the centre back and the right wing position. Given that United do not have the strength needed on the wings and the defensive stability at the back, it could be useful if Jose and his men shift for a formation with three at the back. Three central defenders will prove very handy at the back and with the support of two wing-backs, it will only get better. United already have some really good options to play centrally in the midfield and they can strengthen their attack by going with two strikers. Using a 3-4-1-2 formation, United can look a lot more dangerous while going forward and also dealing with counter attacks. With the pair of Martial/Rashford and Lukaku upfront and Sanchez behind them, United have some quality attacking options while going forward. This is something Jose needs to try as early as possible before things and time go out of control for the Red Devils this season.
