Manchester United 1-0 Astana : 5 Things we learned from the game | UEFA Europa League 2019/20

#4 United found Astana hard to break down

Rashford missed a number of opportunities

United came into the game knowing that the opposition will sit back and defend deep. With a block of five midfielders in the middle of the park, Astana defended deep and gave the home side absolutely no space in the middle of the park.

This meant that United had to look for width from their full-backs. While Rojo played his part almost perfectly, the same cannot be said for Diogo Dalot. The Portuguese almost operated as a winger for most parts of the game, but his delivery on the day wasn't good enough.

Instead of driving his crosses low and in dangerous areas, Dalot constantly chipped his crosses, which were being easily dealt with by the lanky Astana defenders. The Red Devils have struggled to break down teams that have sat back and defended for most parts of the game and that was evident again.

United need to find a different gameplan against teams that come to Old Trafford and put all the ten players behind the ball. This was another match where United dearly missed Paul Pogba as the Frenchman really creates from the middle of the park. If the Red Devils don't find a solution, they will struggle against teams that play with the low block.