Read on Twitter
Manchester United vs Manchester City Tactical Analysis- a thread. What Ole got wrong and what Pep got right. If you enjoy this sort of content I make the same stuff on my Youtube, just in video format, and it would mean a lot if you could sub. Link in bio. :)
Ole started the game in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Pogba as a left winger. He was often instructed to come back and defend but was also instructed to attack on that side so he was left with two decisions, often making a questionable one.
Manchester City started in a 4-3-3 formation, often dropping a couple forwards back while defending to create a 4-5-1. Although they didn’t have to do much defending, dropping a couple forwards back limited Bruno Fernandes, who had a bad game.
The trio of Gundogan, Fernandinho, and Kevin De Bruyne was too much for Manchester United. With Fernandinho, City were able to dictate play and Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne absolutely tossed Manchester United’s midfield.
Manchester United played a relatively low line, meaning that the space between the forwards and defensive line was quite a large one. Players like Kevin De Bruyne and Gundogan were able to take advantage of this space.
Manchester United played a relatively low line, meaning that the space between the forwards and defensive line was quite a large one. Players like Kevin De Bruyne and Gundogan were able to take advantage of this space.
At times, when City attacked through the wings, they’d have one player near the penalty area marked by no one. This was nervy for Man United, as has been proved time and time again this season. No one cares to look over their shoulder.
Although the goals City scored can be blamed down to individual mistake, it’s no secret that City were the better team, with Manchester United only looking threatening on the break. Even though they had chances, Dias made many crucial blocks.
Luke Shaw got tight to Raheem Sterling throughout the game, limiting him, and same with Wan Bissaka to Foden. Raheem Sterling wasn’t able to do too much, but Foden was often able to slip inside and Wan Bissaka was unable to warn the midfielders.
Manchester United could’ve conceded many times in the game and were quite lucky to only concede two. Midfield got absolutely spun and it didn’t help that Pogba only helped them out in the first thirty minutes or so.
In the second half especially, City started to bring out the press and dictate the game more and more, with Fred and Mctominay having to cover an insane amount of space to cover, with one of the world’s best midfielders, Kevin De Bruyne operating in it.
Ole thought Fred and Mctominay were up to that job, but in reality, it was foolish of him to play that low backline and believe that they could handle everything in the middle. When United tried to limit the midfielders of City, City’s wingers prevailed.
Overall, the game brought Manchester United to a reality check. In this sort of a game, with the players that Manchester United have, the best way to win would’ve been to sit back and counter this City side getting back to their best.
Manchester United could’ve tactically set up a diamond instead and have Pogba do more defending in the hope that the counter would prevail. Even if not, it takes a well prepped and organized side to counter this city team.
The United side were taught to play their natural game and were given a huge slap by Man City to bring United down to earth. Especially with the fixtures City have coming up in the league, you could expect them to be top as soon as next month.
Manchester United learned that their side is not yet ready to compete with Liverpool and Man City. And to even be there, they need to be coached and prepared well for every single game, and yes, that includes defending.
End of thread!! Thanks for reading and ofc retweets are appreciated. Please drop a sub on my channel if you like this tho I've been grinding and posting on it. Cheers guys. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC88EXlA3CbkTe5amKSD1xCQ
