Author: utdfirst

Martial Proves Critics Wrong

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Martial has always had his critics at Manchester United and since number one scapegoat Paul Pogba is out injured, many turn the blame of losses and poor performances to Martial.

Poor Form

United had 3 losses in the Premier League in January, as well as losing top scorer Marcus Rashford to a long term injury. It wasn’t a great month and lots of fans blamed Martial for not getting the goals.

Criticism especially came in the loss against Burnley where Martial missed a clear chance in the area and had a poor game overall.

Lack Of Support

Although Martial hadn’t been playing well, neither had the entire team. Against Liverpool, United created 2 big chances and both were created from Martial.

He was not getting runners beyond him unlike when Rashford plays and he didn’t have players in midfield to find him often enough. It was frustrating for the Frenchman.

With the absence of Pogba and Rashford, the two only real creative links for Martial it was always going to be a tough period for Martial.

Introducing Bruno Fernandes

The acquisition of Fernandes in January was vital for the team and Martial. With a goal or assist every 102 minutes in the Liga Nos, it was clear that he would positively impact United.

Martial has scored in 2 of the 3 games he has played alongside Bruno Fernandes, with Bruno setting up Martial initially before his superb goal against Chelsea.

The two clearly get on with Fernandes jokingly saying after the Watford game:

“I hope Anthony scores more goals when I pass the ball to him and not miss the goal and take the ball again. If he scores it’s two assists! Last week I say he never scores on my assists but I don’t think it’s my fault tonight”.

With more confidence in the midfield behind him Martial has regained form with 3 goals in his last 3 games. With the option for the Frenchman to play wide with the addition of Odion Ighalo as well.

A Strong Push For Champions League Places

With Fernandes, United are able to push and potentially regain a spot in the Champions League, which seemed very difficult before his arrival. If he and Martial can continue to link up, Martial will be looking at ending the season strong.

The Frenchman still has many critics, but if you look at the statistics, the striker has a healthy return this season with 20 goal contributions in the equivalent of 26 full games.

He will only get higher numbers with better reinforcements in the new season, and the critics should perhaps look at more important issues in the side before Martial.

Manchester United vs Club Brugge Preview, Possible XI & Prediction

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Old Trafford will host the 2nd leg of the Europa League round of 32 game against Club Brugge on Thursday. The 1st leg ended in a 1-1 draw at the Jan Breydel Stadium, meaning Manchester United have the all important away goal.

The 1st leg showed us that Brugge could definitely cause United problems, catching the defense out with lofted balls multiple times, and scoring their goal from a long goal kick which the United defenders were not prepared for.

United will likely field a pretty different side this time around against Brugge. It is pivotal for them to get into the next round and we will likely see a very strong side. Although United do need to be wary as they play Everton 3 days after.

After 81 minutes last week, Bruno Fernandes finally took to the pitch where he ran the show for the remainder of the game. He completed 100% of his passes and took 4 shots in the time he was on the pitch. After a goal and an assist against Watford on Sunday, it’s likely he will start on Thursday.

Martial has had a great past week, scoring a goal in each of the 3 games United played. Although, he could be one of the players who are rested, as Ighalo could slot in to make his full debut and give Martial a rest ahead of Everton.

Solskjaer has said that only Axel Tuenzebe and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are not fit for the match other than the obvious Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford. This is what Ole had to say about the squad:

“We’ve got a strong and fit 25-man squad and it was a good session. We’re looking stronger.”

This could mean the return of Scott McTominay to the lineup after he made an appearance from the bench against Watford.

Club Brugge will be looking to get their first win in a European match in England after not being able to in 12 previous attempts.

Whereas United will be looking to carry on their run of 12 unbeaten home Europa League matches.

The danger man for Manchester United will clearly be Bruno Fernandes, after he has picked up 3 MOTM’s in 3 starts for the Red Devils. He will likely be amongst the goals, scoring 5 in the tournament already.

For Brugge, The man who scored the goal in the first leg, Dennis, who caused United problems all night will be the one to watch. Dennis registered 3 shots on target and created 2 big chances for the Belgium side last Thursday. He will be looking to have a similar impact in Manchester.

Predicted XI

Romero will make his regular Europa League start, where he has kept 4 clean sheets in 5 appearances.

It will likely be a similar back 4 as against Watford, apart from Bailly being introduced. William’s had trouble against this opposition last week and will probably occupy the bench as Luke Shaw continues his good form.

McTominay will come into the midfield for Fred, giving him extra rest ahead of Everton, McTominay also is not match fit and not ready to start against opposition of Everton’s caliber.

Lingard and Andreas are unlikely to make the 11 after both having poor performances last Thursday, leaving James, Bruno and Mata. Greenwood will likely appear from the bench, and will most likely start against Everon on the weekend.

Ighalo will come in to make his first start for the club since joining, leaving Martial on the bench to come on if needed.

Game Prediction

Unlike in the away leg, United will be more solid defensively. They have 2 clean sheets in a row at home and will be looking to make it 3 in a row.

Bruno Ferndandes will dictate the game, and likely end up on the scoresheet again. He will also help Matic and McTominay to dominate the midfield battle.

Ighalo has missed his first 2 chances in a United shirt, and will be looking to change that. He will be full of fire and will have a solid performance.

Brugge will have good spells of positive attacking football but will not be able to sustain the pressure throughout.

Final Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Club Brugge

Manchester United vs Watford. Preview, potential XI and Prediction.

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Manchester United are looking to build momentum in the race for a Champions League place. Watford stand in their way – who were victorious last time the sides met at Vicarage Road.

Solskjaer’s men put out another below par performance against Club Brugge on Thursday. Although there were 6 changes to the side from the team which won at Stamford Bridge.

Martial started on Thursday and added another goal to his tally, making it 15 for the season. However, the Frenchman could drop to the bench due to starting 2 games in 4 days. This could mean that Odion Ighalo could get his first start for the Red Devils against his former side.

United have kept 2 clean sheets in a row in the League and are looking to make it 3 for the first time for just over a year (February 24th 2019). While Nigel Pearson is looking to be only the 4th English manager to complete the Premier League double over Manchester United.

Due to Sheffield United and Tottenham dropping points, a win would send United up to 5th, 3 points off the top 4. However, a win for Watford would lift them above the relegation zone. An important game for both sides.

Watford have 1 win in their last 5 Premier League games and have never won at Old Trafford in the Premier League. However United have won just 2 of their last 5.

Watford are likely to play a deep block which has caused Manchester United many troubles this season, but new signing Bruno Fernandes will give a different dynamic to United’s play. As well, Ighalo will offer something different up front for the Reds.

Scott McTominay could be in contention for the bench on Sunday. This is what Ole had to say about the midfielders recovery:

“I’m not surprised [he’s back so soon] because that’s the type he is,”

“He’s a physical specimen, he’s a leader. He never shirks a tackle and he brings everyone with him. He can sit with Nemanja and Fred or he could be one of the runners in midfield.”

Rashford and Pogba are still out, while Mason Greenwood is a doubt after he missed Thursdays game with illness.

Record signing Sarr could be in contention for a place in the Watford side, as well as right back Feminia as both have returned to full training this week.

These are the kinds of games United have been dropping points in, it is important that they change that and get the 3 points to put them in 5th, which is now a Champions League spot if Manchester City’s European ban isn’t lifted. It seems like every game, but this is another must win game for Manchester United.

Potential Starting XI

United will make multiple changes from their midweek Europa League match. The most important will be Bruno Fernandes coming into the 11 after showing how good he really is to United fans with his 15 minute cameo against Club Brugge.

David De Gea will return between the sticks for United after Romero’s usual stint in the Europa League.

As well, it is likely Ighalo makes the line up against his ex club. It will be interesting to see a different kind of player in the striker role.

Wan Bissaka, Fred and James will return to the line up after all being rested on Thursday.

It is likely that United will return to a 4231, moving Shaw out to left back as Brandon Williams looked like he needed a rest on Thursday.

Solskjaer mentioned that Bailly picked up a knock before the Club Brugge game, but was fit enough to be on the bench, so he could make a return to partner Maguire after a solid first game back from injury against Chelsea on Monday.

Mata could make the line up on the right, but mainly due to the fact that Mason Greenwood could still be out ill and that Lingard and Andreas are in poor form.

Prediction

It could be an exciting game for United fans as they get to see new signing Fernandes in a game where the Reds will likely dominate the possession of the ball, and against a weaker side. Usually this wouldn’t be an ideal situation, but it looks like Fernandes can unlock a defense, which could solve United’s problems.

Although, a strong defensive performance should be on the wish list for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as it was particularly poor on Thursday and although a clean sheet was kept against Chelsea, it was partly due to the help of VAR.

United have not scored at home for 2 games and the last time they went 3 without one was in May 200, however I will be expecting some goals.

Watford will be tough to break down, but I expect some individual brilliance from Fernandes or Mata to break the deadlock. Which will then allow United to play in a more open game.

Final Prediction: Manchester United 3 – 1 Watford

Manchester United vs Chelsea

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Preview

Manchester United face Chelsea tomorrow night at Stamford Bridge, where it is a pivotal game in the Red Devils chase for the Champions League spots and now that Manchester City have a European ban for the next 2 seasons for breaching FFP regulations, it means 5th place will now get a Champions League spot.

The last time the 2 sides faced in the League was the on the opening gameweek, where United stunned Chelsea with a 4-0 win at Old Trafford. However, it is Chelsea who sit in 4th, while United are down in 9th after their loss to Burnley before the winter break. Although a win for United would mean they go to 7th, and would be only 3 points away from Chelsea. A loss, however, would be extremely bad for United and Ole, it is a must win game.

Although McTominay was with the United squad in Marbella, he is still not fit enough to be involved vs Chelsea, but could possibly feature against Club Brugge in the Europa League midweek, or Watford next weekend. Pogba is still recovering from Injury, and will be out at least until March. Ole has said that Ighalo will be travelling to London, but will most likely make an appearance from the bench, as he only has trained with the squad today. Matic will likely return to the side after serving his ban for his red card vs Man City in the Carabao Cup.

Both sides have been in poor form recently, with 1 win in their last 5 League matches each. The return of Matic will allow Bruno Fernandes to play higher up the pitch and allow him to potentially have a say in the result of this fixture. Chelsea will be looking to return to the form they had earlier in the season.

United’s Key Man: Bruno Fernandes

Chelsea’s Key Man: Jorginho

How will United line up?

It is possible for United to line up as they usually would in a 4231, but Ole seems to like the option of playing a back 3, where the defensive is more sound. This also allows United to soak up pressure and counter attack, which is where they’ve looked best this season. It also protects Williams, as i still do not think Ole trusts him to defend the left flank, which is why Shaw will be at LCB. As well this will position Greenwood in his favoured position, while also helping Martial by having someone closer to him in possession. This still keeps the compactness in midfield and is why I think the 352 will be utilised in this game.

Prediction

It will be a tight game, where neither side want to concede first. Chelsea will dominate possession but United will have chances on the break. Kepa is in poor form and Fernandes will be likely to be taking shots from range. While both defenses are looking shaky recently.

My Prediction: United 2-2 Chelsea.

Martial – False 9.

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There has been a lot of negative talk about Martial recently, as he has put in multiple below par performances, however, the tactics implemented and personnel on the pitch are making it difficult for the Frenchman to succeed.

Man Utd’s Tactics

The Red Devils have had trouble with their attacking tactics throughout the season, with the midfielders and fullbacks not offering the front 3 much support in the final third. With Martial dropping in as a false 9, he needs multiple runners in behind or to link up with to have an impact. Martial’s goal VS Norwich in the 3-1 win shows how well Martial can play in the role, when given runners, but also shows how United are poor in the final third.

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As Martial picked the ball up, the direct run from Rashford was crucial so that it would create space from Martial to come forward with the ball, as the CBs could not completely focus on Martial, and when the CB makes the decision to come forward, it opens up the space for Martial to play the ball into Rashford.

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Rashford then has made his run inside which has dragged the Norwich RB inside. Martial acknowledged this space and then ran into it and received a pass back from Rashford which resulted in a goal. Although this worked in this attack, the player who should have been occupying the wide left area is Young who is WAY too deep in this situation and should be overlapping on the left side. This goal shows that Martial can be successful through the middle as a False 9, but the fact that Rashford was his only possible option going forward shows the limitation he faces in that position, as in reality he was doing 2 players jobs in the build up to this goal.

In games it seems like although Martial is set up as a false 9, the other players around him are not tactically set up to benefit the style of a false 9. In this attack VS Wolves there are multiple problems. James’ positioning is way too deep and should be closer to Martial, which would drag the RB inside and allow Shaw space to attack the left side. Utilising a 4231 is questionable as well, it can work with the correct 10, however in this image, Mata is only occupying space that Martial could be in, and is not the player to make a run past the forward, which is what Martial needs to create space. Looking at the right side, Bruno is somewhat occupying it as Mata has drifted inside, but really, no one is there. If the ball was to be played through the lines to Martial here, he NEEDS to have runners in behind and without Rashford no one is offering him that at the moment.

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Man Utd’s Personnel

The clear personnel negative is the injury of Marcus Rashford, with it looking like he will be out for the remainder of the season. Martial has only scored in 1 in 6 games since Rashford’s injury. This is not only because the 2 have a great connection on the pitch but due to the fact Rashford is the only player at United right now capable of playing the inside forward role with great effect. Where as James does not have the power or link up play to be able to play it to effect (as well as his rock bottom confidence at the moment). Martial has struggled to link up with the midfield with Pogba injured. The lack of attacking options in midfield can be okay, only if the fullbacks offer more going forward, this is why utilising Dalot for the reminder of the season should be important to United. The introduction of Williams on the left has shown what an attacking option from fullback can do, but he can not be relied on to be the only wide option. However, the difficulties for Wan Bissaka going forward are large due to the lack of a RW in the side.

The signing of Bruno Fernandes should help Martial. Although he is known for his long range shooting Bruno will make the 3rd man runs in behind the defense, which will give Martial an extra forward option with the ball at his feet. But also many times this season Martial has been isolated with the team unable to progress the ball forward, and this has led to Martial drifting deeper to try and progress the ball. Last season, Fernandes had 8.2 deep progressions per 90, bringing this to United should mean Martial will not have to drop in to help ball progression, and can stay in position to pick the ball up in more dangerous areas.

Image result for bruno fernandes statsbomb
Bruno Fernandes Radar 18/19

Conclusion

Yes Martial should still be performing at a higher level than he is at the moment, but he still has 12 goals and 5 assists in all competitions so far this season and has done this in a dysfunctional United side.

With the loan signing of Ighalo, it is likely Martial will finish the season playing on the left side, he should be able to have more of an impact here, as he will not need to rely on others as much here and it is his most natural position. With Pogba soon back, the left side could look threatening for the rest of the season, as the Frenchmen have a great connection. Although, once Rashford is back, Martial should return to a false 9 position, but United need to ensure their tactics are to benefit a false 9, they should look for a RW that will suit the inside forward role (such as Chukwueze), as well as deciding Dalot’s future, as he could be a beneficial part of a system including a false 9.

It is clear that Martial can be a success as a False 9, but United need to decide what they want to do and stick with it, as a false 9 NEEDS a solid system to flourish. It seems like it is clear to continue with the False 9 for United as it clearly brings the best out of Marcus Rashford, but the system and tactical side need lots of work.

The attacking overload.

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The forward options for Manchester United this season have impressed, with James and Greenwood being the option from the right. Yet to step up to the next level United need to find an inside forward suited to the right side, to match the effect Rashford has from the left, so that they can implement an attacking overload.

Shape

Man Utd front 3 shape VS Man City
Liverpool front 3 shape VS Brighton

It is clear that United want to systematically have their forwards play like Liverpool’s, with Martial playing similar to Firmino in a False 9, and two inside forwards, with the fullbacks offering the width.

The difference in shape however, is that on the right United have James, who likes to keep his width and also is right footed, so is reluctant to cut inside, this gives the United fullback less chance to be an attacking option on the right flank and to overload the attack. Where as Trent is ready to occupy the right side of attack when Salah makes a move infield Liverpool’s overload is clear in the pictures with United being 3 v 6 and Liverpool being 6 v 6 in their attacks.

Personnel

But also Wan Bissaka simply does not have the attacking output that TAA offers, Trent has 8 assists so far the season, which is the 2nd best in the league and is one the best crossers of the ball in Europe, averaging an assist every 22.3 crosses in the 2018/19 season. AWB’s attacking ability has been questioned by many, and if United are to carry on with the False 9 and inside forwards, it could be more beneficial to use Dalot on the right side, being a more direct and attacking fullback, although he is definitely more of a liability on the defensive side. However the attacking side of the full backs game in this system is more important and a CM such as McTominay could cover for the RB defensively.

CPA for RB’s 18/19

Although, for an attacking right back to work at United, a new Right forward would be needed, who is comfortable coming inside and can link up play with the other forwards. For now though, James is a great counter-attacking option with his speed, but Greenwood offers more, being able to come inside and is clinical in front of goal, and can also open up space for a right back to overload the attack.

A profile such as Samuel Chukwueze or Ousmane Dembele would suit the position, being direct, technical dribblers, who are comfortable cutting inside and linking play, this is shown below. This would then allow United to overload the opposition half with the fullbacks and midfield options, where as now as seen in the shape VS Man City they are relying on individual magic from the front 3/4 alone to score.

Dembele Radar 2018/19
Samuel Chukwueze radar 2018/19

Dynamic

With a new RW, and potentially a new LB (use Williams if not) Man Utd can play the attacking style they want to with more success. As you can see in the diagram below, Williams and Dalot would drive forward down the flanks, while Rashford and Greenwood/New RW drift inside, and Martial drops just behind to link the play from midfield to attack and to then get into the box for a cut back from wide or a link up with one of the the wingers. This means that the inside forwards need to ensure they are gambling on the last defender for crosses, as the 9 cannot do this. Salah and Mane have scored many goals from this position. (seen below)

Attacking dynamic

Here, Liverpool show the forward dynamic perfectly in Salah’s goal VS West Ham. You can see that Firmino (circled) is in a deep position after having linked up play with Kieta, also, looking at Mane’s position; he has came very narrow, bringing the RB with him, which has then given Robertson space on the left. With Milner also being high, it has caused a 6v6 to occur.

Robertson has been given the ball out wide and as you can see, Firmino has picked up a position coming into the box from the edge and the 2 forwards are on the last line of defense, Robertson’s quality allows him to drill a pass across the 6 yard box, which Salah ended up finishing. Looking at the imagine, Liverpool have 4 players inside the box and 2 just outside it. Showing their attacking dynamic allows a greater chance of a goal to happen due to the overload.

With the right personnel and coaching, United would be able to implement an attacking overload in their play, which could solve many of their problems going forward like dealing with deep blocks. With Martial and Rashford, they have 2 important tools to play the dynamic, yet it would also take a lot for it to work for the Red Devil’s.

Poch Out – Jose In

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The news of Mauricio Pochettino being sacked was announced last night, and it did not take long for Tottenham to announce his replacement in Jose Mourinho.


With only 2 wins in their last 11 Premier League games, it seems like a change at Spurs was needed.


However, many supporters were disappointed to see Pochettino go, he has built a stable squad yet has been unable to bring any silverware home to White Hart Lane.


It is clear to see why Spurs have appointed Jose, yet it is still a great risk. It is well known that Jose does not factor in longevity in his sides, much unlike Pochettino who had been great with building players up, to the liking of Daniel Levy no doubt.


But the idea of Levy not backing Mourinho is very unlikely to me. Especially after dealing with Woodward and the Glazers at Manchester United, Jose would’ve been sure to not have a similar situation in his next job.


The squad at Tottenham seems to suit the build of a classic Mourinho side, with some players that he was interested in while at the helm in Manchester, with Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld fitting his strong mould of player.


Of course, the backing will be the deciding factor in the outcome of Mourinho’s time and whether Spurs will get any silverware.
Although i can’t see Mourinho creating a title contending team at Spurs, I can certainly see him picking up some silverware, but what will be the cost of this?


As seen at Jose’s time at United and Chelsea, tension usually builds in the dressing room with the manager and players, as well as the football being not so attractive. Yet, it seems like Jose Mourinho could be the best man for the job that Spurs need – to collect silverware.

Although, whether Mourinho will be considered a success at Spurs is unlikely, with the inevitability of Jose causing trouble at the club in the end. It will be questioned whether an FA cup win (for example) would be enough for Jose to be a success, as he will likely leave the club worse of than they are now.

Angel Gomes – The solution?

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Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Man United have been an effective counter attacking team, yet when up against a deep block like in the Europa League in a 0-0 draw against AZ Alkmaar where United were unable to register a shot on target, they are unable to break them down.


This is ultimately due to the fact that creativity is lacking in the midfield area, especially in the 10. Andreas is usually deployed there, this is mainly due to his high work rate, yet he does not offer the creative spark that United need against the lower sides in the league who decide to sit back against United.


Angel Gomes is a natural number 10, and his playmaking ability is clear to see; having a goal contribution every 144 minutes throughout last season.


Of course Man Utd still have Pogba to return from injury, yet his future at the club is uncertain, and if he does stay, having both Pogba and Gomes against the lower sides could bring the creativity that United have lacked against these sides.. .and more.


He would bring a spark into the United first team which not many others can bring – the ability to play through the lines. As well as being able to find pockets of space between the opposition teams defence and midfield. This would potentially solve The Red Devils struggles against the more defensive sides where their counter attacking style is not useful.


The question is whether Angel could play consistently in one of the most physically demanding leagues in the world while only being 5’6. Although, it is worth United testing the England under 21 star, while having limited options in the position for the remainder of the season.


In the long term, a loan move abroad next campaign would seem suitable for the young talent, as it looks increasingly likely Man Utd will purchase an attacking midfielder in the coming summer and after seeing Jayden Sancho flourish in Germany after his exit from Manchester City in 2017, it would seem a large mistake for United to let go of the young talent in Angel Gomes, especially for free as his contract does run out at the end of the 19/20 season.

Marcus Rashford – The Debate

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The young Englishman has been the focus of many debates between Man Utd fans so far this campaign. With some supporters believing Rashford does not have consistancy or inteligance to make it as a top player. However others feel like this is unjustified on the youngster who has made a solid start to the campaign for United (17 apps, 9 goals, 3 assists) and this can only get better with experience and stability in the United team.


The numbers that Marcus has produced so far are impressive when taking into account the situation Manchester United are currently in, and with 2 of the most creative sparks in the team in Pogba and Martial injured for the majority of the start of the 19/20 campaign, these numbers can only improve into the latter stages of the season.


The critiques of Rashford’s game though, are clear to see, especially in Martials absence where we witnessed Rashford deployed as a 9. Although this seemed to be his preferred position in the past few years, it is clear that at least for now, he is not ready to be to focal point of the team.


However when placed as a inside forward on the left is where we see the best of Rashford, and with Martial leading the line it seems that the two are improving their link up every game they play together. Martials goal against Norwich was a clear showing of this.


Although there are many aspects where Rashford can improve his game, this should be exciting for United supporters, due to movement and decision making in the final third (some of Rashford’s main weaknesses) being able to be coached and come with experience, the question of Solskjaer being able to improve these sides of Marcus’ game is something we cannot predict.


In all, I believe although the English International can cause fustration for many supporters with his inconsistancies – he is certainly not where the fanbase should be focusing their worry and can definately develop into a great player in the coming years.