Analysis: Chelsea 2 Manchester United 3

Premier League, Sunday 28^th October 2012

High-scoring appears to be the name of the game for Manchester United this season, and this win against Chelsea was another intense, goal-filled encounter. United took an early lead thanks to an own goal and Robin van Persie, before the team in blue stormed back and levelled the game at 2-2. Two red cards later however, Chelsea were down to nine men, and United took full advantage as Hernandez scored the winner. Below is analysis on this fixture:

4-1-4-1

The 4-1-4-1 set-up chosen by Sir Alex Ferguson appeared the ideal counterbalance to Chelsea’s attacking threat. Michael Carrick sat in front of the defence with Wayne Rooney and Tom Cleverley in front of him acting as the midfield energy. Antonio Valencia played wide right with Robin van Persie up front. Ashley Young assumed a wide-left role, but also cut inside to great effect to support van Persie, a tactic that was instrumental in United’s first goal and Chelsea’s first red card.

The Reds focused their attacks down the right-hand side against a fragile Chelsea left, with Rafael and Valencia doubling up on Ashley Cole. With Ashley Young cutting inside, and Rooney surging forward, this meant an overload of players counter-attacking on the right, and Chelsea simply didn’t deal with it. The left-hand side of United was far more ineffective however, with Cleverley misfiring too many passes, and Young failing to threaten on that flank.

Carrick’s role in front of the defence paid dividends in the first half hour as he protected the back four whilst Rooney and Cleverley were busy putting out fires in front of him. As the match wore on however, United fell back failing to press high enough and invited pressure from Chelsea. Carrick’s effectiveness diminished, demonstrated by two particular occasions, one where he lost out physically in a key battle, and one where he should’ve been shutting down Eden Hazard rather than allowing Rooney to foul him for what led to the first Chelsea goal. Had United continued to be more effective in their midfield defensiveness then Chelsea may have been kept at bay.

Diving

On a weekend that saw many cards for diving, there were two in this match. Late on, Antonio Valencia received a yellow card for a soft tumble as he bypassed John Obi Mikel. Before that Fernando Torres was shown a yellow card for simulation, and was therefore sent off for multiple bookings. On both occasions free-kicks could’ve been undoubtedly been given due to the contact between defender and attacker. Nevertheless, on both occasions the offending diver clearly went down unnecessarily easily, and was certainly not brought down-it was the choice of the players that they fell to the ground.

On both occasions, the referee arguably made the correct decision. If football doesn’t mind simulation and play-acting, then certainly both situations should’ve resulted in free-kicks for the attacker. But if football wants to see an end to simulation and diving, then the referee made the right call. Cutting out pathetic tumbles is the first-step to stopping the endemic of diving. For his bravery, if anything, referee Mark Clattenburg should be praised.

Going Forward

United performed extremely well for the first 30 mins, and the 4-1-4-1 may become a useful formation away from home against strong opposition. For the most part the back four was solid, an encouragement. Rooney and van Persie once again showed their class, and Young got some vital competitive minutes as he continued his return from injury. United are now one point off Chelsea at the top of the league, and are on the charge. And as for the league itself, it will be very interesting to see whether diving really does get clamped down on, or whether this game was a mighty exception.

Ratings

[4-1-4-1]: De Gea-8, Rafael-8*, Ferdinand-8, Evans-6, Evra-8, Carrick-6, Valencia-6, Rooney-7, Cleverley-6, Young-6, , van Persie-8

(Hernandez-6, Giggs-6)

*Man of the match

Analysis: Manchester United 3 Braga 2

Champions League, Tuesday 23^rd October 2012

Another Champions League win for United meant they continued their 100% record in the Champions League this season. It was more early goals however that caused concern in this match. Braga quickly went two nil up as a result of defensive errors, but United stormed back with goals from Hernandez and Evans to win the game, as has so often been the case this season. Below are some thoughts from the match:

No-one can find the defensive cure

Against Braga, United went behind in a match for the 8^th time out of their 12 matches this season. As Sir Alex Ferguson noted after the match however, it is very hard to pinpoint the causes for these defensive deficiencies. The early goals conceded have all been different types of goals, and it only seems to be a problem at home rather than in away matches. In this particular game it was poor marking from United’s defenders that gave the opportunity to Braga.

United do need to tighten up and concede less. Maybe it is as simple a matter as concentration in the early stages of games that will be the solution. The attacking force that is United’s front players currently abates any defensive problems with an onslaught of goals, but Ferguson has noted the quandary of conceding too many too early, and has promised a solution will be found.

Hernandez stakes his claim

Javier Hernandez had possibly his best game ever in a United shirt against Braga. His widely-appreciated finishing ability was on show through the two goals he scored. His movement and running also caused Braga any number of problems at the back, and it is this ability to bamboozle defenders that gives the creative players behind him space to weave their own magic.

The obvious improvement in the Mexican’s game this season has been his all-round link-up play. There is no doubting his better passing, his increased strength on the ball, and his advancement in his ability to bring others into the game when on his own up front are all big features of his improved game. Hernandez is perhaps unique at United in his ability to play on the last man as an out and out striker, and this could work in his favour in terms of getting game-time this season. He certainly staked a claim for his place with his superb performance against Braga.

Going Forward

This was overall another very impressive performance by United. Some of the play was beyond excellent, and the Reds continue to look a devastating threat when going forward. Once more there were defensive worries-time will surely cure those. Hernandez had a fantastic game, whilst Fletcher, Cleverley, Rooney, Rafael, Evans and van Persie all continued their good form. The dilemma as the manager approaches the matches ahead will be his team selection, with so many players in form. With more defensive security, on current form, United will be unstoppable.

Ratings

[4-3-1-2]: De Gea-6, Rafael-7, Carrick-6, Evans-8, Büttner-5, Fletcher-8, Kagawa-6, Cleverley-7,  Rooney-8, van Persie-7, Hernandez-9*

(Nani-6, Giggs-5)

*Man of the match

Analysis: Manchester United 4 Stoke City 2

Premier League, Saturday 20^th October 2012

This home match to Stoke City promised goals as soon as Sir Alex Ferguson put three strikers down on his teamsheet, and goals there were. Rooney, Welbeck and van Persie scored four between them for United, and combined superbly throughout the match. Stoke’s two goals ensured some discomfort in the Manchester camp, but ultimately the Reds were too strong. Here’s some talking points from the game:

Fluid front

The formation assumed a familiar 4-4-2 shape. Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes played in central midfield, and Antonio Valencia played wide right. Meanwhile the front three of Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Robin van Persie interchanged between the two striker positions, and the left forward area.

This forward interchange worked delightfully. When Welbeck and Rooney moved left they offered a direct threat by coming inside and becoming an extra man in the middle. When van Persie moved left he offered the threat of crossing on his left-foot which he did sublimely to set-up Rooney’s first goal. The fluidity of these front three meant constant dilemmas for the Stoke defence. Meanwhile, Valencia offered a further attacking dimension down the right side, something utilised particularly well through the expansive passing of Scholes and Rooney, and this came to fruition as Valencia assisted van Persie’s goal from that side.

Every silver lining belongs to a cloud

In this game against Stoke we saw once again the good and the bad of Paul Scholes. His passing was, as usual, excellent. He also got forward to good effect in the first half, adding numbers to the United attacks and making well-timed runs. However this game lucidly exposed some of the flaws in his game, flaws which could’ve cost United in this match.

Scholes’ tackling was typically errant, and somewhat untypically unwise. It is often said that Scholes knows what he’s doing when fouling a player, that it is tactical. In this particular game however, he committed several rash fouls, seemingly not learning from the previous, and appeared lucky to have not been sent off for accumulation of yellow cards.

The other downside to Scholes’ game is, naturally because of his age, his intensity. United often look weak with only two players in central midfield, and Scholes does nothing to ease these fears. An ageing player, sublime with the ball at his feet, is not a Scholes at his defensive best. He can be lacklustre in his defensive duties, and this can contribute to more dangerous attacks from the opposition.

Scholes is a truly great player, and has been a blessing to United since his return from retirement in January. It would be foolish though to ignore that he, like any other player, has his flaws, and that they contributed to some nervous defensive moments against Stoke City.

Going Forward

This was overall a confident performance from United, somewhat shaken by two unlucky concessions, but crowned with a fantastic attacking display from the forwards. It can be expected that Sir Alex will rotate the team for the Champions League clash with Braga on Tuesday, with any of Fletcher, Kagawa, Cleverley, Anderson, Hernandez, Giggs and Nani coming in, and perhaps a return to the diamond (4-3-1-2) formation. United have now scored the most goals in the league this season, a proud statistic for the team. Now they must look to cut out the goals conceded.

Ratings

[4-4-2] De Gea-7, Rafael-7, Ferdinand-6, Evans-7, Evra-7, Valencia-6, Carrick-7, Scholes-6, Welbeck-7, Rooney-7, van Persie-8*, 

(Anderson-7, Nani-6, Hernandez-6)

*Man of the match

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The Importance of Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand is a classy centre-back. In fact, he is arguably the country’s finest; a gift to the English game. Yet still he goes unappreciated by some. His 400^th match for Manchester United in September was therefore a timely reminder of the seminal buy he became when purchased from Leeds United in 2002.

Considered one of the world’s best centre-backs ten years ago, he has remained in that elite category for his decade at United. Since that move in 2002 he has undergone a drugs ban, won the Champions League, been part of one of the most formidable defensive partnerships ever, and suffered a testing time with the national team. And although doubted by many, there is plenty to affirm that he is still a vital cog in the United system.

Ferdinand’s defensive abilities are supreme. The way in which he excels at several aspects of his game is what distinguishes him as one of the best.  His aptitude with the ball at his feet is something all too rare in modern defenders, and is essential in bringing a calm and control to the team when bringing the ball forward from defence. He has a honed talent in reading the game which allows him to take up good positions and make important interceptions. Ferdinand is also a pacey defender, once upon a time one of the quickest in the world, and still now at 33 much quicker than the average Premier League defender.

It was frequent injuries and national exile that led to premature suggestions that his career was all but over not too long ago. Sir Alex Ferguson only served to add fuel to this fire in the autumn of 2011 when announcing to the media that Ferdinand had lost some pace and needed to adapt his game-this was the proof many wanted that Ferdinand has lost it, that he was no longer what he was, that his playing days were ending. They were proved incorrect however.

The season of 2011-2012, in the absence of Nemanja Vidic due to injury, saw a fit Ferdinand igniting a partnership with Jonny Evans as he produced some of his best form for a couple of seasons. This was the catalyst that started to scatter the doubters. And even now, as the 2012-2013 season has begun, Ferdinand has once again managed to stay fit and show his defensive importance to the United side. Even Ferguson has been forthcoming in his praise for the centre-back.

Aside from the footballing qualities of Rio Ferdinand, he also brings other benefits to the Manchester United set-up. For one, he is a highly experienced player, and only behind Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes at the club in that respect. His experience is absolutely necessary in helping to guide youngsters such as David de Gea and Rafael da Silva as they look to establish themselves in the team around him. Had Ferdinand not been suffering from recurring injuries at the time, it is plausible that it would’ve been him, and not Nemanja Vidic, that took the captaincy mantle from Gary Neville in 2010.

Ferdinand is also clearly an asset as a role model around the club. In an interview last year, Ferguson revealed how Ferdinand had been doing a lot behind the scenes in trying to persuade Paul Pogba to stay at Old Trafford. Although that attempt may have been in vain, it is clear that Ferdinand is respected by his colleagues around him in Manchester, and that he has a good manner with young players in helping them to make their way at United.

At 33, Rio Ferdinand is well into the second-half of his glittering career, and perhaps may not remain at United for many more years. There is lots of young talent trying to break through, and even rumours of the player himself looking to end his career in the MLS in America. What is certain though, is that his time at United has been invaluable. He is criminally under-appreciated by some, not just for his defensive abilities, but also because of the person he is, and the benefits his personality brings to a club like Manchester United. Whilst he remains at Old Trafford, it is vitally important we treasure the genius he brings us.

Analysis: Newcastle United 0 Manchester United 3

Premier League, Sunday 7^th October 2012

This was a massive performance from Manchester United. After a loss to Tottenham the week prior, the onus was on to deliver a result with a good performance against Newcastle. And deliver that was exactly what the team did. Early headed goals from Evans and Evra capped a scintillating opening, before Cleverley sealed the win with a spectacular goal. Here are some thoughts on the game:

Tactics

Ferguson once again used the 4-3-1-2 formation (or the ‘diamond’ as he is calling it). These tactics were fully vindicated as the Reds began the game in storming fashion. Rooney at the forefront of the diamond was magnificent, popping up everywhere, creating and defending. Cleverley and Kagawa added energy and ideas, whilst Carrick sat back to mop up and instigate moves forward. After the early goals, Newcastle adapted their tactics to counteract United with Cabaye sitting on Carrick to limit his influence, and using wide areas to launch attacks. Nevertheless, United were not to be overcome, and 10 minutes into the second half Ferguson changed from the diamond to a 4-5-1 which stretched the game and finally saw off Newcastle. While maintaining the three in midfield, Valencia came on to the right wing, and Welbeck moved to the left in a tactical switch that perfectly nullified the opposition. Ferguson’s tactics were spot on.

Defence

This was also one of United’s best defensive performances in a long time at St. James’ Park. Aided by the urgent midfield pressing and the protection of Carrick, the back four were impenetrable. Ferdinand and Evans marshalled Ba and Cisse superbly, whilst United’s full-backs were at their very best in preventing any serious wide attack from Newcastle, and also getting forward to effect. As noted by Gary Neville in commentary, whilst the full-backs added width to the team going forward, they covered each other in defence too. If Rafael would attack, then Evra would stay put to maintain three defenders at the back, and vice versa. United’s defensive display was the near perfect example of what’s needed to win trophies this season, and the midfield and forward pressing and positioning was a necessary couple to the excellence of the back four. If United can defend and harry opposition like they did against Newcastle then they will be very hard to break down this season.

Going Forward

This performance was arguably the best of the season so far. The intensity of pressing and urgency that has been often missing this season was there in abundance at St. James’ Park. Meanwhile Wayne Rooney has looked insatiable since his return from injury and his deeper midfield role is working wonders in the matches he has been involved in. Ferguson’s diamond tactics offer United significant potency in midfield too, and may be the solution to taking control in big games this season. A great performance.

Ratings

[4-3-1-2]: De Gea-6, Rafael-8, Ferdinand-8, Evans-8, Evra-8, Carrick-7, Kagawa-6, Cleverley-8, Rooney-9*, van Persie-6, Welbeck-6, 

(Valencia-7, Scholes-6, Giggs-6)

*Man of the match

Analysis: CFR Cluj 1 Manchester United 2

Champions League, Tuesday 2^nd October 2012

This trip to Romania was for the most part an easier workout than the scoreline suggests. An early goal was conceded, but United responded with an overwhelming possession-based display and van Persie helped overcome Cluj with a goal either side of half-time. The slim one-goal advantage meant a tense last ten minutes, but this was for the majority a comfortable win. Here’s some analysis:

Possession play

Ferguson opted for another 4-3-1-2 based formation as against Newcastle last week. This centralised set-up combined with the excessively deep, defensive positioning of Cluj led to United dominating the game with 73% possession. Some stats reflect this: Fletcher completed 100% of his 23 long passes, Rafael completed 93 out of 94 passes, and the superb Tom Cleverley finished the game with a 93% passing completion rate. Whilst this 4-3-1-2 formation has no natural width, it is a fluid set-up that enabled any of the six front players and two full-backs to occupy the wide areas. This fluid approach helped to maintain possession throughout the game, and was an exciting snapshot as to what we might see of United in the future. The main challenge, for all United’s possession, was the find a way through the Cluj fortress, but two super deliveries from Wayne Rooney gave van Persie the opportunities to score the vital goals.

Shoddy defending

Whilst Cluj failed to offer any sustained threat in attack, when they did attack it was cause for concern, not because of their stunning talent going forward, but because of a sloppy defensive display. The goal conceded was, as the manager described, a ‘shocker’. The ball came out wide to Cluj winger Sougo as Evra sauntered along to him never looking like he even wanted to close him down. A pinpoint cross then came in which Evans failed to position himself well enough to deal with, and de Gea perhaps should’ve at least got a hand on the shot too as opposed to attempting to save with his feet. This shoddy defending was a surprise as it came only a few days after the awful defensive showing against Tottenham, and the team will obviously be working hard to eradicate it.

Going Forward

The possession play was on the whole brilliant, and Anderson, Cleverley and Fletcher will all give Sir Alex food for thought with his midfield selections after great displays. It was encouraging to see Rooney and van Persie link-up well, and it will also be interesting to see whether the 4-3-1-2 formation can work effectively against better quality opposition with a more intense pressing game. It is unfortunately true however that United still need to keep better concentration in defence, and the back four need to work more in tandem. One can only hope this comes with time; the law of averages suggests there’s only so long the Reds can be so sloppy in defence.

Ratings

[4-3-1-2]: De Gea-7, Rafael-8, Ferdinand-7, Evans-6, Evra-5, Fletcher-7, Anderson-7, Cleverley-8*, Rooney-8, van Persie-7, Hernandez-6

(Wooton-6, Welbeck-6)

*Man of the match

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