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