High-Speed United

In the summer of 2012, whilst many were indulging in the sportsfest of the Olympics and the European Championships, only one thing will have been on Sir Alex Ferguson’s mind: how to wrestle the title back onto the right side of Manchester. As he plotted and schemed, his mind may have well been cast back to the last time the Olympics and European Championships came round.

That time, in 2008, United fans were looking back on a famous double characterized by fast, attacking football. As Dimitar Berbatov’s agent intimated some months ago, Ferguson is looking to add more speed to the game. Perhaps a throwback to 2008 is exactly what Fergie is after.

The team of 2008 was an array of attacking talent characterised by energy, organisation, and an elegant fluidity. The front four, most often comprised of Giggs, Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez, would cause havoc for opposition defences by swapping positions, drifting inside, drifting outside and running at players. The defence was the rock solid foundation upon which the team was built, and the midfield was the source of transition from defence to attack; the workers, the hub of the team.

The main criticism of this side was the lack of a number 9 striker, someone who would maintain their goal-orientated position and finish the many chances created by this attacking talent, whilst removing some of the goalscoring burden off Cristiano Ronaldo. So Ferguson moved to address this. He signed the classy Dimitar Berbatov, as well as giving Wayne Rooney more of an out and out striker’s role.

In the meantime Ronaldo and Tevez left the club. A more formulaic method of slowing building the play to culminate in goals brought further trophies to Old Trafford, but never the same adventure of the previous years. The thoughtful approach of a playmaking Scholes and Carrick with goal-focused strikers would never match the excitement of the dynamic years prior. It also meant more predictability. Pleasure and enthusiasm are requirements at Manchester United, and perhaps a return to the exhilaration of 2008 would give that.

Brief glimpses of a high-speed United were on display last season. The front four of Nani, Young, Rooney and Welbeck were the new Giggs, Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez. Meanwhile, Tom Cleverley and Anderson in midfield both added a thrust and forward drive to the team that has been missing in the absences of the Brazilian and Darren Fletcher through injury, and the now-departed Owen Hargreaves.

This season has seen the introduction of Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa, very much forward-thinking players who play with a speed and awareness only rivalled by the very best. The rejuvenation of Javier Hernandez has been a revelation as he terrorizes defences with his movement and instinct, whilst the swashbuckling enterprises of Patrice Evra and Rafael at full-back have added more suave to the United attack.

A more energetic style may be the natural progression at Old Trafford as dynamic youngsters make their names known too. The likes of Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones, Nick Powell and Rafael are the bedrock of the years ahead, and possess innate liveliness and zest.

United at times are still pragmatic and stale, but show all the potential of being a potent force. Performances this season have been docile, only at times for United to majestically awake from their slumber and cut down the opposition, before returning to a state of drowsiness. All the ingredients are there however for United to be firing on all cylinders when the time comes. Speed may well be the name of the game if United are to snatch back their most desired trophies this season.

Analysis: Manchester United 1 West Ham United 0

Premier League, Wednesday 28^th November 2012

This win over West Ham was rare; it was Manchester United’s first clean sheet since the 7^th October. A goal inside the first minute from Robin van Persie won the game, but only thanks to a sublime defensive display amidst disjointed attacking. Here’s some analysis on the match:

Defensive diamond

United lined up in the ‘diamond’ formation (4-3-1-2), mainly due to the number of in-form central midfielders and out-of-form/injured wingers. This formation was used the last time United kept a clean sheet in a league, and there is no coincidence its return coincided with another shutout. The big positive of the setup is its potency in midfield, and the protection this gives to the defence.

Against teams like West Ham, who setup very defensively at Old Trafford, the narrow diamond formation can struggle to break them down because of its lack of rigid width. United did well to get an early goal though, and from that point in the setup enabled defensive solidity. Michael Carrick sat in front of the back four to good effect, while Tom Cleverley, Anderson and Wayne Rooney all did their bit in tracking back and shutting the opposition midfield. The diamond may well prove an effective defensive setup away from home against the ‘bigger’ teams.

Young blood

Rafael da Silva, Chris Smalling, and Jonny Evans all started in a relatively youthful United back four, and were the stars of the show. Rafael kept Matt Jarvis in his pocket all evening with brave and clever defending, combining it with his usual attacking presence. Smalling proved his prowess in the air, something that is essential against opposition who pump forward a lot of high balls. Evans meanwhile continued to show his quickening development with a confident and assured display. Evan’s ability to break forward with poise from defence adds a welcome dimension to the attack. Along with Phil Jones, these players are proving themselves as a future bedrock of United, and are more than deserving of their current selections.

Going Forward

This performance was typical of any champions; grinding out small wins are part and parcel of winning any league. A long overdue clean sheet was promising, largely due to the solid performances of the back four. United midfielders Anderson and Carrick also had vibrant games. The anticipated return of Antonio Valencia from injury is now vital as United begin a busy winter period of games where all options are needed.

Ratings

[4-3-1-2]: Lindegaard-8, Rafael-8*, Smalling-8, Evans-8, Evra-6, Carrick-7, Anderson-7, Cleverley-6, Rooney-6, Hernandez-6, van Persie-6

(Young-6, Welbeck-6, Jones-6)

*Man of the match

Analysis: Manchester 3 Queens Park Rangers 1

Premier League, Saturday 24^th November 2012

Jonny Evans, Darren Fletcher, and Javier Hernandez were this week’s saviours as United once again completed a second-half comeback to beat QPR and return to the top of the table. An insipid performance contained an inspired 10 minutes in which United did their damage, and it turned out to be enough against a struggling QPR team. Here’s some thoughts from the game:

The edge of games

Being no psychological expert, this is merely a supposition, but it appears that United almost require to be on the edge of matches in order to perform this season. Sir Alex Ferguson once said of Wayne Rooney that he ‘needs to be on the edge of games’ to play well. It seems that this belief may have transferred to the whole United team. On numerous occasions this season United have looked comfortable in possession, but underwhelming in creation and excitement, and only when going behind in matches have come to life. The few matches that United have started with intensity have often been the ‘bigger’ games, for example against Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle.

It could possibly be that United are simply lacking the psychological intensity at the start of matches to be at their full throttle best. When other teams play United they are often lesser in ability, and therefore playing the Red Devils is one of their bigger matches meaning they have a higher intensity level. United often fail to match this level until the need for goals (i.e. going behind) is at its greatest point.

Maybe this is simply a false theory. Or maybe this is a real thing. One thing is for certain though; whatever is the reason for conceding first and not performing well at the start of matches needs sorting.

Midfield

It was Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher who lined up in the centre of midfield against QPR. Both had quiet games, not doing much wrong, but not greatly affecting the game. Fletcher’s defensive work, particularly in supporting the full-back, was of greater mobility than has been seen recently. Scholes was accurate in his passing, but failed to impact the game going forward. The introduction of Anderson added a drive to the midfield in a way that only Anderson can do, and was the antidote that worked against QPR. It would be harsh to blame the central midfield for all of United’s dullness however.

Yet again United’s wide players failed to inspire against the London side. Ashley Young had another tepid game, and Danny Welbeck looked even more unbalanced than usual out on the wings.  United wide players of the past (Ronaldo, Giggs, Beckham to name but a few) had a habit of producing that ultra-special moment that changed a tight game. Welbeck and Young looked nowhere near beating a man, let alone creating that special moment against QPR. The lack of confidence, swagger, and quality on United’s wings is an ongoing concern that only serves to limit United’s supply of creativity in matches.

Going Forward

The win and three points was the most important thing from this match. The performance was dull, but rarely in doubt apart from the few minutes QPR were ahead. United’s wing-play is concerning, and whilst the central midfield does little to inspire at times, the flexibility of options there is encouraging. With a busy December period now approaching, United will need to make full use of an excitingly big and varied squad as they look to reach the New Year in pole position.

Ratings

[4-4-2]: Lindegaard-6, Rafael-7, Ferdinand-7, Evans-7, Evra-6, Young-5, Fletcher-6, Scholes-6, Welbeck-6, Rooney-7, van Persie-6

(Anderson-8*, Hernandez-7, Powell-6)

*Man of the match

Analysis: Galatasaray 1 Manchester United 0

Champions League, Tuesday 20^th November 2012

A first defeat in the Champions League this season was of little consequence for an already-qualified Manchester United. The game was in fact a fairly even contest, but Galatasaray predictably had more intensity in their play, and they scored the only goal from a corner in the second-half. Below are some talking points from the match:

The other midfielders

Whilst Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes have been the stalwarts of the Manchester United midfield over the last year, this game against Galatasaray was an opportunity to view an amalgamation of United’s other options in that position. Lining-up in the diamond formation, Darren Fletcher, Tom Cleverley, Anderson, and Nick Powell all started.

Fletcher, by far the senior of the quartet, was at the base of the diamond as he continues on the comeback road to football after missing a large period of time due to his illness. He was neat, yet somewhat ineffective against the Turkish side. Nick Powell at the tip of the diamond, the youngest of the quartet, showed his mighty potential with his physical and technical ability, and came close for United when he struck the crossbar. The English youngster could have a fantastic career ahead of him. Cleverley was his usual efficient passing self, whilst Anderson offered less than usual in terms of attacking effectiveness, but had a solid game all round. These four midfielders all have claims to be in the first-team on a regular basis, and did no harm to their efforts against Galatasaray.

Phil Jones

Phil Jones played his first game since May against Galatasaray on his return from a lengthy injured spell, and was excellent. He looked sharp in the tackle, alert in positioning and the interception, and confident and calm on the ball. There has unsurprisingly been much talk about Jones’ long-term position, and it is an asset to such a young player than he offers the team something whether at right-back, midfield or centre-back. Against Galatasaray however he looked at home in his central defensive role. Naturally this appears to be his most-suited role, and time is on his side in terms of development. After all, the best central-defenders are never at their best until later in their careers. So welcome back to the team Phil Jones: (possibly) future Man United central-defensive gladiator.

Going Forward

It was somewhat bizarre for United to be involved in a game of so little consequence, and even more bizarre for there to be an air of content with a loss. But this game had positives in that the result didn’t matter, and the youthful players showed their potential. Teenagers Jones and Powell looked particularly promising, and it can be expected at least one of the midfield four will get a Premier League start very soon.

Ratings

[4-3-1-2]: Lindegaard-7, Rafael-5, Carrick-6, Jones-8*, Büttner-6, Fletcher-6, Anderson-6, Cleverley-7, Powell-6, Welbeck-8, Hernandez-6

(Young-6, Macheda-5, King-6)

*Man of the match

Analysis: Norwich City 1 Manchester United 0

Premier League, Saturday 17^th November 2012

United stumbled to a third defeat of the season at Carrow Road with a stuttering performance. Norwich took a second-half lead, but unlike on so many other occasions this season, the retorting onslaught from United never came, and they succumbed to a loss. Here’s some brief analysis:

Norwich blunten United’s attack

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have not been short of goals this season, but at Carrow Road they drew a blank. Norwich City defended with superb organisation and prevented any clear United openings. Often with two banks of four behind the ball, Norwich offered no clear-cut opportunities for the Red Devils, who themselves failed to create any.

The Reds lacked any intensity in the game, and therefore made it easier for the Canaries to keep organised and concentrate. As is so often with United, the opposition has a much greater incentive and psychological drive to perform than the technically superior players in Red do. This showed at Carrow Road, as United simply failed to match the desire and drive shown by their counterparts. Had United moved the ball quicker and had a greater intensity to their game, it may have been that they dismantled the Norwich organisation. But as it was, Norwich defended well, and United created nought.

Wide players misfiring

United continued to suffer with average performances from their wingers against Norwich. On the left-side, Ashley Young once again showed his reluctance (or perhaps inability) to beat a man and was largely ineffective. The only threat from Young appeared to come late in the second-half when he moved right. Antonio Valencia was again also poor. The Ecuadorian gave little worry to the Norwich defence by offering a very limited direct threat. On the few occasions Valencia did actually cross a ball, the crosses themselves were woeful and gave the Red strikers little chance.

These wide-player performances against Norwich were certainly untimely. Norwich themselves are a narrow team with the potential for being exposed on the wings. Had United’s wingers been more potent and on their game, then perhaps this match may have seen a different result.

Going Forward

This game was a typical example of United failing to match the opposition intensity, and suffering the consequences. A disjointed team display didn’t break down an organised Norwich and paid the price. It can only be assumed that this will act as a motive in the coming games.

Ratings

[4-4-2]: Lindegaard-6, Rafael-7*, Smalling-7, Ferdinand-6, Evra-6, Valencia-5, Carrick-5, Giggs-6, Young-6, van Persie-5, Hernandez-6

(Scholes-6, Welbeck-6, Anderson-6)

*Man of the match

Analysis: Aston Villa 2 Manchester United 3

Premier League, Saturday 10^th November 2012

Javier Hernandez inspired Manchester United to yet another rousing comeback, as the Reds overturned a two-goal deficit at Villa Park. The Mexican scored a second-half hat-trick to ensure three points with a magnificent performance. Here’s some analysis on the game:

Vertical, not horizontal

As expected, United dominated possession, largely due to the passing duo of Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes in midfield. The downside of this partnership however, was frightfully obvious against the Villains. Scholes and Carrick play slowly, and horizontally across the pitch, meaning for all United’s dominance, a goal-scoring threat was nigh non-existent. The ageing Scholes and the slow Carrick were also exposed for Villa’s goals as they failed to react quick enough and tighten the midfield to stop counter-attacks from the opposition.

The introduction of Javier Hernandez at half-time was pivotal to the change in United’s fortunes. His tireless running in and around the Villa central defence unsettled the home side. Hernandez offered a constantly moving outlet, and created space for the United midfield to be more productive. The later introduction of Cleverley for Scholes also assisted in making the midfield more mobile. This enabled a more direct vertical threat, and also helped to secure a loose midfield.

Valencia’s woes

Antonio Valencia continued a poor patch of form with a lacklustre display against Aston Villa. His first-half was abysmal, and an improved second-half was only marginally better. The winger looks bereft of confidence and ideas. A reluctance to take on his man coupled with an inability to find a successful cross is worrying. Considering the 'average at best' Ashley Young, the out of form Nani, and the inbalance when Danny Welbeck plays wide, it is of paramount importance that Valencia regains his form. United's player of the season last term was on fire, and if he recaptures that confident menace he will be once again terrorizing left-backs.

Going Forward

Yet another comeback for United again affirmed the inherent belief within the side. David de Gea also had a commanding performance including a brilliant reaction save and several successful punching clearances. The continuing issue for United is slack defending, mainly due to a slow and inflexible midfield. United face a further two games away from home now as they look to build on a three game winning run.

Ratings

[4-4-2]: de Gea-8, Rafael-7, Smalling-7, Ferdinand-7, Evra-7, Valencia-5, Scholes-6, Carrick-6, Young-6, Rooney-6, van Persie-7

(Hernandez-9*, Cleverley-7, Anderson-6)

*Man of the match

Analysis: Braga 1 Manchester United 3

Premier League, Wednesday 7^th November 2012

This was a lazy performance from Manchester United largely due to questionable tactics and a lack of intensity. Braga took a second-half lead from the penalty spot, but after a bizarre delay due to floodlight failure United found some momentum to turn the game around. Strikers Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez all found the net to continue the Red’s good recent scoring run. Here are some thoughts from the game:

Tactics and substitutions

United lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation with some unfamiliar personnel. Ryan Giggs played in the defensive midfield position, however at times was positionally exposed and unable to exert the same composure to the team as Michael Carrick or Darren Fletcher may have done. Anderson and Wayne Rooney played in front of him, but an ineffective first-half from Anderson coupled with a worryingly deep Rooney meant a lack of attacking threat. Nani and Danny Welbeck were also vastly ineffective on the wings and were appropriately substituted in the second half.

Second-half substitutions and a formation switch to 4-4-2 were the catalyst that enabled United to go on and win the match. Robin van Persie was introduced and formed a pairing up front with Hernandez, whilst Rooney moved left. Later in the half Rafael came on for Nani, and Valencia was moved further up the pitch on the wing. These fresh legs combined with the more attacking formation were the key to the victory. United simply looked lacklustre and uninventive with the original set-up.

The defence is coming together

Chris Smalling returned to the team for his first match since May, and is a welcome boost. He moved through this Braga match with relative ease as he looks to regain his match sharpness. Alongside him Jonny Evans had an uncharacteristically weak game, but came off with an injury and was substituted by the composed and controlled Ferdinand. The introduction of Rafael at right-back continued to prove the young Brazilian’s worth to the team as he added more security to the back line, whilst Patrice Evra also had another solid game.

Defensive injuries have been the curse of United’s squad this season, but now as Smalling returns, and Phil Jones returns to training, the United squad is looking stronger than ever.

Going Forward

This game was strange in many ways, not least the floodlight failure. United though will be pleased to have qualified with relative ease for the knockout stages, and to see injured players returning to the side. This was not a vintage performance, but the job was done, and the team can be satisfied. The future Champions League games are now an opportunity to give game time to those who need it, and to give experience to some young players.

Ratings

[4-1-4-1]: de Gea-7, Valencia-7, Smalling-6, Evans-5, Evra-6, Giggs-6, Nani-6, Anderson-5, Rooney-7*, Welbeck-5, Hernandez-7

(Ferdinand-7, van Persie-7, Rafael-6)

*Man of the match

Analysis: Manchester United 2 Arsenal 1

Premier League, Saturday 3^rd November 2012

A 2-1 scoreline fails to give justice to the ease with which Manchester United disposed of Arsenal in their first game of November. A largely comfortable performance was set on its way by an early Robin van Persie goal before Patrice Evra consolidated the lead in the second half. Arsenal’s goal with the last kick of the game was irrelevant to all but goal difference, and United should’ve in fact won by more. Here’s some analysis:

Defensive Shape

This fixture was certainly not the gargantuan battle of old, and United’s excellent defensive shape contributed to dismantling any Arsenal threat. Wayne Rooney was the epitome of discipline as he stuck to Mikel Arteta throughout the game, barely giving a Spaniard an inch to play in. By immediately stifling the heartbeat of Arsenal’s midfield, United had already won half the battle.

Behind Rooney, Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick worked like beavers to prevent any creative threat from the inherently dangerous Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere. Whilst Carrick and Cleverley failed to offer their usual high standard of passing, their defensive positioning and work-rate was key to inhibiting Arsenal’s creativity. United’s back four was also on top form, with Evans in particular winning key duels high up the pitch. The one moment of weakness for United defensively was the sloppy manner in which they failed to clear the ball before conceding late on, but overall this was a disciplined and effective defensive performance that blunted Arsenal.

In-form players

Robin van Persie, Anderson, Wayne Rooney, Rafael and Jonny Evans can all stake a claim to be Manchester United’s most in-form player. It is van Persie and Anderson that particularly caught the eye against Arsenal however. The latter, coming on as a second-half substitute, showed the same spark and innovative quality that he worried Chelsea with in the week. As Sir Alex Ferguson commented, Anderson provided a ‘threat in behind’ the Arsenal midfield. The Brazilian certainly has an ability to inject verve and drive to a deep-lying centre midfield as he showed in this game.

Robin van Persie scored his 10^th goal of the season against Arsenal as he also demonstrated his immense value to this United side. His movement in the forward area was startlingly good and on several occasions this could have led to more goals had the offside flag not be raised, or in one particular move had he been aware of the time and space he had created for himself. His finishing ability, movement, and strength on the ball are all fantastic assets for United’s forward play, and they also provide a platform for Wayne Rooney to be at his dangerous best.

 

Going Forward

This game was positive in terms of the shape of the side and the ease of the victory. United were however at times sloppy in possession, and in particular the wide players offered little of their threatening potential. The Red Devils will get sterner tests than this Arsenal side, but no doubt will raise their game accordingly. For now though, for the first time this season, United sit pretty on the top of the league-a beautiful site.

Ratings

[4-4-1-1]: De Gea-7, Rafael-7, Ferdinand-7, Evans-8, Evra-7, Valencia-5, Carrick-6, Cleverley-6, Young-6, Rooney-7, van Persie-8*

(Anderson-8, Nani-6)

*Man of the match

Analysis: Chelsea 5 Manchester United 4

Capital One Cup, Wednesday 31^st October 2012

This was a gruelling defeat for a young United team. On the verge of a 3-2 victory after goals from Giggs, Hernandez and Nani, youngster Scott Wootton conceded a late penalty leading to an extra time period in which the Reds ultimately lost 5-4. United’s second-string side however looked purposeful and promising for the majority of the match, and the game will have undoubtedly given vital experience to the young players involved. Here are some talking points from the fixture:

Incumbents of 4-1-4-1

United’s second visit to Stamford Bridge in four days gave Sir Alex Ferguson the option to again choose the 4-1-4-1 formation, but this time with vastly different personnel. Darren Fletcher played in the defensive midfielder role, and provided security to the back four. At half-time however, Fletcher moved to right-back, and Chelsea brought on several quality attacking players. The combination of these two factors no doubt contributed to heavy pressure from the Blues after half-time, and United struggled. Fletcher’s role in midfield nevertheless reminded us of his usefulness to the team.

Ahead of Fletcher played Giggs and Anderson, both of whom arguably had their best performances of the season so far. Each player offers a direct running threat, and they both pressed high up the pitch to great effect. Anderson in particular demonstrated graft and guile, not only winning tackles and harrying the opposition, but also providing three assists and a general creative masterclass. Although composure in the form of Carrick, Cleverley or Scholes may have aided the team, the energy and fight shown by Fletcher, Giggs and Anderson was a contributing factor to the urgent pressing and counter-attacking ability shown by United for the most part against Chelsea. The 4-1-4-1 set-up once again proved its worth in getting at a stern opposition.

Next Generation

The average age of United’s starting 11 was merely 24, and at times it showed. U21 players Michael Keane, Scott Wootton, Nick Powell, Ryan Tunnicliffe and Federico Macheda all featured. Tunnicliffe and Macheda were granted little time to prove their qualities, both coming on as late substitutions. Nick Powell, a half-time substitute, was a joy to watch at times as he frequently demonstrated his superb first-touch ability and his willingness to run at goal. Defensively Powell also proved himself a useful physical presence when he tracked back twice to dispossess a Chelsea player.

The centre-back duo of Keane and Wootton had impressive games, but ultimately their shortcomings were the reasons behind Chelsea’s late goals. Both acquitted themselves superbly for the majority of the match and, despite some errors, must be praised for dealing with a Chelsea attack containing stellar names full of quality. Keane perhaps look more assured of the two defenders, and is the better bet for a long-term career at Old Trafford, but both showed their potential at in this game and will no doubt have successful careers, at United or elsewhere.

Going Forward

It is a disappointment that United will not be progressing further in this competition after coming so close. This performance however signalled three things; the depth of United’s squad, the talented youngsters coming through the ranks, and the continuing ability to score multiple goals against top opposition. It is bizarre to be talking so positively about a defeat, but United’s young team should be proud of their display against Chelsea and were unlucky not to progress. Let’s hope these players get the chance to continue showcasing their potential and ability.

Ratings

[4-1-4-1]: Lindegaard-7, Rafael-8, Keane-8, Wootton-6, Büttner-5, Fletcher-6, Nani-6, Anderson-9*,  Giggs-8,  Welbeck-6, Hernandez-7

(Powell-7, Tunnicliffe-6, Macheda-6)

*Man of the match