Analysis: Manchester United 2 Everton 0

Premier League, Sunday 10^th February 2013

Ryan Giggs scored in the league for the twenty-third successive season as Manchester United completed an impressive victory over Everton. Robin van Persie scored the second goal as United were rarely troubled in a strong performance. Some of the attacking spark of recent matches was missing, but this was more than made up for by an effort-filled, organised, and efficient performance. Sir Alex Ferguson gave his players one job; to win, and this they did. Here’s some analysis on the game:

Tactical responses

An important feature of United’s good performance on Sunday was the tactical responses made by Sir Alex Ferguson throughout the game. United initially lined-up in a 4-4-1-1, with Ryan Giggs left, Antonio Valencia right, Phil Jones and Tom Cleverley in central midfield, and Wayne Rooney clearly behind Robin van Persie up front. Jones was man-marking Marouane Fellaini (see below) meaning he was often dragged out of his central midfield position leaving Cleverley two versus one in the middle.

Ferguson responded to this marvellously. Jones was left to marshal Fellaini, whilst Giggs moved into a central midfield position alongside Cleverley to give United more midfield presence. Wayne Rooney was moved onto the left-hand side, a useful move as Rooney helped to nullify the marauding attacking from Everton’s full-back. Meanwhile van Persie was left up front on his own, something that was not detrimental because of Everton’s high defensive line. Van Persie was left to make runs in behind, one of which led to his goal. The tactical changes from Ferguson demonstrated his astuteness, and also gave United an organisation which saw them efficiently win the match.

Jones on Fellaini

Fellaini was easily the best player in the reverse fixture earlier this season, but Phil Jones was left to man-mark him in this game, and successfully depleted his impact. Jones’ close attention hindered Fellaini’s ability to pick up the ball in pockets of space, and thus one of Everton’s main threats was shut off. One downside to this man-marking system was the space Jones left in midfield when dragged out of position, but as explained earlier, Sir Alex Ferguson countered this. Another downside was the detriment Jones’ role had on United creating flowing, attacking moves forward. Because he was pre-occupied, Jones was unable to focus on setting up attacking moves as Michael Carrick may have done, and United lost some forward focus from midfield. This was not a problem however as United found goals and most importantly prevented the team from Merseyside getting any themselves.

Going Forward

This performance was impressive and efficient. De Gea, Rafael and Vidic all shone, whilst Jones in particular completed his role effectively. Antonio Valencia also showed signs of improved form by containing Leighton Baines and getting forward to good effect. The organisational nature of United’s performance gave promising signs ahead of the crunch encounter with Real Madrid this Wednesday. For now though, Manchester United can be happy with opening up a mountainous 12 point lead at the top of the table.

Ratings

[4-4-1-1]: de Gea-8, Rafael-9*, Evans-7, Vidic-8, Evra-7, Valencia-7, Jones-7, Cleverley-7, Giggs-7, Rooney-7, van Persie-7

(Carrick-7, Smalling-6)

*Man of the Match