Afternoon guys,
In relation to yesterday’s performance I thought it was easily Manchester United’s best 60 minutes of football for quite some time. We kept the ball well, controlled the game and created some very good chances.
EtH has been criticised for his in game management and in my opinion he got his substitutions wrong again.
We were actually playing very well, creating good chances and dominating the game. I think EtH should have shown some patience and let the game develop. The introduction of Rashford then Hojlund made the game more transitional, we lost control and Crystal Palace were able to hit us on the counter. They were probably the more dangerous team in the last 20-30 minutes.
I do still wonder how EtH intends to develop this team? I think when you’ve got Rashford, Hojlund, Bruno and Garnacho all on the pitch together at the same time, like we did for the last 20 minutes yesterday, the game becomes more frantic, transitional and individualistic. The emphasis changes, we look to attack more quickly, which often results in moves breaking down and we get caught on the counter.
Maybe against the better teams we can drop a bit deeper and look to counter, especially away from home, but if we want consistent results and performances, we must be able to control games and keep possession.
I do wonder where EtH will settle? We’re still a conundrum? We now have a defence and GK that are confident on the ball. Mainoo can take the ball under pressure in midfield, Amad is secure in possession, Zirkzee knits things together beautifully. We have the ingredients of a very good team and I think it’s a case of finding the right balance between control and transition.
I think EtH tipped the balance yesterday and let the game become too transitional when we were actually playing really well. I don’t remember creating a single chance after the substitutions? Rashford not great in possession, that’s not his game and I think there are still massive question marks about his intensity, his ability to press and track back. Hojlund’s touch needs work. He can struggle to hold the ball and Bruno can be erratic . When they’re all on the pitch together, it’s not surprising the game becomes more chaotic. I think EtH needs to find a balance.
I’m cautiously optimistic, I think we have some very good players but I’m not sure where the manager wants to take this team? Are we a transitional team, or do we want control? Do we want to build from the back and play through the thirds, or play the through the fields or play quicker and transition? Both styles suit some players but not all? Finding that balance will be key.
It wouldn’t surprise me if we kicked on and had a great season, playing some good football, on the other hand it wouldn’t surprise me if we just never get going!
Written by DLIB September 22 2024 14:15:35
