Manchester United 1-0 West Ham ~ A thread 🧵
Following Manchester United’s 1-0 victory against West Ham, there has been a lot of attention on our defensive solidity and I will cover some important talking points from the game below, let’s go!⬇️
West Ham’s shape
West Ham set up with a 4-4-2 out of possession with Downes and Scamacca as a front 2, with the aim to stop United building up through Casemiro. Very quickly Casemiro noticed this instantly and dropped deeper during United’s build-up to make a back 3.
West Ham set up with a 4-4-2 out of possession with Downes and Scamacca as a front 2, with the aim to stop United building up through Casemiro. Very quickly Casemiro noticed this instantly and dropped deeper during United’s build-up to make a back 3.
This then created a 3 vs 2 in United’s favour and we’ve seen the quality that Casemiro has on the ball with more time and space in front of him, he spreads a lovely cross-field pass out to Diogo Dalot.
Diogo Dalot’s Interceptions
Particularly since the start of the season, Dalot has improved his anticipation and awareness defensively. It was never as poor as many believed previously, but he looks more assured. Here, he intercepts a lofted pass from Rice.
Particularly since the start of the season, Dalot has improved his anticipation and awareness defensively. It was never as poor as many believed previously, but he looks more assured. Here, he intercepts a lofted pass from Rice.
Again in this image, WHU look for a lofted switch towards Benrahma, Dalot senses the ball is slightly short and again gets his head to it. His aerial awareness is really sharp.
Diogo Dalot’s Aerial Covering
Many times in the second half, WHU crossed balls into our penalty area and really tested us. However, throughout the 2nd half, Diogo Dalot made several vital defensive headers at the back post:
Many times in the second half, WHU crossed balls into our penalty area and really tested us. However, throughout the 2nd half, Diogo Dalot made several vital defensive headers at the back post:
2nd example:
I’ve magnified these images so you can see Dalot’s scanning in the first image. Constantly looking where Antonio is, takes up a good position and again gets to the ball with his head.
I’ve magnified these images so you can see Dalot’s scanning in the first image. Constantly looking where Antonio is, takes up a good position and again gets to the ball with his head.
3rd example:
Again I’ve magnified the images so you can see things clearly- 2nd image shows where the ball is. In the first image you can see how tight Dalot is to Antonio, keeping him very close. He gets into a great defensive position and again heads away, special defending.
Again I’ve magnified the images so you can see things clearly- 2nd image shows where the ball is. In the first image you can see how tight Dalot is to Antonio, keeping him very close. He gets into a great defensive position and again heads away, special defending.
Marcus Rashford In the Air
Rashford has often struggled in the air and a big reason why José famously said he isn’t a number 9 was likely down to his inability to score headers. However, following a headed goal on Thursday night, he’s shown promise.
Rashford has often struggled in the air and a big reason why José famously said he isn’t a number 9 was likely down to his inability to score headers. However, following a headed goal on Thursday night, he’s shown promise.
Here, Dalot puts a great cross in and Rashford attacks the ball really aggressively, unfortunately directs it straight at the GK Fabianski but it’s clear he’s working on his aerial ability.
This is Rashford’s goal. If you look in the third image how high Rashford leaps to beat the WHU defender to the ball. Definitely something he’s working on with the coaching staff. The way he is leaping, the aggression he’s attacking the ball with + the accuracy of the finish 👌
Luke Shaw- Anticipation
Shaw has received criticism in recent years, from me included, about his lack of concentration off the ball. However in recent games and particularly against WHU, he was really sharp. Here, he intercepts a loose pass and then gets United on the attack.
Shaw has received criticism in recent years, from me included, about his lack of concentration off the ball. However in recent games and particularly against WHU, he was really sharp. Here, he intercepts a loose pass and then gets United on the attack.
Another example here. Uncharacteristically Martinez gives the ball away when attempting one of his renowned through the lines passes, WHU look to counter with Bowen. He looks to find Downes, Shaw is aware and intercepts again.
United Vulnerable on Counter
From ETH’s time in Ajax we know that one of the big vulnerabilities of his system was the counter attack. Using the 3-1-6 in this game, it’s clear that once one player overcommits and fails to stop the counter, there’s a knock-on effect.
From ETH’s time in Ajax we know that one of the big vulnerabilities of his system was the counter attack. Using the 3-1-6 in this game, it’s clear that once one player overcommits and fails to stop the counter, there’s a knock-on effect.
In this image, Casemiro overcommits, doesn’t win the ball and WHU advance. Maguire then has a decision to make, probably the wrong one with hindsight as he, again, can’t stop the WHU counter. Luckily it leads to nothing as Dalot and Martinez cover, however warning signs.
David de Gea- Improving
It’s clear to see DDG’s starting position is higher now, he’s more aware that he needs to sweep and he’s doing it (mostly successfully) a lot more often. To reduce the space between GK and defence requires him to be active + he’s better this season.
It’s clear to see DDG’s starting position is higher now, he’s more aware that he needs to sweep and he’s doing it (mostly successfully) a lot more often. To reduce the space between GK and defence requires him to be active + he’s better this season.
David de Gea- Shot Stopping
As we’ve seen for many years, De Gea has some great saves in his locker and this one made sure United got all 3 points. The ball falls to Rice who attempts a great shot, looks for the far top corner, De Gea saves magnificently.
As we’ve seen for many years, De Gea has some great saves in his locker and this one made sure United got all 3 points. The ball falls to Rice who attempts a great shot, looks for the far top corner, De Gea saves magnificently.
Harry Maguire- Vital Block
The ball is cut back towards Bowen, who should score, but as a defender you have to do all you can to try to make yourself bigger and somehow deflect the ball away from goal. Maguire did that here, excellent block.
The ball is cut back towards Bowen, who should score, but as a defender you have to do all you can to try to make yourself bigger and somehow deflect the ball away from goal. Maguire did that here, excellent block.
Thank you for reading this thread. Was really impressed with United’s defensive spirit during this game, so I wanted to mostly focus on that. I could have also mentioned Martinez, but I’ve talked about him a lot already. All LIKES, RETWEETS AND FOLLOWS are always appreciated.
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