Manchester United vs Fulham Tactical Breakdown
šŗ4-2-4/4-4-2 pressing structure
šŗ3-1-6 build-up shape
šŗMazraoui & Dalot movement
[IN-DEPTH THREAD]
šŗ4-2-4/4-4-2 pressing structure
šŗ3-1-6 build-up shape
šŗMazraoui & Dalot movement
[IN-DEPTH THREAD]
Although there appeared to be an improvement in Man Unitedās press from last year, this was mainly due to the physical profiles in the XI.
Deploying a 4-4-2/4-2-4 OOP pressing shape, it is clear Ten Hagās pressing structure will need more work.
Deploying a 4-4-2/4-2-4 OOP pressing shape, it is clear Ten Hagās pressing structure will need more work.
Throughout the first half, there was evident teething issues with Man Utdās pressing structure.
At times, there was a real disconnect between the front 6 & the backline.
United deployed a mixed zonal/M2M pressing structure but early on, Mazaroui struggled to support Diallo in the press.
At times, there was a real disconnect between the front 6 & the backline.
United deployed a mixed zonal/M2M pressing structure but early on, Mazaroui struggled to support Diallo in the press.
Merely a few minutes later, we see Diallo gesturing Mazaroui forwards to aid him in the press.
Again, Mazaroui is late to the press, allowing Robinson space and processing time.
Again, Mazaroui is late to the press, allowing Robinson space and processing time.
The superior physical profiles evidently aided Unitedās press.
Strong, willing runners like Mount helped to apply pressure despite the pressing structure.
However, Fulham often found the āout-ballā to Lukic as the +1 in buildup.
Strong, willing runners like Mount helped to apply pressure despite the pressing structure.
However, Fulham often found the āout-ballā to Lukic as the +1 in buildup.
There is a clear upside to an aggressive, front-footed press and at times, Man Utd demonstrated this.
With this compact pressing structure, Fulhamās midfield is squeezed, forcing Bassey to go long.
With this compact pressing structure, Fulhamās midfield is squeezed, forcing Bassey to go long.
Manchester United reverted to their 22/23 3-1-6 build-up structure with Casemiro dropping into the back 3.
Ten Hag likes to utilise this structure to optimise the ācentral-pinningā effect; creating open passing lanes down the channel.
Ten Hag likes to utilise this structure to optimise the ācentral-pinningā effect; creating open passing lanes down the channel.
Mainooās presence as the lone 6 pins Fulhamās pressing two, effectively eliminating the first line.
As a result of Mainooās presence, Fulham are forced to narrow their pressing structure, creating space in the channels.
The presence of the flat 6 across the field drags Fulhamās midfield 4 deeper, allowing United even more space and time.
As a result of Mainooās presence, Fulham are forced to narrow their pressing structure, creating space in the channels.
The presence of the flat 6 across the field drags Fulhamās midfield 4 deeper, allowing United even more space and time.
With this 3-1-6 structure, central progression becomes difficult due to the oppositionās narrowing central zones.
As a result, Manchester United aimed to play around and then in to Fulhamās block, optimising those holding width.
As a result, Manchester United aimed to play around and then in to Fulhamās block, optimising those holding width.
Fulham were able to handle this LHS threat by:
- Creating numerical superiority with 2v1
- Tracking underlapping rotational run
- Cutting central passing lanes
- Creating numerical superiority with 2v1
- Tracking underlapping rotational run
- Cutting central passing lanes
The movements of Mazraoui & Dalot throughout the game were incredible.
In Ten Hagās system, the FBās are crucial in aiding buildup, utilising their flexibility and fluid movements to create openings for Man Utd.
In Ten Hagās system, the FBās are crucial in aiding buildup, utilising their flexibility and fluid movements to create openings for Man Utd.
With the initial deep 4-2 build-up, United transition into their 3-1-6 shape.
Mazraoui advances into the RHS, whilst Dalot sits on the touchline, creating width to drag out Tete.
Mazraoui advances into the RHS, whilst Dalot sits on the touchline, creating width to drag out Tete.
With Mazraouiās flexibility, at times, he would drop to join the back 3 as Casemiro acted as the lone 6.
This allowed Mainoo to advance further forward creating an overload on the LHS.
This allowed Mainoo to advance further forward creating an overload on the LHS.
The fluidity of Unitedās FBās is breathtaking.
Here we have Mazraoui, occupying the RHS making a line-breaking run behind Fulhamās line.
Here we have Mazraoui, occupying the RHS making a line-breaking run behind Fulhamās line.
There were a few occasions where Dalot inverted deep in build-up, practically in the #6 position.
The idea behind this was to drag Dalotās marker out of position to create space in behind to be penetrated.
The idea behind this was to drag Dalotās marker out of position to create space in behind to be penetrated.
Although United were unable to benefit of this, this demonstrates the creative licence Ten Hag allows his FBās.
To summarise, Manchester Unitedās performance against Fulham had a lot of positives.
The pressing structure will only improve with slight tweaks & familiarisation of personnel.
With time, the 3-1-6 buildup structure will become more penetrative and incisive.
The movements of Dalot & Mazraoui will cause a lot of teams problems. The
However, I would like Man United to exert more control over the game-state. They possess all the necessary characters, profiles & quality, but still fail to choke teams out with possession.
Ten Hag is the man for the job.
The pressing structure will only improve with slight tweaks & familiarisation of personnel.
With time, the 3-1-6 buildup structure will become more penetrative and incisive.
The movements of Dalot & Mazraoui will cause a lot of teams problems. The
However, I would like Man United to exert more control over the game-state. They possess all the necessary characters, profiles & quality, but still fail to choke teams out with possession.
Ten Hag is the man for the job.
š§µEnd of thread! Thanks for reading, any likes, comments and retweets are greatly appreciated!
#ManchesterUnited #ManUtd #Fulham #FFC #MUNFUL #PremierLeague
#ManchesterUnited #ManUtd #Fulham #FFC #MUNFUL #PremierLeague
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