United fans want to see their team entertain more, play with more freedom, and switch play with urgency.
It’s no longer news that Manchester United’s manager, Jose Mourinho. prefers a defensive approach. But using that tactic against Liverpool at Anfield was heavily criticized. Although it was a tactical success from a defensive point of view. Liverpool hardly had any clear chances. But supporters were not impressed with Man U’s offence. United had only one shot on target the entire game.
I think it’s an indication that Mourinho worries more about the threat his opponent carries than concerning himself with his own team’s threat.
United have 20 points in nine games going into Saturday’s games against in-form Spurs. It’s a game that could put Mourinho under the spotlight from a tactical point of view. That’s because United’s defeat against Huddersfield was a consequence of setting up too negatively against Liverpool.
When you look at United, they are obviously a top-quality team. But at times they don’t play with fluidity. Their build-up is quite slow and they lack a creative No. 10 to dictate play in the final third. The manager needs to add flair to the attack and reduce the defensive burden on his forward players.
All of that explains why his offensive players are sometimes overstretched. Mourinho has openly admitted that he needs three summer windows to build a title-winning side.
I believe Mourinho has enough resources now to challenge for major honours–IF he reassesses his tactical template.
Mourinho has repeatedly moaned about not getting his fourth signing during the transfer window. I think he should look inward to bolster his squad. I also think it’s time to trust younger players, like Marshal, who has been given major defensive responsibilities.
Mourinho prefers his opponent to have the ball in big games, especially away from home. But facts are facts: his record away from home is not impressive against big clubs.
There’s no doubt that Mourinho is one of the best tacticians in world football. His achievements over the years have proven that. But, still, something is not quite right. If we look at the way he sets up his team, he’s tactically conservative and doesn’t allow free-flowing football.
I think Mourinho is a manager who doesn’t really care how his team controls the game. What matters to him is a good result at the end.
Courtesy: Mirror.co.uk
I’m sure United fans are worried about this. They want to see their team entertain more, play with more freedom, and switch play with urgency.
While Mourinho’s side has started the season strong, recent performances have raised questions. His players were put to the test against Huddersfield, something that Mourinho acknowledged. “I don’t even remember a friendly match where our attitude and desire were poor. When I lose matches, I like to lose because the opponent was better and had more quality. But when you lose because of attitude, that is really bad.”
The result clearly showed that the home team wanted the game more. United got what they deserved. But one thing is certain: Mourinho should be worried about Man City and Spurs’ form. Reassessing his tactical template will be a step in the right direction.
