Man Utd have qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa League.
Initially the group stages started unconvincingly with Man Utd drawing three games in a row against FC Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce.
However, the win against FCSB made it five wins in a row in all competitions as Man Utd qualified for the round of 16 comfortably in 3rd.
Here is what we learnt from a controlling Man Utd performance:
- Kobbie Mainoo in the 10
Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes have had a lot of minutes in the left and right ‘number 10’ roles next to the striker, but Kobbie Mainoo’s ball progression, ability to beat a man in tight spaces and technical ability make him a perfect fit for the role.
Ruben Amorim’s system is such that the rotation of players in different positions will likely continue, it’ll be beneficial for the Portuguese manager to have players excel in more than one position. Mainoo is capable of that.
2. Rasmus Hojlund needs a goal
Though the Danish striker’s movement was better and he looked more of a threat, it’s clear Rasmus Hojlund needs a goal to kick start his season.
Joshua Zirkzee’s performances of late have improved and he is a better link-up player than Hojlund. However, the problem Man Utd have at the moment is both strikers are not scoring.
Hojlund was Man Utd’s top scorer in all competitions last season, they need him to start scoring.
3. We’re likely to see Bruno Fernandes deeper in midfield often
It’s going a little unnoticed but Bruno Fernandes in the centre of midfield rather than in the front three is not a bad choice. Against Fulham and FCSB last night he kept the game ticking along nicely and could make brave, risky passes when needed.
The move in position also forces Fernandes to be a calmer player.
Whilst Fernandes can pull the strings from deep, players in the forward roles can drag defenders around and use Fernandes to slip balls in behind, which is what he is best at.
4. Amorim’s formation starting to find gaps
Maybe because of the opposition, but Man Utd are finally starting to pick teams apart using Amorim’s formation. It’s a system that requires control and patience, but also penetration and movement in more advanced areas.
In the Premier League, teams without the ball have setups that are extremely hard to break down and most teams know exactly how to play vs Amorim’s 3-4-3/3-5-2. Against opponents not as sharp out of possession, Man Utd look a better team.
As the season goes on and more games are played with the Ruben Amorim figuring out what his best team is, the goal and hope from a Man Utd perspective will be that gaps are found in each game as if if it is second nature.
5. Three wins in a row for the first time this season
It’s indicative of the season Man Utd have had that remarkably the win vs FCSB marked the first time the Red Devils have won three games in a row this season.
For a team like Man Utd this should be par for the course rather than celebrated.
However, a win against Crystal Palace on Sunday would make it 6 wins from 7.
Building momentum and confidence in a new system with a new manager are vitally important, Man Utd can use the run as a way to kick start their season.
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Source: Centred Devils
