Manchester United’s Tactical Triumph and Lingering Issues
Manchester United secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Ipswich on Wednesday, thanks to three set pieces delivered by Bruno Fernandes. The win, while crucial, highlighted several ongoing issues for the Red Devils under Ruben Amorim. Despite the result, Amorim was left with more questions than answers about his squad, particularly regarding defensive frailties and attacking dilemmas.
Defensive Challenges and Profile Issues
One of the most glaring problems is the defensive frailty exhibited by both the backline and the goalkeeper. United’s defensive profiles do not align well with the back-three system Amorim favors. Players like Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, while competent in a traditional back four, struggle in the wide central defender roles required by this formation. This mismatch was evident in the match against Ipswich, where Maguire and De Ligt were often caught out of position, leading to vulnerable moments on the counter-attack. Young defender Leny Yoro showed promise on the left but still requires development to fully adapt to the system.
Bruno Fernandes’ New Role
Another critical aspect of the match was the tactical role of Bruno Fernandes. Initially, questions arose about where Fernandes, United’s captain, would fit into Amorim’s system. Against Ipswich, Fernandes was deployed in a deeper midfield role, which proved highly effective. His aggressive passing and ability to quickly transition from defense to attack significantly impacted the game. Fernandes’ deep positioning allowed him to control the tempo and create opportunities, showcasing his value in this role. Moving forward, this deeper role might be key to unlocking Fernandes’ full potential under Amorim.
Unlocking Joshua Zirkzee’s Potential
The signing of Joshua Zirkzee in the summer was an intriguing move, given his strong goal-scoring record for Bologna. However, Zirkzee’s struggles as a lone striker under previous managers have been a concern. Recently, his role has shifted to one of the two advanced midfielders behind the main striker, a position that has unlocked his potential. Zirkzee’s size and technical ability have allowed him to find pockets of space and effectively combine with teammates. His positional sense and ability to hold off defenders make him a valuable asset in this role, potentially giving him a key role for United in the coming months.
Struggling Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund, despite his physical gifts, has yet to consistently make a decisive impact in the final third. One of the main criticisms is his tendency to drop too deep, which often leaves United lacking a presence on the last line. While this can be useful at times, it frequently means Hojlund is not providing the platform his teammates need to exploit attacking opportunities. Hojlund needs to improve his attacking instincts and positional awareness to better serve the team’s goalscoring needs. His development will be crucial for United to find a reliable source of goals.
Leveraging Set Pieces
Set pieces were the key to United’s victory over Ipswich, with all three goals coming from these situations. Effective set piece execution is crucial for a team like United, which is struggling to score regularly from open play. Fernandes’ delivery from set pieces was pivotal, and the team’s preparation and execution were commendable. Given the effectiveness of set pieces for top teams like Arsenal and Liverpool, United must continue to build on this strength. Strong set piece preparation and execution can provide a significant boost in terms of creating chances and securing wins.
Conclusion
While Manchester United’s win over Ipswich is a positive step, it also underscores several areas needing improvement. The squad’s defensive profiles and attacking dilemmas remain significant issues that Amorim must address. Tactical adjustments, such as Fernandes’ deeper role and Zirkzee’s advanced midfield position, show promise, but sustained performance is crucial. Hojlund’s development and the team’s continued focus on set pieces will be key to United’s success in the coming matches, including their clash with Fulham on Sunday.
