Category: Managers

Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City – Match Analysis – Carrick’s first in charge

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Premier League

Manchester United cannot compete with the likes of City, Chelsea or Arsenal by playing a possession-based game. Not at present moment. But they can compete with any team in the league by playing on the counter, and racing forward at high speeds. If United were going to win against City today, it was always going to come this way. And against so much of the criticism about United, Carrick didn't try to do anything extraordinary. He just set up a team that would be difficult to break down, full of leadership, and full of attacking intensity on the break. And as a result of that approach, it could have been 4 or 5-0. It could have been that bad for the Citizens. United were that vivacious on the attack. Here is my analysis of United's 2-0 win over City in the Manchester derby.

Unai Emery – Aston Villa – Tactical Analysis – 2025-26 Edition

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Managers, Masterclasses, Premier League, Team Analysis

Since Unai Emery has entered the frame at Aston Villa, we've consistently seen another challenger in the mix for those Champions League places. Now on their eleventh win in a row, Aston Villa are having their best season in over a hundred years. The conversation is no longer about whether or not they can challenge for the top four, but the Premier League title. Here is an an analysis of Unai Emery's Aston Villa in 2025-26, and why they are now on track to challenge for the title.

Ruben Amorim – Manchester United – Tactical Analysis – 2025-26

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Masterclasses, Premier League, Team Analysis

This is a rather optimistic take on the state of Manchester United, amidst much in the way of common criticism and calls for Amorim's head that will likely continue to circle the media all season long. Here is my tactical analysis of the Red Devils to start the 2025-2026 Premier League season.

Jesper Sørensen – Vancouver Whitecaps – Tactical Analysis – 2025

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Masterclasses, Team Analysis

Vancouver were far and away the best Canadian side inside Major League soccer last season. Showing much in the way of promise and potential, the Caps still made the decision to change coaches and bring Jesper Sørensen into the equation in place of Vanni Sartini, hoping for better fulfilment behind all that promise this season. Since the opening day of the season, the Whitecaps haven't looked back.

Why Jesse Marsch is perfect for the Canadian Men’s National Team

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Team Analysis

The American coach made his name across an incredibly successful spell at RB Salzburg between 2019-2021, but hasn't been able to hold down the fort since. His brief stints at RB Leipzig and Leeds United showed signs of promise, but also many moments of doubt. So with Marsch being out of a top-tier job for over a year, it comes as a surprise that he would suddenly take over the Canadian Men's National Team. However, Marsch's management style and tactical preferences perfectly fit the current need within the Canadian set-up.

Pep Guardiola – Manchester City – Tactical Analysis (2023-24)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Premier League, Team Analysis

This might finally be the year. It might finally be the year that Pep Guardiola and Manchester City don't win the Premier League. Despite that, they've still been the most tactically complex team in the league, carrying on from much of the tactics that brought them a treble-winning triumph last season. Here is what Pep Guardiola has imposed in 2023-24, continuing to make City one of the most dominant forces in the world.

The possible replacements for Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United

by TMS Staff, posted in Managers, Premier League

Come the end of the season, it may be time for United to make another change at the helm. Gareth Southgate, anyone? That could be interesting. But the England manager has maintained a clear focus on bringing England home some silverware. With that, here are some alternative picks for the job if Ten Hag is ultimately let go come the end of the season.

Marco Rose – RB Leipzig – Tactical Analysis (2023-24)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Managers, Masterclasses, Team Analysis

RB Leipzig might not go toe-to-toe with Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title this season, but they have every chance of contending for second place alongside the likes of Dortmund and Leverkusen. Their recruitment over the summer has proven to be spot on, with the central compactions across the pitch aiding their approach of quick attacking transitions and high-pressing from the front. Conceding just 4 goals in 5 matches, Leipzig have been much more than just a brilliant side to watch in attack, but a much improved side in defense to start the campaign.