Tag: Manchester United

Michael Carrick has given Manchester United their joy back

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

At the time of Ruben Amorim's shock sacking, Manchester United sat sixth in the table. There were signs of hope and progress, but also much in the way of disappointment and misalignment. Since Carrick entered the frame at Old Trafford, the Red Devils have won four in a row, closing the gap on City in second to just three points. This is a United team that are not only playing with simultaneous swagger and stability. But a team that is rooted in togetherness. Even beyond the results, this is the most impressive thing that Carrick and his coaching team have done since coming into the fold at United. They've created a team that are incredibly organized and tough to beat, fluid and exciting on the attacking end, and together in everything they do.

Casemiro is leaving, and United still can’t replace him

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Defensive Midfield, Game of Numbers, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

Casemiro's been one of the best players in each of Carrick's matches in charge. In fact, he's been almost too good. Sunday's match against Fulham exposed exactly what United will miss when he departs, and why he might be someone they simply can't afford to lose, even if they must. At home to Fulham, Casemiro dominated the midfield, and put his stamp on both of the opening goals - scoring one and assisting the next. His absence in the dying moments of the game served only as a warning sign against Fulham, as Carrick's red-hot start to the season continued. But if this is how they play without him, the Red Devils better hope he's fit until the end of May.

Who should replace Casemiro at Manchester United?

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Data Analysis, Defensive Midfield, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

There are exits that feel like endings, and endings that feel like reckonings. Casemiro’s Instagram announcement this week — confirming he’ll leave Manchester United at the end of the season — is both. It's the departure of their most experienced leader, and at the same time, a clear willingness from United to move on past the era of plugging any gap with star power. While this might be a smart financial decision, it's also a decision they have to get absolutely spot on. Casemiro is just about irreplaceable. Nevertheless, I attempt to find his replacement. Here are the candidates to replace Casemiro, and why this won't be easy for the Red Devils.

United’s attacking depth the difference against Arsenal

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

Manchester United may have been second-best for long stretches against Arsenal, but the match ultimately exposed a growing truth about Carrick's team: they can score from anywhere, at any moment, through anyone. While Arsenal controlled the possession, United’s depth in attack - spread across the squad rather than one star, proved decisive. In a season defined by inconsistency, this ability to flip a match on its head in seconds might be their most valuable weapon in the race for Champions League football.

Manchester City’s dominance is being challenged — and this time it feels different

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Team Analysis

Manchester City have won eight of the past twelve Premier League titles. They've been the dominating force in the league, and the drivers behind many modern tactical innovations. But they are no longer an unstoppable force. With some questionable decisions in the transfer market, this golden era at City has essentially evaporated. They now find themselves seven points adrift, with looming question marks over what's next for many of their once invincible stars. Here is why Manchester City's dominance in the Premier League might finally be over, once and for all.

Why big clubs keep getting transfers wrong

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

To football clubs, £100 million might no longer seem like an insane amount of money. They seem to have money to spare. But it never works. And herein lies the reason why clubs like Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth will always have better transfer strategies. Think of how many proven Premier League players you could sign for that total sum of £100-125 million. Think of how many young players you could convince to join for that total fee. This is the problem with the spending of big clubs, and why most big transfers fail.

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.

Game of Numbers #42 – Scott McTominay as a goal-scoring midfielder

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis

Now in Serie A, Scott McTominay has emerged as one of the most important players for one of the most historic clubs, scoring goals for fun week in and week out. Here is why Scott McTominay has become the main man in Naples.