Tag: Manchester United

Futbol Masterminds – European Super League, Racism, and Euro 2020

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Podcast, Premier League, UEFA Champions League

On Sunday April 18th, 2021, twelve of Europe's elite clubs made a shocking announcement that they had agreed to take part in a "European Super League". The announcement was instantly condemned by UEFA, FIFA, the FA, and fans around the globe...not to mention the Futbol Masterminds. Rhys, Kausty and special guest Vivek dissect some of the many issues to do with the European Super League, before delving into a discussion on racism in football and England's Euro 2020 squad. Submit questions and follow the show @futbolmasterminds on Instagram, or on themastermindsite.com. 

Are Haaland & Mbappe the new Messi & Ronaldo? – Futbol Masterminds Podcast

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Match Analysis, Podcast, Premier League, Serie A, UEFA Champions League, World Football

As requested by virtually everyone, the Futbol Masterminds panel discuss whether or not Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe have officially dethroned Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the quest to be the world's best. The panel also discuss the big moments from the North London derby, the La Liga title race and Chris Wilder's unfortunate sacking from Sheffield United. Follow @mastermindsite and our new Instagram @futbolmasterminds to submit your questions every weekend before the show.

Is Bruno Fernandes the Most Transformative Player in Premier League History? – Futbol Masterminds Podcast

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, Podcast, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, World Football

Rhys, Russell and Kausty answer your questions this week - including whether or not Bruno Fernandes is the most transformative player in Premier League history, following Manchester United's 2-0 win over Manchester City. The panel also discuss their predictions for the upcoming Champions League fixtures, whether or not Fulham can survive relegation after their impressive 1-0 victory at Anfield, and Arsene Wenger's proposed offside rule change. Follow @mastermindsite to submit your questions every weekend before the show.

Manchester City 0-2 Manchester United – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, Premier League, World Football

Despite Manchester City's incredible form in recent weeks, the feeling going into the weekend's Manchester derby was that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could get a result yet again, as he had done in four out of his five previous meetings against Guardiola's team. Led by their robust defensive structure and impeccable counter attacking play, that's exactly what happened. Manchester United played with heart and fervidity and eventually succumbed Manchester City to their first loss since November 2020. Here is a tactical analysis of Manchester United's 2-0 win over Manchester City in the derby on March 7th, 2021.

Pressing from the Front – Tactical Trends in 2020

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Premier League, Serie A, UEFA Champions League, World Football

One of the most consistent tactics of the past decade has been the reliance on pressing from the front from some of the biggest clubs in the world. It would be foolish to say that pressing did not exist until the 2010s. What is perhaps more true is just how systematic pressing has become in recent years. In 2020, pressing evolved in unique ways, with many teams bringing their own unique approach to the tactical trend. Here are some of the trends seen in 2020 with regards to pressing from the front.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – Manchester United – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Managers, Premier League, Team Analysis, UEFA Champions League, World Football

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been beaten and battered as Manchester United manager for the past two and a half seasons. But although Manchester United are nowhere near the level they were under Sir Alex Ferguson, Solskjaer has managed to get the Red Devils to play some fantastic football and achieve several impressive results over the past few years. The Red Devils currently sit second in the table, even after a horrendous start to the season that saw them all the way down in 15th just a few months ago. After fifteen Premier League matches, Manchester United have accumulated 30 points, only 2 less than Liverpool, and remain unbeaten in their last ten in the league. Although he looks destined for the sack in time, Solskjaer might be one of the most underrated managers in world football at the moment. Here is our Tactical Analysis of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United.

Roy Hodgson – Crystal Palace – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Managers, Premier League, World Football

Although far from the flashiest team in the Premier League, Roy Hodgson has had Crystal Palace working like a machine these past few years and has made them into one of the most organized sides across Europe. The systematic way that they play is actually quite simple and although taxing and demanding of the players, it is not overly elaborate. Instead of tactical geniuses and midfield maestros, every single player is an absolute workhorse and understands the role that they play in the team to a tee. This has led to Crystal Palace's success under Roy Hodgson and now in 2020-21, they've won their first two opening Premier League games for the first time in their history. We'd be silly to get carried away and think that they are destined for European football this season, but the Eagles are certainly worth examining for their unique approach to life in the Premier League. Here is a Tactical Analysis all about Roy Hodgson's resilient Crystal Palace.

Manchester United – Premier League 2020-21 – Transfer Market Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

The first half of 2020-21 was not ideal for Manchester United by any stretch of the imagination. But in the final fourteen Premier League matches, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer took Manchester United on an unbeaten run, culminating in a final day triumph over Leicester City to secure Champions League football and third place in the table. It was a finish worth celebrating and with Bruno Fernandes firing on all cylinders, Manchester United fans will be hoping for better times ahead. But another year gone by without Premier League glory, Solskjaer and co. would have been hoping for silverware elsewhere. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, they crashed out of every one of their cup competitions at the semi-final stage. So even with Bruno Fernandes and a powerful trio of attackers alongside him, the Red Devils will undoubtedly be turning their attention to the transfer market for new additions. Anything less than Premier League or Champions League glory is simply not enough to satisfy the Manchester United faithful's. Here is a Transfer Market Analysis of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United and who they can sign to achieve the dream of getting back to that level.