Tag: Ralf Rangnick

Solving Manchester United’s defensive concerns

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Managers, Most Recent, Premier League, Team Analysis, World Football

It's no secret. Manchester United are struggling defensively right now, despite having very capable players all over the pitch. In David De Gea, they have one of the best goalkeepers in the world. In Lindelof and Maguire, the Red Devils have a defensive pairing that spearheaded one of the league's sturdiest defensive structures last season, and led a Europa League charge. Ahead of them, they have two defensive warriors in Fred and McTominay, who will never be world beaters, but are very competent in what they offer. Despite that, Ralf Rangnick's team have conceded 10 goals in their last 5 games, floundering under the German's style of play. So what's amiss?

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Assessing Manchester United’s future centre-back options

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Coaching, Data Analysis, Managers, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League, Team Analysis

For the past few seasons, the attention on Manchester United's transfer business has surrounded their inability to sign a world class defensive midfielder. However, with United floundering under Ralf Rangnick's style of play, greater defensive concerns have been illuminated in the past few months.

The real problem with Harry Maguire’s defending

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Coach Education, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League

Let's face it. You're tired of hearing about Harry Maguire. So are we! So with that, we debunk the Harry Maguire myth, and pose an alternative perspective as to why he's having a "difficult season" for Manchester United.

Tactical Thinker: How would you solve Manchester United’s defensive concerns?

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Managers, Most Recent, Premier League, Team Analysis, World Football

Things have been bumpy since Ralf Rangnick took over, with many players continuing to flounder under the new tactical ideals. The team's defensive problems have garnered particular attention in the media, with the likes of Maguire, Varane, Shaw and Wan-Bissaka continuously lambasted for their performances. So with that, this week we ask the following question in our third Tactical Thinker. How would you solve United's defensive concerns?

Ralf Rangnick – Manchester United – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Most Recent, Premier League, Team Analysis, World Football

Since the start of Ralf Rangnick's temporary tenure at Manchester United, rumours have persisted about who the next permanent boss to hold down a legitimate tenure may be. Erik Ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino have been heavily linked, only continuing to take attention away from Manchester United's burning castle...and their desire to finish inside this season's top four. As the season nears Easter, the likelihood of Rangnick achieving that feat seems all the more unlikely, with Arsenal suddenly looking like the team to beat instead.

Why Manchester United should play 3-4-1-2

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

The current dialogue around Manchester United is boring. Every week, it's the same story in the media, whether or not they win, lose or draw. It's obvious that Manchester United are not at their best, but very few are discussing tangible ways for the Red Devils to fasten their seatbelts and shift the car into overdrive. So with that, today we take a look at why Manchester United should shift away from a back-four, and into a 3-4-1-2. Don't get us wrong, United need to drill several loose bolts. But, a change to the formation may help to mitigate several of their greatest issues.

Why Declan Rice is perfect for Manchester United

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

The 2021 January Transfer Window continues to heat up, with more and more clubs splashing the cash to resolve their issues before the end of the season. And with that, we’re continuing to take a look at clubs with a bit of a blackhole in their team, that desperately needs to be covered before the end of next summer. We’re going to match that blackhole up with one player who could potentially fill that void if a move were to be made in January, by assessing and analyzing a player that is a perfect match for the team’s style of play. While today's player would be perfect for virtually any European elite, from Chelsea to Manchester City to Bayern Munich, this man had to top our list of defensive midfielders for Manchester United. Today, it's all about West Ham United's Declan Rice, and why he’d be a perfect fit for Ralf Rangnick's Red Devils.

The Longball Preview Show – No Lessons Learned

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Most Recent, Podcast, Premier League

In this jam-packed episode John and Declan are joined by Ziming Gao to discuss the possibility of the Premier League pressing pause on their season, as COVID rears its ugly head. As the weekend draws closer and games still haven't been cancelled, the lads break down what's to come in this weekend's match-ups, and they even recap the midweek events. All of that and a whole lot more in this episode!

The Longball Preview Show – Stevie G’s Coming Home!

by TMS Staff, posted in Most Recent, Podcast, Premier League

In this jam-packed episode, John and Declan talk about whether Arteta and Hasenhuttl should freshen up their job applications, if a Chelsea collapse is imminent, and how the Hammers will cope with only 2 healthy centre-backs. The boys then get into a debate about just how much a chance Villa have in their visit to the Merseyside, singing the praises of Steven Gerrard and his start to life at his new club. Submit any questions for the show to themastermindsite.com/contact.

Fred – Manchester United – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Coach Education, Defensive Midfield, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League

Since arriving at Manchester United in the summer of 2018, Fred has been under a microscope with each and every passing minute. Every action he takes on a football pitch seems to be scrutinized by those trying to justify his shortcomings, or those, like me, trying to justify why those shortcomings aren't actually so short. In recent weeks, the calls for Fred to be crowned one of United's most important players have only grown, as he performs a more attack-minded role within the team's double-pivot. So today, I present to you a dossier all about Manchester United's Fred, and why Manchester United would be worse without him.

The Longball Preview Show – Fredemption

by TMS Staff, posted in Most Recent, Podcast, Premier League

This week on a special combo review and preview podcast, John and Declan are joined again by Brennan McCaffray to talk about the Merseyside derby, United's win against Arsenal, and the London derby between Chelsea and West Ham this weekend!

Fox in the Box – November 2021

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Most Recent, Podcast, Premier League, Subscriber Exclusives, Top 100 Footballers

Magazine of November 2021! In this month's edition of Fox in the Box, we explore Antonio Conte's Spurs, Ralf Rangnick's potential for greatness with Manchester United, and a discussion about the Goalkeeper of the Year. Subscribe to our monthly subscription for $1.00 per month or login to your account, to view the magazine.

The Longball Preview Show – Derby Day in Merseyside

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Most Recent, Podcast, Premier League

On this special midweek episode of the Longball podcast, John is over the moon with Rangnick's announcement and United's performance against Chelsea. Meanwhile, Declan is concerned about the Hammers' recent run of form, and the boys try and get to the bottom of what's gone wrong with Everton this season ahead of their clash with Liverpool. All of that and a whole lot more on this special episode of the Longball Premier League Preview Show. Submit any questions for the show to themastermindsite.com/contact.