Tactical Analysis: Manchester United
by Kripa Krishnan
Quick Post-Mortem of Previous Game (Liverpool v Brentford)
Alexis Mac Allister stood out as a key playmaker with an impressive 87.76% passing accuracy, completing 43 out of 49 passes, and effective long balls at 66.67%. Andrew Robertson was clinical in front of goal with 100% shot accuracy and had an excellent passing accuracy of 89.71%, completing 61 out of 68 passes. Luis Diaz also achieved 100% shot accuracy and perfect passing accuracy, completing all 27 of his passes. Ibrahima Konaté showcased defensive strength with a passing accuracy of 96.05%, completing 73 out of 76 passes, and won 100% of his ground duels. Ryan Gravenberch was strong in defense, winning 100% of his tackles and achieving a passing accuracy of 93.42%, completing 71 out of 76 passes. Mohamed Salah was confident in dribbling with a perfect 100% success rate and had a passing accuracy of 87.88%, completing 29 out of 33 passes. Cody Gakpo also had a perfect dribbling success rate and a passing accuracy of 75%, completing 6 out of 8 passes. Alisson Becker was reliable in distributing the ball with a 77.14% passing accuracy, completing 27 out of 35 passes, though his long ball accuracy needs improvement. Overall, the team displayed exceptional passing accuracy, with several players achieving over 90%, highlighting their precision and control in the game. However, there is room for improvement in long ball accuracy and tackling.
Liverpool’s approach to build-up play is definitely more slow and calculated. We are fousing on maintaining possession. The midfield pivots, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, are expected to play a crucial role in our strategy. They rotate between advancing forward and staying back, providing the required balance and fluidity to the team’s play. This rotation allows Liverpool to adapt to different phases of the game seamlessly.
We have also shown signs of proficiency in executing counter-attacks. s. This ability to transition rapidly from defense to attack adds an extra dimension to Liverpool’s offensive play. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson continue to prove to be integral to Liverpool’s tactics. We saw then often moving up centrally to link up with the midfielders, enhancing connectivity and creating additional attacking opportunities. Their movement also helps in stretching the opposition’s defense, creating space for our forwards.
Luis Díaz’s Goal: Díaz scored his first goal of the season with a stunning shot into the top corner at 13 minutes, showcasing his individual brilliance and adding to Liverpool’s attacking threat.
Mohamed Salah’s Contribution: Salah secured the win with a goal 20 minutes from time, making him Liverpool’s fifth top scorer at Anfield with 118 goals. His consistent performance continues to be a driving force for the team.
Brentford’s Efforts: Despite missing star striker Ivan Toney, Brentford had a few close chances but couldn’t capitalize.
What to Expect From United
Manchester United vs Liverpool: Rivalry Analysis
Overview
This analysis covers a;l historic matches between Manchester United and Liverpool from 2010 to 2024, focusing on the PL.
Key Insights
- Liverpool has a slight edge in overall performance with a 45.5% win rate compared to Manchester United's 36.4%.
- Both teams show significantly better performance at home.
- Liverpool tend to dominate possession in these matches, averaging 56.8% overall.
- Recent trends favor Liverpool, with some high-scoring victories (7-0 and 4-0) in the last few years.
- Liverpool consistently outperforms their expected goals, especially in away games. They average 1.93 goals away despite an expected goals of 2.38, indicating efficient finishing. Manchester United, conversely, underperforms their expected goals, particularly at home.
Performance Comparison
Overall Performance
Home vs Away Win Percentage
Key Statistics
Average Possession
Average Expected Goals
Detailed Statistics
Manchester United
| Stat | Home | Away | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matches | 15 | 7 | 22 |
| Wins | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Draws | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Losses | 5 | 3 | 8 |
| Win % | 46.7% | 14.3% | 36.4% |
| Avg. Expected Goals | 2.07 | 0.92 | 1.69 |
| Avg. Possession | 45.3% | 36.4% | 42.4% |
| Avg. Total Shots | 12.8 | 7.7 | 11.1 |
| Avg. Shots on Target | 5.1 | 2.6 | 4.3 |
| Avg. Score | 1.67 | 0.86 | 1.41 |
| Avg. Goal Difference | +0.27 | -1.57 | -0.32 |
Liverpool
| Stat | Home | Away | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matches | 7 | 15 | 22 |
| Wins | 4 | 6 | 10 |
| Draws | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Losses | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Win % | 57.1% | 40.0% | 45.5% |
| Avg. Expected Goals | 1.82 | 2.38 | 2.18 |
| Avg. Possession | 58.4% | 55.9% | 56.8% |
| Avg. Total Shots | 16.6 | 13.7 | 14.7 |
| Avg. Shots on Target | 6.1 | 5.7 | 5.9 |
| Avg. Score | 1.57 | 1.93 | 1.82 |
| Avg. Goal Difference | +1.00 | +0.33 | +0.55 |
In terms of United’s recent technical tactics we can expect to see the following:
Build-up Play:
Low Build-up: Ten Hag uses a 1-4-2-1-3 formation, positioning the front three centrally. This allows fullbacks to advance, forming a back-three with the goalkeeper.
High Build-up: The team shifts to a 1-3-2-5 formation, with one fullback moving into midfield and the other into the backline, creating numerical advantages and enabling quicker passes.
High Backline:
A high backline aids counter-pressing by keeping players closer to the center, making it harder for the opposition to advance.
Rotations and Interchanges:
Ten Hag promotes fluidity, encouraging interchanges and rotations to keep the opposition guessing and create more opportunities.
Defence:
Casemiro’s role in the double pivot is vital for breaking up play, protecting the center, and supporting fullbacks, enhancing United’s defensive stability.
Midfield Dynamics:
Four central midfielders in the high build-up phase provide more options and tighter spacing, improving defensive transitions and pressing when possession is lost.
In their last match v Brighton:
United’s build-up play was evident in their attempts to control possession and create opportunities. However, Brighton’s pressing disrupted their rhythm, particularly in the high build-up phase. United maintained a high backline, which helped in counter-pressing but also left them vulnerable to Brighton’s quick transitions. Casemiro’s role was crucial in breaking up Brighton’s attacks and supporting the defence. However, Brighton’s late winner by João Pedro in the 95th minute highlighted some lapses in United’s defensive organisation. Despite United’s efforts to control the midfield for significant portions of the game, Brighton’s effective pressing and quick transitions exposed gaps in United’s midfield.
Liverpool are showing signs of strong tactical discipline and defensive solidity. Winning the midfield battle will be key. However, we all know that Manchester United can rise to the occasion and take Liverpool by surprise. This historical edge could play a psychological role in the next game.
