Manchester United is eagerly anticipating Sunday`s derby against Manchester City, aiming to achieve a rare season double over their rivals.
Both managers, Ruben Amorim of Man Utd and Pep Guardiola of Man City, face significant strategic decisions as their respective seasons haven`t unfolded as smoothly as planned.
Current champions Manchester City are fighting hard to secure a top-four finish, while Manchester United are experiencing one of their most challenging seasons in recent history.
This season`s context sharply contrasts with the 2011-12 season, where these Manchester giants battled fiercely for the league title until the very last moment. That year, Sergio Aguero`s dramatic late goal against QPR clinched City`s first Premier League title on goal difference.
This upcoming derby is set to be a different kind of match, yet it remains critically important for both teams.
In a football tactics analysis, expert Dean Scoggins examines the critical tactical elements that could define the Manchester derby outcome.
The Question of Garnacho`s Left-Wing Role
Alejandro Garnacho`s positioning has become a point of frustration for Manchester United fans. Despite frequently finding himself in promising attacking positions,
United has shown defensive resilience and improved ball progression into midfield, overcoming earlier difficulties in playing out from the back.
However, when Garnacho receives the ball in wide areas, as he prefers, he often faces an immediate defensive challenge.
His tendency to cut inside often leads to congested play, drawing in multiple defenders and midfielders, effectively creating a `traffic jam` in attack.
During the game against Nottingham Forest, where Forest defended deeply, Garnacho took several long-range shots, none of which were effective due to the crowded defense.
Furthermore, playing on the left, Garnacho sometimes clashes with an overlapping wing-back, like Patrick Dorgu, yet often fails to utilize the overlap, frustrating supporters.
Many fans are critical of Garnacho`s reluctance to pass to Dorgu in overlapping positions, a move that could create space for crosses and attacking opportunities.
In contrast, against Arsenal, Garnacho thrived on the right flank, benefiting from an overlapping fullback, Noussair Mazraoui, who created space by running inside.
While there are calls for Garnacho to start every game, his performances sometimes frustrate. Yet, his potential is undeniable, suggesting he remains a crucial player for United. The question remains whether the left wing is his optimal position.
With Amad Diallo unavailable, United lacks a natural ball-carrier who can challenge defenders directly. Amorim`s tactical approach emphasizes players taking on defenders to penetrate the box, a role Garnacho uniquely fills within the current United squad.
Moving Garnacho to the right for the derby could be beneficial, given the current disconnect between him and Dorgu on the left. Despite positional questions, Garnacho`s inclusion is vital; United needs his ability to stretch play and provide an outlet against Manchester City`s pressure.
Can United Succeed Against City with Less Possession?
In their recent 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, Manchester United dominated possession with nearly 70%.
Conversely, in their earlier match against Manchester City, City controlled possession, yet United seemed comfortable playing without the ball.
Currently, United`s defense is well-organized, setting up effectively for counter-attacks.
This strategy becomes less effective against teams like Nottingham Forest, who tend to defend deeply. However, this is unlikely to be the case against Manchester City, who will likely dominate possession.
City is expected to adopt a 2-3-5 or 3-2-5 attacking formation, prompting United`s defenders to employ man-marking strategies.
This tactical setup will see wingers marked by wing-backs and central midfielders in direct matchups, making quick transitions from defense to attack crucial for United`s counter-attacking opportunities.
United will likely be content to absorb pressure, similar to their successful performances against Arsenal, Liverpool, and even Manchester City earlier in the season.
However, playing at Old Trafford adds pressure for a more proactive approach, especially in a derby where fans expect attacking football.
The critical area for improvement lies in the transition from defense to attack. This involves efficiently moving the ball through key triangles on both flanks, enabling quick passes to relieve pressure or finding wingers for dangerous one-on-one situations.
This strategic approach will be crucial for United, but its successful execution remains to be seen.
Marmoush: A More Suitable Choice Than Haaland for United Clash?
Choosing between Erling Haaland and another striker is a complex question for any team. However, Manchester City sometimes encounters issues when play becomes congested around the opponent`s penalty area, with Haaland`s movement limited.
While Haaland`s presence occupies defenders and is crucial for crosses, City`s 2-0 victory over Leicester showcased an alternative approach. Without Haaland, Omar Marmoush, alongside players like Doku and Savinho, formed a dynamic, flat front three.
Earlier in the season against Newcastle, Marmoush scored a hat-trick playing alongside Haaland in a front two. However, this formation is unlikely to succeed against United, given their likely deployment of a back five with wing-backs.
If Haaland starts, United is expected to defend deep, forming a back five, potentially leading to a congested attacking scenario for City.
A congested attack could lead to frustration, with defenders dominating possession and limited breakthroughs. Against United, City might opt for a more compact front three, possibly featuring Foden, Marmoush, and De Bruyne, using wider players like Savinho, Doku, or Grealish to stretch the play.
Unlike Haaland, Marmoush is less likely to remain static against a deep defense, offering more rotational movement within the front three, which could be key to unlocking a packed defense.
Marmoush averages twice as many touches per game as Haaland this season, suggesting he might be the player to provide the dynamism needed to break down a stubborn United defense.
De Bruyne Versus Fernandes: The Captains` Duel
The derby clash will highlight a fascinating battle between Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes, the captains and key playmakers for their respective teams.
If Garnacho plays on the right and Fernandes in attacking midfield, we could see De Bruyne positioned on the inside right, focusing on delivering crosses into the box.
Fernandes might be tasked with tracking De Bruyne defensively, a tactical matchup De Bruyne would likely welcome, aiming to exploit Fernandes`s defensive duties to create space.
Despite defensive responsibilities, Fernandes is known for his work rate and late-game impact, often creating crucial chances in the latter stages of matches.
Late in the game, if City leads, Guardiola might substitute De Bruyne to bring on a player more focused on directly countering Fernandes`s influence.
Ultimately, De Bruyne might just edge this individual battle, potentially setting up Marmoush for a decisive goal.
Marcus Bellamy