Manchester United had to settle for a point on Monday night at Old Trafford following an eight goal-thriller against AFC Bournemouth.
Manchester United fans experienced a rollercoaster of emotions on Monday night as Ruben Amorim’s men dropped points at home vs AFC Bournemouth.
United started the game strongly; moving the ball up the pitch with speed and purpose and pressing aggressively in high areas.
Amad eventually broke the deadlock to put United 1-0 ahead following a delightful cross from Diogo Dalot. Bournemouth found an equaliser through Antoine Semenyo, but their joy was short-lived as Casemiro restored United’s lead on the stroke of half-time.
However, Bournemouth stunned United at the start of the second-half as they raced to a 2-3 lead in no-time following goals from Evanilson and Marcus Travenier.
United struggled to assert the same level of dominace in the second-half as they did in the first, and just when it seemed United were out of the game, Bruno Fernandes stepped up yet again. A beautiful free-kick from United’s no.8 levelled the score, before Matheus Cunha restored United’s lead just minutes later.
Amorim’s men failed to see out the game as Eli Junior Kroupi made it 4-4 shortly after being brought on by Adoni Iraola. In the end, United had to settle for a point after a chaotic game of football.
#1 – Amorim’s tactical adjustments in possession pay dividends
Ruben Amorim made some major adjustments to Manchester United’s tactical set-up against Bournemouth.
On the ball in the first-half, United played in a 3-1-6 shape, as opposed to the 3-2-5 we are used to seeing Amorim deploy. Bruno Fernandes was a lot more advanced than usual with Casemiro the deepest midfielder. Bournemouth pressed man-to-man but United were able to stretch them, which left a lot of space between the lines, particularly in the middle of the park.
All that space allowed United to progress the ball up the pitch with ease and cause the visitors serious issues. The issue with committing that many numbers up the pitch means United were vulnerable in defensive transitions due to a weakened rest-defence, and Bournemouth exploited that at times in the second-half.
United dropped off significantly in the second-half, but the signs in the first-half were very positive. With Amad and Bryan Mbeumo set to depart to the African Cup of Nations however, United will be losing two exceptional attacking players. Amad’s absence will also leave Amorim without an attacking-minded wing-back, which will significantly hamper United in the final third.
#2 – 4-4-2 out of possession works again in high-press
Manchester United set-up in a 4-4-2 off the ball, as opposed to the 5-2-3 United typically use. This was to be expected as Bournemouth play in a 2-3-5/3-1-6 shape on the ball, and Amorim typically adapts to a 4-4-2 against such teams.
Amad moved up a line, with Leny Yoro shifting to right-back. The 4-4-2 allows United to press more effectively with more players up the pitch, and also allows them to be more dangerous after a turnover. United pressed with purpose and intensity tonight in the first-half and caused Adoni Iraola’s men serious issues in build-up.
Unfortunately, little of that intensity was on display for the majority of the second-half, but the first 45 minutes showed how well United can press in a 4-4-2.
#3- United’s defensive issues continue
Manchester United have only kept one clean sheet so far this season, and it’s mid-December.
United conceded another four goals on Monday night and for whatever reason, Amorim’s men seem incapable of nullifying the opposition’s attacking threat.
As United usually deploy a back five, they have a tendency to invite too much pressure, but at times, it’s just a pure lack of focus that leads to conceding goals; not tracking runners, switching off when defending set-pieces, etc. United are simply way too easy to attack against.
Matthijs de Ligt’s box-defending and ability to organise the back line would’ve been of great value against Bournemouth, and Amorim will be hoping to have him back soon.
#4 – Dalot becoming more dangerous in final third
Diogo Dalot has been highly criticised in recent times, but the Portuguese full-back’s final third play is improving rapidly. A goal against West Ham, an assist vs Wolves and a delightful cross vs Bournemouth set-up United’s first goal of the game.
Dalot’s best qualities are still in build-up, but Amorim has persisted with him at wing-back as he has the ideal physical profile for it, and that patience is now seemingly being rewarded.
Dalot is still far from perfect as a wing-back, but recent performances provide reason for optimism.
#5- Cunha hits form at right time
Matheus Cunha has shown some glimpses of elite quality so far this season, but the Brazilian only found the back of the net on one occasion before tonight and has been struggling to impact games consistently.
The Brazilian had a good game against Bournemouth, both on and off the ball, and that goal will massively boost his confidence. He never goes hiding and is constantly looking for ways to impact games, but sometimes he tries too hard. His goal on Monday night will hopefully take some pressure off his shoulders.
With Mbeumo and Amad set to miss the next set of fixtures to the AFCON, United need Cunha to now step up more than ever.
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