Valencia 0-1 Manchester United: 4-5-1 v 4-5-1 becomes 4-4-2 v 4-4-2, and United nick it late on
The starting line-ups
Smash and grab – Javier Hernandez’s late goal settled a tight contest.
Valencia were without Joaquin, so fielded a fluid Mata-Pablo-Dominguez trio behind Roberto Soldado, who started ahead of Aritz Aduriz. Jeremy Mathieu was preferred to Jordi Alba at left-back.
Manchester United were without Wayne Rooney, which made it an easy decision to start with a 4-5-1 (indeed, it would have been interesting what Sir Alex Ferguson would have done if Rooney had been available. Michael Carrick and Anderson’s returns from injury were timed well in the absence of Paul Scholes, whilst Rio Ferdinand replaced Jonny Evans.
Overall, the first half was fairly static, with both teams playing in front of each other, and cautious about coming forward. Indeed, it looked like both were primarily looking to play on the counter-attack, and therefore were reluctant to give the other any space to break into.
The shapes were as expected – United defended with plenty of men behind the ball, with Park Ji-Sung tucked in more than Nani on the opposite side, who started off trying to play high up the pitch, but was subsequently forced back by Mathieu’s darts forward. Valencia’s attacking three played reasonably narrow, with the wide players looking to get behind the ball and form two banks of four. As we’ve come to expect from Valencia – the front four rotated, and therefore it wasn’t unusual to see Chori Dominguez or even Soldado in a wide position when out of possession.
Anderson on Albelda
The most significant tactical factor in the first half was Ferguson’s use of Anderson high up the pitch to occupy David Albelda, Valencia’s deep-lying playmaker. This rather nullified both sides – Valencia looked slightly lost since they were unable to play through a player they generally look to at every opportunity, whilst United were then using their most attacking central midfielder in a primarily defensive role, and unable to create.
Neither side were getting the ball to their dangermen often enough – Nani had a quiet first half aside from one moment when he easily outpaced Mathieu, whilst Juan Mata struggled to find any space in the centre of the pitch. The bigger danger for Valencia came from their right-winger, Pablo Hernandez, who got past Patrice Evra and put a dangerous ball across the six-yard box that no-one got to.
The line-ups when the game became 4-4-2 v 4-4-2
Second half
Little changed at the start of the second half, although Nani played higher up the pitch once more, meaning United often looked as if they were playing some kind of lopsided 4-3-3, with Nani, Berbatov and Anderson high up the pitch, and Park deeper with the two central midfielders.
The best chance United had came from a long ball out to Berbatov on the left – he managed to beat his man and move in on goal, where his poked shot was saved easily at the near post. It was far from a blatant chance, and yet it was as good as we got before the managers turned to the bench.
Substitutions
Unai Emery was the first to change things, making a positive move by withdrawing Dominguez and introducing Aduriz, who played just off Soldado in a 4-4-2. Valencia immediately looked brighter and their overall strategy changed – they were getting the ball forward more quickly, getting their wide players down the line rather than cutting in, and firing crosses into the box. The delivery all night from wide positions was generally very good, but even the addition of a second striker couldn’t get them a goal.
Ferguson knew that he no longer had to field three central midfielders himself, and so responded with a similar change, taking off his most attacking midfielder (Anderson) and bringing on a second striker. Berbatov also departed, so we now had United in a 4-4-2 with Federico Macheda and Javier Hernandez upfront.
Game more open
The moves towards 4-4-2 didn’t change how either side defended, as both looked to get two banks of four behind the ball, and then had one of the strikers dropping off when not in possession. But what it did do was to open up the midfield, creating space in the central zone and allowing both sides to create more goalscoring opportunities. Valencia probably had more of the play, but rarely created a clear cut chance.
In truth, United did nothing better tactically than Valencia – they were simply more efficient in the final third on one single occasion, and the first goal in this game was always likely to be the winner.
Valencia had a warning sign moments before the goal, when Nani crossed for Hernandez, who couldn’t quite reach the far post cross. It was another Nani run that created the goal for Hernandez, with Macheda acting as the link between the two. Valencia had men over to defend against Hernandez, but his instant control and shot caught them out. Nani was yet again United’s main man – even when turning in a disappointing performance overall, he was still capable of providing the drive and directness needed to win the game.
Conclusion
A good demonstration of a tactical change in a game – a 4-5-1 v 4-5-1 battle, followed by a 4-4-2 v 4-4-2 battle. The first half was extremely cagey and devoid of any real goalscoring chances, but the final 15 minutes was much more open, and United were simply more clinical in front of goal.
Neither side played particularly good football, and it was obvious both were lacking creativity in the centre of the pitch – had this game featured Ever Banega and Paul Scholes, it might have been an entirely different contest, both tactically and in general terms. Valencia looked far better in the second half when they started to get the ball wide and get crosses into the box, and Joaquin was also missed – the home side needed someone to stay wide rather than constantly drift into the congested centre.
For United, the perfect away win in Europe. Carrick looked slightly unfit but generally did a decent job, and Anderson was in his element. His best position has been debated at length, but he often seems to turn in good performances in games where United are playing defensively as a whole, and therefore the attacking midfield role (his) is still broadly defensive-minded. Whether United need a player like that in the majority of Premier League games is doubtful, but like Fletcher and Park before him, Anderson might be able to make a name for himself as a ‘big game player’.
I think utd got lcky, had the game featured joaquin we could have won this
Joaquin’s not all he’s cracked up to be, he’s a bit of an Aaron Lennon – can be devastating but is too often just below par and unproductive.
http://www.footballfarrago.com
We were a bit lucky to get away with this one; I’d have been happy with a draw, and it probably would’ve been a fair result on balance. I thought Nani’s defensive play in the 2nd half was noteworthy; he did a lot to cover for Rafael’s often-suspect marking. To be honest, not that exciting of a game (Scholes and Banega would’ve added plenty to this, I agree), but a pretty interesting tense affair between two thoughtful sides.
For me, Man Utd looker very little dangerous all until Fernandez came on for Costa. From then on it seemed like Man Utd found more space on the right/center right. Nani suddenly contributed more to create danger. This might also be helped by Mathieu who had frequent forward runs, which may have made him lose a bit focus on defending against Nani.
Fernandez was excellent though, added energy and no little skill in the centre of the park. Pity he left Everton, enjoyed seeing him in the Premiership – I remember the goal he scored against United, a smashing effort on his left foot (I think) that went right in the top corner. Luckily we came back from 2-0 down to win 4-2, and eventually another title.
Nani did not get any credit for creating our goal by the commentators, but he was key, he ran half the length of the pitch taking two players out of the equation, played in Macheda who looked like he was in on goal himself. But fair play to the youngster he spotted a good early pass with Chicarito in space – and what a first touch and finish, both on his ‘weeker’ (we saw it is not that week with his goal against Argentina) foot. He’s gonna be something special this lad, reminds me of a young Owen for Liverpool. Defenders will be scared of his pace and sharp finishing like that.
http://www.footballfarrago.com
Agree with that second paragraph there. Once Hernandez adapts to England he should do well with his clinical finishing.
that should say ‘weaker’ foot… must have been a typo, honest…
Back to the article – glad you mentioned how Anderson had a good game, I was really impressed with his performance. Always known he’s had the talent, the clips of him at Porto displayed his skills but his general play was (up until now hopefully) always lacking something. He kept looking like he was going to give the ball away (i.e. the old Anderson would have) but then kept hold of it with a mixture of strength and skill.
The same goes for Nani actually. Both players were infuriating before because they gave away posession cheaply. It looks like Ferguson has worked his magic with both, as they rarely give it away easily now.
http://www.footballfarrago.com
ZM, I think I’d never refer to David Albelda as a “playmaker”, nor anything to do with “make” or “create”… poor David is in trouble if you ask him to pass the ball further than five meters…
For the rest, I absolutely agree on the changes that the switch to 4-4-2 provoked on the pitch – Valencia looking much more confortable, although a bit weaker in defence, while United had their chance – and took it. The inclusion of Chicharito seemed decisive in there, as Berbatov wasn’t playing his best game…
Problem Berbatov had was poor service. Only about twice did he get decent service all game. At times when he tried to create his teammates messed up with the poor control Man Utd displayed on the night.
“ZM, I think I’d never refer to David Albelda as a “playmaker” ”
Glad I’m not the only one who found that a bit strange.
Same here, haha. I wish Albelda would leave Valencia…
I agree. If you consider Albelda a playmaker I take pity on you.
The level of playmaking in general football must be outrageous…. Oh! Yes! I saw Barcelona game yesterday. Offensive football is dead.
No it isn’t. Not while Bielsa is still in the game…
Playmaker was a poor choice of word, to be fair…
Hey ZM:
Completely OT but just wanted to say congrats for your starring role on the Football Weekly podcast – what a pleasant surprise! I know it aired last week but I just heard it this morning.
What I found interesting was the the swap of Berbatov for Hernandez which arguably won United the game. With Berbatov dropping deep and wide (in a false nine role), Navarro and Maduro seemed happy enough to push up and squeeze the space that Nani cutting inside and Anderson were looking to occupy. The introduction of Hernandez gave the central defence a different problem, in fact, Hernandez is probably the very antithesis of Berbatov as a player. Looking in behind, Chicarito occupied the central defence more and caused them to drop deeper, allowing Nani and co. to attack the defence at pace.
I know it’s not often the case, but Fergie’s substitutions were spot on and well timed, which won the game, rather than any tactical tweak.
I watched this game and cant help but think that ji sung park is not a man utd level midfielder. By all means he is a fantastic worker and tracker, but for a man utd “winger” his attacking contribution is close to nil. Im not even convinced they need him on the left as a defensive option, as evra more often than not can dominate the whole flank on his own.
The question then is whether his defensive qualities would be missed. Without Park covering the left flank, would Evra necessarily be able to charge up and down the left while still being defensively solid?
Looking at his overall qualities, I’d argue that Park is similar to John O’Shea (in that he is versatile and can play across the park), but of a more attacking mould than O’Shea, and faster to boot (though to say that someone is quicker than O’Shea is damning with faint praise). That is, he’s an utility player, and has his uses.
He had a bad game. He has been off color for a few weeks, but he has really been the fittest since the season started. The one thing Park has more than most players is intelligence on the pitch. He may not have the best first touch or shooting technique, but he does what he has to do to the best of his ability and works for the team. He can’t win games on his own, but to say he is not “Man Utd level midfielder” is very incorrect. He has made huge contributions to Manchester United over the years and it is no surprise that Sir Alex trusts him and plays him more often than not in all the difficult fixtures.
absolutely spot on.
he has struggled early on this season, but i dont doubt he’ll come good
Same old same old typical Man Utd display away from home in European games.
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The main tactic that ManU needed was lets-not-pass-the-ball-to-the-opposition. The Mexican laddy took his goal superbly, Nani was pretty good, and the right back was an improvement. Otherwise poor; even Evra was a letdown.
It was interesting to see Anderson used as the ‘defensive attacker’, a role Utd have used before in Europe (best example was last year using Park against Pirlo in Milan games). I wonder if Ferguson would ever consider Rooney in this position. He has given Rooney defensive assignments in Europe before (Barca semi-final 2008) and this might be able to combine the same defensive solidity with more spark and creativity when Utd have the ball.
Think Hernandez will be a good singing but still think Utd lacking a lot if they are to compete seriously in the two major competitions. However, return of VIdic-Ferdinand combination might be able to see them through until more players come back to form.
ZM, I want to ask you two important questions *PLEASE ANSWER
1. In your previous posts, you frequently mentioned that the rise of 4-3-3 (or 4-2-3-1 or 4-5-1) these days is bolstered by the fact that three midfielders in such formation will easily occupy the two midfielders in a conservative 4-4-2 formation –which will eventually create a 3v2 situation in midfield and eventually engender an enormous advantage for the 4-2-3-1 formation.
Then why did Ferguson turn to 4-4-2 during the last phase of this match? Considering he played an away game here, a 4-5-1 seemed more reliable in terms of ball possession, defending, midfield battle, or even when United wanted to unleash a counter attack. And with the likes of boisterous central midfielder such as Anderson, Carrick, and Fletcher; the three midfield of United would have easily conquered the midfield battle.
2. Does Anderson’s really have such immense potential? You know, he is VERY EXPENSIVE –I forget the number but if I am not mistaken he is somewhere between 17-25 million pounds. I also recalled reading a statement from Ferguson when he bought this kid, he said, “…there is urgency to sign him at that moment, our scouts gave us report that he is the best young player in the world.”
Really? Is he overrated? Another transfer blooper from Ferguson? I would be glad if you give me an opinion regarding this kid from your perspective *or a review post regarding Ferguson’s transfer policy maybe
); because it seems Ferguson paid such huge (and even too much for me) amount of money for this kid. This guy, along with Nani -whom, after all the things he has done in recent weeks, I still considered as mid-table club winger compared with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Malouda-, is an enigma to me.
1) Part of it had to do with Valencia making the switch to two in center first, leaving Ferguson the option to tell Fletcher to sit deeper instead of supporting forward, and using him and Carrick with the assistance from Park to stay in control in the middle. Also, Anderson’s just come back from a long lay off due to a fairly serious injury so I’d guess match fitness played its role. But at the end of the day, Ferguson most likely saw an opportunity to bring on Hernandez to run at a tired defence and give first Berbatov and then Macheda some support in the attempt to steal all the points.
2) Anderson has massive potential. He was expensive, about 18 million pounds (although I think a few million of those were conditional as in many transfers.) Now, whether he puts his talent to proper use is the main question. But he is a huge talent. He’s strong, is good with the ball at his feet, can pass well (if inconsistently) and is as fast as any central midfielder I can think of. What he needs is experience and for the pin to drop, so to speak, in much the same way Nani did. Right now I’d say Nani is one of the better wingers in the English league behind Malouda and maybe Silva once he settles, and we have to remember that Malouda is 30 years old and only really started performing well around the second half of last year, coincidently around the same time Nani did. Back to Anderson though, he’s shown the flashes of the ability needed to be a dominant player, he just needs to gain the experience and knowledge to do so consistently. It might not be for a couple years yet, but he’s still young, especially considering his position. I think that learning how to play as a creative force in the center is second only to central defence with regard to the importance of experience. And I think that looking at the great players that have played in that position, they tend to mature much later than winger, strikers, etc. Someone like Fabregas is the exception, not the rule.
To assert that Malouda “only really started performing well around the second half of last year” is pretty absurd. He’d been a French national team mainstay since at least 2006, he scored 16 goals over two seasons (05-07) with Lyon during that time frame. His life did not begin with arrival at Chelsea, even if that’s when you first heard of him.
Well, as was stated, I as only looking at the English league. And he did only start performing well for Chelsea in the second half of last year. We can debate the merits of the French league and what exactly being a mainstay on the French team during that period is truly worth, but he was decidedly average for his first two years at Chelsea. Debating that would be absurd.
And by the way, his career didn’t really begin with Lyon either, but actually more accurately at Guingamp at the same time Drogba was there. But thanks for the history lesson…
Satria – with Anderson in his first season he was great and has suffered from some pretty bad injuries, hopefully be can ‘do a nani’ this season
In response to nani bring a ‘mid table winger’ that’s laughable, he and malouda are 1 and 2 by some distance. He’s still inconsistent but he’s also got 5 or 6 years on malouda…
Park and Anderson (who were left midfielder and attacking midfielder in the match) are not “typical” players in those positions. Park played a defensive-winger role, and Anderson was a defensive-minded attaking midfielder. Two defensive minded attacking midfielders against 4-4-2 is not quite efficient.
If Manchester United had attacking midfielders like Mesut Ozil and Frank Lampard they could have stayed at 4-2-3-1.
The relations between formations are flexible to change according to which players the team use.
I can’t really hope to explain what Ferguson was thinking, but I think 4-4-2 is just his favoured formation at the moment. He’s tempted away from it if he has to, if the other side are playing three central midfielders. If not, he’s back to 4-4-2 – I genuinely think it’s as simple as that.
I like how Utd started with a 4-4-2 this season and although Rio was absent, this system leaks goals. They rush players into the box and there is no midfield to stop a counter attack. It’s a bit like a FIFA 10 Virtual Pro match when United have been playing 4-4-2 this season.
In spite of the boring first half, I actually liked the solid performance barring a few dangerous Pablo crosses. As you said, it would have been interesting what would have happened had Rooney been available. In that case, make Rooney the CAM or the ‘hole’ player in the 4-2-3-1.
From neutral viewer, it’s quite boring game. Especially in the first half.
I agree on Andersons potential. The ability is there but it needs developing and for him to have the right attiiude, which I believe may have been questionable on occasions in the past. It was a big night for him yesterday, coming back into the side to play against one of Europe’s inform teams, and I thought he did well. It does look a good position for him and I can see Ferguson giving him more game time there, especially with Rooney struggling. Maybe in the PL against less strong opposition he will be used in a midfield two, as cover for Scholes.
Like Carrick, he had a chastening experience in Rome against Barcelona, followed by a serious injury. Hopefully now he can get his United career back on track.
Wow, I must say I am impressed. You made the reading about this match more interesting than watching it. But I suppose writing “shit on a stick, or coma inducing” and leaving it at that would have been lazy, so well done there. As always, quality stuff. Before the match I would have been quite pleased with an away point. But both sides’ unwillingness to commit men forward and attempt to attack were quite shocking. A very calculated game, one that United got away with. What was more surprising is United fullbacks, both of whom are quite adventurous, playing so defensively. Neither Evra nor Rafael made any effort to support United attacks. That was especially surprising with Park so defensive as well as having Anderson, Carrick and Fletcher in the midfield. All four normally would have been mote than enough to protect the back four on most occasions, yet yesterday they hardly ventured forward.
Cynical and tactical would be appropriate. But neither side was willing to make adjustments till quite late in the game. Both teams playing not to lose did not make for a great spectacle. United were quite static, the passing was sloppy and slow, with no one making runs into the box, isolating Berbatov and Nani who were the only two players who played positive. Overcautious. There was no need to be this defensive, by either team. Valencia was at home, United struggled in away games this season. Yet they also failed to commit men forward even when in possession in the final third.
Hopefully Rio will be back for good and we’ll no longer will be giving away silly goals.
I cannot understand the amount of criticism Nani receives from all sides for being wasteful when it seems like in Every United game I’ve seen this season he’s scored or set up at least one and is often United’s biggest attacking threat. Case in point was his amazing run which eliminated both a defensive midfielder (Fernandes, who was fresh on the pitch) and the left back (Mathieu), both of whom are much more physically imposing that Nani, with a stunning display of pace, power, control and then composure to pick out Macheda.
Of course there are times when he gives the ball away because he dribbles and attacks directly at defenders, but it seems to me that that is quite clearly his job in the team. Its jsut that it seems to be de rigeur to comment on his inconsistency after every touch (from pundits and commentators) as much as it is to mention Aaron Lennon’s “final product” every time he puts in a cross.
I think Nani is even better on the right now that Antonio Valencia is out of commission. While he’s clearly not going to reach the level of Ronaldo three seasons ago, I have no doubt he’ll get United out of quite a few tricky situations this season when their limitations elsewhere are exposed and if the price of that is a little overconfidence, a little bad decision making, a little lax tracking, I’m sure United will tolerate it, in the Premier League. Against Valencia even he track well and put in a few key interceptions.
And now, bear in mind I’m a Liverpool fan and I hate the guy.
I agree with your comments. Nani had a bad rap from the start. Compared to Ronaldo and was blamed for every United failing. Was benched each time he had a poor/average game, or was the first to be taken off when things were not going well. I defended Nani from fellow United supporters for a long time and said he needs a proper run of games. When he did he showed his worth. Another silly accusation against Nani is that he does not defend, when he clearly does and does it quite well for an attacking player. Its the same silly thing like calling Berbatov lazy, but of course now that he started scoring no one questions his “lack of running.” Yet last year when showed stats of distance covered people still went on and on. Some things a player just can’t shed. Every time Ronaldo used to get fouled the first thing the commentators said “was that a dive” or “did he go down easily there?” Even when it was a proper foul. And then same commentators went on about his reputation.
Valencia is a fine player with good decision making, but a limited one. Nani is more talented and with maturity his decisions will improve. Every player gives the ball away, but some get more stick for it than others.
He may not be a playmaker, but I do think that the point ZM is making still relates to playmaking. Albelda gets the ball moving at the base of Valencia’s midfield. Whether he be a playmaker with a full range of passing like Banega or more limited passing like Albelda, it is always a good idea to limit this player’s ability to pass freely. In a classic first-half cautious Fergie move, he didn’t want this player to be able to transfer the ball freely. When MU didn’t have the ball, that was a specific job for Anderson.
Isn’t this what Chris Coleman intended when he tried to put a man on Makelele against Chelsea a few years back? Sometimes defensive midfielder/holding midfielder as a name risks oversimplifying the role that even the most limited deep-lying midfielder has. If this player is put under pressure it has an impact on the ambition that the opposing team can have.
Anyway, from Valencia’s point of view, that was a bit of a shocker not to even get a point from the game. The goal was so direct and so simple.
Im glad Chicharito is getting some recognition for his finishing skills.
My favorite player and one that I hope keeps scoring important goals like this one.
I would like to note something interesting about Man U that they did not sign a playmaker at all this summer despite their glaring lack of creativity which cost them the title last season. While I agree that some may consider Paul Scholes a playmaker,he,however does not have the playmaker impact such as Mesut Ozil, Wesley Sneijder or Xavi Hernandez and operates more as a midfield anchor than as a playmaker. What is most galling that Sir Alex spent 24.9million pounds on youngsters whereas he could have used that same amount of money to easily outbid Real’s 12 million euros for Ozil. What do you think are the possibilities of Sir Alex’s refusal to sign a playmaker? Why do you think that Sir Alex doesn’t like good passers as well?
Paul Scholes not a playmaker of impact? Absolute rubbish. On form the Ginger Prince can control matches almost by himself, he makes the long passes that split the defences. He can control the tempo of attacks. A playmaker is not reduced to only attacking like the Ozils of this world who thrive in the new formations like the formation du jour 4-2-3-1. Paul Scholes also defends, and well too despite his shocking tackling. Its a different role than the playmakers who have no defensive responsibilities and play higher up the pitch, but it still creates attacks, and his impact on games should not be underestimated. He still can run attacks with the best of them. But yes, United do lack the midfield creativity, Scholes is 35 and can’t play every match. Ozil went for what is peanuts these days, and he could have provided a dozen seasons of great play. Even van der Vaart would have helped.
But who says SAF does not like passers? He tried to sign Ozil sometime ago. Though its inexplicable why United did not make an effort this summer. Only possible explanation is lack of money. Ozil would have cost twice the money that Bebe did and his wages would have been considerably higher.
I would like to state it that Sir Alex has been approached by the press a few times on Ozil and Sir Alex’s reply was always “there will be no expensive signings”. And I would like to stick to my point that Sir Alex doesn’t really like passers. I think Robert can refer to the time where Scholes was on the sidelines, injured and where Carrick’s form was getting inconsistent, Sir Alex refused to sign a passer but the situation then was CR7 was around banging in goals but when CR7 left Sir Alex signed Antonio Valencia and Obertan whereas the 80 mil could be invested on Wesley Sneijder who cost Inter only 15 mil(cheaper than Valencia’s transfer fee of 17 mil). Besides if Sir Alex truly like good passers the first player Sir Alex would have signed upon CR7’s departure would have been a playmaker. Besides what Robert says about Scholes having a playmaker impact when he is on fire is true but for only 2 games this season thus far – against West Ham and Newcastle where these 2 teams were content to sit deep and shut up shop since the start of the game. Against Sunderland and Bolton, who pressed aggressively, Scholes’s shine dissappeared. That may happen for Ozil, who needs experience but rarely for Sneijder or Xavi. And the thing about United unable to afford Ozil’s wages is rubbish as well cos Barca made a 22 mil signing in Mascherano despite reports of the club in debt(Mascharano an established “marquee” player would command a higher salary than Ozil). Maybe Zonalmarking can answer me as to why Sir Alex apparent dislike and refusal to sign a plamaker. Thanks
And let me also put it that you, Robert, that you misquoted me pertaining to Ozil. When I mentioned Paul Scholes compared to other prominent playmakers I compared Scholes with Sneijder and Xavi too. And Scholes being of age 35 and unable to play every match is PRECISELY THE REASON WHY UNITED NEEDS NEW BLOOD IN TERMS OF PLAYMAKERS. If United were to constantly giving the excuse that Scholes is old and can’t play every match, then United will be heading in the direction of Italy’s national squad and AC Milan – being associated together as football’s old folk’s home and torn about by younger teams, just as how Italy was unceremoniously dumped out of the World Cup this year. And Zonalmarking please answer my earlier questions ASAP. And please see if my deduction that Sir Alex’s refusal to sign a playmaker stems from the traditional English lack of preference for playmakers as well. Thanks.
The above reply was from me