Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea: United take huge step towards 19th league title
The starting line-ups
Goals from Javier Hernandez and Nemanja Vidic put United six points clear with two games to play.
Sir Alex Ferguson went with what now appears to be his first choice ‘big game’ line-up, with one exception – Patrice Evra was out, so John O’Shea played at left-back.
Carlo Ancelotti dropped Fernando Torres and went with Didier Drogba upfront, with Saloman Kalou coming in on the right. The rest of the side was as expected.
Hernandez got United off to a brilliant start with the second quickest goal of the Premier League season, and United were ahead for pretty much the entire match.
Early pressing
The theme of Manchester United and Chelsea’s recent battles was a focus upon the tempo of the game, especially in the two-legged Champions League tie. United wanted a patient contest, Chelsea wanted it to be frantic. In the opening ten minutes here, however, both teams pressed high up and the game was action-packed. United’s traditionally strong start at Old Trafford – plus the goal, of course – put them in an excellent position, and Chelsea never really recovered.
To go on a slight tangent, it’s worth pointing out how important United’s excellent performance away at Schalke 11 days ago was. That put them in a commanding position in that tie, which enabled them to rest players for the return leg, which then enabled them to press early on here. The likes of Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick may not have been able to play so energetically had they not enjoyed that extended rest. Giggs hadn’t played a minute since that game in Germany.
Positioning
The match panned out as you would expect with a 4-4-1-1 v 4-3-3 battle, with each player having a clear opponent (with the exception of a spare man at the back for both) – which made the pressing very obvious.
There was one slight exception to this, although not a surprise if you’ve seen United v Chelsea battles over the past two seasons. Ferguson is more than happy to let Branislav Ivanovic have time on the ball, and instead plays his left-winger very narrow. Park, famed for his ability to nullify an opposition full-back, did nothing of the sort here. Instead, he tucked in and helped out in the midfield zone. His challenges took place in a much narrower position than Antonio Valencia’s on the opposite flank, and his space in the channel was vital for the first goal.
by Guardian Chalkboards – thanks to Pedro Serôdio for the chalkboard
In turn, this meant that Rooney could venture towards the left flank to escape his marker, and also to give Ivanovic problems – he was lucky not to be sent off after two rash tackles on Rooney.
The key battle, however, was Valencia v Ashley Cole. Rarely has the left-back been so conclusively outplayed in a big game – Valencia has generally coped well with him since his move to United, but that’s often been in a defensive sense. Here, he constantly took the ball past Cole, which had the double impact of creating opportunities, and making Cole less of an attacking threat as he was scared to leave his position.
It was notable how often Rooney looked to spread the play out to Valencia on the right – since dropping in to play as a number ten, Rooney’s excellent passing range has been more obvious.
Chelsea attacking threat
Chelsea returned to a system with three forwards in comfortable positions after last week’s experiment with Drogba on the right, but the trio didn’t gel early on. There was some strange positioning from the front three – Kalou and Malouda both took up positions as central players at some points, which narrowed Chelsea and meant their attacks often went through the middle, which became predictable.
That was a problem as the service towards the front three was poor. Frank Lampard was anonymous for most of the match – despite his goal – as Carrick did a good defensive job on him. With little support from full-backs – Ivanovic not a natural attacker, and Cole pegged back by Valencia – Chelsea were something of a broken team.
They were more of a danger when they got the ball wide before crossing – for Kalou’s header in the first half, which was saved by van der Sar, and for Lampard’s goal in the second half.
Changes
Ancelotti tried to change things for the second half. At 2-0 down, he sacrificed his holding player, Mikel, and brought Ramires on for more energy in midfield. Alex replaced David Luiz at the back.
These changes limited his options further forward. Torres for Kalou was the only change there, resulting in Chelsea changing shape to something more like a 4-4-2, or a 4-4-2 diamond. They didn’t look comfortable in this system, and it would have been more interesting to see Yossi Benayoun come off the bench – Torres contributed little, and Chelsea’s problem was a lack of creativity, not a lack of finishing prowess.
Their best chance before the goal came when Cole knocked a long ball forward for Drogba – which he handled. There was a similarity to the move which brought Drogba’s goal at Old Trafford in the Champions League – Essien played the ball that time, but there was the same intent, to bypass the ‘creative’ zone of the pitch and hit a long ball.
United in control
United looked a little nervous immediately after the Lampard goal, but in all they remained in control of the match. Really, they should have extended their lead – after Mikel’s departure, Rooney became much more of a threat and had some good chances – most obviously when Alex blocked on the line, but also after some good work from substitute left-back Jonny Evans, and also after a good Carrick pass.
Ferguson’s only substitutions were to replace his injured full-backs – he was happy with the shape of his side.
There was a strange late change when Essien and John Terry switched positions – for the final ten minutes, Essien played centre-back, and Terry played as a holding midfielder. The reason for this move are arguable – to have more pace at the back? For more of a true defender against Rooney? (edit: apparently an injury to Terry late on was the reason)
Conclusion
A dominant performance from United that was all about control – Chelsea briefly rallied in the second half, but after a slight nervous period, United were professional and disciplined at the back.
The key was the difference in positioning of United’s two wingers – Valencia took the fight to Cole and conclusively won the battle, whilst Park tucked in, provided energy in the midfield and gave himself space to create the crucial first goal.
Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea: United take huge step towards 19th league title
Wrong picture for team line-ups. It is the United v Schalke game
Edit: Just as I speak, it’s been changed
When do the analyse off Roma-Milan come?
Hopefully tomorrow. Don’t get too excited, I thought it was a terrible game with very little to talk about…
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Interesting, but the starting line-ups are from the schalke match
Loving the Schalke line-up instead of Chelsea……..
….and now you’ve changed it – quick turnaround ZM…..
“They were more of a danger when they got the ball wide before crossing – for Drogba’s header in the first half…”
not Drogba, it was Kalou.
Drogba had a headed chance before Kalou’s that forced VDS to save.
I wouldn’t read much into the late change at the back with John Terry and Essien. It just gave JT the opportunity to try and make more of a difference going forward and make a difference to the game which he will have wanted to do.
From my understanding, Terry may have picked up a knock after Torres came on. Essien moved to centreback because Terry couldn’t keep up.
I really don’t think playing Drogba and Torres together in that 4-3-3 will work. Drogba is a out of his element playing so far back. He’s got a great first touch, but he shouldn’t be the one providing service, especially when Torres is playing as badly as he is. Until Drogba can’t handle it anymore, the service should be into him.
I suspect the change of Terry and Essien the last 10 minutes was because Terry had picked up a knock and didn’t feel confident in his ability to offside-trap a quick forward like Hernandez when he wasn’t at full agility himself.
For the Barca game, I think united should play the same formation except Evra starting for O’Shea and pushing Rooney to the Hernandez role and switching Hernandez for Anderson. I think Anderson would be that extra body needed in midfield to combat Xavi and Inestia. Plus Rooney is a willing defender, giving the team essentially a 4-6-0 formation on defense, but Rooney is quick and smart enough to lead the line for counter attacks.
What are your guys thoughts? Is it too “defensive” for United?
Also, I would throw Hernandez and Nani for the last 20 to provide a devastating counter-attack threat (a la Walcott). I am actually excited for this game, United have been under-rated all year, especially their defense.
I think they’ll play similarly, but Park won’t be able to play nearly as narrow as he did today. Alves would run rampant down the flank, and Evra would have both him and Pedro to deal with.
It may all depend on what Pep tells Alves, threat or not, sometimes he keeps the Barca fullbacks back. He did it against real for two games. So Alves may not need all that much attention.
what I’ll be curious to see is how will they deal “with runners from deep” (see ZM’s analysis of barca-shakhtar 5-1 game April 7, 2011)
Even when he’s told to hang back, Alves is still a threat and always needs attention.
I agree. I think the overall strategy will be the same, play on the counter, but other than the obvious Evra/O’Shea swapped you already mentioned, I think Rooney will play in the hole and Hernandes upfront to exploit Barca’s highline with his pace, or at least force them to play deeper so that they’ll be more cautious with their pressing. I also think Nani will start ahead of Valencia, Barca’s leftback isn’t as good as Ashley Cole to require heavy tracking, and Nani’s extra flair and unpredictability will come in handy.
If fergie drops hernandez for the barca game he will regret it.
United plan A. I would like to see United play a counterattacking midfield five of Nani-Park-Giggs-Fletcher-Valencia, Rooney upfront. O’Shea and Fabio at LB/RB. Defensively, two banks of four, with Fletcher in between as an anti-Messi/Iniesta shield. With Vidic and Ferdinand in the middle, Utd shouldn’t have to worry about crosses, so defend narrow. This should invite Alves into the attack, enabling Utd. to counter quickly from deep, most likely through an outball to Rooney, who would play the ball to Park and Nani into Barça’s now-vacant right back zone.
If United take the lead, sacrifice Nani for Carrick/Scholes at 60 mins, and try to see the game out with a bit more control.
United plan B. If, on the other hand, this doesn’t go to plan and Barça take the lead, send Berbatov on for Nani (to hold the ball up up-front) and Evra on for O’Shea, and play Rooney and Giggs behind him, Park on the left with Evra overlapping (Valencia on the right, Fletcher attempting to mop up wave after wave of inevitable Barça attack). There’s no point playing Rooney at number 10 by himself, because Busquets will own him all day long. With Gigg’s beside him, though, Rooney may be able to escape Busquets’s attentions.
Obviously plan B is only a last resort (e.g. after going two goals down, or one goal down with 15 minutes to play), since Utd’s centre backs would have to push up high and become vulnerable to balls in behind, or else allow Messi and Iniesta too much space to run into, so it could well lead to humiliation. With plan A though, if Barça have a bad day at the office and United are clinical on the break, I could see United winning comfortably.
————
Plan C. Of course United have so many damn options it’s impossible to predict, but in Europe this season, Ferguson has tended towards Rafael and Evra at RB/LB, Valencia and Park on the wings, and Giggs and Carrick in midfield. In a 4-4-2 against Barça, however, I suspect Ferguson may decide Giggs isn’t energetic enough, and what with Rooney dropping into midfield anyway, Fletcher would perhaps be a better bet. Personally, however, I think Plan C would lead to a combfortable victory for Barça, provided they are on scoring form.
Sorry for the long winded post.
Your plan A sounds like Madrid’s plan A.
the difference is giggs playing in that central midfield role . he very confident on the ball can play long as well as short passes he sets the pace of the game and is very confident in the one on one situation while considering the offensive qualities you cannot undermine his defensive qualities he can close quickly and can make very good sliding tackles and has a good understanding of the game. for me i had never looked ashley cole being so much dominated even ronaldo was afraid of him but valencia is a different story . because of giggs carrick has a very easy game because one of the opposition midfielders has to track giggs because of which carrick can have time on the ball and he is not under pressure since giggs is there to cover and this story has been evident in the last two big games against schalke and today .
now against barca fergie needs to play smalling in place of carrick who can do the pepe job and man mark messi as he strong and athletic .
let me make a prediction if you had seen the champions league whichever team has won against chelsea they had gone on to win the cup and i think united will be winner this time around.
Liverpool beat Chelsea in 2007 and didn’t win the Cl.
Bullshit.
From what I saw, Chelsea’s pressure in midfield was awful. I didn’t think Giggs had a particularly difficult job to do.
I thought that Chelsea only really looked dangerous in this game when United sat back and gave them the game. As soon as Chelsea got one back and United pushed forward again, they were quickly able to re-assert their dominance on the game. Would have been good to see them play that way more often this season.
How some United fans still do not rate Ji Sung Park is beyond me. He is the key in so many of these big games and Fergie knows it.
It’s also intresting to see the preference for Valencia over Nani now Valencia is fit again, this has coincided with United playing much better football in my opinion. Valencia seems to more of a team player, can spot other team-mates in space better and clinical with the ball when he has space.
Against Barcelona, I think United need to be attacking and take the game to them when they have the ball.
as long as SAF rates him; it doesnt matter a damn what some casual Utd fans think of the man….
Park had a perfect first half, and not just for him, but one of the best performances by any United player. He was immense, was everywhere, he tackled well, he passes, he attacked, defended. He did everything and did everything right. Spectacular game by him.
Valencia defend better, he is also more direct. But Nani has much more creativity, he also works hard and defends even though hardly anyone gives him credit for that. Its a difference of styles. Nani is better on the right than on the left. He has not been consistently good for a while now. So Valencia is the first option for many of the bigger games. But Nani provides the freedom that a two footed player gives you. The only player more one footed than Valencia is Giggs. Though no one is complaining since their strong sides are so good.
The reason why United are better is not Valencia, its a combination of factors. Rooney finally is earning is ridiculous salary. The Giggs Carrick partnership is flourishing. And Fergie found a solution on how to play his two forwards. Valencia helps of course with early balls into the box, but they have been just as good with Nani on the wing.
Normally Valencia has a cool head and spots teammates well. But I remember few times yesterday when his decision making is faulty. I agree, they are split second decisions but still Valencia and sometimes Rooney were bit dodgy.They could have spared us the nervous 20 minutes
Chelsea were awful and look like a team trying to play a way they are uncomfortable with. Utd look like they have found the right combinations but i cant see a midfield of giggs and carrick being combatative enough when they face Barca. Also maybe Berbatov might be the better option for Hernandez to feed off with Rooney moving alongside giggs at the expense of carrick.
At least it isn’t too “defensive” against Barcelona!
But I would prever Fletcher instead of Anderson, if he is ready to start in the final. He’s more of a big game player (at least thats what Ferugson always says)
What can I say. Even Martin Atkinson with a Howard Webb face mask could not help Chelsea much.
As for the customary ‘tactical’ comment, United should have had scored 6. This profligacy is worrying me. They cannot afford such wastefulness against Barcelona.
All I can say is: W000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great stuff, ZM- Valencia really was the difference maker.
Wasn’t Essien dropping to the back four to allow Terry get into the box for a late header?
Also- what do you think was the reason for the Luiz substitution?
Luis made the error for the first goal, and he did not look too confident afterwards.
He is very confident –so confident even he had the guts to confront his boss, “It wasn’t me.” At that moment, it seemed to me that he had that “Neymar” attitude.
Rule no. 1: The boss is always right
Rule no. 2: If the boss is wrong, then go back to rule no. 1
Rule no. 3: If you clearly make mistake and you still insist to your boss that you are right, then you are stupid.
David Luiz is an awful defender. Anyone saw him being bullied by Kewney Jones during Chelsea vs Stoke City, which ended up in draw? This time, it’s not just about Hernandez’s goal; I spotted him numerous times stood out of position and left space that he should have marked -one of which became another goal by Vidic.
He’s not awful, just naive. He’ll learn – he has done so the hard way against Stoke as you say and against United here. I expect him to be a classy CB for Chelsea for the next five years at least.
It seems extraordinary that Ferguson selected “his first choice ‘big game’ line-up” as excluding the Premier League’s leading scorer (Dimitar Berbatov) and leader in goal assists (Nani). It’s a credit to the ingenuity and flexibility shown by Ferguson as a manager, and his willingness to make tough decisions in the interest of optimizing results. These team selection issues deserve some more comment, I think. Also, why does Park not play more often? Why does Ferguson work with a concept of “big-game players” (who play less games during the regular season but line up for the Champion’s League and other key games) which almost no other manager employ?
Thanks too for the wonderful analysis, ZM.
In fairness, I think it’s only Park who falls into the category of ‘big game only’ players. And, fantastic footballer though Park is, I imagine it is simply because he is better defensively than Nani – and so isn’t really needed against weaker teams, where less limited players (in the attacking sense) are prefered. Park must be the best ’squad’ player in Europe though – happy sitting on the bench for a fair amount of the season, then amazingly consistent when he does play.
Nick, I think you’ve got it sport on.
Nani contributes more to the goal difference part of the table throughout the season, but Park appears to be undroppable in games like today.
Park IS limited, he has poor vision, poor touch and is poor at spotting teammates in goalscoring positions. What is his goal/assist ratio compared to Nani, Giggs or Valencia when playing on the wing? He may seem pacy but he is not!
Even his pass to Hernandez would have been misshit had it not been for Luiz’s touch.
What he does provide is an enourmous energy, he is like a duracell rabit that never stops, harassing the opponents. He can run all day, the supporters like to joke that he has 3 lungs.
He will do exactly what Sir Alex tells him and be a constant pain in the ass for the opposing team. On his day he does this job to an amazing effect. Either on the wing tucking in or as an offensive midfielder, neutralizing the opponents playmaker and still run free when United regains possession.
Against teams where United enjoys great domination it is more effective with a Nani or Valencia type of player, with more skills, pace and vision (maybe not for Nani…) , more able to keep the ball and provide assists and goals.
One word; man management. Arguably the biggest asset any manager can have at his disposable is mastery of man management. Ferguson has worked hard in ensuring his team have genunie team players in it like Fletcher, O’Shea, Park, Giggs, Valencia etc, who will run through brick walls for him and the team but understand that Fergusons way is “the team comes first!”, accept that principle because they understand that it’s the way which Utd are so succesful and therefore the players themselves are successful. Long gone are the days of 11 players playing the majority of games. Only the superstars get to play most games, although they themselves are not immune to rotation. The fatc the no other manager seems to employ it may tell you more about how other managers structure their teams these days…
Park plays a lot. He was given a rest after the WC, and was awful early on in the season. When he started getting back to form he left for the Asian Championships. The immediately after got injured and was out for a couple of more months and still made 23 starts this season. Not bad for someone who does not play a lot.
But Fergie rotates his teams more than anyone. He only recently broke his 150+ game record and started the same team twice in a row. United do not have a best 11, but a best 18 or so. And whoever starts depends not only on fitness but on usefulness against each opponent and its all taken with the consideration of the next match. Fergie, unlike most managers, thinks ahead. He wont waste Giggs on some teams knowing he will need him fresh for the next game.
Fergie utilizes his squad better than anyone. he keeps everyone more or less happy. Every player is involved. And every player feels like he contributed something to the season.
indeed; i am amazed that there hasnt been more people on here blowing up about the absense of the EPL’s leading scorer and assist maker from the game. It seems almost implausible to do such a thing for a virtual championship deciding game and yet still dominate and win…..
Cole’s decline in ability is seriously alarming, not his fault Carlo never chooses to rest him, tho.
May just be due to not getting a proper rest in the summer. I imagine he and Lampard et al will improve next season
Perhaps it’s more to do with Ancelotti deciding not to give Cole any midfield support? He was completely on his own against Valencia the entire match.
In fact, it’s difficult to point to anything Chelsea’s midfield did all game.
@MArc
1)Lampard had not seemed anonymous for many games this season?
Would a mid trio of Mikel as holding and Essien-Ramires infront or Malouda-Ramires infront (Since neither Essien is in very good shape the last months) be more effective?
2)Ivanovic would not be better on the center of defence(dropping either Terry or Luiz) and play disciplined Fereira at RB? Height was not really needed with Rooney, Hernadez, park, giggs and Valencia threatening in the open play, but PACE.. And Ivanovic seems better at CB.. Hw could have tracked Hernadez more effectively than Terry or Luiz
Lampard has not been at his best, but even when he does not play well he provides you with goals. Chelsea tried a midfield 3 of Mikel, Ramires and Essien when Lampard was injured and it didn’t worked out too well.
1) Injury. He missed a good 3 or 4 months and for a player that is never injured it’s clearly taken its toll.
There also seems to be this assumption that because Lampard scores goals, he’s a big game player. I completely disagree. As a Chelsea fan, there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing your most attack-minded midfielder provide no support to the forwards. With Mikel having no attacking intent and Essien declining alarmingly, this Chelsea trio doesn’t have the ability to overcome a quality midfield. How many times do our forwards drop deep to link the play? That’s Lampard’s fault.
We tried Essien, Ramires and Mikel and it didn’t solve much. The energy and bite was there but the creativity was still missing. I’m also not understanding why Benayoun is overlooked. He’s far more dangerous in the hole than Lampard and he has missed the whole season so he’s fairly fresh.
2) I’ve never had much faith in Ivanovic at CB. His communication with Cech is probably the worst of our 4 CBs and it always shows when both compete for a ball and get in each other’s way. I think Ivanovic at RB isn’t the worst thing in the world but there needs to be more creativity either on the RW or in midfield to exploit that side. We’re far too lopsided and Ferguson has sussed it out. Bosingwa might provide that burst of pace but his crossing is poor and defensively he’s a shambles. Not too sure about Ferreira. He can be reliable but he also makes some ridiculous mistakes.
The way I see us causing United problems is by:
a) bringing in a quality RB
b) bringing in a quality creative midfielder
c) bringing in a quality wide forward
d) hoping ferguson retires
Shame to say it but if Ancelotti thinks this current Chelsea XI can play a 4-3-3 with that personnel and beat United, he’s seriously deluded.
United were fantastic today, and personally, I couldn’t name a better right midfielder/winger in world football than Antonio Valencia, NO ONE has ever done what he did to Ashley Cole today. He’s quick, he’s very strong, he is defensively aware and unlike many of these speedy wingers, he actually has end product, I really don’t think you could ask for much more.
Unlike many non United fans, I actually like them, and have a good deal of respect for them. They have many of them most underated players in world football. When people talk about the best goalkeeper in the world, why do they not talk about Edwin VDS? Mistakes are rare, good shot stopper (incredible reflexes for someone approaching 40), fantastic distribution, command of area, similar to Valencia, what else can you ask for? John O’Shea is probably the best ‘utility’ player in world football, but the real underated man of the United team is Michael Carrick, how he’s not in the England team is beyond me, but that’s another matter. I’d be interested if ZM or anyone could get up his passing statistics from today, because I genuinely don’t think he wasted a pass, and he was pinging some lovely long balls over the top at times, so it wasn’t just the sideways stuff that he gets accused of doing most of the time, the sideways stuff that the media don’t criticise Xavi/Iniesta for, even though they do it more than Carrick. He also broke up play, made interceptions and tackles, and was arguably the best player on the pitch in my opinion, although that would be a tough one with Valenica, Park and the ever green old wizard Ryan Giggs. Congratulations to United. Winning the league, FA Cup Semi-Finalists, European Cup Finalists, not bad for a team that ‘hasn’t been playing well all season’.
As for Chelsea, pretty toothless, lack of creativity in the final third, Lampard scored the goal, but he is the one who is being relied on to provide that bit of guile in the final third, and he just hasn’t been doing that. He hasn’t been anywhere near as prolific as he has been in previous seasons, and part of me thinks Ancelotti is playing him on reputation, I really think Benayoun should be given a go, hopefully he will in the final games of the season. Agree with the points on Ivanovic ZM, thought Bosingwa should have played from the start myself, he’d have pinned United back a bit more, and offered more of an attacking threat than Ivanovic, who is a big, strong powerful man, but not a great footballer.
Seeing as most of United’s support is outside Britain, I’m not surprised they’re not hyped up more. The British probably hate United more than they love their own local team. And I think this is reflected in the media.
Don’t think this is true any more. A lot of respect for United outside the blue half of Manchester and Liverpool, at the moment.
Well a recent poll had United as the most hated “company” in the UK, above that of banks, Ryanair, Starbucks and McDonald’s.
At the moment yes there seems to be a bit of goodwill, especially with people hating Barca’s antics, but most other times ABU-ism reigns supreme.
For a guy that DOESN’T live in England, you sure do love to tell us what the British media/public think a lot of the time…
I can’t even recall Malouda being on the pitch.
Why did Fabio and O’Shea play on opposite sides? I thought that Fabio was left-footed. Could it have been to have a left-footed player to defend against Malouda looking to cut inside. Presumably that would be more comfortable for the full-back.
But isn’t Malouda left footed? In which case surely you would want to show him inside, rather than out, no? Perhaps it’s more to do with matching Cole’s pace on the overlap, compared to Ivanovic on the opposite side.
I think Fabio is being looked at as a RB now. It wasn’t just yesterday he has been playing RB for United with some success recently. He was rated as the (marginally) better of the twins and then just due to (1) United not having a superstar RB (2) Evra (3) Fabio’s own injuries,Rafael got ahead in the packing order. Now looks like Fabio, injury permitting, is going to be the first choice RB for the Barca final.
I believe Fabio is right-footed, but has grown up playing mostly LB to accommodate his brother, so he provided more natural width on the right than either Fabio on the left or O’Shea on the right would have.
fabio have been brilliant as right back recently, and both of chelsea’s left flank are very quick while their right side are less threatening in terms of speed.
Yep, Fabio is a right-footed LB who is rated higher than his brother but who hasn’t been able to showcase his talents due to Evra dominance of the LB spot. It good for him that he is being used on the right now since his brother is injured. I honestly think both the twins have a lot of potential to be future greats but need to watch the injuries which have been too frequent off late.
Excellent analysis,
I Like the acknowledgment of Park playing in a “narrower” wide role helping to combat the central 3 of Chelsea, With Rooney dropping in as well to add numbers Chelsea had a difficult time linking the play from midfield to their own forward three.
A fergie masterclass. Everyone believed that Chelsea would have to play 3 up top to take the game to United, but SAF nullified their strategy with his subtle adaptations to the United system.
If he passes the next test against Barca with this set of players, it could be his greatest moment.
Wonderful article as usual, ZM. Its interesting to see how easily Fabio has become the first-choice RB. He is just as good as Rafael, if not better. Only he seems to be a little more level-headed.
I think Fabio is the married one
I believe both are now married…
Fabio as always been touted to be the better of the twins, just that Rafael was given his shot at right back first, plus Fabio has had injuries (shoulder). Had Evra been fit, Fabio would have been battling with O’Shea for his place on sunday but credit must be given to Valencia tracking back and giving Fabio that extra cover when needed.
SAF should clone Park for the CL final: one Park for the left wing to stop Alves and one Park on the right wing, tucking in a bit to help in central midfield.
Its going to be interesting in the CL final. Its hard to see Barca changing styles, and the same to United.
Most interestingly is the adaption of classic 442 and 433 tactics to, essentially, achieve one main objective – control of the centre of the park.
In the big games, Fergie play Park on the inside left, and more recently Rooney in a Deep Forward/Attacking midfield position. Both are allowed to roam, mainly to wide left positions, but partucularly in defensive and possesion situation fill out a 4-man-midfield.
Pep Guardiola feels the same way, but this time the main forward, tending to be Messi drops into midield, with Villa pushing up to take the most forward position in the Left channel (between FB and CB). Again the objective is 4 players in the middle of the park.
Although starting off with different ’starting’ formations both teams seem to have very similar ‘actual’ formations, Fast clinical striker working the channels, Right winger (inside for Pedro, line hugger in Valencia) and 4-man midfield, with the talisman at the point of the 4. Obviously there are differences between playing styles of individual player, but I’m sure you get the point..
I don’t think SAF will play 4-5-1 in the final. As ZM noted, whilst it’s not his first choice formation and whilst he’s been more willing to play 4-4-1-1/4-4-2 in big games this season, 4-5-1 has been something of an emergency procedure for him this season – if he thinks they’ll be overrun in midfield otherwise. That worked well against Arsenal at Old Trafford, whilst 4-4-1-1 struggled at the Emirates. If Arsenal – a good passing team with good technical ability, but nowhere near the level of Barcelona – expose the faults in that system then surely Barcelona would as well.
I expect to see a line-up of VDS; Fabio, Ferdinand, Vidic, O’Shea; Carrick, Fletcher, Giggs; Park, Rooney, Valencia (4-5-1)
Both teams’ use of a false-nine, though, as you note, wilkl be an interesting point.
I think the main difference between both teams is the players the managers can chose: Guardiola has a fixed starting XI. For the final the only problem will be left back. If he choses to play Puyol there, Mascherano (or Busquets) will be the 2nd centerback. Or maybe he will use Abidal and Puyol will play at centerback? Everything else is predictable.
SAF has about 18 players to chose from, and then still, what formation will he use? A 4-4-2, 4-4-1-1, 4-5-1? In my opinion, Chicharito should always play in the final. With his movement and pace, the Barça defensive line will be a bit deeper, making pressing harder. The back 4 are also an easy choice, except for right back. SAF has 3 players to chose from there: Rafael, Fabio and O’Shea. My biggest question remains the midfield. Would he dare to play the same line-up there as in the Chelsea game, or will he drop one of the passers for Fletcher?
I think its unlikely that Ferguson will drop Carrick. Having witnessed, and learnt, the lesson of Barca in the past (deep in the 90’s – can’t remember the match or quote.. help!) he made sure that United in Europe, in the future, would attempt to prioritse one thing, possesion. Will Carrick handle the pressing? not sure. In my view though, Carrick is a starter, for his defensive abilities – yes you heard me.
There is NO other player, fit, at United who has the disipline to play in the midfield hole as Carrick. Leave that gap, and no matter how hard you press, Messi will be there waiting. As you saw against Real first leg, Pepe and Diarra pressed, Alonso held a bit deeper. He is neither quick, agile, nor did he pass particularly well, but he detered player from entering that zone just by being there. Pepe sent off, Diarra tiring, Alonso exposed, 0-2 Messi. Fletcher probably will play, he hounds opponents, has good stamina and is willing to run himself for the cause, so I’m sure Ferguson wouldn’t waste that on the ‘holding’ position. (btw, I’m not the biggest fan of Carrick – mainly because he dwells way too much on the ball but Horses for courses – sigh)
I’m a firm believer that Hernandez must start, you can get at Barca with pace in the channels, pace at Pique. Invariably, Valencia (if he starts) will be the outball, hitting the ‘weak’ LB position with pace, and obvioulsy you need someone in the box – Hernandez pops to mind.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2009/dec/17/the-question-football-tactics-noughties
I think this may be what you are talking about.
So what are we saying, Fletcher in for Giggs? Perhaps you’re right – Real Madrid showed that energy in the midfield and fast wide players is the best way to unsettle this Barcelona side. So perhaps I’d go with Valencia and Nani, with Park, Fletcher and Carrick in the middle. Not much guile or passing there, but then they’ll hardly have the ball anyway…
And as for Hernandez, although his pace would cause Barcelona trouble, I still think it’s more likely Fergie will save him for later in the game.
If they are to survive against that Barca central midfield, they’ll want Fletcher instead of Carrick – he’s too easily flustered by being pressed – and a third central midfielder. But who? Scholes is past it, and anyway is a red card waiting to happen; Rooney is too undisciplined, and anyway a ditto. Anderson? An out-of-position Park? Hargreaves on crutches? Phil Neville in a false beard? Some subtlety invoving the spare twin?
Hm. On the principe of playing men in familiar positions, Anderson I presume. Is he good enough? Or, say “sod it, let them worry about us” and field Saturday’s shape, strengthened by Fletcher and Evra if fit.
Or 4-3-2-1:
Rafael, Ferd, Vid, Evra
Valencia, Fletcher, Fabio
Giggs, Park
Rooni or Hernandez.
If Barca are still playing Puyol at left back and Mascherano at centre-back, change mind pronto.
I think Abidal might be match fit by then, in which case it will be him on the left and Puyol in the middle. Or vice versa. Either way, better defensively on the left than the right.
It will be the same team as Sunday, but with Evra back.
Fletcher wouldn’t have the match sharpness for a CL final, with only two games to play between now and then.
Besides, the Carrick/Giggs(/Park) partnership works. And it works because _tackling_ is disappearing from the modern game to be replaced by _pressing_ – instead of taking the ball from your opponent you force them into a poor pass.
There’s something wrong with this graph.
The average positions of both Rooney and Chicarito were that of attacking midfileders, with the highest player on the pitch for ManuU being Valencia.
This was 4-6-0 (or rather a loopsided 2-8-0/ 2-4-3-1-0 not disimilar to Barcelona) disquised as 4-4-2/4-4-1-1.
Rooney is not used a No. 9 striker, and in the last game neither was Hernandez.
It might be more accurate to say that Hernandez was playing as a striker, but starting his runs from much deeper. It’s not like he contributed a lot in midfield. Good point otherwise.
Don’t overthink it. Average position is misleading, especially since ManUtd played with the lead nearly 70 minutes.
I had MUFC as 4-2-3-1, really splitting hairs with the diagram Michael has above. I thought the right pivot played higher to pressure Lampard on the push, with Giggs recessed more, but that’s just me. I didn’t think Park and Valencia were recessed enough to call it 4-4-1-1.
Err, played with a lead for nearly 90 minutes.
It seemed to me that Park quite often dropped back in to make more of a three with Carrick and Giggs. More carrilero than winger, really. 4-2-3-1 is certainly right, but what with that and Valencia’s extremely advanced position it was a bit more lopsided than the numbers and ZM’s diagrams would suggest.
I guess this is basically due to the versatility of Ferguson’s formations this year – a versatility which has probably been this United side’s most important facet, and which has perhaps made them less consistently dazzling than before, but also much less predictable.
Yep an asymmetrical “4-2-3-1″.
That Rooney’s chalkboard is absolute beauty. 34 passes 30 completed –for a person playing high in the pitch like strikers or attacking midfielders, that pass completion rate is unreal.
You know, CF or AMC is frequently harrased with defenders and get more pressure than everyone else on the pitch…so to be able to keep and distribute the ball so well (and hardly misplaced a pass) like what Rooney did last night was truly amazing.
IMO I really want to see Rooney playing “Scholes-role” in deep midfield (he has massive energy and work-rate too), with Hernandez and Berbatov / Macheda upfront
No it’s not. For english players it might be.
Rooney is basically a (modern) trequartista and such numbers are normal.
Good Analysis and liking the Guardian Football Weekly appearances; Especially the totemic clash against the Yoda of Football Tactics/Strategy that is Jonathan Wilson.
This match was probably the best performance by United this season so far; Given the pressure, what the 19th title means, A Resurgent and very good Chelsea team and… no “Real” Midfielder and having played “Poorly” for much of the season
Carrick is a player when I was younger I couldn’t fathom; he wasn’t the Keane Type or the combative Scholes creator type either; He just seem to “Sit there” do “nothing” and was “there for the ride”
As I took a more nuanced interest in footie, I saw exactly why SAF, Xabi Alonso and other esteemed people, yes including Alan “Kids” Hansen rated this man so highly. Its no coincidence that in a fine performance against Mourinho’s Inter team, The Italian Press recognised Carrick’s more “Catenaccio” view of the game by way of shielding the back four whilst offering the skill and range of passing most attacking players would love to have.
He’s like the Queen on the chessboard being used solely to defend the King; Seeks out dangerous opposition passes before they’ve left the foot of the opposing attacker – Most of the time he reads rightly and precisely how the next play/pass is going to be made.
- Valencia. Never have I seen Ashley Cole so routinely routed in a match as he was on Sunday. Its a shame Valencia often couldn’t find the best pass, but it speaks volumes of Valencia that every time Ashley Cole knew, unlike when he faced Ronaldo, what Valencia was going to do;
And yet still he was turned inside out like a shirt in a washing machine all match in a manner which would have pleased Cheryl admirers the world over.
Giggs – Class Player. Knighthood beckons, just hope he can play as a Sir.
If his “Interests” that make use of his “Yoga” positions means he can play like this, then many middle-aged men are going to be saving up for that Sports car – Bait.
Park – One of the most intelligent players in World football; Ever since I saw him in that Semi-Final playing for PSV against Milan I knew he was a bargain for all of 4M; esp when Gus Hiddink values you enough to take you to his new club as a priority signing.
JH – Yeah, I expect that lineup.
From this team that played Chelsea; And had them on toast (Should have been about 4 or 5-1) I’d say Fergie has sounded out how important Fletcher is in the big matches.
If Flethcher can get a good run of games to build up match fitness, then he’ll play as Carricks Protector and that of the centre halves, interchanging with Giggs and Park when needed.
Plus his runs into the box to get onto Crosses will give us another attacking threat.
VDS
1 Twin/O’Shea Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Carrick
Fletcher
Park
Valencia Giggs
Rooney
Whatever happens at Wembley SAF has achieved one thing -
Emphasising the need of the Team Ethic and Key Squad players. Barcelona may have their carousel; United have a Roulette Wheel.
Exactly my line-up – except switching Giggs and Park, as per today. Oh, and might as well have a more attacking full back (i.e. not O’Shea) at right back, since Barcelona tend not to overlap so effeectively on that side of the pitch.
definately need Fletcher in there, no coincidence that SAF is nursing him back to health through the reserves first, if i remember correctly his absense was mentioned as one reason why the surrendered so meekly to Barca the first final they played against each other…
I dont think people give Carrick enough credit for how he holds the midfield together when Giggs is playing. The formation that we play with Giggs in central midfield can only work with Carrick there. His defensive positioning is the best in the world, he manages to cut out passes to the most dangerous attacker while slowing down opponenets attacks to allow Utd to get their shape back and try and force the opposition into the least dangerous pass. Often against both Shalke and Chelsea at the weekend you see Giggs chasing down full backs to win the ball back, this shows how he is not a recognised central midfielder as such and how much faith Ferguson has in Parks ability to see that and fill the gaps. Also the faith in Carrick to slow ooponenets down even when in 3 on 1 situations.
For me, this formation has Carrick stationed right in front of the back four, with instructions to pass to Rooney and Giggs where possible to create, with Rooney passing to Valencia and Giggs creating more through the middle. This means when attacking Giggs has the freedom to get assists and score like he has done against Shalke and Chelsea because Carrick will be there and also because Park with his work rate can become the 2nd central midfielder.
I see it as something like this.
VDS
Fabio Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Carrick
Giggs
Rooney Park
Valencia
Hernandez
Personally, i havent seen this type of fluidity between central midfield positions and wide positions before and this may be what Ferguson is talking about when he says he knows where he went wrong against Barca in Rome. My old manager had a philosophy that all over the pitch players needed to work in pairs for them to be even more effective when passing in triangles to create space and movement and i think this way of playing is helping Utd do that. Bring on Wembley!
I definitely think that Ferguson was auditioning tactics for Barca. My thought is that this was a bit of a mirror-image to what they might run at Wembley. I think Ferguson treated Cole in the way he wants Dani Alves treated. I have this suspicion that he may use Park on the right wing, cutting inside to help provide numbers in the midfield. That would mean that Nani would be the left wing, and he would definitely force Alves to be careful on that flank.
So if you recall the only truly successful Madrid tactic against Barca (Copa del Rey), Xabi Alonso sat in a deep-lying playmaker role. Giggs played that yesterday. I thought Carrick was pressed higher throughout the match in the right pivot.
I’m sure Ferguson has some other tidbits he plans to hold back for the Final, but he used this match to evaluate how players would work in roles, and use that feedback to make adjustments. I’m sure he wants to give certain players rest time over the next two matches. Park was great, the only issue will be his ability to translate to the right side for this match. Valencia was very effective, and should United pull ahead or be drawn into the latter stages I could see him coming on for Nani (and Park moving left). If they’re behind, he might be a nice additional attacking threat from right back. And it would be a surprise not to see Darren Fletcher or Anderson in Carrick’s role, but we’ll see.
For my money, the midfield used against Chelsea won’t work against Barcelona – not enough midfield pressure. United were happy to let Chelsea’s midfield have the ball, which worked a treat because Chelsea were completely toothless. If they play the same way against Barcelona, they’ll be taken apart. I think United will need an extra body in there.
Well, Rooney is the extra body in there..
It is just that he is infront of the central midfielders.
That suits fine as Barca plays with 1 deep and 2 more offensive/fluid midfielders in Xavi and Iniesta.
So Rooney will take out Busquets and the Giggs/Carrick combo will deal with Xavi and Iniesta, of whom Xavi also likes to drop deep and Iniesta often push up high.
Maybe one solution can be to bring in Fletcher to follow Xavi when he drops to pick up and keep Carrick to pick up Iniesta.
The problem is what to do when Messi also drops deep.. Shall Vidic follow him… and how deep….? And we know Messi even drop as deep as into his own half to get a touch of the ball in the buildup. Then it is more like a diamond midfield with the 4 of Messi, Buquets, Xavi and Iniesta. And Pedro/Villa playing more as wide strikers cutting in on the outside of each centerback, opening up spaces for the fullbacks and Alves on the right in particular.
Lots of things for Sir Alex and his staff to consider, but we all know that Barca’s high backline would be a dreamland for Hernandez to expose…
I would like United to go on the offence and try to get an early or two goals as they did against Chelsea.
Thay did it the last time around and imagine how different the story could have been if Ronaldo had scored on 1 of the 2 attempts he had inside the first 10 minutes!
There should also be some interesting video for Sir Alex and his men to watch from the Shaktar game at Camp Nou. Sjaktar had 4 great goal attempts inside the first 10 minutes!
So there are ways to hurt Barcelona too and anything is possible in a single match.
That’s what I thought Park cutting inside would provide, allowing one of the central midfielders to be able to pay attention to Messi as he looks to pick up the ball in that area. Just my thought is that they’re probably more worried with Alves instead of whichever right fullback is chosen.
The difference for ManUtd over Real Madrid is their versatility at the wing position. Park can be much more of a menace than either Ronaldo or Di Maria in the backmark. Same can be said for Valencia, not as much Nani. So I think Nani’s a shoe-in for LW, and it’s a matter of who SAF chooses for RW.
In my opinion Park should play in the midfield (inside left) and not on the wing and he will be a key player there because:
1)he has the stamina and work rate required to man-mark Xavi both deep into Barcelona’s half or higher up the pitch if Xavi chooses to play there.
2)he can double up on Messi when he drops deep to help Brcelona keep possession
3) and perhaps most importantly, he will not concede possession cheaply when he wins the ball.Apart from defending United will have to control the tempo and never let it go high so they need to keep their own possession rates as high as possible.Park will also be vital in that he himself can initiate counter-attacks
As for the wings that will depend on who will Barcelona play as left back.Nani can play on either wingIif he stays disciplined enough defensively he can go up against Alves.That is because:
1)Alves probably won’t storm forward very often as it happened in the semis
2)Nani’s trickery on an isolated Alves can get him booked or even sent off
3)Nani can come inside and help with possession the same way you suggest that Park would do if played on the wing
4)and most obvious, Nani is amazing on the counter
Who plays upfront is again a matter of Barcelona personnel.Should the CB pair be Pique-Mascherano it’s vital that Hernandez starts.If it’s Puyol-Pique Hernandez should be introduced later and start Rooney as false nine with constant pressure on Bousquets.He also has the power to compete for long balls and hopefully win some fouls in dangerous positions.
Earl, about Fletch or Anderson replacing Carrick: You need to understand that no player has the nouse for smelling danger and plugging holes infront of the B4 as well as Carrick.
It is as with Busquets for Barca. These players make sure the centre backs doesn’t have to come out against midfielders running with the ball, leaving dangerous space behind.
And they know how to make that crucial first pass after they win the ball, so that the team don’t surrender possession imidiately after regaining it. Cleverness and vision to receive and play 1-2 touch passes in the buildup is another invaluable asset. Also Carrick provides aerial strengt.
The matches against Chelsea and in Europe have proven Carricks worth. How on earth Capello can chose Barry ahead of him is beyond me!
Maybe Fletcher and to some degree Anderson can be an asset coming on when others are tiring, but these two give away possession a lot more than Carrick and Giggs.
Isn’t this the same kind of approach which Fabio Capello used for England until the World Cup? A left-sided midfielder tucking in (Gerrard), a more orthodox right midfielder/winger (Lennon/Walcott), a conservative central midfield (Barry & Lampard), and Rooney behind a centre forward. Like any formation it can work under particular circumstances, but perhaps the issue for England was that it became a somewhat predictable template.
However, when a team functions well it can retain balance despite a lack of topological symmetry; but if it flounders then the arrangement becomes stodgy and imbalanced. Perhaps Capello’s tactics circa World Cup 2010 weren’t so woeful and there were extraneous reasons why a formation similar to the above (which worked well throughout the qualifiers) began to resemble an abacus soaked in treacle.
Yeah, actually this is not a strange set up at all. Problem is that if your wide man go in to central area then your wide area exposed to opposition and very few wide man can play like actual central midfielder.
Park run the show. Tireless performance form him and Rooney’s help pin Chelsea wing back so this system work.
Probably, there is no team can play this system against team like strong Chelsea.