I think we can actually learn a lot from last night about Ole and the staff’s method in developing the tactical approach, and how we can expect to see some small (but significant) changes in the way we play when he has the kinds of players he wants in the right positions.
Most obviously, Fernandes had a completely free role.
He was popping up left, right and deep throughout. Despite playing 4-2-3-1 all season, we haven’t seen the coaching staff let a number ten do that on one single occasion before Bruno arrived. At the start of the season, the role of the ten (whether Mata, Lingard or Pereira) although not static was strictly zonal, staying high up and central between the two wide forwards. That stricture has been relaxed somewhat in recent months, but not close to the degree that it was for Bruno last night.
The change is significant, and it has clearly happened because Ole now has Bruno at his disposal.
Fernandes was also often used to lead a coordinated press at Sporting. And we saw Ighalo (who was very impressive first half in his movement off the ball and out of possession) join him in leading a successful, two-man coordinated high press last night.
That’s something that we *have* seen others deployed at number ten do previously this season, but something that I think we’re more likely to see more often now given how we played at the start of Ole’s tenure and looking at Bruno’s agility and anticipation, and his figures in interceptions and tackles versus those of Mata and Pereira.
Another example is seeing a now settled Maguire given licence to carry the ball into the final third and join the attack, which is something we didn’t see any centreback do last season.
Incremental changes will continue to come. And the development of our play - where I think we’re going - is part of the reason why I don’t believe the coaching staff will be devastated about losing Pogba.
Away from the tactics for a moment, and a shout out for Odion Ighalo.
Always delighted to see a proper red make a full debut for the club, and not only did he enjoy his goal - no doubt a lifelong dream - he put in a very solid performance. Absolutely stoked for him.
He could actually be a useful asset for Ole on the training ground in the instruction of Martial and Greenwood given his work rate and movement.
Changes will come
posted on 28/2/20
comment by Ji Sung Park's Cousin - Ole's joy Manticore (U2958)
posted 18 minutes ago
Another example is seeing a now settled Maguire given licence to carry the ball into the final third and join the attack, which is something we didn’t see any centreback do last season.
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This happened quite a bit in our 10 game winning streak, so I do think it's something Ole had in mind from the start, but didn't feel confident in it until recently.
I can't remember which CB was given license, but remember commenting on it a few times.
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If so, that’s something I missed Ji
Would be interesting to look back at those fixtures now to see, for example, the positioning of the fullbacks and the movement and range of the ten off the ball.
posted on 28/2/20
Didn't watch the match or read the article but I don't agree with you about last night's match.
posted on 28/2/20
comment by Ji Sung Park's Cousin - Ole's joy Manticore (U2958)
posted 33 minutes ago
Nah mate, we have no plan.
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Always makes me laugh when people with no idea what they're looking for come on here to tell everyone they cant see any patterns of play.
posted on 28/2/20
Ji
I think it was Lindelof who was coming forward more in the winning streak.
It led to the belief he was good on the ball. I seem to remember people thinking he had turned the corner.
posted on 28/2/20
comment by Vidicschin (U3584)
posted 7 minutes ago
Ji
I think it was Lindelof who was coming forward more in the winning streak.
It led to the belief he was good on the ball. I seem to remember people thinking he had turned the corner.
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Yep, it was Victor.
posted on 28/2/20
Another example is seeing a now settled Maguire given licence to carry the ball into the final third and join the attack
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Certainly helps when the opposition are happy to grant that licence.
posted on 28/2/20
comment by Clockwork Red (U4892)
posted 43 minutes ago
Another example is seeing a now settled Maguire given licence to carry the ball into the final third and join the attack
—————
Certainly helps when the opposition are happy to grant that licence.
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It’s not only useful against a deep defensive line.
Maguire has carried the ball on occasion against a high line when we’ve beaten the high press and the opposition CMs are shadowing our DMs.
posted on 28/2/20
comment by Elvis (U7425)
posted 2 hours, 34 minutes ago
comment by Vidicschin (U3584)
posted 7 minutes ago
Ji
I think it was Lindelof who was coming forward more in the winning streak.
It led to the belief he was good on the ball. I seem to remember people thinking he had turned the corner.
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Yep, it was Victor.
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Lindelof did turn a corner - unfortunately, he did it while trying to run in a straight line with the ball.
posted on 28/2/20
Great positivity OP. Odeon was a real bully in the box and dealt it out well. No defender will have him. Bruno seems to improve those around him as well (him and Mata had a good thing and I'd reckon we'll see improvement in Andreas and Jesse, just to try and justify their existence here now (before they leave the club?). Ole is getting past the hump and on his way to creating HIS club and vision. Tactically he's grown from an infant to respectably decent in a single year. I think Bailly gives Harry a lot of freedom and ought to stay healthy this time. Surely the staff has worked on his fitness/injury prevention. Can't wait for what next season brings, but we can still salvage something this season. Ole In, and UWW et al can stay off the board, I'll take that all day long.
posted on 28/2/20
Maguire given licence to carry the ball into the final third
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Gordon McQueenesque