Bruno and Fred played with a lot of positional freedom but failed to impose enough authority to control the game. Edinson Cavani was completely lost. Edinson Cavani touch-map (attacing right to left). Image Obtained Via: whoscored. com His touch-map resembles a defensive midfielder rather than a centre-forward. Through the 90 minutes, Cavani had no shots and created just one.
United’s narrow 4-3-3 Shape. Forwards remain passive allowing Mings and Konsa to advance, but with no real passing options This approach worked very well in the first half. Struggling to build up against a narrow set-up, Villa were forced wide in possession. This allowed United to execute systematic side-overloads and regain possession. United’s back four and Matic won 11 of the 16 aerial duels they contested, and also made 35 recoveries.
Aston Villa v Manchester United | Match Review and Tactical AnalysisManchester United dropped a costly two points away from home on Saturday, drawing the game 2-2 against Aston Villa. Missing out on key players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire, Rangnick rolled out a 4-3-3 set-up. Anthony Elanga was given his first start of the season. Image Obtained Via: Manchester Evening News Shape in Possession: In a slightly unfamiliar shape, Manchester United lacked clarity in possession against Aston Villa. This was the first time the Red Devils set up in a 4-3-3 this season.
He also had the least touches for any out-field starter. 2. A New Defensive MidFielder Needed, Urgently: In the absence of McTominay, veteran Nemanja Matic started as the holding mid alongside two 8s. Matic struggled to keep up with the pace of the game and failed to assert himself in the middle of the park. This allowed Aston Villa to conveniently by-pass Manchester United in the midfield. Once the hosts broke through United’s second line of press, they always looked likely to create some danger. Denis Zakaria has been linked with a move, but may not be the primary solution to all of United’s issues.
Defensively, the wheels fell off for the Red Devils in the second half. Matic began to tire out as the game progressed. As the lone pivot, he began to leave a lot of spaces ahead of the centre-backs. Fred and Bruno Fernandes failed to cut off passing lanes effectively ahead of the Serbian. Lack of communication between the mid-field trio creating an avenue for penetrative passes.
This effort marked United’s last attempt on target. Their only shot after this goal came in the 6th minute of stoppage time when Van Beek’s effort was blocked. Shape Out Of Possession: The appr