26/01/2026
Michael Carrick's Manchester United lined up exactly the same against Manchester City and Arsenal, but tactically the approach was different in the two matches.
Against City, Manchester United used low blocks (which City struggled against), invited and absorbed City's pressure, high block and intricate build up play.
Man Utd ensured City did not get the midfield superiority by isolating Rodri out of City's play.
When you create a box around Rodri in midfield you suffocate City. Manchester City's midfield is built around Rodri and Man Utd exploited that.
Against Arsenal Man Utd where more aggressive in pressing and blocked Arsenal's build up play (watch Mbeumo's goal).
Man Utd were comfortable to let Arsenal have 60% ball possession but hit them with quick transitions and counterattacks. They now play more vertical than before.
In both matches, Man Utd's pace was something both Man city and Arsenal struggled to deal with.
Amad and Dorgu gave Man Utd cover in defence (sometimes Man Utd became a 6 man defence when they had to), and extra width in attack. While Mainoo and Casemiro screened the defence leaving Fernandez the liberty to operate as a No. 10 and feed Mbeumo or press with him.
Under Carrick's two matches, Man Utd defend collectively (they are conceding less compared to Amorim) and are lethal in taking the chances they create. Without VAR Man Utd could have recorded 8 goals in their last two matches but 5 is not bad at all.
©Woko Eze
