Greenwood – Lindelof (OG)
3 things from the game:
- Same United, same issues.
The 2 victories in the league accompanied by the rout of AZ Alkmaar in Europa League brought about an air of optimism back amongst United supporters. A watershed moment that would once and for all assure fans that Project Ole is definitely for the future. But for most of the game, against Duncan Ferguson’s solid unit, they struggled to create clear chances. It was unfortunate that they conceded the own goal just before half time, but their inability to carve teams that sit deep apart will always be their Achilles heel. It seems that when Plan A (the counter attacking plan) fails, they do not have another option to go for. The difference in quality in the number 10 position is one that might make a difference in the team. The question is – is Pogba the man for that spot.
A 2nd half cool finish from young Mason Greenwood reflects that there is only 2 plans in Ole’s locker at the moment – Counter attack and All-out attack. Credit to greenwood for his composed finish that gave the draw to United, but again, against a team willing to soak in pressure, there was no variation in their play that allows them to overcome this and if Ole doesn’t find a way, the sudden realistic opening of the 4th and final spot for Champions League will suddenly be out of reach. After 17 games, United are surprisingly only 4 points away from the 4th place spot and such an opportunity would define if Ole should still be in the hotseat come end of the season.
2. Old school Everton keeps it simple and solid.
Interim manager Duncan Ferguson had so many injuries that during the course of the game, it seems that any one of his other players may just come off with an injury. Tom Davies, Calvert Lewin and Yerry Mina in various parts of the game were threatening to come away with an injury. But despite such problems, they stuck deep, took their chances and threatened from set pieces. This was the same Everton struggling under former manager Marco Silva.
The injury to Digne proved to be a blessing in disguise as Baines, as he has done over the course of his Everton career, provided the crucial in-swinging corner that gave them the lead. Calvert Lewin lead the line superbly troubling the United defenders throughout the 90mins.
3. A bravery in tactics might be the key to Ole’s prolonged charge as United manager.
OGS has always preferred a 4-2-3-1 formation that gives him a defensive solidity and allows his team to counter. He has in most cases preferred to “throw the kitchen sink” in the last 30mins by changing it to a 4-2-4. Throwing on Greenwood in the last half an hour has proved to be useful in the last few games, noticeably in the games against Sheffield United and against this game. Starting Greenwood and Martial up top might give more attacking options and thrust to United’s game as Mason Greenwood is a natural finisher. This would then allow the players who are better at dribbling more space to take players on. But will Ole do that or will he slot in Paul Pogba into the the no 10 role and have a fluid variation of a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 when attacking. The January transfer window will give a better suggestion of where United will end up at the end of the season. They lack a playmaker and a proper striker, amongst many other positions that require an upgrade. The continued belief that United can operate with wing play without strikers that can hold up play or be on the receiving end of crosses is baffling but based on reports – Ole is here to stay and it seems that getting the United way – is going to stay on for a little longer.
Written by: Bazli
