Read on Twitter
Arsenal vs Manchester United: United's Refined Pressing Strategy (thread):
Before entering the match analysis, I will outline my perception of pressing and defensive structure:
Certain United players have come under criticism for being selfish out of possession; either by breaking defensive shape to press individually, or by not pushing into a specific position to defend.
Below is an example of how Bruno pressing individually could've caused issues.
Below is an example of how Bruno pressing individually could've caused issues.
Fortunately, he was disciplined, curbing his natural instincts to remain in shape:
United funnelled Arsenal to their left back, who received with his back to goal. This is a pressing trigger for Rashford:
Rashford's well timed pressure forces Arsenal to play back to the centrebacks. United re-enter settled shape, cutting off central progression:
United defended narrow, funnelling play to the fullbacks:
Cavani catalyses the funnelling to the fullback, but making a micro-pressure. His cover shadow blocks off the switch or pass back:
United treat Bellerin receiving in this posture as a trigger: Pogba pressures and everyone surrounding pushes up on to their man. Shaw has joined the next line in order to pressure Pepe, inhibiting the obvious progressive option:
Arsenal were forced to switch possession, with Xhaka joining the back line to make a 3v2. Rashford presses with a smart body-posture, in order to block progression down the left, neutralising the overload by making it a 3v3:
United proceeded to return to settled shape again, defending comfortably.
This phase is largely representative of how United defended in Arsenal's first and second phase build-up. Due to being so compact, United were able to initiate a press very efficiently.
This phase is largely representative of how United defended in Arsenal's first and second phase build-up. Due to being so compact, United were able to initiate a press very efficiently.
In defensive transition, United often pressed too - usually efficiently. This helped United sustain pressure on many occasions, generating chance downstream.
The narrative that United are good defensively makes them negative in big games is simply false.
The narrative that United are good defensively makes them negative in big games is simply false.
Individual discipline and adherence to team shape when pressing has improved significantly since recent games.
There are positives to take from the draw against a revitalised Arsenal side.
There are positives to take from the draw against a revitalised Arsenal side.
Worth noting as well, that United minimised the progressive qualities of Partey-Xhaka by cutting them off: https://twitter.com/utd_Visionary/status/1352704822340968454?s=20
