Yesterday was a good day at Manchester.

A day for keep dreaming.

Not only about winning this Competition, but mainly, as a brighter light for the future of Manchester United!

Elements of this performance were many, and good.

First, after a false start, conceding a goal from another penalty that shouldn’t happen at this level, the team kept stable and positive.

Good!

Secondly, the team was always compact and proactive, when losing, draw, and winning, whereas before they would automatically proceed for a lower block when in advantage. 

Always positive, fighting for another goal.

Very good!

Thirdly, the data supports this stability (either by ball possession, opportunities, etc) but there was a natural impact when Real Sociedad lost one player and was outnumbered. 

However, 1st and 2nd half ball possession was exactly the same, number of shots was somehow similar (11 on the 1st half and 14 during the 2nd half). 

Dominance was greater, but was a tendency registered before.

However, there are some tactical adjustments needed.

The false start, showcasing not only the abilities of some players from the Spanish side mainly with Kubo being a constant challenge, but also the deficiencies on the defensive approach at times.

We can all see that Ruben tries to merge a GK+4+4+2 with other principles he pretends more, regardless the initial positional formation, in a medium-low block, due to United’s players characteristics.

The problem, as I stated here before, is that the relationship between the midfielder and the defender on the sides (on both lines of 4) is very important to understand.

For example, on the right side we have Garnacho on the midfield line and Dalot behind him as a right-back.

Perfect match, no unexpected behaviors or patterns the players aren’t already familiar with.

But, on the left side, we had initially, Dorgu as a midfielder and then Heaven as a left-back.

Really?

Naturally, mistakes will apear.

Specially when you are facing a talent as Kubo.

A Tactical adjustment was needed, almost forcing a GK+5+4+1, with Dorgu getting inside the defensive line (as a left-back) and Zirkzee getting on the midfield line, starting almost as a left midfielder, although not as open as one should expect, but guiding the Real Sociedad attack to United’s right side initially (where things were more stable) and then proceeding to press, in an attempt to avoid the ball to get to the right wing, to Kubo, by pressing the defenders.

Therefore, starting in the midfield line to guide the attack to the opposite side and then jumping to press and try to avoid the ball to get on the problematic side – United’s left side.

These kind of relationships are important, and they are being correctly addressed during the Games, once the Game Plan is being clearly impacted by the number of players out – yesterday with the absence of Yoro, that forced this adjustments.

Same is happening at the centre, with Casemiro and Bruno performing really well, potentially even better together than Ugarte and Bruno did. 

Even with Ugarte being a player that reunites more qualities that can be useful at Ruben’s Style of Play, but Casemiro is using his full experience to be always positioned in the right place and, therefore, recovering many balls.

And offensively, uses simpler processes in comparison with the Uruguayan.

As I mentioned before, the Brazilian is setting the professionalism standard where it needs to be.

Being the 1st option or not, one needs to be ready for the opportunity and to perform once it comes.

Well done!

The physicality of the Games at Europa League are, in general, beneficial to United, as it was visible in this round, where the Spanish side also felt the absence of Sučić to be less powerful and capable in the midfield.

However, a French side is now coming.

We should expect a very hard round, one where the physicality wouldn’t differ as much.

But United process is improving.

The team is clearly improving.

With key players on their route to comeback, we should expect better performance and results.

For the first time, since Ruben arrived, the team is unbeaten for 6 matches (2 wins, 4 draws) now.

Slowly, but steady.

Future will be brighter.

Time, patience and… money!

Just like I’ve been sharing with you for months.

2 days to go for Leicester!
See you there!

The data presented here is from sofascore website.