RUBEN AMORIM has acquired a new offensive option due to a fruitful “adjustment” in his Manchester United formation during the clash with Arsenal.
The Red Devils ended their encounter with their North London adversaries in a 1-1 stalemate last Sunday at Old Trafford.
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Nonetheless, Amorim expressed his frustration over the failure to secure a full victory due to Declan Rice’s remarkable goal in the second half.
On the brighter side, he can take solace in the additional attacking capabilities that defender Noussair Mazraoui displayed on the right flank.
In the latest installment of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our tactics analyst DEAN SCOGGINS delves into how the Moroccan showcased his potential as a dynamic offensive asset while working together with Alejandro Garnacho.
Here are four key insights from Dean regarding Mazraoui’s performance in the match…
1) Connection with Garnacho
Garnacho is fostering trust by relying on Mazraoui’s judgment, confident that he can make passes when necessary without jeopardizing his own positioning.
This also enables Garnacho to initiate counterattacks when United regains control of the ball.
We witnessed this unfold three or four times as Garnacho veered right in the first half.
At halftime, Amorim implemented subtle yet effective adjustments, moving Garnacho wide right to enable him to progress along the sideline while Mazraoui occupied the inner channel.
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The performance would have pleased Ruben Amorim, but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to mask the underlying issues at Manchester United.
With ongoing protests against the ownership at Old Trafford, the players stepped up, demonstrating that there is still some vitality in a club that fans believe is experiencing a “slow death.”
Both teams struggled to create clear opportunities during the initial 45 minutes, persisting in their difficulties to score.
A moment of brilliance was essential, and, as expected, Fernandes delivered.
Despite Arsenal’s sturdy defense, Fernandes exhibited the power, curve, and precision to outsmart David Raya with a superbly placed free-kick, even though the wall was set back 11.2 yards instead of the customary ten.
After halftime, Mikel Arteta’s side emerged aggressively, employing a makeshift No.9, culminating in a wonderful strike from Declan Rice to equalize.
United managed to withstand the threat while remaining dangerous on the counter, yet they had to settle for just a single point despite a notably improved performance.
Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn evaluated the performances of the United players.
2) Generating Issues
Mazraoui frequently found himself unmarked, positioning himself akin to a number ten, a striker, and a right winger.
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He consistently created dilemmas, crafting the perfect scenario for Amorim—[Diogo] Dalot, one wing-back, crossing to Mazraoui, the other wing-back.
[The] save by David Raya should have likely secured the match for United, especially as they were effective on the counterattack during the second half.
United’s defense was solid when out of possession. The interplay between Mazraoui and Garnacho, alongside their understanding of each other’s movements, posed significant challenges for Arsenal on the flanks.
3) Internal and External Threats
Absolutely, [this is the Mazraoui Manchester United anticipated].
It’s important to note that Mazraoui met Amorim’s expectations in this regard.
Amorim is managing numerous responsibilities as they navigate through these matches.
They defended valiantly against Liverpool, Man City, and Arsenal in the FA Cup.
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Is Mazraoui assuming a classic fullback role in a back five? There were moments in the first half where this approach was applied, allowing him to advance on the right side.
In the opening half, Mazraoui consistently pushed down the flank.
However, tactical changes in the second half enabled Garnacho to stretch wide while Mazraoui moved inward.
He showcased remarkable skill in these roles, effectively receiving the ball in a number ten position, demonstrating his capabilities with both feet.
As previously mentioned, Amorim’s strategy depends on wing-backs advancing forward.
Neglecting to do so risks stagnation in their attack. Mazraoui excelled in fulfilling this requirement.
4) Adaptability
He is precisely the type of player who instills confidence in his manager, prepared to say, “Where do you need me, boss? Left back? No problem.
Right back? Consider it handled. Wing back? Definitely, I can embrace that attacking role. Second half? You can count on me.”
