27 Sep 2020 09:43:40
So there really isn't much point defending that performance. The only positives we can take from it was three points, Rashford looks like he is finding his form again, and it was at least an entertaining game.

Tactically we got it all wrong, we struggled with their 343 shape as their wing backs were able to push forward occupying our full backs and leaving our two CB's out numbered 2 to 3. We had the number superiority in midfield, but we either needed a midfielder to drop back into the back line to stop us being over run in defence, or we needed to match up the 343 shape.

Man for man we have the better team, yet it was the tactics that left us chasing Brighton.

After two league games and 5 goals conceded I wonder now how many United fans still feel a RW should be a higher priority than sorting out our defence? Sancho would not have changed that game yesterday, Upamecano and Telles might have done.

We need to smarten up tactically as several sides have adopted the 343 shape going into this season, Arsenal look a much better team playing that way. Brighton have done well in that shape, as have Wolves, while Sheffield United and West Brom are playing a variant of 3 at the back. There is also a thought process that suggests Spurs might switch to a 343 type system with the additions of Doherty, Reguilon and Bale. Although I don't see it being a system Jose would use often. Other sides will also likely use that shape on occasions.

When looking at our players it is clear a few are in desperate need of a rest both physically and mentally. Pogba doesn't look fit or with it, which when you consider he had the virus only a couple of weeks ago makes sense. He needs to be on the bench and building up his fitness in the last 20 minutes of games, not trying to play 60 minutes. With the signing of DvdB there really is no reason to make him play from the start. AWB hasn't looked right since the re-start, I think he needs a break. Lindelof seems to get worse every week. He needs to come out of the firing line. While Martial doesn't quite look up to speed yet, the issue with that is simply that the main player to cover Martial (Ighalo) represents a large drop off in quality.

Personally, I think we should look to play a 343 type system against Brighton in the cup. I'd go with Henderson in goal, Bailly, Maguire and Shaw in the back three, TFM, McTominay, DvdB and Williams across the middle with Greenwood, Martial and Rashford up top.

Give, AWB, Lindelof, Pogba, Matic and Bruno a rest. Hopefully complete the deal for Alex Telles soon and bring him in a LWB and shift Williams over the RWB and give AWB a couple of weeks rest.


1.) 27 Sep 2020
27 Sep 2020 10:36:35
We play them again this week, let’s see if we learned anything.


2.) 27 Sep 2020
27 Sep 2020 13:27:29
Id still be chasing a right winger, I thought the right hand side was non existent . Greenwood drifts inside constantly and awb struggles to provide any width .


3.) 27 Sep 2020
27 Sep 2020 13:27:29
Id still be chasing a right winger, I thought the right hand side was non existent . Greenwood drifts inside constantly and awb struggles to provide any width .