Michael Carrick’s Manchester United team are currently navigating a crucial pre-season period, and the tactical approach being employed by manager Erik ten Hag is receiving significant scrutiny. Departing from the comfortable, attacking-minded style of the past, Carrick is aiming for a more methodical, possession-based system, a departure from the club’s history of explosive football. His initial statement, echoing Sir Alex Ferguson’s emphasis on ‘entertaining,’ underscores the club’s desire to engage and entertain the fanbase, a sentiment deeply rooted in United’s legacy. Carrick has repeatedly emphasized a return to a ‘traditional’ approach, rejecting the more fluid, often short-passing formations of previous managers. However, the current approach is characterized by a clear emphasis on controlling possession and building from the back, a stark contrast to the club’s previous style. The team’s recent performances suggest a deliberate shift away from the relentless attacking pressure that characterized the earlier part of the season. Breaking down defensive lines has been a key focus, exemplified by the 4-2-4 formation, but the emphasis now leans towards a more compact, vertically-oriented game. The tactical adjustments have been detailed, with a focus on creating space for three players to cross and passing to the midfield, showcasing a desire to dictate the tempo of the game. Breaking the opposition’s initial pressure, as evidenced by the 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain, has been a deliberate strategy to limit the opponent’s opportunities and build a solid foundation for sustained control. The introduction of technical, deep-lying midfielders – Santos, Tielemans, and Mount – is intended to provide a more stable and organized midfield presence, facilitating the team’s transition from defense to attack. However, the initial results have been mixed, with the team struggling to consistently create chances and maintain control of possession, illustrating the complexities of adapting a tactical framework. The team’s attempts to maximize the quality of their attackers, particularly with Bruno Fernandes and the new signings, has been a key element of this strategy. A crucial element is the increased responsibility placed on players to interpret the game, ensuring that the team’s defensive shape is maintained while proactively seeking to exploit the opponent’s weaknesses. The focus on quick transitions and controlling possession is a deliberate attempt to limit the opponent’s opportunities and create a more comfortable environment for their own attack. The club’s initial signings of players like Andrey Santos and Mason Mount are intended to bolster these elements. The 4-2-4 formation is a deliberate attempt to maintain a balance between defensive solidity and attacking dynamism, a strategy aimed at minimizing risk and maximizing the team’s chances of success. Furthermore, the tactical adjustments are being made in response to the changing landscape of the Premier League, with a shift away from relying solely on counter-attacks. The team’s reliance on quick transitions and a more structured approach to pressing has been a key factor in their successes and failures, and Carrick’s new strategy is a direct response to this. The club is attempting to mitigate the risks associated with the opposition’s counter-attack, which has been a primary focus in the pre-season preparation, through a strategic emphasis on controlling the midfield and preventing them from creating opportunities to exploit the space. The 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain, where United initially dominated possession, demonstrated this approach effectively. The team is currently focusing on maintaining their defensive shape and creating opportunities for their attackers while minimizing the risk of conceding goals. The strategic shift is designed to ensure a more consistent and controlled style of play, a departure from the high-risk, high-reward approach of the past. The success of this new tactical approach will be closely watched as the season progresses, and the team’s ability to adapt to the challenges of the Premier League will be a crucial factor in determining their trajectory.
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Source: BBC Football
