Thread by @FTStands_

[THREAD] The first team we will look at is Manchester United.

Today, in part 1, we will assess where Manchester United are in their rebuilding project, and where improvements are needed.

https://twitter.com/FTStands_/status/1295512939567480835

Manchester United have come a long way since the appointment of Solskjaer. At the back, Maguire & AWB have helped create a sturdy defense.

Meanwhile, the development of Martial & Rashford, the integration of Greenwood, & the Bruno signing have revolutionized United’s frontline.

With that said, there are still some holes in the team.

Firstly, especially given the rumored departures, United struggle for depth and quality in key areas, specifically down the right, in the heart of midfield, and at the back.

Design inspired by @Dougie__Wright

Indeed, while MUFC now have a wealth of highly efficient goal-scorers, the team still lacks in creativity and incisiveness in certain areas, with much of this burden still disproportionately falling on Paul Pogba.

As @abhisheksh_98 graphic demonstrates, MUFC particularly struggle to create from the right. Greenwood, who has proven to be an incredible finisher & final third threat, does not excel as a ball-carrier or chance creator.

Another area of concern is midfield. MUFC do not currently possess a natural successor to Matic in the side. Fred, who has had a good season, can at times be an aggressive defender, while McTominay struggles mightily in possession.

We see this here, Fred commits himself early and attempts to close down Kovacic aggressively.

Once bypassed, he leaves MUFC’s back-line exposed. Saying that, Fred has the potential to be able to provide a solution here, provided he improves in the aforementioned areas.

McTominay meanwhile struggles as an organizer and progressive passer. In MUFC’s recent clash with Crystal Palace, he played as a holding mid alongside Pogba and Bruno. His pass-map from that match is indicative of a player who struggles to progress the ball.

Here are two examples of why McTominay struggles in such situations. As a player he is not very comfortable in possession. He tends to pick out sub-optimal passes, and often slows down possessions with his indecision and/or sub-par passing.

This is a big problem for #MUFC, as they struggle when facing high-pressing teams. They find it more difficult to build up from the back, move into dangerous areas, create chances, and win games when facing such teams.

Despite a small sample size, the results are indicative.

However it's not only McTominay who struggles in these situations. We see here that neither of United’s first choice CBs are particularly good progressive passers. Moreover, as we will see below, they struggle (as a partnership) when playing in a high-line.

We see this here. Lindelof fails to win the aerial duel from Palace’s long-ball over the top, and Ayew is played-in behind the defense. Neither Lindelof, nor Maguire, have the requisite pace to recover and challenge Ayew, who makes the most of his 1v1 opportunity.

Similarly, when Spurs win the 2nd-ball, Bergwijn dribbles past Maguire. While both United CBs are still in position to recover, neither is quick enough to do so. Consequently, Bergwijn’s run, and subsequent shot, ends in a goal.

In conclusion: the next step for Manchester United in their rebuild is to address needs down the right, in midfield, and at the back. They will also need to add depth in key areas.

Stay tuned for part 2, where we identify potential targets to address those needs!