Thread by @AbdelBeheri

Thread:

Southampton vs. Man Utd. Tactics. #SOU #MUFC

#SOU:
- In possession: 3422. McCarthy as the 3rd man in buildup.
- 442 Out of possession. (defensive play)
- In #mufc's 1/2: 334.

One of #SOU tactics was to overload the ballnear side flank with Walcott and Armstrong tucking in while Walker-Peters run into the space vacated as VdB and Telles push narrow to compensate. Vice-versa with Djenepo on the left of #SOU. #MUFC

Another way #SOU tried to beat #mufc's press was go long to Adams to flick it on to Walcott. MacCarthy attempted 17 longballs compared to 4 from DDG and Henderson.

Walcott and Adams led the pressure on CBs while providing cover shadow on Fred and Matic. Romeu and Ward-Prowse, were stuck between pressuring Matic and Fred or leaving VdB and Fernandes in space. Djenepo and Walcott or Adams and Walker-peters closed the way to the wings. #SOU

United:
- In possession: United formed a 4222 that often switched to 4231 as one forward stayed central and another wide.
- Out-possession: 433.

#mufc focused on denying central progression. Rashford and Greenwood led the pressure by pressing one the CBs while Fernandes and one of the cover shadows the CMs. Forced #SOU to the flanks where they set press traps by denying all passing lanes and pressing man on ball.

Southampton got Southampton'ed. #SOU #MUFC

(Just really wanted to say this, bias! :p)

United changed their buildup play to get by Southampton's press and provide outlets in space while separating #SOU 1st and 2nd line from their backline. #mufc

VdB and Fernandes were instructed to form a 2 up the field while the FBs were slightly withdrawn (central level) when ball on half way line. This give United overload in midfield with triangles beside the midfield box. #MUFC

As 1 of the forwards moved wide to drag a FB & CB, Fernandes & VdB were allowed to attack the box from their 10 spots to have at least 3 men in the box. + Telles is allowed to push up when ball near final 1/3 & AWB tucks in back 3. The fluidity of the front 4 was a sight. #MUFC

Great ball by Bruno after VdB won possession back. Bruno was not having the best games but still came out with a goal due to his relentless mentality and positioning in the box. No#:

- 61% pass acc.
- 2 Big chances created.
- 1 hit woodwork.
- 2 Clearances
- 6 Ball recoveries

When Cavani came on. He interchanged with Fernandes between the wide right and center frequently. This where the first goal came from. The interchange between VdB, Cavani, Rashford and Bruno was incredible. High level of understanding.

Set-pieces. Good & bad:
- Read the notes on the bad one.

Good:

Last Goal was a training routine. Maguire tells Matic to get in position far wide. They take attention away from Cavani. MR10 stays wide for delivery. Maguire blocks Walker-peters to give MR10 as 1sec extra. #MUFC

Really great how we changed our buildup and handled the press. #SOU aggressive press is their own downfall. They are dead by 90'min. Hasenhüttl will learn this like Klopp the hard way.

End. #MUFC

1 more. This man has World Class movement and work-rate. El Matador. I hope Rashford, Greenwood, and Martial make it their mission to study him. #MUFC