Over the last one year of running this account, I've primarily focused on writing threads about the long term aspects of Ole's process — squad building, philosophies, squad introductions etc.
This thread will be a collection of some of my favorites. Hope you enjoy. ⤵️
1. Ole's Squad Building
An in-depth look at the process behind Ole's rebuilding in his first full season in charge of #mufc & how meticulous and well planned it was:
2. My first long thread (before I started naming them).
I used to read a lot of comparisons between Ole & managers at other clubs. This thread is trying to unpack why the United job Ole took over is unlike any other & why his process deserves more time.
A thread trying to tackle the ever present 'why isn't Donny starting debate'. I talk about why Donny was bought, how he'll fit in and why we need to be patient and 'trust the process' when it comes to his introduction:
I don't do a lot of tactical analysis as that isn't my forte. But here's a little look at how we've started scoring goals from similar patterns of play — a process we've been working on and are now progressing in:
I dont expect any journo to say #mufc are right to back Ole. That doesnt sell clicks. But I do expect them to atleast not drag his name into every single sacking conversation simply bc their lack of research backs that notion.
But that isnt half of whats wrong with this piece ⤵️
This article came out a few mins after Chelsea lost meaning it was prewritten except for a few paras. Classic case of pre-conceived notions being treated as facts on the back of a correlative result.
Also Ole is mentioned only on twitter not once in the article. Very clickbaity.
I understand journos have to churn out content. Trust me, I'm a professional writer who has to meet deadlines so I know the grind.
But the article says CFC are now considering sacking Lampard, I find it hard to believe @TheAthleticUK could get such info mins after the whistle.
Arsenal is still a massive club & it too big a jump too soon for Arteta. He's talented but to manage Arsenal, you need experience. His entire career is 3 yrs as an asst. Arsenal isn't where you learn management 101. The PR designed to give him confidence backfiring doesnt help.
The blame should fall as much on Arsenal as anyone else. They trusted him, built a narrative around him that they've found the next Pep, placed insane expectations on him to reinvent football and with no experience of handling such pressure, he's now understandably panicking.
It's clear Arteta is a good coach, but that's 10% of being a manager, especially at a big club. Can he handle the red tape above him, the politics beside him, can he handle the media narratives, the player expectations & pressure, the million other intangibles that he needs to?
#mufc's squad has 2 primary issues that need solving
1. Midfield Balance 2. Depth vs Balance
Let's take a look at each:
Before I start — this is NOT an 'excuse'
1. Mufc ARE unbalanced 2. Mufc should STILL have won yday
BOTH of these can & is true
Now let's dive in:
1. Midfield Balance
A balanced midfield should:
- dictate play
- maintain tempo
- hold def shape
- press/counter press
- create
+ Lot more
Our options
Pogba, Bruno, VDB, Matic, Fred, McT
No 3 man combo from this can do all of that
Only a 4 man mid can but 💎 has flaws (FBs)
This is bc we've many mids who offer very similar or the same thing
The diff btwn Fred/Matic/McT are evident BUT for each of them to work, you need to start one of the other two at least. Exact same case with Pogba, Bruno, VDB.