Ever since this goal happened, I've been feeling really uncomfortable about the options Maguire and Fred both had on the ball here. Fred's pass is obviously inexcusable, but I couldn't fathom how something like this could even be allowed to happen, so I took a closer look (1/6)
https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/1373688759120695301
Firstly- Maguire has the ball and the back 4 is completely flat. Matic makes a run in behind Iheanacho, making himself unavailable for the ball.
Pretty much any other passing option but Fred means the ball will end up back at his feet. (2/6)
Pretty much any other passing option but Fred means the ball will end up back at his feet. (2/6)
Next, Fred receives. He has four options- a weak-footed pass to AWB, a one-touch swing to Telles (who is adjusting his socks instead of showing for the ball), a straight-up clearance out of play, or the pass back to Henderson. A bad pass, but not the worst decision (3/6)
Now, look back at Leicester's initial shape. They *want* the ball to go out to the fullbacks because they're lateral and won't have any real options besides passing back to Maguire (4/6)
I think Matic needs to drop into the back three. Lindelof can push wider on the right and thus Telles and AWB can push forward. If Leicester maintain shape, United then have two open progressive options. If they move wide to mark Telles/AWB, they leave space in the middle (5/6)
I feel like the "box shape" United create so often with the CBs and DMs in 1st phase is so poor, and while Fred's pass is terrible, United's shape made his life a lot harder here. Let me know what you think! (6/6)
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