Thread by @JamiescottUV

📌How Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City Broke Down Manchester United’s 532 Block [thread]:

City lined up in their usual formation, with Jesus and Foden high and wide, with Bernardo as a false #9 and Gundogan/KDB in the half spaces.

United lined up in a 532 (more like a 5311), with Greenwood tracking Rodri and Bruno, McTominay and Fred responsible for the left half space, central zone and right half space respectively.

United’s block shifted laterally when City shifted the ball, and it seemed to be a reasonable plan. City couldn’t access the near-side half space, while there were no 1v1 scenarios where United couldn’t provide cover from a spare defender.

To disrupt United’s shape, City utilised rotations and overloads incredibly well. Bernardo had a proclivity to roam to the right, but crucially, De Bruyne would dis-mark himself from Fred by moving to the touchline to receive.

If Fred tracked De Bruyne, United’s midfield would have to shift too far across, leaving Foden and Cancelo in a 2v1 against AWB should a switch occur.

As the first half progressed, City had dominance of possession, and weren’t troubled in defensive transition. They were in control and could begin manipulating United’s block with more aggressive overloads.

For the second goal, Foden and Gundogan joined play on the right, helping City to advance into the final third. Bernardo could receive and make the switch to Cancelo in the left halfspace. Such is Cancelo’s quality, he created the goal from this zone.

United failed in their aim to a) defend the box with 3 centrebacks (5 defenders), and b) defend the half-spaces and zone 14 in settled shape. The goal also highlighted City’s game plan and individual quality. The contrast in tactical and individual quality was stark.

Subjective Analysis:

United allocated 3 centrebacks against Bernardo/KDB/Gundogan. Three midfielders to screen and harass in each central lateral zone. Greenwood dropped onto Rodri. City initially had no overloads or obvious zones of superiority; United didn’t initially appear inherently flawed.

United committed 6 players to defending the central zones, leaving City to control the game from the build-up phases. United began to get dominated, however; they had no transitional threat as Ronaldo was isolated, whilst City could build with ease.

Perhaps by committing an extra player into the front line, in a 442 block for example, United could have fared better. United’s centrebacks were often spare players in settled shape and provided little cover when City dragged United’s midfield 3 around.

United were ultimately understaffed in the left half space and Cancelo does what he’s been doing all season: creating dangerous chances from the inside left.

Ultimately, City were good (if unspectacular). They create space for their key players (KDB, Cancelo) by stretching the pitch to make the opponents react by defending zones cautiously. They then utilise rotations to dis-mark these key players in dangerous areas.

United played into their hands with a miscalculated approach - it was poorly thought through and poorly executed from an individual perspective too. In addition to City’s qualities and United's individual mistakes, that's all there was to this result.

Thanks for reading!