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The Devil's DNA Profile picture
The Devil's DNA
@TheDevilsDNA
Run by: @VarunTheV / ✉️-thedevilsdna@gmail.com / Tactical Analysis / #MUFC /✍️: Analytics FC, Goalkeeper xG, UtdDistrict / 🎙️: @GetFootballEU Tactics Podcast
TheNormalOne Profile picture 2 subscribed
Apr 9 • 6 tweets • 2 min read
Watch both clips. As I've said many times before, all the issues we're seeing were prevalent at Ajax too. Esp in UCL & big games. And ten Hag knows the risk. The issue is that the risk-reward ratio worked in Eredivisie with a league dominant team & doesn't in the PL with us. Which is why we haven't seen any adjustment all season long. He genuinely believes in this system & assumes that better players will make it work & shift the risk-reward balance to positive. I don't think it will. People assuming system/philosophy change will be disappointed.
Jan 29 • 9 tweets • 3 min read
Why is Hojlund not getting enough service esp from Bruno?🧵

Comes down to our main chance creation pattern:
Switch to winger -> take on -> cutback/shot

In this sequence, Bruno & central players are the ones switching. See below locations of his passes into final 3rd vs Newport.
Image Most of our entries into final 3rd are these quick switches to wingers esp LW. And it's often the first action of midfielders (Casemiro pass % was <60%). So they're playing the winger in without unsettling an organized opponent block. Below eg from Spurs:
Jan 15 • 24 tweets • 10 min read
Manchester United 2-2 Tottenham: Tactical Analysis (EPL GW21, 23/24 season)

In this thread, I'll cover Manchester United's
— Build up intent, patterns & struggles
— Progression & chance creation issues
— Pressing structure & its easy manipulation

Let's go! 🧵Image
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Image First, check the below thread for the lineups, pass maps & basic stats of the game. We had worse xG, possession, field tilt, PPDA & build up success against Spurs. With that context set, I'll explain why the game played out the way it did. Let's begin.
Jan 2 • 27 tweets • 11 min read
How to get the best out of Marcus Rashford

— Strengths, weaknesses & traits
— Suitable in-possession patterns
— Complimentary profiles to support

Mega-thread.🧵Image
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Image Before we dive into usage, let's jot down what we know of his profile.

Strengths:
🟢Movement in-behind
🟢Ball-striking & execution of shots/crosses
🟢Dribbling when 1v1 especially in wide areas
🟢Finishing variety & consistency
🟢Athleticism & agility

Dec 13, 2023 • 27 tweets • 11 min read
Erik ten Hag's biggest weakness - Rest defence

— The importance of rest defence
— Manchester United's structure & issues
— Top team examples
— Potential solutions

Thread. 🧵Image
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Image What is rest defence?

Based on the German Restfeldsicherung, rest defence refers to the defensive structure that “rests” (remains) when a team is in the attacking phase. Basically how a team attacks knowing they can defend transitions when they lose ball
Dec 5, 2023 • 16 tweets • 7 min read
The starting XI & tactic that can still turn around Erik Ten Hag's fortunes

- The big issues plaguing Manchester United
- The tactical tweaks needed to bounce back
- The XI & players that can enable it

Thread.🧵
Image Firstly, what are the big tactical issues. The below post details what I feel are the big 3 issues
1. Out of possession setup leading to poor defence
2. In possession setup leading to poor control & creation
3. Other tactical choices & selections
Nov 20, 2023 • 27 tweets • 10 min read
𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙'𝙨 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙪𝙥 𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙀𝙧𝙞𝙠 𝙏𝙚𝙣 𝙃𝙖𝙜

Analysis of all build up variations across ETH's tenure with use cases & match examples.

Mega thread.🧵 Image Firstly, what is build up?

For a team in possession in the defensive 3rd of the pitch, the aim of the build up phase or 1st phase of possession is to break the opposition press & reach the middle 3rd. Has high importance today to combat modern aggressive & structured pressing. Image
Oct 2, 2023 • 26 tweets • 10 min read
Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United have a final third problem

Let me first state the problem upfront.

"Manchester United are consistently poor at entering the final 3rd, sustaining attacks & creating quality chances"

Now let me explain the issue with data & examples.
Thread🧵
Image We already have a season of life under ETH to give us insight into the final 3rd approach. Some 22/23 stats & our ranking in EPL:

Goals: 7th
xG: 6th
Passes into final 3rd: 6th
Carries into final 3rd: 6th
Progressive passes: 7th
Attacking 3rd touches: 6th
Pen area touches: 6th Image
Sep 25, 2023 • 25 tweets • 10 min read
What is Ten Hag's Manchester United's philosophy?

We're 17 months into the ETH era. And while the results have been largely good, there are some big questions that need answers.

A thread.🧵
Image Firstly, the fact that we often see massive drop offs when we are missing first-team players begs the question:

1. 𝑊ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑎 𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝 𝑖𝑛 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑, 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 & 𝑡𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑑? Image
Sep 17, 2023 • 23 tweets • 9 min read
How Brighton manipulated Manchester United's pressing structure

Our new 4-diamond-2 shape didn't really go as planned. In this thread, I'll cover United's pressing in terms of:

📝The setup & initial success
🏃Brighton's manipulation
😖Wide area confusion
💭Major concerns

🧵1/


Image
Image
Image 📝The setup & initial success

We lined up in a diamond with Eriksen & Scott as shuttler 8s & Bruno 10 behind the CFs. TBF this puts our best available players in their best positions esp in-possession. But it was out of possession where the doubts lay & what proved to be key.
2/ Image
Sep 6, 2023 • 26 tweets • 11 min read
How Manchester United progressed vs Arsenal

In this thread, I'll cover our intent, execution, wins & struggles, with examples, in all 3 phases of possession:
A. 1st phase: Build up
B. 2nd phase: Progression
C. 3rd phase: Chance creation

RTs appreciated. Let's go!
🧵
1/

Image
Image
Image Firstly, take a look at the tactical blueprint of both teams below. Our broad strategy was:
- 4-2 build up with Eriksen dropping
- 3-2-5 in attack with AWB/Casemiro in back 3
- 4-2-4 high press & 4-4-2 low block

With some variations depending on state

Aug 17, 2023 • 15 tweets • 6 min read
What is Casemiro's future in Manchester United's midfield?

After re-watching the game again & building more on the below thread I posted 2 days ago, one thought I had was:

Casemiro may not be the most ideal #6 in this setup

In his current state anyway. Let me explain.🧵
1/ Firstly let me bring up this thread of Casemiro mistakes vs Wolves. It's a good compilation & while I obviously think he had a bad day due to our team deficiencies in build up & transition defending, I also think there's a role suitability angle.
2/
Jul 29, 2023 • 26 tweets • 11 min read
[Manchester United vs Real Madrid - Tactical Analysis]

In this thread I'll cover the following from a #MUFC POV:
1. Build up - New pattern, Onana role, left side prowess
2. High press - Shape, wins, gaps
3. Defensive block - Space allowed, right side struggles

Let's go!🧵
1/ https://t.co/a0zfgH8LKytwitter.com/i/web/status/1…


Image
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Image Firstly, before getting into the Madrid game, you can check out my Arsenal game breakdown ICYMI. Some basic elements of our tactics are covered there. I've largely jumped to what was different for the Madrid game in this thread.
2/
Jul 23, 2023 • 28 tweets • 12 min read
[#MUFC vs Arsenal Friendly: Tactical Setup - THREAD]

With most of Manchester United's main teamers back, we got our first insight into 23/24 season tactics yesterday vs Arsenal. In this thread, I'll cover United's setup & patterns in build up, high press & defensive block.
🧵
1/

Image
Image
Image 1. The basic setup

We lined up in a 4-3-3 with Mainoo at the base, Sancho at CF, Mount in the LHS & Bruno in the RHS. For all naming purposes, this is what we'd call as the base formation & variants below based on state will be represented as modifications of this.
2/ Image
Jul 21, 2023 • 10 tweets • 4 min read
[How Kobbie Mainoo could be used by #MUFC in 23/24 - THREAD]

When I saw Mainoo in past youth games, I felt an advanced playmaker 8 role would suit him well. But youth to senior transitions aren't that simplistic. Mainoo has some traits that are very rare at the top level.
1/ a) Technique & composure to recieve in tight areas & manipulate the ball
b) Aware positioning & movement in build up
c) Tempo control to slow/hasten the game as required

And these are also traits #MUFC's current midfield doesn't have much of.
2/ Image
Jun 29, 2023 • 20 tweets • 9 min read
[How will Declan Rice & Kai Havertz fit at #ArsenalFC - THREAD]

Havertz (£65m) is confirmed & Rice (£105m) bid has been accepted as well. They'll be 2 of the biggest buys this window. But how does this help Arsenal? Where do both fit? I take a shot at how it could work out.
1/

Let's talk about Havertz first since this is the complicated one. Where he fits & whether his price tag is worth it are bigger questions. Below are his 22/23 pizza charts vs AMs & CFs. Makes his odd split between both apparent. His shooting numbers are good for a AM, but meh
2/

Jun 8, 2023 • 42 tweets • 17 min read
[#MUFC 22/23 Season Player Ratings - MEGA THREAD]

As the dust settles on a decently successful season consdering it was Erik Ten Hag's 1st year, I'm going to rate every regular squad member in this big thread along with their data (individual pizza charts for most). Let's go!
1/ Image David de Gea: 3/10

Let's be clear. It was a really poor season from DDG. When compared to the standards of other UCL clubs, he's quite far off & the reality is that it's been this way for a while. DDG ranks very poorly for sweeping, claiming & distribution stats while his
2/ Image
Jun 8, 2023 • 5 tweets • 2 min read
There was a time (when Dean Henderson returned from loan) where I felt he could be started over DDG & grow into a starter-level no. 1 in 2 years time. It feels like that train has passed. Many things have happened. #MUFC taking 25-30m fee & investing in a top GK seems best route. Goes to show how complicated youth player dev & integration is. Had felt there was a window when Garner could have also been re-integrated to push Scott & Fred as backups. Obv some youth players like Chong were just not good enough. But the ones who were - could have done better.
Jun 7, 2023 • 4 tweets • 2 min read
Had mentioned this when #MUFC got Donny van De Beek. Didn't make much sense given Bruno (& at the time Pogba) were in team. VDB was never a deep playmaker or transition defending DM & Bruno simply being super fit & super good made it tougher. Another case of poor tactical fitment Image VDB's best role is as an AM/SS who utilize his great off-the-ball movement to get into good spaces. Paired with playmakers who can feed him & attackers who can move to generate space for him, he can score or provide good final balls (cutbacks, lay-offs, short through balls).
May 2, 2023 • 4 tweets • 7 min read
[NEW ARTICLE]

It seems odd that after having 4 good CBs, #MUFC might still buy in that position in near future. While not as urgent as critical XI gaps, my guess is that ETH would like 1 RCB & 1 LCB in ~2 years. I scout the best youngsters for both roles

thedevilsdna.com/?p=273840 Wrote this in parts over almost a month. Ditched my usual stats-based approach to go heavily on footage-based (aka eye test) analysis. Scored ~25 CBs & then dived further into 7 of them. Hope the depth isn't a turn-off & is informative. Feedback, likes & RTs are all appreciated.
May 1, 2023 • 5 tweets • 2 min read
1. Osimhen
2. Ramos

3. Tammy
4. Højlund

Would be my priority order.

Issues with rest:
Kane - Age, wage, fee, profile
David - Ceiling, profile
Vlahovic - Ceiling, traits
Gimenez - Ceiling, traits
Kolo Muani - Traits, fee
Sesko - RBL-bound

In given list. There are other 9s obv Just to clarify the words used
Profile - Fitment (in terms of where they play, how they move & how they fit with what we have)
Ceiling - Potential in terms of room to grow & height they can reach
Traits - Attributes they may lack that we badly need

Think fee, age, wage are obv.