Countless pundits have offered an opinion on why Manchester United have performed so sluggishly this season – the common responses are that the system doesn’t suit the players or The Premier League. The players aren’t good enough. Not enough width. Too Many centre forwards etc.
There is perhaps modicum of truth in all of these criticisms. But, for us, the biggest problem is that Manchester United have lost their sense of daring. They don’t pass the ball forward enough.
Perhaps this is an indictment of LvG’s possession-based style – better to pass the ball sideways or backwards than lose possession.
And we have seen it so many times. The short forward pass is on – a pass which will slice open, or at least wrong foot, the opposition. But, time and again, Manchester United opt for the safe pass.
The Premier League is all about pace. Things need to be done quickly and the best teams pull opponents out of shape. They wrong foot them constantly with quick, penetrative and forward passing – getting the ball from back to front on the ground in 2 or 3 excellent passes.
But Manchester United just aren’t doing it enough. They no longer scare the opposition because they just stroke the ball around in front of their opponents and allow them to get back into shape every time United have the ball. It’s so ineffective and so boring to watch.
But, for all his arguable foibles, Ander Herrera is one player who refuses to do it. Sure, there is the odd backwards pass. But he loves receiving the ball and then passing it ‘around the corner’ – i.e. passing forwards.
We have berated him, at times, for losing the ball. But he more than makes up for that by speeding up the play and attempting to unsettle the opponent. He reminds us a little of David Silva in as much as he is constantly prodding for weakness in the opposition back line.
Considering their current form, Manchester Untied find themselves in a fantastic position right now. They are third in the league and have a realistic chance of silverware in the cup.
But, if they don’t make some changes, this season is going to get away from them, just like last.
Great coaches chop and change until they find the winning formula. Surely now it’s time to give Herrera a chance to liven up this dormant midfield?
Manchester United fans: time for Herrera to start?
francis nganga
Feb 13, 2015 at 4:02 am
yaaaah it is time 4 herrera 2 start and control our midfield.i dont see the reason as to why van gaal should go for strootman and yet he has to make use of herrera well.