The international break is finally coming to an end and its time to find ways to be optimistic yet again for a United victory this weekend. A flattering 4-0 win against Chelsea remains United’s only win in their last nine league matches going back to the end of last season. This is certainly a concerning stat considering Leicester walk into Old Trafford in relatively better form.
Ole favours 4-2-3-1 with possession based football and this turns into a 3-5-2 in attack providing more width and creating more opportunities. However converting those chances is something that the Red Devils will look to improve especially Rashford and Martial. Speaking of chances, Paul Pogba appears to have been assigned a new deeper role. This takes him off the radar when in attack as he was always the easy target. In this disguise, the sporadic frenchman has managed to create 11 chances already, second most in the league just behind de Bruyne. Quite impressive that. Daniel James has been a bright spot and has the chance to become only the second player to score in his first three PL home games for United. He will be key as the only in form attacker on show this Saturday.
The style of play has been encouraging to watch as Ole looks to imprint on this very young side but translating the performances into results is the need of the hour. The partnership of Lindelof and Maguire looks more solid on paper than it appears on be on field. Wan Bissaka has made 26 tackles at a maddening average of 6.5 per game which speaks volumes about his ability but also suggests that more defensive cover is to be provided. Him also pushing forward as the major point of attack on the right indicates why United need a traditional RW. One can only hope the rumours about Sancho are true.
In his press conference, the manager did reaffirm faith in de Gea and expressed his wish for the Spaniard to retire at Old Trafford. James received huge praise for his ability and work ethic from the manager, both of which will be needed with the likes of Pogba and Martial confirmed out of Leicester’s clash. They have been key players in the team and the make shift tactics from the manager will be interesting to note. Ole also expressed his satisfaction in acquiring the services of Maguire and reiterated his leadership qualities and a role in building a future at Manchester United.
It will be interesting to see what United have learnt from their last three games especially the disappointing loss to Palace.They need to be more confident in possession and patient in the final third. Given the talent and ability, the goals will come. Also with the likes of tall players like Maguire, Pogba, Lindelof, it remains a mystery how United haven’t yet found a way to pose more threat from corners and free kicks.
Leicester remain one of the only three teams that are yet to be beaten with their best performance yet coming against Bournemouth. They do have the opportunity to make it 5 unbeaten only for the second time since 15/16. The appointment of Brendan Rodgers has transformed their style of play pos- itively with them scoring second most goals since February only behind Liv- erpool. Vardy seems to be back in his usual goal scoring form and with the creativity of Maddison and Tielemans, they look a well settled side. They also seem to have found a direct replace- ment to Maguire in Söyüncü who’s had a very steady start. It is Leicester who come into this match in the better form as United continue to struggle and Rodgers will certainly hope to come away with at least a point if not more.
Ole didn’t have the greatest smile as he provided updates on the fitness with only AWB and Lingard having any chance of returning this weekend. Dalot, Shaw and Bailly however still remain out. It will be key to note which youngsters (Greenwood, Chong, Garner, Gomes) he’s looking to bring into this game if any and when the likes of Fred, Matic will be brought in as well. The fans will be hoping that his remark about the possibility of average age in the lineup going up rather than down was just a quip. The youth are worth giving a go considering United’s paper thin attacking options and the lack of incision in recent games. Ole will have to be spot on with his team selection and tactics as fans expect to see a bold United playing on the front foot at Old Trafford. With key men missing, it’s a job not many would envy not having right now.
Four out of the next five matches for United are at home and it is yet another opportunity to bring back the fear fac- tor to Old Trafford with Arsenal visiting soon. A clean sheet would be gold to start things off. With the other top 6 barring Chelsea having relatively easier fixtures this weekend, it’s very impor – tant to deliver a statement filled per- formance and not fall behind the lead- ers than we already have.