I have seen all our games on MUTV and then later replays of all the highlights.
Our first half against Spurs was ok. They are a very good team. Our game plan worked as expected the first 30 minutes and overall we looked solid. We started with a intensive high press but the longer we played the easier Spurs could move the ball around. That’s something the management should be worried about.
We still have work to do regarding playing compact when we press high up in the pitch. Several times a few players hesitated to push forward when our offensive line started to harass the ball holder. Pereira is ok with ball to his feet but his weakness is to be part of a midfield unit when we defend. Pogba is a bit sloppy in defense and sometimes he overdo things, small errors that can cost us easy goals if we’re unlucky.
Mason Greenwood is a huge talent but atm he isn’t totally ready to be a starter against the better teams. Let him slot in gradually with sub appearances and maybe a few games her and there. No rush.
If there is any conclusions to draw from the first half is that we have a bunch of good players but there are still big holes to fill. Smalling and Rojo did ok but they shouldn’t be our starters if we aspire to be in top four. Tuanzebe is talented but he isn’t anywhere near the quality we need. I think it’s clear as daylight that we ASAP need to upgrade our CB position with Maguire.
We also need at new dm.
In the second half Matic was our biggest disappointment. Slow, flat footed and clumsy. We can play McTominay in that position but it would be a huge gamble. I can’t see us being successful in the long run with the midfield we have now. With both Herrera and Fellaini gone we are short of quality and this lack of quality will bite us hard if Pogba gets injured or must be rested.
Our starting line up against the better teams should be a 433 formation.
DDG
AWB/Lindelöf/New CB(Maguire)/Shaw
McTominay/New DM/ Pogba
Rashford/Martial/James
The front three can change positions during the game so it’s not set in stone who’s the top forward. But these three have acceleration, speed and goal scoring ability’s to put any team on their back foots. With Lingard and Greenwood as primary back ups I think we're covered up front in a 433 formation.
I’m not sure about our 4231 formation against better teams. Pogba and McTominay isn’t mobile and fast enough in tight areas to form a optimal double pivot against the top teams. Pereira should be a squad player, not a starter. If our intentions next season is to try to buy Sancho then we should go all in on defensive midfielder. If we believe in Sean Longstaff then the answer is clear.
Another problem is Lukaku, Sanchez and Mata. If we have a reasonable offer then sell Lukaku, if possible send Sánchez on loan and let Mata be a domestic cup player. That’s his level atm. Keeping Lukaku is short sighted. His value will decrease if he can’t be a regular starter, his style doesn’t suite Ole’s set up. Easy decision in my eyes.
Ole’s new style needs forwards with energy, speed and technical ability. That’s the perspective we should have when we scout new players for coming seasons. Our midfield needs a deep lying playmaker to complement McT and PP. Lindelöf needs a partner who’s technical, strong and a beast in the air. How hard can it be?
Last thing. Ole needs to be more distinct in his actions. I’m old school so I don’t like the soft approach he’s representing. Maybe I’m grumpy but I want him to man up a little bit, be more General and less Lieutenant so to speak.