Redguern
Full Member
Since the Chelsea win, a lot of poster are (fairly) pointing out that getting the first goal allowed us to play on the counter, which suits the style of play that Ole is developing.
Before the Rashford penalty, we certainly couldn't say we were dominant but playing on the break, with Pogba quarter-backing, the pace and directness of Martial and Rashford was a real threat and their final product also very encouraging.
The note of caution everyone seems to raise is that we won't always have the luxury of playing on the counter, with many teams in the Prem likely to be content to sit back against us in a 'low block'. The worry seems to be that we lack the creativity to break the deadlock in such matches. This in turn can lead to us becoming increasingly vulnerable ourselves on the break as we press forward ever more aggressively in search of a goal.
We all recognise how valuable Harry Maguire's natural defensive ability and ball distribution from the back should be to a team that demonstrated weakness in both areas last season. However, I believe that big Harry will also add an offensive dimension sorely lacking in this team too - a set piece threat. The following stats are taken from a recent BBC Sport piece on the Maguire transfer:
Since 2016 he has directly contributed to 13 goals for Leicester - seven goals and six assists. Of the players below, only Sergio Ramos (17) has managed more.
Goals, assists and total since 2016-17
Maguire G7 A6 T13
Van Dijk G5 A2 T7
Laporte G5 A4 T9
Ramos G17 A2 T19
Koulibaly G9 A3 T12
Hummels G3 A3 T6
Kompany G5 A1 T6
Pique G8 A2 T10
De Ligt G8 A3 T11
Considering Harry's performances are at Leicester, who are hardly likely to be creating as many set-piece opportunities as Real, Barca, Bayern, Liverpool or City, his offensive stats look even more impressive.
If we can make the most of his undoubted prowess in this department then the 'parked the bus' scenario should present much less of a problem than many fear. Harry Maguire could make the difference at both ends of the pitch this season for United. If he does and this translates to significantly more points won in the league then his transfer fee of £80m will start to look a lot more reasonable!
Before the Rashford penalty, we certainly couldn't say we were dominant but playing on the break, with Pogba quarter-backing, the pace and directness of Martial and Rashford was a real threat and their final product also very encouraging.
The note of caution everyone seems to raise is that we won't always have the luxury of playing on the counter, with many teams in the Prem likely to be content to sit back against us in a 'low block'. The worry seems to be that we lack the creativity to break the deadlock in such matches. This in turn can lead to us becoming increasingly vulnerable ourselves on the break as we press forward ever more aggressively in search of a goal.
We all recognise how valuable Harry Maguire's natural defensive ability and ball distribution from the back should be to a team that demonstrated weakness in both areas last season. However, I believe that big Harry will also add an offensive dimension sorely lacking in this team too - a set piece threat. The following stats are taken from a recent BBC Sport piece on the Maguire transfer:
Since 2016 he has directly contributed to 13 goals for Leicester - seven goals and six assists. Of the players below, only Sergio Ramos (17) has managed more.
Goals, assists and total since 2016-17
Maguire G7 A6 T13
Van Dijk G5 A2 T7
Laporte G5 A4 T9
Ramos G17 A2 T19
Koulibaly G9 A3 T12
Hummels G3 A3 T6
Kompany G5 A1 T6
Pique G8 A2 T10
De Ligt G8 A3 T11
Considering Harry's performances are at Leicester, who are hardly likely to be creating as many set-piece opportunities as Real, Barca, Bayern, Liverpool or City, his offensive stats look even more impressive.
If we can make the most of his undoubted prowess in this department then the 'parked the bus' scenario should present much less of a problem than many fear. Harry Maguire could make the difference at both ends of the pitch this season for United. If he does and this translates to significantly more points won in the league then his transfer fee of £80m will start to look a lot more reasonable!