Manchester United beat Sabah 4-0 at Old Trafford to restore momentum ahead of the Manchester Derby on the weekend.
The Red Devils were in desperate need not only of a result, but also a strong performance. Three first-half goals plus a number of other opportunities certainly did the work.
Matheus Cunha got things started in the 27th minute, completing a Patrick Dorgu cross. Youri Tielemans then played a beautiful and smart pass into Bruno Fernandes’ path, who put it past Stas Pokatilov. Benjamin Sesko scored for the second consecutive game after rounding the keeper.
Things cooled off in the second half, but Lisandro Martinez somehow found his way into the scoresheet from a set piece.
How did Manchester United pull Sabah apart?
Left flank leads the way
Manchester United started the game off constantly looking for Bryan Mbeumo’s runs down the right-hand side. Noussair Mazraoui also got involved as an inverted right-back, and even had a hand in each of their first four shots of the game.
But the focus quickly shifted to the left flank, where Patrick Dorgu sat stretching the pitch in an advanced role – despite starting as left-back. This pushed Matheus Cunha out of the left wing and into a second striker kind of role, roaming around that side.
Uncoincidentally, this was the very combination that led to the Red Devils’ first goal. The Dane picked out a cross that found the Brazilian completely unmarked crashing the six-yard box.
The second goal also originated from a left-sided combination between the pair. This time, while Dorgu overlapped, Cunha went inside and found Tielemans running from behind. The Belgian turned and served Bruno Fernandes who tapped it home.
Manchester United attempted 13 shots in the first half, 11 of which were assisted. Of those 11, a whopping six were created in the left third.
That side was also responsible for a big chunk of United’s defensive work. Michael Carrick’s man-to-man press worked a number of times as they were able to turn Sabah over in the attacking half.19 times to be exact – 13 of which came in the left corridor.
Manchester United’s ‘push and pull’ tactical strategy
Another interesting common theme throughout Manchester United’s win was how they somewhat manipulated Sabah’s man-oriented marking.
Carrick had Kobbie Mainoo, Tielemans and Bruno often playing in close proximity in the centre of the pitch, exchanging short passes between each other. This would collapse the opposing defenders, bringing them together in the same tight spaces.
Only then would they stretch the pitch – either to the sides, finding wide men isolated, or looking for runners in behind.
It was a nice mix of styles and an effective way of creating openings in Sabah’s defence. But to be fair, the Azerbaijanis sat relatively high given the context – away game against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
This offered the Red Devils all the space they usually want to get their game going. The gaps also started to appear even more as United’s lead grew.
Off the hook?
Manchester United played a solid game overall and deserved the win. But, just like it happened against Ipswich, opponent’s mistakes paved the way for them to either open the scoring or seal the deal.
Marcelino Nunez’s slip got them back into the game that day, while a Jacob Greaves own goal turned things around and a penalty essentially won them the game. Bruno Fernandes later completed his hat-trick.
Tonight, they were playing better from the start and had even done enough to deserve the lead. But one misplayed pass by Kaheem Parris in what could have been a dangerous fast break gave Man United the ball in the lead-up to Cunha’s opener.
Less than 10 minutes later, one lapse in concentration from Bruno gave Sabah a counter attack down the middle that ended with Joy Mickels missing a clear-cut goalscoring opportunity at the back post following a cross. Could – and should – have been the equaliser.
If lower-level sides play the Red Devils in a more cautious approach, making fewer mistakes and offering less space in behind, they could face more difficulties. Great result and good performance from Michael Carrick’s men, but with plenty of room for improvement still.