Our exclusive Everton vs Manchester United Tactical Review analyses how Ole Gunnar Solsjker came out victorious against Ancelotti tactically. the Red Devils visited Goodison Park in search of reviving their position in the League Table. Everton has started very well this season under Carlo Ancelotti and they are currently in the top 6 of the league table. Manchester United, on the other hand, had a disappointing start and they are desperate to get back on track. Ole Gunner Solsjker has a huge pressure in his head as the recent performance of his side was not up to the mark. Despite, Everton starting well in this match it was United who flashed the last smile by winning 3-1. Here is our exclusive Everton vs Manchester United Tactical Review.
Everton vs Manchester United Tactical Review: Lineups
Everton
Everton lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. They looked to maintain their system during the buildup phase. When attacking, Digne overlapped on the left side of the pitch while Allan or Sigurdsson dropped to cover the spaces. Without possession, it became 4-5-1 with only Calvert Lewin staying upfront.
Manchester United
Manchester United lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. They maintained their shape while building up. During the attack, Luke Shaw was overlapping on the left flank. Without possession, they remained in a 4-4-2 shape, without pressing high.
Everton vs Manchester United Tactical Review: Buildup
Everton
Everton has always looked to use long balls as their main source of buildup. They used Calvert Lewin as a target man. He was attracting the centre back while receiving the ball. This created a void in defence and Bernat was utilizing the space. This created the only goal for Everton. Doucoure, Allan, or Sigurdsson was moving in the attack to receive the second balls. United adopted to this system quickly. They used both of their pivots, Mc Tominay and Fred who were contesting for the second ball. Bernard’s runs were checked by Aaron Wan Bissaka who was guarding the space left by Lindelof.
Everton also used both the flanks to attack in intervals. On the left side, Digne was overlapping to provide the extra man advantage. His combination with Bernad created many chances for Everton. Sometimes Bernard was dropping in the half-space and cutting in centrally, providing space for Digne to overlap and whip in a cross or Bernad to create something through the centre. Sometimes Digne moved centrally and positioned himself almost as a second striker while Bernad was staying wide. This combination often allowed attacks past Wan Bissaka and gave Everton the first goal of the match.
On the right, James was staying wide while Doucoure was moving up in the half-space. They created some chances by playing between themselves and interchanging positions. As Luke Shaw kept contributing to the attack on the left which allowed Everton some spaces on the right too. But credits goes to the United defence and Everton’s wasteful forwards which saw the number of goals not increasing past 1.
Manchester United
Manchester United started in a defensive shape, but with time, they gained control of the match. Their main man of attack was Bruno Fernandes who not only scored two goals but initiated most of the movements for Manchester United. United mainly focused on the left side of the pitch to attack. Luke Shaw was often overlapping from that side providing space inside for Rashford, Bruno, and Martial. He assisted the first goal which was a cross’s from the left side. Bruno was often moving on the left half-space for exchanging passes with the likes of Rashford and Shaw. He mainly played as a hook to connect the attacks by dropping in the half-spaces or moving upfront.
The right side was calm comparatively as Mata was moving in centrally to operate in Zone 14 while Bruno was moving in the left half-space. Bruno’s movements also allowed Rashford to play freely. He was either staying wide to create a 1v1 with Seamus Coleman or moving in centrally beside Martial. So the diamond of Bruno, Rashford, Mata, and Martial was the key behind the United goals. Martial was using his physicality to create some spaces in the centre and attract defenders while Bruno or Rashford were positioning themselves in front of the goal.
Conclusion
On paper, both the teams were equally matched for each other. But in the match, Everton was off-colour owing to their forwards who kept only one of their 7 shots on target. United on the other hand was very direct. They utilized the chances they got and came out victorious. That sums up our Everton vs Manchester United Tactical Review. This win will give some fresh air in the United dressing room going into the international break, but they need to win their upcoming matches to improve their position in the league table.
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