Pogba speaks out, but exactly how do United attack, attack, attack?
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Barely a week goes by without some form of controversy emanating from Manchester United.
This time it surrounds Paul Pogba and his apparent criticism of the club’s style of play.
The Frenchman spoke about how when United are at home they should, “attack, attack, attack”, and how at Old Trafford, “teams are scared when they see Man United attacking and attacking.”
We’ve looked at how they go about doing just that…
More positive and more ruthless
United teams of old were renowned for growing into the game and getting things done in the second-half. Under Mourinho that isn’t happening.
The Red Devils’ last nine Premier League matches have produced just 10 goals for the hosts. Of those, only three have come after the half-time break.
Mourinho needs to put more of an emphasis on his side going after teams in the second-half.
He shouldn’t be setting up in such a defensive manner at home to inferior sides. Fred or Marouane Fellaini can sit effectively on their own against weaker opponents.
Leaving one out creates space for someone to come in and link-up between midfield and attack.
In essence, it’s down to Mourinho to set them up in a more positive fashion.
Time to drop Sanchez?
United’s listless home displays can also be put down to a lack of fluidity going forward.
Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez and one other – either Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard or Anthony Martial – play as individuals rather than a unit.
None of the quintet have overly impressed of late. But it’s Sanchez who is living on borrowed time the most.
The Chilean has scored twice in 17 Premier League appearances and contributed just four assists since moving from Arsenal in January.
His possession statistics make for even more worrying reading.
Sanchez has the third-lowest pass success rate at United this season – behind only David De Gea and Romelu Lukaku.
A player of quality is always going to lose the ball while attempting to make things happen. At the moment that wastefulness is not being offset. It is costing Mourinho’s men dearly.
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