Manchester United’s defence has been leaky this season so far, with a worrying trend being spotted in the goals conceded. To delve deeper into the issue, we spoke exclusively with FIFA analyst Nick Pasquet.
Nick Pasquet is a Football Analyst from FIFA and believes the reason Manchester United are conceding too many goals is due to “effort levels” in midfield which leaves the defence over exposed.
Off the ball, Manchester United have had major issues. These can be seen in their defensive record so far this season, conceding 10 goals in five Premier League games and 14 in all competitions. It is an awful record for a club of United’s standing, especially considering the investment in the backline in recent seasons.
The last three games have seen the issues multiplied in fans eyes, with consecutive losses seeing three goals shipped twice, and four conceded once. This has led many to point toward goalkeeper Andre Onana and question his ability, however, he is the least of Manchester United’s concerns.
Instead, the issue may stem from midfield, with sloppy play leading to scenarios where it is too easy for the opposition to grab an easy goal.
Pasquet notes: “Too many times the ball is turned over and the midfield should be busting a gut to get back and they’re just not. It’s difficult for the centre-backs to step out in these positions, but there’s no defensive midfield cover.”
The persistent issue which has now cost United four goals
Manchester United have been leaking goals at an alarming rate this season, far removed from the form which led to David de Gea win the golden glove last season. We mention De Gea, as he was carried to that award by resounding defensive work and a strong system, something which Onana isn’t being afforded.
Erik ten Hag has seen his side now concede four goals in the last three games which are effectively carbon copies of each other. Against both Brighton and Bayern, goals included a pulled-back pass to find an opposition attacker in acres of space, leaving the goalkeeper zero chance.
The fact that the Red Devils have conceded this kind of goal on multiple occasions signifies it isn’t luck, a one-off, or due to remarkable football by the opposition.
Instead, it is due to the personnel currently starting games at Old Trafford. Pasquet says, “For me, it’s mostly to do with player effort levels in midfield.
“Even the fourth goal for Bayern last night as well. McTominay had just been brought on and didn’t bother properly pressing the passer. It’s mentality and desire to recover in my opinion.”
The four goals have all came from the same situation, with the midfield nowhere to be seen, which has led many to begin considering whether Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are up to scratch anymore.
“I think both Casemiro and Eriksen have lost a yard of pace. For a lot of these I’d expect Casemiro to be covering there, but equally I’d also expect other players to react to the space left unguarded better, and there doesn’t seem to be that desire from anyone to do so.”
How Ten Hag can solve this issue
The issue, while troubling, is one which does seem to have quite a clear and obvious fix. Both Casemiro and recently Eriksen struggle to retain possession in the build-up and often are at fault for losing the ball.
Eriksen lost possession 10 times while Casemiro lost it seven times, both unacceptable numbers for players whose job will have been to retain possession. However the real issue comes when they aren’t on the ball.
The Bayern Munich defeat was a wake-up call for everyone to the issues the midfield pivot present. They just seem to have no interest in winning the ball back and are invisible when opposition are transitioning.
Casemiro was dribbled past five times, Eriksen twice as the Bayern midfielders had a field day in the middle. This lack of interest translates to their work rate in getting back also. This is the issue that’s cost us goals, with neither being in a position to mark the player waiting for the cut-back when they should be.
The fix, comes with a simple personnel change, two players who have the legs to track-back defensively but also, are safe in possession as to avoid being targeted in transition therefore avoiding the situation entirely.
Kobbie Mainoo and/or Sofyan Amrabat are the players who can help solve this crisis for Manchester United. In addition to providing fresh energy, one or both of these midfielders in the deep pivot would greatly improve our mobility and on ball security.
It would therefore seem that Eriksen’s days are numbered as a regular starter, with Casemiro needing to raise his game too.
