The Trafford Hub
@TheTraffordHub
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The hub of everything regarding #mufc — analysis made accessible for everyone. For any enquiries, please contact the below email.
ENQ: [email protected]
Joined July 2024
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Pinned Tweet
‘The Trafford Hub’ — what are we & how do we differentiate from your average Manchester United account?
🔴⚪️⚫️
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🧪 Manchester United’s LCM Dynamics: Kobbie Mainoo & Mason Mount.
With K. Mainoo & M. Mount,
#mufc
have LCM depth for most clubs to be envious of. Whilst in some aspects they share qualities, they also have distinct attributes that differentiate them.
[Written by
@EthanTaIks
]
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5K
Tactical Analysis — 3-4-3 Diamond. 💎
Evidently,
#mufc
must evolve. FA Cup victory aside, Erik ten Hag's men appeared largely disjointed last season. However, with new additions and a healthy squad, the implementation of a 3-4-3 💎 may be the solution.
[Written by
@lebzygold
]
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179
3K
🔍 Player Analysis — Sékou Koné.
The standout of Mali’s U17 World Cup side, Sékou Koné, has joined
#mufc
. Scalability to a top side is always a key issue for young players, but Koné has a skillset that appears to translate well to the elite level.
[Written by
@EthanTaIks
]
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138
2K
🔍 Player Analysis — Matthijs de Ligt.
Being tutored in the Johan Cruyff school of thought in Amsterdam, learning the art of catenaccio in Turin & a baptism into intensity in Munich moulded De Ligt for Manchester, but who exactly is
#mufc
’s new signing?
[Written by
@EthanTaIks
]
9
110
2K
🇳🇱 Matthijs de Ligt is a 24 y/o that brings experience equivalent to someone five years his senior, can play both LCB + RCB, is a decent progressor, an aerial presence in BOTH boxes & a top dueller.
Whilst there is injury & mobility concerns, for £38M, the deal is hard to fault.
4
38
896
🔍 Player Analysis — Manuel Ugarte.
In a world of hyperbole and exaggeration, a chord of objectivity needs to be struck. This thread aims to make sense of Manuel Ugarte by providing a synthesis of pros & cons, for you to formulate your own judgement.
[written by
@EthanTaIks
]
26
88
526
Manchester United’s Club Culture: ‘Best in Class’.
The idea of ‘Best in Class’ has been a core principle of the INEOS regime at Manchester United. Therefore, the elevation of the club’s culture to ‘Best in Class’ should come as no surprise.
[Written by
@alextalksall
]
5
41
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🇺🇾 Manuel Ugarte Pros & Cons.
+ High defensive volume.
+ Activity off-ball aids the counterpress and allows United to play higher up the pitch.
+ Good ball carrier.
+ Retentive.
+ Robust frame & long legs help efficiency in ground duels.
4
43
446
Matthijs de Ligt’s first training video is a showcase of his invaluable mental profile & leadership characteristics;
— Backline leader (organiser of the line).
— Excellent communicator & fluent in four languages (🇳🇱, 🏴, 🇩🇪 + 🇮🇹)
— Extremely vocal.
It is impossible to talk about De Ligt & ignore his invaluable mental + leadership qualities.
I’ve used words such as “self-assured” and “spirited” to describe him throughout this thread, & noted his communication & organisational skills — facets that form his mental profile.
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The Wan Bissaka sale is necessary. For where Erik ten Hag wants to take the team, the backline must consistently break lines, and the FBs must be willing + capable final 1/3 runners.
Regardless, we will miss seeing him lock down the best wingers.
Best of luck at West Ham. 🕷️
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🔍 Player Analysis - Toby Collyer.
The next Academy graduate like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo?
[🎥:
@alextalksall
]
12
57
409
♻️ MAN UTD’s EMPHASIS ON POSSESSION
Man Utd’s signings, as well as the players they have targeted this summer, point towards Erik ten Hag wanting his team to become more possession-dominant.
This thread explores how the new & potential signings help this.
[Written by
@IanM1st
]
3
42
350
📊 Manchester United vs Fulham: Statistical Performances.
A thread of every player who featured vs Fulham & how they performed, as per the data.
3
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346
He could quite easily leave for a hefty wage in Saudi Arabia or to a top European club that is immediately competitive both domestically & continentally.
He chose Manchester United, he chose trying to elevate us to past glory. We should all be appreciative of that.
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314
💭 How would you feel if Manchester United ended the window with these 5️⃣ new additions…
🇳🇱 Joshua Zirkzee (£36.5M)
🇫🇷 Leny Yoro (£42M)
🇳🇱 Matthijs de Ligt (£38M)
🇲🇦 Noussair Mazraoui (£12.7M)
🇺🇾 Manuel Ugarte (loan w/ obligation to buy)
9
18
293
🔍 Player Analysis — Amad Diallo.
Everyone knows Amad is a fantastic talent, but what does his future development entail? In this thread, I make the argument that he has more upside as a goalscoring talent than as a creative force.
[Written by
@EthanTaIks
]
13
43
278
💭 Post-match review
#MUNFUL
;
— The first half showed encouraging signs for the new 4-2-4 out of possession shape. The triggers to press well-drilled, spaces closed & passing lanes cut very well.
— Noussair Mazraoui had an excellent debut. Like Dalot, he backed up the press…
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An extraordinary professional, an ambassador for Manchester United’s ethos and one of our own — Scott McTominay.
Thanks for the memories & good luck in Naples, Scott! 🔴
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Reported interest in all of Scott McTominay, Victor Lindelöf & Christian Eriksen is good news.
INEOS are operating on a “sell to buy” basis because of clear financial restrictions & the need to avoid a bloated squad.
Hopefully, at least two out & two in before the window ends.
4
15
241
“I am what I call a false striker. Not a
#9
, not a
#10
. I am a
#9
.5! That's my game. Maybe I'm a little different than others.” — Joshua Zirkzee.
Explaining the ‘
#9
.5,’ Zirkzee’s pertinence towards the role, his qualities & possible dynamics at Man Utd.
[Written by
@EthanTaIks
]
2
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236
🔍 Player Analysis — Noussair Mazraoui
Manchester United want to sign Noussair Mazraoui this summer.
In this thread, Mazraoui’s strengths and weaknesses will be analysed to determine whether or not he’s a good fit for Erik ten Hag’s side.
[Written by
@NoahPiltie
]
3
25
235
🏴 Congratulations to Carrington graduate Angel Gomes on his first call-up to the senior England men’s national team.
Once a red, always a red. 🔴
2
13
237
OFFICIAL: Aaron Wan-Bissaka has left Manchester United to join West Ham for £15M after five years at the club.
Best of luck at West Ham, Aaron! 🕷️
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22 years of affiliation with Manchester United. 7 years for the senior team. 255 appearances. 29 goals. Many great moments.
One of our own, Scott McTominay — best of luck in your next chapter, Scott. ❤️
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🔍 Tactical Analysis — Manchester United’s build-up structure.
Build-up has been a constant issue since Erik ten Hag was appointed as United boss. In this thread, Ten Hag’s build-up structure will be analysed and solutions to issues will be presented.
[Written by
@NoahPiltie
]
3
37
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Manchester United have gold-dust in Kobbie Mainoo, but to preserve longevity & ensure his development is smooth, they have to avoid the mistake of overplaying him.
If the injury issues are behind him, expect Mason Mount to feature prominently throughout the course of the season.
2
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220
💭 Post-match review
#BRIMUN
;
— United should be frustrated to not come away with three points in the game, but only have their defending of space in the box to blame. On both goals, there is failure to check over the shoulder, a lack of awareness.
2
20
218
🧬 FORWARD ATTACKING DYNAMICS:
Going into 24/25 Man Utd have improved their depth in forward areas, but balance will be key if Man Utd want to rectify their poor goalscoring from last season.
[written by
@IanM1st
]
10
28
216
💰Noussair Mazraoui & Matthijs de Ligt are 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀.
For an inexpensive package deal, you get players that provide a substantial quality upgrade to the squad. Two players with the attributes to support the complexion of midfield Erik ten Hag wants.
💭 In his final season at Ajax, Erik ten Hag used a midfield three consisting of:
• Edson Alvarez = destroyer.
• Ryan Gravenberch = ball carrier.
• Steven Berghuis = creator.
All signals indicate this is the complexion of midfield he wants to build at Manchester United. 👇
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💭 I see Matthijs de Ligt as the immediate Raphaël Varane replacement:
— Top box defending.
— Backline leaders.
— Aerial presence.
— Elite duelling.
Perhaps MDL is less mobile BUT an upgrade in age profile, ball progression & as a bonus can play either LCB or RCB comfortably…
3
15
215
🇩🇰 Manchester United-bound Chido Obi-Martin…
— Large physical presence, especially in comparison to age mates.
— Strong back-to-goal play.
— Instinctive goalscorer; poacher off-ball movement.
— Good control over his frame.
— Impactful in tight spaces.
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27
213
🔍 Player Analysis — David Hancko.
Having already brought Leny Yoro into the club, Man Utd are in the market for a new defender. It is thought they want to add a left-sided centre-back, to add depth in an area where they only have Lisandro Martinez.
[Written by
@Joe_Nuttall9
]
7
32
211
Man Utd goal vs Arsenal analysis.
— United use 2-4 build-up structure.
— H. Maguire LCB, L. Yoro RCB; M. Rashford wide left, H. Amass left pivot, Casemiro right pivot, A. Wan-Bissaka wide right.
— Pivot staggered to aid progression (more angles + potential build-up patterns).
1
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209
🚨 Manchester United have agreed deals for both Matthijs de Ligt & Noussair Mazraoui, per
@David_Ornstein
.
£51.4M up front for BOTH players with a possible £8.4 add-ons; Mazraoui incoming contingent on Aaron-Wan Bissaka exit, deal agreed with West Ham.
How is everyone feeling?
12
14
198
💭 In his final season at Ajax, Erik ten Hag used a midfield three consisting of:
• Edson Alvarez = destroyer.
• Ryan Gravenberch = ball carrier.
• Steven Berghuis = creator.
All signals indicate this is the complexion of midfield he wants to build at Manchester United. 👇
5
22
199
Kobbie Mainoo: the boy wonder, the brightest light to shine out of Carrington in a long time, the prodigal son of Old Trafford.
& Mason Mount, less glamorous to some, because of the circumstances surrounding his transfer to United — but if fit, is a major cast in INEOS’ rebuild.
2
4
193
📊 Manuel Ugarte was in the 𝟗𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 for tackles & interceptions vs midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues in 23/24, per
@fbref
.
2
17
190
A deep dive into Ruud van Nistelrooy’s tactical set-up at PSV Eindhoven.
As Erik ten Hag’s new assistant, Van Nistelrooy will have influence on how Manchester United play. It is therefore useful to understand how he likes his teams to play.
[Written by
@NoahPiltie
]
4
34
187
📊 In the first two games of the PL season, Kobbie Mainoo has contested 41 duels (35 ground, 6 aerial), winning 51%.
Two key takeaways;
• Increase in duelling efficiency, indicating an improvement on this front.
• High volume of duels = excessive defensive workload.
3
11
183
🚨
#mufc
’s Transfer Window!
INS:
🇳🇱 Joshua Zirkzee (£36M)
🇫🇷 Leny Yoro (£52M)
🇳🇱 Matthijs de Ligt (£38M)
🇲🇦 Noussair Mazraoui (£12.6M)
🇲🇱 Sékou Koné (£1M)
🇺🇾 Manuel Ugarte (£42M)
🇩🇰 Chido Obi-Martin (free)*
2
11
173
If Lisandro Martínez is your FB w/o the ⚽️, there is no doubt that when United have the ⚽️, he should be aiding United’s build-up in the 1st line. He has been too close to the touchline or in midfield on occasions here when we are desperately missing reliable deep progression.
5
11
170
Bruno Fernandes is United until 2027.
INEOS have retained an undeniable world class creator, someone who ensures leadership in a vital transition phase for the club, and a player — despite misconceptions — who will only improve as the playing environment becomes more controlled.
1
21
165
If fit, one of the best full backs in the league.
In possession, no questions. Can break lines with both feet, slick in the dribble, borderline impossible to press. Impressed off the ball most today. Intense backing of the press, won his duels, able to go touch-tight to his man.
2
12
159
Both Mainoo & Mount are ‘connectors’ (players that progress the ball btwn. the lines).
Mainoo is an all-phase connector. He connects play in deep + advanced areas. Mastery of the ‘stiff arm’ when receiving, top spatial awareness & ability to shuffle to provide the pass option.
1
7
158
MATCHDAY! 🔴⚪️⚫️
Manchester United kick off their pre-season tour of the United States at the SoFi Stadium against Arsenal.
Who are you hoping to see start? Leave your score predictions in the comments below. 👇
5
11
159
Per
@FabrizioRomano
, Man Utd have agreed personal terms with Noussair Mazraoui…
On the ⚽️, you will do well to find many right backs more effective than Mazraoui: purposeful actions (excellent progressor via both pass + carry), can play on both feet, slick dribbler.
(1/4)
2
14
158
Commanding, authoritative, imperious: three words to describe Harry Maguire’s performance last night.
Won every duel, helped United push up the pitch, added a much needed presence into the backline. The aspect in his game of least concern is off the ball.
Outstanding.
1
8
146
🔬Breaking down Alejandro Garnacho’s goal vs Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Small thread.
1
10
145
Manchester United’s midfield has plenty of revamping to be undertaken yet, but one position in which United can count upon as competitive at the elite level is their LCM options (barring fitness concerns).
With Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount, United have two valuable skillsets.
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142
Expect to see this ‘up-back-through’ pattern with Zirkzee often this season.
Creates +1 in midfield —> takes DEF with him, creating space in behind —> receives ⚽️ back-to-goal —> lays ⚽️ back to a teammate who can play a vertical ball into the space created.
Block manipulation.
A pattern observed posing potential threat since shift to current setup.
MF dragging RB/RCB deep with enticing closed orientation then lay off to 6 facing play who'll find 1 of the split strikers diagonal run to exploit space with ball over the top.
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0
10
142
Joshua Zirkzee’s signing has gone under the radar comparatively to other business we have done in the window so far.
But make no mistake, this is a significant addition for our attacking dynamics. The outball, the enabler, the back-to-goal player United were missing.
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8
140
Mount, on the other hand, is a different type of connector. He is an exclusively middle to final third connector.
Why? Mount is much more skilled at finding pockets of space in advanced areas, between the opposition DEF + MDF lines.
Both connectors, but 🤏 differentiations.
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138
📊 Joshua Zirkzee Statistical Profile (Bologna, 23/24).
— Highly involved with play.
— Facilitator-first CF.
— Effective presser in the first line.
— Better progressive passer than carrier.
— Very good dribbler.
— Does not have much of a box presence.
— Not an aerial threat.
1
13
133
👁️ Opposition Analysis — Fulham
The weekly opposition analysis for the Premier League and FA Cup, by
@restdefence__
.
Today, we take a look at Fulham, the opposition to start United’s Premier League campaign. 🧵
[Written by
@restdefence__
]
3
15
129
💭 Post-match review
#MUNLIV
;
— Individual errors cost United once more; against a team like Liverpool, you simply cannot keep giving the ball away when passing out.
— Although we have seen improvement from the structure out of possession, it has a LONG way to go…
1
12
125
🔴⚪️⚫️ OFFICIAL!
Sékou Koné (2006) joins
#mufc
from Guidars FC. The 18 year old will initially be supported by the Academy to settle into life at Manchester United.
3
8
121
Erik ten Hag will argue that injuries prevented him from deploying his desired style of play, but the performances last season were extremely worrying regardless. Offensively and defensively, United were poor throughout the season and these struggles didn't exist independently.
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This would also allow for the maximisation of Joshua Zirkzee's qualities and the utilisation of his best traits as a false 9 / deep-lying forward, further unlocking the wide players, particular those who like to drift centrally for runs in behind the defence i.e. Marcus Rashford.
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3
116
Lisandro Martínez making reads in the game. 🧠
In his first 1v1 vs Adama, he got too tight to him, Adama burst past him and got the better of him.
This time, he gives him a few yards, drops off, engages at the right time & wins the ball.
1
9
113
…Mount/Mainoo/Fernandes would be occupying.
Below is one such example of Kobbie Mainoo receiving a reverse pass from Diogo Dalot in the space between the Fulham winger and the FB.
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5
112
🔴⚪️⚫️ FT:
#mufc
1-0 Fulham.
Manchester United open the Premier League with a win against Fulham thanks to a late winner from debutant Joshua Zirkzee. An encouraging first half followed by a flat second half, lifted by the elation of Zirkzee’s deft touch into the far corner.
1
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112
💨 Winds of Change Maybe Blowing For United And Erik Ten Hag: Arsenal vs. Manchester United, A Review.
[Written by
@UdaySharma19910
]
2
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109
That does not mean Mount is totally ineffective in deeper areas, though.
Like Kobbie, he is a good straight line carrier to help United quickly turn the ball over and has a decent expansiveness in his passing.
But regardless, it should be a last resort to play him deeper.
1
5
109
That being said, as far as Mount is concerned, this is the extent of his on-ball influence in the final third.
He has been falsely attached to a label that he is supposed to be a creator, someone to unlock a defence — this is simply not his game.
Mount is a final third runner.
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4
107
🔴⚪️⚫️ HT:
#mufc
0-0 Fulham.
An overall encouraging half, despite a poor start. The 4-2-4 press looks tight, pressing triggers embedded & a good intensity & intent. Increased efficiency can be achieved with greater sharpness (it is only MD1 after all) and personnel improvement.
1
8
107
🫠 Mason Mount will be out for a few weeks with a hamstring issue.
The next games will be a test of just how much work has been done over the summer to rectify the OOP approach from last season: will it still be reliant on having the top 1% of ground coverers being in the XI?
1
4
106
Mainoo’s influence in the final third is different. Mainoo is not a runner, nor is he an advanced creator. He is a solution-creator, and combines both individualism and his associative play to find solutions.
A la Wolves (A) last season, he can take 2/3 players out of…
2
5
104
MATCHDAY! 🔴⚪️⚫️
Manchester United kick off their Premier League campaign at Old Trafford against Fulham, as Erik ten Hag’s men aim for the perfect start.
Will we see any of the new arrivals feature? Let us know your predictions & starting XI below. 👇
3
10
100
Opposition Analysis — Liverpool
The weekly opposition analysis for the Premier League and FA Cup.
Up next is Liverpool. The North West Derby. Arguably the biggest home game of the season, and with it, the chance to establish much needed momentum.
[Written by
@restdefence__
]
1
11
100
Both are capable of affecting the game in advanced areas. They are small space navigators, and Kobbie in particular, an expert solution-creator.
We saw glimpses of this vs Fulham, with N. Mazraoui & D. Dalot playing reverse passes into the pockets where one of…
1
5
99
Mount’s most noteworthy quality in the final third is his ability to attack space: arriving late, providing [decoy] runs for teammates or offering a cutback option.
An advanced creator actively seeks to be the primary ball handler in the final third — Mount does not.
2
4
99
📊 Manchester United vs Brighton: Statistical Performances.
A thread of every player who featured vs Brighton & how they performed, as per the data.
1
6
99
One of the accusations against Manuel Ugarte is that he is unsuitable to be a lone
#6
because he has a poor positional sense.
This is untrue. Whilst he is [over]eager to engage in duels, & is naturally drawn to the ⚽️, there is evidence of him being able to sit at the MDF base.
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96
I hope reading this was useful in understanding both Mount & Mainoo’s profiles and how they are both of high importance to the squad.
Please let me know your thoughts, and if you agree/disagree with anything raised.
Thank you for reading! 🫡❤️
2
5
98
📰 Matchday Preview — Manchester United vs Manchester City.
Erik Ten Hag Faces A Dance With His Destiny As The 2024 Community Shield Fixture Marks The Beginning Of United’s Third Competitive Season Under The Dutchman: My Perspective.
[Written by
@UdaySharma19910
]
5
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98
Ugarte’s best football came under Rúben Amorim at Sporting.
He was used ahead of a flat back three, next to a midfield partner that would sit next to him in settled periods off the ball & on the ball in build-up, but he was tasked with anchoring when Sporting had the ball high.
1
2
96
The best way to summarise Matthijs de Ligt is that he is a defender’s defender. He loves defending, celebrating the small victories such as a recovery tackle or winning a duel.
Spirited defending, in the best of ways; a fever that becomes infectious amongst his fellow teammates.
1
1
96
It's important to understand that solidifying United's offensive shape will lead to defensive improvements too. Rest defence has been a significant problem during Ten Hag's first two seasons, but especially last season. A more cohesive shape and counter-press is essential.
1
3
92
Koné impressively reacts to loose + second balls; he sweeps up nicely.
He has an excellent engine to cover big spaces, long strides, a distinctive intensity in his running & follow-through in the duel, aiding his ball winning ability.
A defender of both small and big spaces.
1
2
114
At Sporting, he was often tasked with being the single pivot player in a 3-1-6 rest defence shape — sound familiar?
My concerns over Ugarte as a single pivot player would not be his positional sense, but more so his aggressive, front-footed tendencies + on-ball instincts.
1
4
92
But these concerns would be more alarming and notable if he was signed for £50, £70 or £100 million — but he wasn’t.
The price & quality combination appears synonymous with value for money, so let’s hope De Ligt indeed proves to be value for money.
Thank you all for reading! ❤️
2
1
88
As talented as Kobbie is, he does need his minutes managing. To preserve his longevity, preserve his athletic attributes, he cannot be starting 50/60 games a season at the age of just 19.
We have seen the impact it has had on other young players physically, i.e Pedri.
1
5
88
🔴⚪️⚫️ Manchester United lineup vs Arsenal!
24 — André ONANA
29 — Aaron Wan-Bissaka
5 — Harry MAGUIRE
15 — Leny YORO
41 — Harry AMASS
18 — CASEMIRO (C)
41 — Toby COLLYER
7 — Mason MOUNT
16 — AMAD
9 — Rasmus HØJLUND
10 — Marcus RASHFORD
1
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86
🔴⚪️⚫️ FT:
#mufc
1-2 Arsenal.
Manchester Utd fall to defeat in opening pre-season game of their United States tour, with Leny Yoro & Rasmus Højlund suffering potential injury scares…
…but a penalty shootout will follow regardless of the result.
Thoughts on the performance?
7
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Off the ball, Mount is second to none. An undeniable tenacity and energy that makes him incredibly valuable to Manchester United out of possession.
Not just energetic, but an intelligent presser too, understanding the triggers of when to press, when to hold fire.
1
4
85
If Mount can stay fit across the course of the season, do not be surprised if he takes a significant amount of minutes at LCM.
It should not warrant any outrage, it should instead warrant praise that we are handling our prized possession in Kobbie with such a degree of care.
1
7
85
🔴⚪️⚫️ Man City win the Community Shield 7-6 on penalties.
Unlucky lads, positives to take into the season & things to learn. Onto Friday against Fulham!
0
2
83
I do believe Ugarte does have an unfair reputation about what he offers in possession, though. He is unspectacular, but efficient in retaining & circulating.
If surrounded with technicians, which United have plenty of in their ranks, his lack of progressiveness CAN be offset.
1
5
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For a United team that last season in Mount’s absence that struggled to win duels & 2nd balls across the pitch, his fitness is key.
VS Fulham, he headed an aggressive 4-2-4 press alongside B. Fernandes, which settled into a 4-4-2 block when Fulham advanced into the United half.
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…the game & slot it into the far corner.
Alternatively, he can use his high cognitive + tech levels to manipulate a 2v2/3v3 situation to unlock a defence.
…or utilise another one of the many other solutions in his arsenal.
High level solution-creator = difference maker.
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Linked to Manchester United, many opinions have been floating around regarding Manuel Ugarte.
Some view it as a shrewd market opportunity, harping back to his Sporting days; others perceive him as someone who does not suffice as a lone
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or Kobbie Mainoo’s midfield partner.
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This can be similarly implemented with Manchester United, with the likes of Yoro, Shaw and the aforementioned Martínez being the main sources of build-up.
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Under the microscope…🔬
Name — Sékou Koné.
Height — 5’11*.
Position — DM/CM.
Nationality — 🇲🇱.
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