5 issues Amorim must address before FA Cup clash with Arsenal
Manchester United lost their first game under manager Ruben Amorim with a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Red Devils have now lost their last four Premier League games against the Gunners.
They will face them in the FA Cup third round at the Emirates on January 11 before the return Premier League fixture at Old Trafford on March 8.
Here are five things Amorim must change ahead of the FA Cup clash with Mikel Arteta’s side.
Fix the build-up
United played into Arsenal’s hands by having Harry Maguire drift into the midfield to build up from the back yesterday.
The English centre-back is not comfortable receiving the ball under pressure. He fared better when he pushed wide of the defence with Bruno Fernandes stepping in front of the defensive line.
The Red Devils were able to progress the ball better when Fernandes came to assist in the build-up, and that should be the same approach next month,
Alternatively, United can have one of Lisandro Martinez or Noussair Mazraoui drift into midfield during the build-up.
This will allow Fernandes to push into attacking areas where he can have more impact.
Use the width better
With Fernandes playing as a deep-lying midfielder in the build-up, United were able to cope with the Gunners’ press.
What was missing was the ability to progress the ball into the dangerous areas.
With Arsenal defending more centrally with 4-4-2, United should have stretched them by using the wing-backs to create goalscoring opportunities.
United were impotent in attack and must improve in this area.
Amorim needs to know his best XI
The Portuguese manager made several changes, which proved costly.
In-form Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford should have started, and it was no surprise that United looked better with their introduction.
Before the next meeting with the Gunners, Amorim should have settled on his best team.
Dealing with set-pieces
It is no news that Arsenal are the most dangerous team from set-pieces in the Premier League.
In dealing with Arsenal’s set-pieces, the man-marking approach should be adopted. It is more effective than zonal marking when facing the Gunners.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana should also not hesitate to come out to claim crosses. He could have prevented the second goal if he had come out to challenge for the corner.
United need to show more ambition
The players need to show more attacking intent.
The Gunners are in a much better place, but the Red Devils can still hurt them with the current set of players.
United looked timid in yesterday’s fixture, which must change in the next meeting.
Stats from xG Philosophy, 11vs11.com.
Article written by Henry Thornton .