[MyOnlySolskjaer]

Had a tough start adjusting but he’s getting better each game under Amorim.

 

[Fobal]

The higher we push, the bigger the gaps in behind him.

And the player covering on the inside is even slower (Maguire).

I really like him as a footballer. He showed his class on the ball tonight. But he really shone consistently on and off the ball in his first season because we played a low, compact, block, and he had players either side of him.

All his defending was on the front foot in front of him.

Against the really good sides I still think he gets exposed in this system, when he is turned around. Those wide CBs need pace to cover the channels. Otherwise you end up with the flat back 5 we’ve been seeing.

If only big boy Luke wasnt made of glass. He is made for that role.

Yet in most of the finals and against big teams he has been among the best or plain MOTM and not few times even giving his contribution in the other end to win or tie a complicated match.

I understand that it's a concern, but it's not because he is going to lack becasue of him and his atributes or lack of them, even if some players can be faster and such.
He played three men defense with Argentina, but the NT it's a lot tighter, with a better and active keepper in his domain and very agressive, clever and good with ball mids and defenders in general that try to avoid gaps the whole time.
Man Utd has exposed his defenders time and again in situations that it doesn't matter if the player involved is fecking Maldini, that's an issue Man Utd has to solve and right now it's a team with too many holes everywhere and quite a stubborn coach.

 

[Irwin99]

Even without the assist I thought his passing was very good. Quality pass for the winning goal.

I do wonder if we had another RCB that could pass like that or bring the ball out more from the back then the formation wouldn’t get on people’s nerves so much, as well as obviously the attacking wingbacks. It really is about the personnel.

 

[youngrell]

Has such good technical ability I think we take it for granted, his first touch is world class and his passing is nearly always on point, never seems flustered on the ball either.

 

[massey]

Actually think he would be a decent midfielder if needed has great passing,movement and a decent shot at times.

 

[Red00012]

Actually think he would be a decent midfielder if needed has great passing,movement and a decent shot at times.

I don’t think he would be mobile enough to get around the pitch if he was a midfielder

 

[Red & White]

Superb ball in for the winning goal. He does have that in his locker. Definitely been a bit more like his old self the last few games.

 

[massey]

I don’t think he would be mobile enough to get around the pitch if he was a midfielder

Possibly fair enough.

 

[BorisManUtd]

Brilliant assist to Bruno.

 

[Valencia Shin Crosses]

I’m so tired of having players like him that have absolute elite qualities but HUGE drawbacks that basically mean they’ll never be a top level starter.

Like if he was just an average sized CB he’d be unbelievable. But instead he’s a midget that struggles with athleticism but gets by because he’s also a fecking magician on the ball. So frustrating.

 

[Fobal]

Like I've said before, he must demand more balls in attack and arrive by surprise, he has a real mean shot in him and it's extremely composed to not be rushed when comes to try to score. I get it that United is fragile as a team, yet he must get more comitted in attack.

 

[Fobal]

I’m so tired of having players like him that have absolute elite qualities but HUGE drawbacks that basically mean they’ll never be a top level starter.

Like if he was just an average sized CB he’d be unbelievable. But instead he’s a midget that struggles with athleticism but gets by because he’s also a fecking magician on the ball. So frustrating.

He doesn't have huge drawbacks if he plays in a proper fecking team that plays as that. I'm off, I can't deal with this forum at times haha.

 

[Valencia Shin Crosses]

He doesn't have huge drawbacks if he plays in a proper fecking team that plays as that. I'm off, I can't deal with this forum at times haha.

Sorry mate, a 5’8 aerially challenged CB that also can’t defend wide spaces very well is a drawback. I know he’s your countryman but it’s just the truth.

 

[harms]

Settle in into the system and give us 10 assists next season please. With better strikers I actually don't think that it's that unrealistic (albeit still unlikely).

 

[Pav1878]

I think we should go for Diomande from Sporting to be the commanding CB next to Licha and he can play a bit as well.

 

[Borussia Teeth]

Even without the assist I thought his passing was very good. Quality pass for the winning goal.

I do wonder if we had another RCB that could pass like that or bring the ball out more from the back then the formation wouldn’t get on people’s nerves so much, as well as obviously the attacking wingbacks. It really is about the personnel.

Mazroui

 

[Irwin99]

Mazroui

Actually yeah, he is very good at bringing the ball forward when I’ve seen him in that role. Curious to see if Dalot could play that role too if we had proper wingbacks.

At any rate, this system does help if you have a defender that can produce the type of passes we’re seeing from Martinez.

 

[Fobal]

Sorry mate, a 5’8 aerially challenged CB that also can’t defend wide spaces very well is a drawback. I know he’s your countryman but it’s just the truth.

Nah, it doesn't matter it's Argie, I hate so many argie players...in fact I swap him for that cancer of Rojo tomorrow.
It's that it isn't a huge drawback when you are as intelligent and comitted as this lad and has so many other top atributes to compensate his lack of height.

The main problem for United since time it's that it's build on every line on players that have a certain style that is far from composed and tactically clever, yet that's subject for another thread.
So when the lines are far from tight, worse in a new system, the players involve will suffer (leaving aside their individual talent). Yet Lisandro doesn't have huge drawbacks to be a Top player bar two things: his very recurrent injuries in these last two years keeping him away from his best form and his overconfidence in certain situations, that can be properly silly as hell, worse if not properly fit.
Yet Licha has the right attitude and level of skills a huge club and a traditional NT needs. Regardless if sometimes, like anyone, would fvck it up.

 

[Borussia Teeth]

Actually yeah, he is very good at bringing the ball forward when I’ve seen him in that role. Curious to see if Dalot could play that role too if we had proper wingbacks.

At any rate, this system does help if you have a defender that can produce the type of passes we’re seeing from Martinez.

I agree. Dalot or Maz at rcb and some proper wingbacks and we'll start to see the fruits of this system

 

[Fobal]

The ball to Amad deserved a better finish



For me United must find the Cuti Romero/Varane to pair with him. It's not Harry, he doesn't get along with him in terms of partnership as they should. Others might preffer otherwise, to keep Harry and let Licha go.
Dunno if De Light and the very young Yoro is that player, time will tell.

Also the team needs someone to keep Bruno on check and with a more compose playmaker style on him, this releases Bruno to become a free and incisive box to box "8". Some legs to help the Ugarte in turn to not get bullied in the mid would be handy too.
Upfront Man Utd must invest ASAP, with proven GOALS, not promises and wait to see how Garnacho, Amad, Mainoo (end maybe even Rasmus if he feels less pressure to deliver asap) developes in such enviroment

 

[Shaw's Shank Redemption]

I remember him playing fullback for Ajax and i honestly wouldnt mind seeing him at LWB a bit like Mazroui.

Martinez's crossing is great.

Move Dalot to RWB to give pace and play Mazroui back at RCB if needed and play Martinez at LWB.

Doubt it will happen but i dont really see why not, as he has mazroui like pace.

Mazroui-De Ligt-Yoro
Dalot-CM-CM-Martinez

​

 

[FrankWhite]

I remember him playing fullback for Ajax and i honestly wouldnt mind seeing him at LWB a bit like Mazroui.

Martinez's crossing is great.

Move Dalot to RWB to give pace and play Mazroui back at RCB if needed and play Martinez at LWB.

Doubt it will happen but i dont really see why not, as he has mazroui like pace.

Mazroui-De Ligt-Yoro
Dalot-CM-CM-Martinez

​

He lacks the requisite athleticism.

 

[Insanity]

I usually hate it when it's mentioned that player X cannot shine without player Y next to him, but this guy's quality on the ball is undoubted and wants me to make an exception. I feel he can be useful if we surround him with a strong & powerful CCB and a quality LWB.

 

[Desert Eagle]

Nah, it doesn't matter it's Argie, I hate so many argie players...in fact I swap him for that cancer of Rojo tomorrow.
It's that it isn't a huge drawback when you are as intelligent and comitted as this lad and has so many other top atributes to compensate his lack of height.

The main problem for United since time it's that it's build on every line on players that have a certain style that is far from composed and tactically clever, yet that's subject for another thread.
So when the lines are far from tight, worse in a new system, the players involve will suffer (leaving aside their individual talent). Yet Lisandro doesn't have huge drawbacks to be a Top player bar two things: his very recurrent injuries in these last two years keeping him away from his best form and his overconfidence in certain situations, that can be properly silly as hell, worse if not properly fit.
Yet Licha has the right attitude and level of skills a huge club and a traditional NT needs. Regardless if sometimes, like anyone, would fvck it up.

He has those winner traits like you mention, the correct mentality and application on and off the pitch. He has football IQ and technique so it's a shame that he lacks the physical traits (height, pace). Good to see his form pick up recently, especially his quality on the ball and ability to break lines with his passing.

 

[spe88]

Some moments of brilliance like the assist, but frustrated the hell out of me last night. Kept turning back inside when the wing back was in acres of space. Never once got his head up and looked like he didn’t know where to pass next.

 

[Cabin Clown]

Why not give this guy a run in midfield? He's one of our most creatively competent players and he's pretty quick. Push Mazraoui further back and start Amad as RWB. Allows Garnacho to start as one of the 10's.

 

[Ekeke]

Our 2nd or 3rd best creative passer after Bruno and Eriksen. Good shot as well

 

[Cutch]

Have mentioned it before but can we use him as a DM to spray those passes?

No, for the 2 x CM under Amorim you need to be able to cover serious ground and quickly. Even Mainoo is struggling a bit. Martinez would be an absoute liability similar to Casemiro in there

 

[Ekeke]

I’m so tired of having players like him that have absolute elite qualities but HUGE drawbacks that basically mean they’ll never be a top level starter.

Like if he was just an average sized CB he’d be unbelievable. But instead he’s a midget that struggles with athleticism but gets by because he’s also a fecking magician on the ball. So frustrating.

Its not true though

He has the 6th most interceptions per 90 mins of any CB in the premier league this season playing at least 9 matches. How do you intercept? You position yourself well and read the game well.

He also makes our 2nd most tackles at CB after Yoro, 1.9 for Lisandro and 2.2 for Yoro

On the floor Lisandro is a very good ball winning CB. So even if he wasnt great with the ball he'd still be a good CB other than dealing with crosses.

 

[Mike Smalling]

I really like him. Love it when he gets involved offensively with deep passes, crosses and long range efforts. On a good spell of form at the moment.

 

[tomaldinho1]

Actually think he would be a decent midfielder if needed has great passing,movement and a decent shot at times.

Not dynamic enough and why anyway?

3 at the back allows the RCB and LCB to advance much higher if we can just keep the ball. He steps into midfield he's basicaly there anyway.

What we really need to stop relying on that side to create and break lines - almost every time we did something good it came from him zipping balls into Dalot, Garnacho or Eriksen. Once Maguire came on he was able to reach Zirkzee a few times. Amad needs better service, he only really gets long balls now and then or has to make something himself. That's one of the reasons I think Maz might be interesting short term at RCB, he's not an expansive long passer but his touch is great and he plays clever passes.

 

[tenpoless]

Since we play with 3 CBs his weaknesses should be covered by the others. I don't think that's impossible...

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Not dynamic enough and why anyway?

3 at the back allows the RCB and LCB to advance much higher if we can just keep the ball. He steps into midfield he's basicaly there anyway.

What we really need to stop relying on that side to create and break lines - almost every time we did something good it came from him zipping balls into Dalot, Garnacho or Eriksen. Once Maguire came on he was able to reach Zirkzee a few times. Amad needs better service, he only really gets long balls now and then or has to make something himself. That's one of the reasons I think Maz might be interesting short term at RCB, he's not an expansive long passer but his touch is great and he plays clever passes.

Yeah, agree with all of this. Yoro has shown glimpses of smart, vertical passing between the lines though. With both feet. He’s just not playing with any confidence at the moment though. Still shook by the Southampton game.

 

[#07]

I really liked what I saw from Licha yesterday.

Amorim's approach really needs ball carrying and/or progression from the centre backs. With the way we set up one of them is often the spare man. So you really need them to step up and break the lines. From the time Licha stung Butland's hands in the first half, you could tell he was up for the responsibility of the role.

Long may it continue because its badly needed.



PS) Fabulous assist.

 

[Fobal]

Some moments of brilliance like the assist, but frustrated the hell out of me last night. Kept turning back inside when the wing back was in acres of space. Never once got his head up and looked like he didn’t know where to pass next.

I agree that in general he has to attack more, given his traits, yet maybe it was just a sensation? United it's quite fragil, he can risk it every ball like it happened to Collier after De Light's pass when surrounded.
Watch the highlight vid above, he made tons of of forward passes, he even advance in space, he should have arrive more to the rivals area like in that great shot.

 

[massey]

Not dynamic enough and why anyway?

3 at the back allows the RCB and LCB to advance much higher if we can just keep the ball. He steps into midfield he's basicaly there anyway.

What we really need to stop relying on that side to create and break lines - almost every time we did something good it came from him zipping balls into Dalot, Garnacho or Eriksen. Once Maguire came on he was able to reach Zirkzee a few times. Amad needs better service, he only really gets long balls now and then or has to make something himself. That's one of the reasons I think Maz might be interesting short term at RCB, he's not an expansive long passer but his touch is great and he plays clever passes.

Yeah I agree with you not saying i'd want him in there just that he's the kind of defender that wouldn't be so bad in that position with his skillset being able to turn players and good passing range etc as was evidenced in his assist last night. Him being able to bring the ball out in such ways from defence is definitely an asset in this formation and also agree on the lcb and rcb have to be progressive as having too many out and out defenders does stifle play from deep.

 

[tomaldinho1]

Yeah, agree with all of this. Yoro has shown glimpses of smart, vertical passing between the lines though. With both feet. He’s just not playing with any confidence at the moment though. Still shook by the Southampton game.

Yeah his first game I thought his passing looked great, then it just disappeared once the confidence went. That kind of position where Martinez had his shot from then got the assist from you can have someone like Eriksen dropping into on the right, which he has done before under ETH, but I would rather we find a RCB who can whip a ball in and is rapid to allow a bit of cover.

 

[tomaldinho1]

Yeah I agree with you not saying i'd want him in there just that he's the kind of defender that wouldn't be so bad in that position with his skillset being able to turn players and good passing range etc as was evidenced in his assist last night. Him being able to bring the ball out in such ways from defence is definitely an asset in this formation and also agree on the lcb and rcb have to be progressive as having too many out and out defenders does stifle play from deep.

I think if he's played in the DM he wouldn't get as much space, that is one of the benefits of the 3 at the back in that it's hard to actually cover off the wider CBs without leaving a gap somewhere. I think he'd be dribbled past very often as well.

I quite like the idea of the 3 at the back if you can have someone like Martinez on the right as well (ideally much faster), it allows for 2 x Ugarte style grafters in the CM and naturally becomes attacking as you get your wider CBs on the ball more to create and pin your opponent back. Also just having a left footed LWB, as much as malacia is quite a standard player, was very helpful in my opinion.

 

[Red00012]

I remember him playing fullback for Ajax and i honestly wouldnt mind seeing him at LWB a bit like Mazroui.

Martinez's crossing is great.

Move Dalot to RWB to give pace and play Mazroui back at RCB if needed and play Martinez at LWB.

Doubt it will happen but i dont really see why not, as he has mazroui like pace.

Mazroui-De Ligt-Yoro
Dalot-CM-CM-Martinez

​

He’s not mobile enough to play at WB as well as not having enough pace . He’s actually the opposite of what Amorim is trying to do at WB to be honest

 

[Fobal]

He has those winner traits like you mention, the correct mentality and application on and off the pitch. He has football IQ and technique so it's a shame that he lacks the physical traits (height, pace). Good to see his form pick up recently, especially his quality on the ball and ability to break lines with his passing.

He lacks height indeed, yet not entirely pace. He ain't the fastest dude around, he is not a snail either, he has his acceleration and speed in him, even with the ball at his feet. In this last aspect he went into space with the ball at his feet a few times leaving some players behind, he has to do it more thougth.
Luke was mentioned sometimes here, yes he is faster, really fast, but many forget that he received the Trent/Walker treatment when being a left back because of gifting his back time and again and no pace will help you if most of times you gift that space and the team itself itsn't tight enough between its lines.
More than pace, for any defender in this system, this team needs "partners" all over the pitch. If the backs aren't there or need help, the DM/pivot inmediatly must get his arse into our area yet he more than probably be tired running like the energizer rabbit because we have no real control of the mid many times.
If there is a dead ball situation, our forwards must learn how to get their man and at least bother, if we advance from the back, our lines must be close, not with huge gaps, if the rival moves the ball from the back, they must be press. With United rivals arrive to our backline almost fresh not few times, they don't go throught a mine field like any team with this system (or any system for the matter) must create in order to defend better as a team. As extraordinary any Baresi, Maldini or any traditional Italian or even defensive alike Argie side, you have to go throught Stalingrad to face the back four, you'll arrive there without a limb.
United needs better understanding between players, between lines, be tighter. You'll always face some ocasion where you'll get exposed with three backline, no matter having Bolt in the back three.

His height bothers more in dead ball situations, there is his worse drawback regarding his physique but like any team, the bigger dudes and specialists are the one that has to take task of going after such situations and more than going to the ball, going to the man targeted, not loosing him.
That is the usual issue in United and with a keeper in Onana that doesn't want, nor like to command his area, that it's a BIG ISSUE.
Also sometimes the nitpicking with every player it's kind of over the top, at some point the rival will win those balls, it's also the ability of the rivals what makes them connect and score, there is no team even with the taller dudes that always wins in his area, or at crosses so it has become a bit silly at times.

Anyway till United does not solve its issue between lines, find the 11 usual suspects creating couples all over the pitch, till we don't score more (that gives confidence, that doesn't make every ball the last one), till the ball doesn't go forwrad and comes back faster than a tennis practice front, our mids, defenders, we'll have to deal with too many edgy situations that at some point will make them comitt some silly mistake. Even because of being tired, or caught out of position because of some pinball situation where United hadn't even try to control the ball properly to find a better path to attack or simply hold it, manage the tempo, reset.