Sorry for long post (I had only 3 left for today)
I think you make some interesting conclusions. I agree with you about the observations: we do pass the ball to feet more often than not and at times we play pretty slowly. You question the basic technical abilities of the players, I think, this is a valid thought however I don't think, I would follow this conclusion. I mean we have pretty good players and that level of technical ability should be there by the end of your "football education". In the 1st 5min of yesterdays game we had a few one-touch exchanges that almost baffled me. So the ability is there but the players don't apply them on a regular level. Be that because of instruction or doubts in their own abilities.
My conclusion is, that this is more down to our tries of playing just by improvising. I mean improvising as an opposite to a more refined and structured systematic way. I think, if players know where their team mates are (or supposed to be) than they will also be able to play the ball more into space, which then will increase the speed of our play which will then make it way harder to defend against us which then will lead to more mistakes by defenders which then will lead to more goal scoring opportunities.... Man, what a sentence... I swear it makes total sense in my head
What we seemingly do is (it is also mentioned in the Athletic article above) is to rely on improvisation which is also absolutely legitimate, but you need players with good abilities, on the same wavelength and in no bad form as well. Thats why it is susceptible. Thats not saying that a systematic approach has no disadvantages, it does but in my book these isses would be luxury items in comparison with the issues now.
About Fergie and his tactics. I have no real grip on the days before 2007 but from what I recall these where the early days of websites like zonal-marking and spielverlagerung. The conclusion back then was, that SAF strength were motivation, man-management, management of the team during the playing season and in-game adjustments. He was not faulty tactically but it wasn't one of his strongest suits. But he was very aware of that and introduced co-trainer like Queiroz or Meulenstein to address that. There is a very interesting interview with Rene here /watch?v=5Q8xcay0uPw (youtube link, not allowed to put the actual link here) - I thought it was pretty interesting to listen to.
I would agree if you say that most of the players we deploy on the wing are not suited to playing wide. Except for James I feel they are way more inclined to go to the middle and try to score themselves. Which is somewhat fine as long as the team does not lose its width.
This width is the answer to your question in my point of view. Back in the days it was the wingers who provided that, then Fullbacks and Wingbacks got that job while the wingers went inverted to attack the box. In the end it does not really matter, who is there but without width, you make the pitch smaller which will
a) make it easier to play quick passes but
b) it requires your players to be technically more sound and
c)also defenders can stay closer together which makes it easier to stay in shape.
Start of the year we weren't really using the pitch at all, everything was cloughed up in the left "Halbraum" or channel. It was pretty recognisable on the average positions (I use the app Sofascore for that). As of now, AWB starts to become a little more comfortable on the ball so he can provide more of an outlet on the right.
The latest trend in football seems to be using inverted fullbacks, where they do not engage high up the pitch but roam into the centre to bolster the midfield while the nominal midfielders join the attack. Pep is doing that to make more use of Gundogan and De Bruynes goal scoring abilities. Flick also uses Kimmich like that. It seems like Ole is going down the same route with Shaw lately. And if he orientates more to the center, Rashford is required to stay more wide. I think Rashford is quite capable of doing that, Martial and Greenwood however are not very suited for it so lets see how this pans out.
I don't know what the stance is here about Statman-Dave but I think what he describes is pretty plausible. At least what he identified as issues have been identified in other places as well.
Here is the video watch?v=NTtCAj0Lqyo (not allowed to post links)
I see your concerns but I don't see the obvious alternative right now plus I have no trust in Woodward to make a better manager choice this time all of a sudden.
Maybe at one point when we know more about Murtough I will feel more safe but right now I don't think, the chance of getting rid going well are higher than going bad. I mean Ole isn't the sole reason of our issues, results wise we are at least stable and all players he brought in will be of use for the next manager as well. Stabilizing us in this position isn't the worst thing in the world - as long as this doesn't lead to a situation where we (i.e. the club) stop keeping our eyes open for promising candidates. Maybe the introduction of another co-trainer is an option, it certainly woud be a less invasive approach.