Ruben Amorim’s Tactical Adjustments Transform Noussair Mazraoui into a Key Offensive Weapon for Manchester United in Match Against Arsenal
RUBEN AMORIM has gained a new attacking option thanks to a productive “adjustment” in his Manchester United formation during their match against Arsenal.
The Red Devils played to a 1-1 draw with their North London rivals last Sunday at Old Trafford.
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Despite this, Amorim voiced his disappointment over the inability of his team to claim full victory, a feat denied by Declan Rice’s stunning goal in the second half.
On the positive side, he can take comfort in the extra attacking prowess that defender Noussair Mazraoui exhibited down the right side.
In the latest edition of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our tactics analyst DEAN SCOGGINS explores how the Moroccan demonstrated his potential as a flexible offensive asset while partnering with Alejandro Garnacho.
Here are four insights from Dean related to Mazraoui’s performance in the tie…
1) Connection with Garnacho
Garnacho is building trust through his faith in Mazraoui’s decisions, knowing that he can pass the ball when required without compromising his own position.
This also enables Garnacho to initiate counterattacks when United regains possession.
We observed this play out three or four times as Garnacho ventured to the right in the first half.
At halftime, Amorim made subtle but effective modifications, moving Garnacho wide right to allow him to advance along the flank while Mazraoui occupied the inside channel.
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The performance would have satisfied Ruben Amorim, but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to conceal the deeper issues at Manchester United.
With protests against the ownership ongoing at Old Trafford, the players stepped up, showing that there is still some life in a club that fans claim is undergoing a “slow death.”
Both teams faced challenges in crafting clear chances during the first 45 minutes, continuing their struggles to score.
A stroke of brilliance was essential, and, as expected, Fernandes delivered.
Despite Arsenal’s robust defense, Fernandes showcased the power, bend, and accuracy to outsmart David Raya with a well-placed free-kick, even though the wall was set back 11.2 yards instead of the standard ten.
Post-halftime, Mikel Arteta’s side emerged aggressively, employing a makeshift No.9, leading to a fabulous strike from Declan Rice to level the score.
United managed to contain the threat while remaining a danger on the counter, but had to settle for just one point despite a significantly better performance.
Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn assessed the performances of the United players.
2) Generating Issues
Mazraoui often found himself unmarked, taking up positions similar to a number ten, a striker, and a right winger.
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He consistently presented problems, creating the ideal scenario for Amorim—[Diogo] Dalot, one wing-back, delivering crosses to Mazraoui, the other wing-back.
[The] save by David Raya should have likely clinched the match for United, especially as they were potent on the counterattack during the second half.
United’s defense was solid without the ball. The interplay between Mazraoui and Garnacho, paired with their understanding of each other’s movements, posed real challenges for Arsenal on the flanks.
3) Internal and External Threats
Absolutely, [this is the Mazraoui Manchester United expected].
It’s noteworthy that Mazraoui met Amorim’s expectations in this aspect.
Amorim is juggling multiple responsibilities as they navigate through these matches.
They defended valiantly against Liverpool, Man City, and Arsenal in the FA Cup.
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