Manchester United host Chelsea off the back of Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy's first win at the helm. The Red Devils' win over Leicester City in midweek has put a spring in the steps of a group of players that appeared downtrodden in Erik ten Hag's last game in charge. van Nistelrooy will be well aware of the threat Enzo Maresca's Chelsea possesses and will need to be at his best tactically to come away with a good result on Sunday (3rd of November). Now, Let's talk tact
How Maresca Sets His Chelsea Side Up
In Build Up, Maresca likes his side playing out from the back and bypassing the opposition press. Chelsea’s 4-2-3-1 shape morphs into a 3-2-2-3 shape that prioritizes midfield overloads. One of the fullbacks inverts into midfield, pushing one of the two holding midfielders (often Enzo) higher up the pitch alongside the Number 10. This creates a square in the midfield between the two holding midfielders (inclusive of the inverted fullback) and attacking midfielders, which in turn helps Chelsea play smoother combination football and counter-press more effectively once the ball is lost. The Inverted fullback is a major part of Maresca’s system, the Italian Manager explained this in a “Coache’s Voice” Interview during his spell with Leicester. Maresca looks to have his sides create chances by controlling the game, this is what his philosophy is centered around; control. The midfield overloads provide them with an extra man oftentimes in prime position to receive the ball and attack the opposition. If the Opposition decides to go man for man this also suits Maresca’s side. The wingers and striker are in turn left 1v1 against their men, opening up gaps in the opposition back line due to one of their Central defenders stepping out. The Chelsea wingers like Madueke and Jadon Sancho are particularly good in 1v1 situations, making good use of their close control and skills to beat defenders.
In defense, Enzo Maresca wants to maintain the 3-2-2-3 shape his side uses to dominate sides. The fullback remains inverted, helping the team apply immediate pressure on the ball once it has been lost. The midfield 4 are vital in this pressing trigger. Their close proximity allows them to be quick and aggressive with the counter-pressing. If the counter-press is played through, the fullback retreats into the back line turning it back into a 4. Once this happens, Maresca wants his side to defend in a low block, minimizing the spaces in between the line
What To Expect From Ruud van Nistelrooy
Ruud van Nistelrooy got off to a flying start in his first game as Manchester United’s interim boss. The former PSV manager put out a slightly altered lineup in terms of personnel whilst staying true to the style of play that lured him to Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag. He fielded a 4-2-3-1 with the overlapping fullback highlighted in this article about Ruud’s tactical setup being deployed on the right-hand side in Dalot as against the left-hand side. Dalot played on the right with Rashford, who as expected, inverted to create space for Dalot to operate in. At left fullback, van Nistelrooy chose to start Lisandro Martinez who acted as a sort of ‘inverted fullback’ by staying deep with the two Central Defenders. Ruud also started two traditional holding midfielders in Casemiro and Ugarte, something he prefers to do as seen in his time at PSV. Casemiro acted as the box-to-box midfielder out of the pair, even scoring two goals on the night. Ugarte on the other hand was the destroyer, constantly looking to sniff out opposition attacks and kill counterattacks. He’s expected to replicate the game plan that saw The Red Devils put 5 against fellow Premier League side Leicester in the League Cup, however, he may need to make smart tactical solutions if he is to keep up with a Chelsea side that has impressed under the tutelage on Enzo Maresca.
Key Battles
- How United will deal with Chelsea’s midfield overloads: Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side invert fullbacks to overload the midfield and give them a spare man. The box formed by the two holding midfielders (inclusive of the inverted fullback) and attacking midfielders will be difficult for Ruud van Nistelrooy to deal with come Sunday. He could look to exploit the space vacated by the inverting fullback by leaving a winger there, ready to pounce on the Counter-attack. However, this may prove counterproductive as it will leave United a man down in key areas on the pitch. Ruud van Nistelrooy must summon the best tactical minds amongst his staff and find an effective, suitable plan to cope with Chelsea’s midfield overloads.
- Cole Palmer vs The Two Holding Midfielders for United: Cole Palmer has carried on his impressive displays from last season onto this one, crushing speculations of him being a ‘One season Wonder”. The England International has now directly contributed to 12 goals in 9 matches this season, making him the Premier League player with the most goal contributions this season. Although Palmer is given license to roam under Enzo Maresca, his most dangerous when operating in the final third; playing smart one-twos and threading through balls to the Chelsea forwards. Whoever van Nistelrooy chooses to deploy in defensive midfield against The Blues will need to be well-prepped for the battle against Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer. If United can keep the English Playmaker quiet on Sunday they have a very good chance at winning the game.
- Chelsea Wingers vs United’s fullbacks: The 1v1 battles out wide between the Chelsea wingers and United fullbacks will make an interesting watch. Enzo Maresca’s midfield overloads tend to open up spaces in the opponent’s back line, leaving Chelsea’s front three 1v1 with the opposition defenders. As earlier stated, Chelsea’s wingers make some of the best dribblers in the league and are adept at beating their man one-on-one. If this happens, United will struggle to maintain The Blues’ attacking threat and will likely be put to the sword by said attackers. United’s fullbacks must be prepared to contain the threat of Chelsea’s wingers on Sunday (3rd November) if The Red Devils are to secure all three points at Old Trafford.