English League Cup 2019/20: Man United vs Colchester – tactical analysis

Man United are a pundits nightmare. Their performances this season cant be summarised with a sweeping statement, as they go from week-to-week producing a range of performances. Occasionally its a fusion of pace and dynamism, showing signs of a revived side, good enough to stun the Etihad a week ago. On the other side, theres a lethargic, uncreative personality to this group of players, a trait which has frustrated fans in this roller-coaster season for the North-West club.

For Colchester, the first-world problems of their opponents are a distant dream as they continue in their pursuit of a League Two play-off position. Three wins in the last five for the Us has seen them move within three points of the final playoff spot.

With the season now leaving its infancy, maturing into middle-agedness, this fixture was a welcome break away from the domestic pursuits of both sides as they looked to progress to the semi-finals of the English League Cup.

In this tactical analysis, we look at how Man United set up tactically to break down a resilient Colchester side. We also provide an analysis of the tactics used by the visitors in their attempt to frustrate the Old Trafford faithful.

Lineups

The hosts started in a familiar 4-2-3-1, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær demonstrating the importance hes placing on this competition by fielding a strong first XI. There were a few alterations, however, reliable number two, Sergio Romero replaced David Ge Gea in goal. Juan Mata was the preferred option in the number 10 role. His ability to find spaces between the lines was useful as United attempted to break down their robust opponents.

Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood were deployed as inside forwards, the pair stayed narrow in the half-spaces to allow the full-backs to move forward and maintain the width of the team. Luke Shaw and Ashley Young were those full-backs. Their duty was to stay as wide as possible in an attempt to pull the defensive shape of their opponents laterally, giving the forwards opportunity to penetrate.

The visitors started the game in