Premier League 2019/20: Man United vs Leicester – tactical analysis

Not often in a season do must-win games come so early for a team as it did for Man United on Saturday afternoon. The Red Devils were without a win in three games, putting them at an early disadvantage in the race for the hallowed fourth place. Leicester City, on the other hand, are a team making progress under Brendan Rogers. His exciting style  which has brought the best out of Jamie Vardy  has recaptured and refocused the Foxes as they attempt to make another legitimate claim for the higher positions in the table.

In this tactical analysis, we explore how Man United battled their way to a precious 1-0 victory against a dangerous Leceister side who have now only won once in 21 attempts against the Manchester club.

Line Ups 

The home side started without the creative flair of Paul Pogba, meaning Ole Gunnar Solskjær opted for a 4-2-3-1 system with Nemanja Matić and Scott McTominay deployed as the anchors in midfield. Injuries to Luke Shaw and top scorer Anthony Martial provided starts for Ashley Young and Marcus Rashford. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf kept their place in the side, continuing to be the managers favoured centre-back pairing.

Rogers started his Leicester side in a 4-1-4-1 shape, a system he prefers to use when facing the top six away from home. Wilfred Ndidi started in the holding role, with Youri Tielemans and Hamza Choudhury positioned slightly ahead. James Maddison and Demarai Gray offered the width as Jamie Vardy spearheaded the attack for the Foxes.

United keep things stable

Without the dynamism of Pogba in the middle of the park, Solskjær opted for an industrious midfield that wouldnt be exposed in defensive transition. McTominay and Matić adopted positions just in front of their back four and rarely made movements beyond the ball.