Premier League 2019/20: Sheffield United vs Manchester United – tactical analysis

Having a five-game unbeaten streak since early October, Sheffield United went to this match with high hope. Not only that, the fact that they were sitting in the fifth place after 12 Premier League games gave them an additional boost to face Manchester United. In the opposite side, despite all rumours regarding his job safety, Ole Gunnar Solskjær has managed to give his team four wins from the last five matches. With their recent positive results, both teams were looking to extend their run before entering December.

This match really lived up to its hype. Six goals, a heroic-yet-unsuccessful comeback attempt, a late VAR-decided equaliser, and of course two managers with their creative tactics were the reasons behind that. This tactical analysis will inform you how the thrilling contest unfolded.

Lineups

Chris Wilder chose 5–3–2 for his team. Simon Moore started in the goal because regular choice Dean Henderson was ineligible due to parent-club loan rule. In the heart of the defence, veteran Phil Jagielka was supported by Chris Basham and Jack O’Connell. Upfront, the duo of Lys Mousset and David McGoldrick were picked to start the game. The bench was filled with names like Oliver McBurnie, Billy Sharp, and Callum Robinson.

In the opposite side, it seemed on paper that Solskjær chose 3–4–2–1 for his team. However, United were shaped mostly in 3–4–1–2. Youngster Brandon Williams and new recruit Aaron Wan-Bissaka were chosen as the wing-back pair. Daniel James and talisman Marcus Rashford led the frontline with Anthony Martial slightly behind them. Academy graduates like Mason Greenwood, Axel Tuanzebe, and Jesse Lingard had to start the game from the dugout.