UEFA Europa League 2011/12: Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United – tactical analysis

Round two of Sir Alex Ferguson vs Marcelo Bielsa! Yesterday, we analysed the first leg of the UEFA Europa League clash between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao. United had a disappointing 2-3 loss at the Old Trafford, which meant they would have to win with at least a two-goal margin or score more than three goals at the San Mamés.

In this tactical analysis, we will reveal how Bielsa’s tactics once again helped his team beat Manchester United. Despite Ferguson attempting to cover the loopholes which appeared in the first leg, the weaknesses of the Red Devils were still exploited by the Argentine coach and they lost 3-5 in aggregate.

Lineups

Bilbao (4-3-3/4-2-3-1): Gorka Iraizoz; Andoni Iraola, Javi Martínez, Fernando Amorebieta, Jon Aurtenetxe; Ander Iturraspe, Óscar de Marcos, Ander Herrera; Markel Susaeta, Fernando Llorente, Iker Muniain

Once again, Bielsa played a very young and energetic team  the average age was 24.6 only. Players such as Llorente and Muniain gave United a very difficult time in the first leg. Although Llorente was replaced by Gaizka Toquero at the 40^th minute because of an injury, Bilbao still managed to register 18 shots, 14 more than United’s four.

United (4-3-3): David De Gea; Rafael, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra; Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Ji-sung Park; Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young

Ferguson played his stronger team to challenge the Basque team. Compared to the previous clash, regular and experienced starters such as Ferdinand and Carrick returned to the squad. However, the relatively old lineup was a problem, as the team’s average age was 27.4, and part of the tactics was sacrificed as we will explain in this analysis.

Upgraded the attack

In the previous game, the first phase of United’s attack was disrupted heavily because of Bilbao’s intensive pressing. The centre-backs were forced to carry the ball forward under pressure, hence why they were unable to find the optimal progressive option. This was the issue that Ferguson was trying to solve in this match, as the setups were different and a more aggressive approach was adopted.

In the hopes of manipulating the Bilbao wingers, both United full-backs pushed high and wide to increase distances between the oppositions. Also, the sole pivot Carrick was utilised to form a passing triangle with the centre-backs. Even when Bilbao committed another midfielder to man-mark Carrick, United still enjoyed a 3 v 2 numerical superiority. Furthermore, the centre-backs split to the half-spaces, where they could find wider passing lanes and more options.

These setups helped United to gain 50% of possession in this game, more than the last game’s 45% as they could not circulate the ball comfortably at the Old Trafford.

The following image illustrated the gist of their setups. We divided the vertical zones, clearly showing that both Bilbao wingers were forced to stay deep because of the positionings of Rafael and Evra. Meanwhile, the centre-backs positioned themselves in the half-spaces, and because Carrick’s positioning had manipulated the highest midfielder of Bilbao, wide vertical passing lanes were opened.

Furthermore, despite Llorentes attempts to press, he could only approach either centre-back. Without the support from his teammates, the forward couldnt cut the defence into half as he did in the first leg. As a result, the ball-carrying centre-back was free from pressure to pick his options.

However, the poor number of shot attempts (four only) also reflected their sluggish performance after reaching the final third. Similar to the last game, United still tried to create space through rotations of players, and this was done by Giggs and Rooney, or even Park, roaming their positions.

And yet, this was ineffective because of the following reasons. Firstly, the left-winger Young was very predictable on the ball. His only move was to cut inside, therefore, he was easy to defend. The full-backs Rafael and Evra lacked sufficient pace, crossing ability, and physical quality to exploit the 1 v 1 opportunities in the wide areas. Also, Bilbao maintained a certain level of pressure, as United were not quick enough to exploit the superiority situations to create chances.

The following imag