The Busby Babe - All PostsWhere it's always squeaky bum timehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51377/tbb-fav.png2024-03-17T18:22:58+00:00http://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/rss/current/2024-03-17T18:22:58+00:002024-03-17T18:22:58+00:00Manchester United 4-3 Liverpool (aet): United on to Wembley after absurd FA Cup comeback
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<img alt="Manchester United v Liverpool - Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/R4zwfN_W4Xu4qc_blm91Su5ZHWI=/0x0:5560x3707/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213459/2084797714.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Everyone breathe…</p> <p id="MAdABE">Manchester United are headed to Wembley for the FA Cup Semi-final after one of the craziest wins Old Trafford has ever seen. Late goals from Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo saw the Reds snatch victory at the death of extra time against old rivals Liverpool. </p>
<p id="3QwfNx">The match was far from the best in terms of quality that you’ll see this season, for either team, but what it lacked there it made up for in dramatics and chaos. A truly absurd match of football. </p>
<p id="8NaCE3">Manchester United began on the front foot, playing directly and getting the ball to their playmakers in the center of the park. Kobbie Mainoo in particular was unplayable in the first half, creating a number of chances himself by dribbling through defenders to find space. </p>
<p id="CUpUTv">United’s best early move came in the 10th minute with Rashford playing Garnacho through down the left. The Argentine went for goal, saw his shot blocked high up in the air, and fell perfectly for Scott McTominay to smash into the goal. Kelleher had a couple of saves to make in the first half but could do nothing to stop Scotty from close range. </p>
<p id="SsJt3h">The pressure let up a bit, as is tradition, but United didn’t look out of it by any means until the closing minutes of the half. Liverpool looked poor, and perhaps tired, but United’s play will always allow chances this season and it came back to haunt them once again. </p>
<p id="IfXy6J">The first goal for the visitors came in the 43rd minute after acres of space opened up from a failed counter press. The first chance seemed to go but the ball fell for Alexis MacAllister, whose shot took a deflection past Onana.</p>
<p id="ZXnU6y">if that wasn’t bad enough, minutes later Salah was gifted a chance by poor play out from the back by Bruno Fernandes and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Liverpool’s talisman buried it to put them ahead just before the break. </p>
<p id="lCyJ9P">Everything about the match seemed dire in the second half that followed. United struggled to keep the ball and create chances, and though Liverpool failed to add to the lead they seemed comfortable enough holding off an impotent United attack. It was nothing new: fading after a good start and subs failing to make a positive impact up the pitch. </p>
<p id="zdiv4C">But that wasn’t to be the case this time. </p>
<p id="qpGdm8">Antony of all people equalized in the 87th minute, taking the ball on the turn and finishing with his right (!) foot past Kelleher. It was game on, a goal that not only pulled them level but brought the team back to life. </p>
<p id="wTTvkd">United pelted the Liverpool box in the dying minutes and got a perfect chance to win with the last kick of the match. Christian Eriksen looped a ball over the top for Rashford, who controlled it to perfection before finishing inches wide of the post. It was a painful end to regulation, where United would once again have to reset against an experienced Liverpool side. </p>
<p id="RBoeew">The visitors took advantage of the break and chance to reset and got back in front at the end of the first period of extra time through Harvey Elliott. His shot took a big deflection from Antony, wrong-footing Onana on its way in. </p>
<p id="3Ek81C">United needed to respond, and given the chaos of the game it felt they could. They opted for an odd formation with Harry Maguire playing seemingly as the only defender and as a target man, while Antony and Bruno Fernandes rounded out the back line. </p>
<p id="C411lS">Whatever it was it worked, and once again the intensity picked up. A high counter press gave McTominay a chance to send Rashford through, and this time United’s no. 10 buried it to make it 3-3 in what was quickly becoming an instant classic FA Cup tie. </p>
<p id="OJPMep">Rashford nearly returned the favor for Scott, playing a perfect ball in front of goal just begging to be scored, but the Scot couldn’t steer it on target. </p>
<p id="j2h6ul">The match seemed destined for penalties, but the chaos demanded more. And more was given. </p>
<p id="GIqDUb">A chance on the break in stoppage time of extra time saw Garnacho and Amad side by side overwhelm a flailing Connor Bradley. It seemed the chance had gone after a soft pass from Garnacho, but Amad’s touch wide gave him just enough space to fire a shot past Kelleher and win one of the most absurd FA Cup matches ever played. </p>
<p id="YWrdRm">Amad was sent off with a second yellow for removing his shirt during the celebrations, but there was not enough energy or time for Liverpool to make a meaningful attempt at pulling another rabbit out of a truly emptied magic hat.</p>
<p id="Nt8VQN">The famous Man United are going to Wembley. </p>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2024/3/17/24103978/manchester-united-4-3-liverpool-aet-united-on-to-wembley-after-absurd-fa-cup-comebackColin M. Damms2024-03-17T14:31:34+00:002024-03-17T14:31:34+00:00Manchester United vs. Liverpool: Live Stream, Time, & How to Watch The Match Online
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<img alt="Manchester United v Everton FC - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7gwoR-DQ7vdDCS_edWdVYBtEmYo=/114x0:5267x3435/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213125/2077968338.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>FA Cup Quarter Finals return to Old Trafford</p> <p id="1BHVSL"><a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a> host rivals <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> in the quarter-finals of the Emirates <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> on Sunday.</p>
<p id="OSTCZO">It will be the first of two clashes with Jurgen Klopp’s team at Old Trafford in the space of three weeks, as Liverpool also make the trip to M16 on Sunday 7 April for a Premier League fixture.</p>
<p id="zOsrdi">After a goalless draw at Anfield earlier this term, both teams will be looking to get one over on each other, and, having been defeated in the final of the Emirates FA Cup last season, Erik ten Hag’s side need no extra motivation to gain victory this weekend.</p>
<p id="SkcFFv"><strong>FORM GUIDE</strong></p>
<p id="1XosOQ">United come into this weekend’s tie on the back of a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford against Liverpool’s city rivals <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com">Everton</a>. Penalties from Fernandes and Marcus Rashford - both won by Alejandro Garnacho - were enough to get United back to winning ways in the Premier League, ahead of an important cup week.</p>
<p id="aZUtln">To reach the quarter-finals, we beat Wigan Athletic and Newport County before Casemiro’s last-gasp header sealed the win at Nottingham Forest in the fifth round.</p>
<p id="5qolxm">Liverpool, on the other hand, drew 1-1 with <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> in the league at Anfield on Sunday, with John Stones’s opener being canceled out by Alexis Mac Allister’s penalty early in the second half.</p>
<p id="j4MmTg">Klopp’s team won 2-0 at Arsenal in the third round of this season’s FA Cup, before defeating Norwich and <a href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com">Southampton</a> at Anfield to set up Sunday’s last-eight clash at Old Trafford.</p>
<p id="umJQ2s">United have faced the Merseysiders in the historic competition 18 times in total, winning 10, drawing four and losing four.</p>
<p id="734UDH">On two of those occasions, in 1977 and 1996, we beat Liverpool in the final at Wembley. Who can forget Eric Cantona’s late winner in the latter game?</p>
<p id="fgFJEz">The last time we took on Klopp’s men in the FA Cup was in the 2020/21 season, where we edged our rivals 3-2 at an eerily quiet Old Trafford - due to the lockdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. On that day, Bruno Fernandes - now our skipper - clinched victory in the topsy-turvy tie with a 78th-minute free-kick, sending United into the fifth round.</p>
<p id="lFeDy0">On Sunday, the Theatre of Dreams will be anything but empty, as we look to reach the semi-finals for the second straight season under Ten Hag.</p>
<p id="A7NlZ4"><strong>TEAM NEWS</strong></p>
<p id="1W2Yq7">As revealed on Tuesday, midfielder Mason Mount and defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka are both back training with Ten Hag’s team, ahead of Sunday’s fixture.</p>
<p id="aXxecG">It is a welcome boost for the Reds, who remain without long-term absentees Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia, while Rasmus Hojlund and Harry Maguire are players the boss hopes can return in the coming weeks.</p>
<p id="17RkiC">Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial and Omari Forson are also unavailable, with Erik expected to give an update on the status of his squad when he conducts his pre-match press conference on Friday.</p>
<p id="sggbTN">Liverpool have an extensive injury list, with Joel Matip, Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara all ruled out of the trip to Old Trafford.</p>
<p id="d29Ff6">Defender Ibrahima Konate missed the 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday but Klopp said there is “a good chance” the Frenchman will be involved against United. Mohamed Salah came off the bench against City, for only his second league appearance since New Year’s Day.</p>
<h1 id="HbSfq4"><strong>FA Cup schedule</strong></h1>
<p id="VDAmcb">It’s a 3:30 PM kickoff in the UK, which means 11:30 AM on the east coast of the U.S.</p>
<h1 id="msdf4f"><strong>FA Cup channel</strong></h1>
<p id="xonT9G">The match will be on BBC One in the UK. Those Stateside can watch on ESPN Plus on the ESPN streaming app. If you’re in Canada, you can stream the game through SportsNet.</p>
<p id="o3zjJp">Everyone else, head on over to <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/teams/england/manchester-united/"><strong>LiveSoccerTV</strong></a> to find your viewing options.</p>
<h1 id="KMl0VS"><strong>Lineups</strong></h1>
<p id="8DbEMc"><strong>Manchester United Starting XI:</strong></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Your United <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FACup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FACup</a> quarter-final team news! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a></p>— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1769370668708102220?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2024/3/17/24101411/manchester-united-vs-liverpool-live-stream-time-how-to-watch-the-match-onlineVince Rosetta2024-03-14T14:45:45+00:002024-03-14T14:45:45+00:00Opposition View: Liverpool w/Mark Kastner
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<img alt="Liverpool FC v Manchester United - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/c47bVsSUG5eWnqhXUSGLbWC2oTs=/0x0:3227x2151/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73206642/1864401861.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>New podcast ahead of a renewed rivalry...</p> <p id="lvXWnn">New episode of The Fergie Fledglings podcast!</p>
<p id="nH9aJF">Colin is joined by special guest and longtime friend of both the host and the podcast, Mark Kastner from The <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> Offside. </p>
<p id="EaCcNz">Together they discuss the respective seasons of <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a> and Liverpool ahead of the upcoming <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> Quarter-final clash at Old Trafford before rambling on about football vibes and rivalry.</p>
<p id="oi1bed">As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to rate five stars, leave a review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!</p>
<div id="R7LTG7"><div style="max-width: 765px;"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 102px; position: relative;"><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/manchester-soccer-p/embed/episodes/Opposition-View-Liverpool-wMark-Kastner-e2h30v3" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div></div>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2024/3/14/24100751/opposition-view-liverpool-w-mark-kastnerColin M. Damms2024-03-12T16:30:00+00:002024-03-12T16:30:00+00:00Man Utd 0-0 Everton (2-0 pens)
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<img alt="Manchester United v Everton FC - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dgq7l-CQGisa2gcR_u90910NTP8=/359x0:4372x2675/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73201374/2064459775.0.jpg" />
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<p>New podcast out now...</p> <p id="4pDvDG">New Fergie Fledglings episode!</p>
<p id="YOHGKv">Colin and Pauly recap <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a>’s win over <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com">Everton</a> in the Premier League, United’s concession of an absurd amount of shots per game, and how Alejandro Garnacho’s first season as a regular starter is shaping up. </p>
<p id="d23ou5">As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to rate five stars, leave a review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!</p>
<div id="Dt3NcH"><div style="max-width: 765px;"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 102px; position: relative;"><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/manchester-soccer-p/embed/episodes/Man-Utd-0-0-Everton-2-0-pens-e2gvo4t" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div></div>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2024/3/12/24098612/man-utd-0-0-everton-2-0-pensColin M. Damms2024-03-12T15:00:00+00:002024-03-12T15:00:00+00:00Tactical Analysis: United concede a ton of shots but how big of a problem is that?
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<img alt="Manchester United v FC Bayern München: Group A - UEFA Champions League 2023/24" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/m59IAHwbdwxFzNyBlwcL7dQ910g=/0x73:3134x2162/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73201002/1850668150.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A look at the big (BIG) number of shots against United continue to face regardless of opposition...</p> <p id="0GHg6y"><a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a> seemed to have a rare mundane win when they defeated <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com">Everton</a> 2-0 at Old Trafford last weekend. It was just United’s Premier League win this campaign by more than a single goal. </p>
<p id="VK0vGP">For a team that has made things dicy so often this season, doing the mundane was a nice respite - not to mention this came during the early kickoff slot allowing fans to go about the rest of their weekends in cheery moods. </p>
<p id="G7ZgwT">The one caveat to this performance was United conceded 23 shots. Using the <a href="https://stathead.com/fbref/team-match-finder.cgi?request=1&order_by=shots&timeframe=seasons&year_min=2023-2024&year_max=2023-2024&ac_team_id1=m-d3fd31cc&comp_gender=m&comp_type=fa">stathead tool on Fbref</a> we’ll see that’s the third-highest total Everton have had in a single match this season. They registered 25 against Bournemouth in early October and 24 against United when the two sides met earlier this campaign at Goodison Park. </p>
<p id="lq6LSW">As that stat might suggest, this is not a one-off for United. You may have noticed - or heard people online talking about it - but United have been conceding <strong>a ton</strong> of shots recently. Since the calendar turned to February, United have conceded 122 shots in their six league matches excluding the Manchester Derby (<em>for the purpose of this exercise we’ll be leaving that match out</em>). </p>
<p id="Fpa9sY">Just before February began United - playing with 10 of their 11 first-choice players - conceded 17 shots to League Two Newport County in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a>. If you’re thinking <em>maybe Newport County are just one of those high-octane sides that take a lot of shots </em>they’re not. They’ve managed 17 or more shots in a game just four times in their 36 League Two matches. </p>
<p id="enK6If">122 shots over six games comes out to 20.33 shots per game. Sheffield United have conceded the most shots per game this season at just 17.7. Over the first 21 matches of the season United were conceding “<em>just</em>” 14.95 shots per game, an increase of over five shots per game is pretty drastic. </p>
<p id="7dX7QI">All in all, this seems bad. You don’t want to be conceding this many shots per game full stop. But if we dig a little deeper into how bad it is, the answer is a bit more complicated. </p>
<p id="Wc4gg6">During this six-game stretch (<em>a reminder, we’re leaving out the Manchester Derby) </em>United have only conceded seven goals - 1.17 per match, which is well below the 1.39 they’ve averaged all season. They have won five of the six games and kept two clean sheets along the way, though the quality of the opposition faced must also be taken into account. </p>
<p id="NWL8pi">The most important number metric though is the shot quality. Over the six-game period United have conceded an expected goal against of 9.6. That comes out to 1.6 per game. That’s still a very high number (6th highest in the league) but over the first 21 matches of the season, United were conceding 1.54 xG per game. Despite conceding over five more shots per game, the xG has risen by just 0.06. </p>
<p id="kmXffn">That’s where things look good for Erik Ten Hag’s side. Over the last six non-<a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> matches the xG per shot United are conceding is just 0.08 - tied for the best in the league. They may be conceding a lot of shots, but they’re conceding very low-quality shots. </p>
<p id="xtmt3X">They also block a ton of shots. 31.25 percent of shot attempts are blocked by United defenders, the fifth-highest ratio in the league. </p>
<p id="XtbXdZ">Add in the tremendous form of goalkeeper Andre Onana since returning from AFCON and facing teams that <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2024/2/21/24078237/tactical-analysis-you-can-win-on-talent-alone">lack finishing talent up front</a> and you’ve got a recipe for overachieving on defense. </p>
<p id="Hk4U5W">Though the xG adds up throughout the game, when you’re facing teams that lack clinical finishers up front you can expect them to miss the target fairly often when you’re holding them to low-quality chances. In theory, when United faces better teams those strikers are going to make you pay but how many “good” teams does United still have to face? The list of opposing strikers left on United’s schedule is not too intimidating. </p>
<p id="ukNpeL">The biggest issue is the more often you concede shots, the more you’re inviting trouble to find you - whether that’s an error from your goalkeeper, a perfectly hit golazo, or just a momentary defense lapse or breakdown such as the match against Fulham. Those who look for trouble tend to find it. </p>
<p id="uAQJVu">From this particular lens, it doesn’t seem to be the biggest problem that United are conceding so many shots. Albeit not directly. It’s a byproduct of a tactical choice that for the moment is “working.” Where the problem lies for United, are the indirect consequences of playing this style. </p>
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<p id="TbkJAX">United conceding a lot of shots is a direct consequence of the tactical setup Erik Ten Hag chooses to deploy. The combination of high forwards and deep defensive block leaves tons of space in midfield allowing opponents to pretty easily get the ball in and around United’s penalty area. When United finally get back on defense, they’re defending really deep on the pitch. </p>
<p id="xuMDnu">Once they win the ball back, United want to hit teams quickly on the counter attack. That’s not just with one or two players, Ten Hag wants United to get numbers forward whenever they attack.</p>
<p id="3OWL9B">That could result in having your fullbacks needing to bomb forward to give United attacking options up front. </p>
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<p id="a6qkps">It’s not just limited to fullbacks. If a centerback steps up to make an interception, you can expect to see them push forward to join the attack. Here’s Harry Maguire doing it against Luton Town. </p>
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<p id="JR8z6o">Here’s Jonny Evans making an interception and beginning the charge forward against City. </p>
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<p id="UxlgR5">We’ve even seen situations where center backs are all the way forward on transitions. </p>
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<p id="PbRm0l">This is evidenced in the touch maps for where United and their opponents take their touches. Under Erik Ten Hag less of the game is played in midfield than under previous managers. This season the fewest percentage of touches are being taken in the middle third of the pitch, everything is happening end to end. </p>
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<p id="xL5f51">This creates <em><strong>a lot</strong></em> of back-and-forth running every match. United throw a lot of men forward into their attacks. Defenders getting forward is not at all exclusive to United, but many teams who let their defenders get forward are also capable of slowing things down, keeping possession, and allowing their defenders to easily get back in position. </p>
<p id="5v9Z1r">United don’t do those things, nor do they do a good job keeping the ball in their opponents' third. That means that rather than their defenders making forward runs, then either jogging or walking back to their position and catching their breath, they often have to high tail it back.</p>
<p id="3HZ70G">Take this situation against Everton. When Kobbie Mainoo loses the ball right at the edge of the final third, Everton are already looking to counter.</p>
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<p id="XIhCZe">With just one pass into space, Everton can bypass <strong>eight</strong> United players, leaving just two outfield players left for United. </p>
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<p id="toJ61Q">With no one covering the right side, Diogo Dalot has to sprint back to defend this counter for United.</p>
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<p id="DhPP7H">This is going to have an effect on the team. Pep Guardiola often talks about how City look to find times during a match where they can slow down and walk. It’s important to have those walking periods so players can rest their legs. It’s just not possible to be all out running for 90 minutes. </p>
<p id="Ru0Sc7">Yet that’s exactly what United do. They go up and down the field back and forth for 90 minutes. That’s going to wear down your legs. That’s going to put a strain on your muscles and make you more susceptible to injuries. United have had a spate of muscle injuries this season. These tactics may not be the direct cause of them but they’re certainly a contributing factor. Is it really a wonder why Casemiro seems like he’s aged three years over the past year? Look at all the ground he’s being asked to cover every week! That’s going to wear down your legs. Frankly what’s most impressive about this season is that somehow Diogo Dalot <em>hasn’t</em> gotten injured yet. </p>
<p id="4LeBjJ">If we look past the injuries, these tactics' next most profound effect is weakening United’s attack. </p>
<p id="pGLceN">It’s not just United’s defenders and midfielders who have to cover all this ground. Thanks to the low block, once United’s forwards are done pressing high, they now need to come back to their box to do some defensive work. Look here as they have <strong>nine</strong> men in and around their box - including Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, the two men who <em>should</em> be outlets for when United win the ball back.</p>
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<p id="4uQ6ip">When United wins the ball back, Garnacho and Rashford would be expected to bomb forward to provide an attacking threat. </p>
<p id="aJL57c">This will serve to do one thing. Tire these guys out. Playing a high press has always been difficult on the attackers since they need to work so hard off the ball. Asking them to work hard to counter-press when they lose the ball, then come back to defend, and then bomb forward again is absurd. </p>
<p id="pKILe3">A direct consequence here is United don’t have an outlet up the pitch when they win the ball back. The indirect consequence is all those miles being put on the legs of their attackers does is tire them out. As the match progresses and their legs get more tired, you start getting more fatigued mentally as well. That’s going to lead to things like perhaps not making the right decision with the ball, or mishitting that ball you're trying to play squandering an attack, or even just not putting enough strength behind playing that ball.</p>
<p id="9lwmzA">There’s a reason why last season Ten Hag instructed Rashford to stay back and not worry too much about defending. There’s a reason why even a rigid defensive coach like Jose Mourinho typically had one player in his team who was left free of doing heavy defensive work. Attacking requires energy too. If you’re relying on your star attackers to carry the attacking load of the team you need to make sure they have the energy to do that. </p>
<p id="nQqnwW">Per Understat, from the 76th minute onwards this season, United are being outscored 11-10. That comes from being outshot 108-86 with an xG of 13.34-8.87 in favor of their opponents. Is any of that surprising? Don’t forget matches are even longer this season, so when United plays this style that tires them out and they have to hold on late, they have to hold on even longer!</p>
<p id="nqCQlm">In a vacuum, United conceding a lot of shots every game is not the mark of a good team, but also not something to be too overly concerned about. As they’re keeping shot quality low, they’re good enough to prevent this from hurting them more often than not.</p>
<p id="68WKez">Unfortunately for United, the sport isn’t played in a vacuum. The causes of <em>why</em> they’re conceding so many shots are having much bigger consequences to the team. The wide-open back-and-forth play depletes the energy levels of the squad, increases the risk of injuries, and ultimately weakens the attack. If any bad luck finds United at the back, it’s now that much harder to overcome that. </p>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2024/3/12/24097203/tactical-analysis-united-concede-a-ton-of-shots-but-how-big-of-a-problem-is-thatPauly Kwestel2024-03-11T16:56:46+00:002024-03-11T16:56:46+00:00Team News: Injury returns and updates
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<img alt="Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2023/24" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/atGGmZeE5Rb8RyT3JXt_SQPoQdI=/0x0:7237x4825/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73198360/1847829562.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Players returning just in time...</p> <p id="IZtPuK">The coming week is a big one for <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a> and any hopes of silverware in the 2023/24 season. A date with rivals <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> at Old Trafford awaits them on Sunday in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a>. </p>
<p id="ZO9n8s">The FA Cup Quarter-final clash is the lone cup fixture left for Erik ten Hag’s Reds, who crashed out of Europe with an abysmal last-placed group stage finish in the UEFA <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> and suffered an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com">Newcastle United</a> in the League Cup Round of 16. </p>
<p id="G9sOoE">One major worry going into the match was the availability of striker Rasmus Hojlund, who discovered brilliant form with goals in six successive Premier League appearances before suffering an injury in training. Hojlund was absent for defeats to Fulham and <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> as well as the difficult wins over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup and <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com">Everton</a> in the league over the weekend. </p>
<p id="LJnNBP">Fortunately for the United faithful, ten Hag gave a positive update on Hojlund ahead of the Everton match. The Danish forward has “good hope” to return in time to face Liverpool, along with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/erik-ten-hag-team-news-optimism-for-liverpool-cup-clash">according to the manager’s update. </a></p>
<p id="5yxzjf">Hojlund’s goals and defensive reinforcements are of course important to the top-four race as well, which United are currently looking up at with fifth-placed <a href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com">Tottenham</a> six points ahead with a game in hand. It’s a far from easy race to the finish as well, with Liverpool on the schedule again just a couple of weeks later in the league. </p>
<p id="S9ifxU">Unfortunately, Erik ten Hag also gave an update on Tyrell Malacia, who is not expected to play this season after unexpected difficulties with his recovery from a knee injury suffered over the summer. Initially, he was expected back around December-January, but that time has clearly come and gone with little update until now. </p>
<p id="sZuENS">Another player with little update has been Mason Mount, the big arrival from Chelsea last Summer, who has played in only 12 matches due to injuries this season. </p>
<p id="lMR3mC">The manager’s only update for Mount was this: “I think he is in a good spell now and he will return shortly. I think after the international break.”</p>
<p id="Dnx3Zz">Matches after the break include Brentford at the Community Stadium and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the latter of which will no doubt have some sort of reception for Mount given the history. </p>
<p id="Nk9cJ4">It will be difficult to continue papering over the left side of defense without an expert left-back, but generally, this is positive news for United and a boost to their ambitions (how limited they may be at this point). Liverpool is a huge test in the Cup, and United need all the firepower they can muster. </p>
<p id="HgL5jo"></p>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2024/3/11/24097335/team-news-injury-returns-and-updatesColin M. Damms2024-03-09T19:18:47+00:002024-03-09T19:18:47+00:00Brighton & Hove Albion 0-4 Manchester United: Reds through to FA Cup Semis after top performance
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<img alt="Brighton &amp; Hove Albion v Manchester United - Adobe Women’s FA Cup Quarter Final" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9XNbO0BbVEhjp38h-G2n7SwDb70=/42x0:6555x4342/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73194617/2071371230.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>What a performance, loads of goals, one step closer to Wembley...</p> <p id="uC3pMv"><a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a> Women are through to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> Semi-Finals after a comprehensive 4-0 win on the south coast against Brighton & Hove Albion. Marc Skinner’s team had been lacking in form before putting in arguably their best performance of the season, thrashing their hosts from the start and scoring three goals in the first half. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Your United squad for our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WomensFACup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WomensFACup</a> quarter-final! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUWomen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUWomen</a></p>— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtdWomen/status/1766498007858479121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a>
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<p id="aF7ggm">United were flying right out of the gate, circling the Brighton penalty area in search of the breakthrough. They only had to wait eight minutes. </p>
<p id="EAGGnW">Katie Zelem received the ball while scanning at the edge of the box and placed a cross right onto the head of Millie Turner, who obliged and placed it powerfully past her former teammate Sophie Baggaley to put United in front. It was a well-worked goal, but more than that a promising show of play from the Reds. Zelem hasn’t been herself really for the past few games, bar a few moments, but was at her best in terms of vision and delivery on this goal. </p>
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<p lang="nl" dir="ltr">Zelem ➡️ Turner ➡️ Goal <a href="https://t.co/dsGOjjQ7US">pic.twitter.com/dsGOjjQ7US</a></p>— The Busby Babe (@TheBusbyBabe) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBusbyBabe/status/1766516619398767070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a>
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<p id="yTHbMO">Unlike a few recent performances United kept up the pressure. Brighton struggled to play through the press and more than a few opportunities popped up for United. One such chance fell for Melvine Malard, who almost pulled off a Dele Alli move controlling and taking the ball down on the turn before firing a low strike. Baggaley was up for the save, but came under pressure just moments later. United quickly regained possession and worked the ball up the field quickly for Nikita Parris to smash home in the 17th minute for 2-0. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Keets makes it 2-0! <a href="https://t.co/kiN2ns5Ipg">pic.twitter.com/kiN2ns5Ipg</a></p>— The Busby Babe (@TheBusbyBabe) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBusbyBabe/status/1766519933704270171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a>
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<p id="fwODuf">United’s control of the match was apparent throughout, and resulted in a third goal just before the break. Malard was sent through by Ella Toone and beat Baggaley at the near post, though the ball whacked off the post and spun onto the goal line. Luckily Lucia Garcia was on the scene to finish the move with a tap in, and the Reds went into halftime up 3-0. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brilliant play to make it 3-0 just before the break <a href="https://t.co/jmiXJnXVI7">pic.twitter.com/jmiXJnXVI7</a></p>— The Busby Babe (@TheBusbyBabe) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBusbyBabe/status/1766529840771907995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a>
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<p id="SqtZIU">The Reds picked up right where they left off after the restart with Malard nearly scoring again. Her presence in the box was such a threat to Brighton, and United wasted no opportunity to try and get the ball to her. </p>
<p id="UUdeZR">It was not Malard who added the fourth goal however, with Lisa Naalsund bagging her first to cap a nice performance in midfield. She cut in from the left side of the box and fired a strike perfectly through the crowd of Brighton defenders to beat Baggaley and provide some extra insurance for United. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">She hit that <a href="https://t.co/d0ubXBtCqa">pic.twitter.com/d0ubXBtCqa</a></p>— The Busby Babe (@TheBusbyBabe) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBusbyBabe/status/1766536544205132136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a>
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<p id="AITgNj">The win was much-needed, and certainly one of the most complete performances this season. Perhaps the best since before the winter break. United just looked comfortable with Jayde Riviere back on the right with Hannah Blundell on the left, and Melvine Malard continues to show why she should play through the center. </p>
<p id="t13q0j">The Reds will hope to continue this form and close the gap as much as possible between themselves and the top three, though <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> football seems unlikely next year. Still, it’s important to take the positives where possible to get out of a funk, and United are onto the Semi-finals once again in the FA Cup. </p>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2024/3/9/24095555/brighton-hove-albion-0-4-manchester-united-reds-through-to-fa-cup-semis-after-top-performanceColin M. Damms2024-03-09T14:57:51+00:002024-03-09T14:57:51+00:00Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-0 Everton
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<img alt="Manchester United v Everton FC - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QQH2cynqKTXxshq_xFVKK5dVwZ0=/0x0:4197x2798/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73194062/2070823187.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Ratings in...</p> <p id="w2EHfU">The ratings are in after <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a>’s 2-0 win over Everton:</p>
<p id="3uPUAT"><strong>Starting XI</strong></p>
<p id="SRaZ6L"><strong>Andre Onana - 7</strong></p>
<p id="lkUpWX">Everton took their fair share of shots but Onana wasn’t too busy. </p>
<p id="7F2Mhw"><strong>Diogo Dalot - 7 </strong></p>
<p id="VrmU4z">Pretty comfortable all game. Didn’t venture forward too often. </p>
<p id="ckNgEP"><strong>Raphael Varane - 7</strong></p>
<p id="ydumsO">Calm as always. </p>
<p id="7l5b21"><strong>Jonny Evans - 7</strong></p>
<p id="FUxKtW">Played some nice passes to open Everton up and tidy at the back. </p>
<p id="pqIrTE"><strong>Victor Lindelof - 6</strong></p>
<p id="l9RlPS">Not a disaster, finally.</p>
<p id="p4YLy8"><strong>Casemiro - 3</strong></p>
<p id="hq40aN">Could’ve been a disaster but Everton didn’t take advantage of it. </p>
<p id="gbjHZg"><strong>Kobbie Mainoo - 6</strong></p>
<p id="h1iab0">Tidy but not very effective. </p>
<p id="bddSMR"><strong>Bruno Fernandes - 7</strong></p>
<p id="peEB7V">Not been at his best in recent months but been good in the last two games. </p>
<p id="a8mFHM"><strong>Marcus Rashford - 7</strong></p>
<p id="vJyET1">Was a threat and scored from the spot. </p>
<p id="o1Bf5V"><strong>Alejandro Garnacho - 8</strong></p>
<p id="Dcj1aq">The best player on the pitch. </p>
<p id="YtOyRY"><strong>Scott McTominay - 4</strong></p>
<p id="YZxl57">Similar to the last game. Doesn’t have much of a final ball but offers a presence up top and in the middle. </p>
<p id="KgSsQS"><strong>Subs</strong></p>
<p id="gJLyl5"><strong>Antony, Sofyan Amrabat, and Willy Kambwala - N/A</strong></p>
<p id="V8cyWZ"><strong>Manager</strong></p>
<p id="mdvkg7"><strong>Erik Ten Hag - 6</strong></p>
<p id="5wWLgs">A win is a win but is it enough? Been the story of the season. </p>
<p id="oI7UG5"></p>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2024/3/9/24095333/player-ratings-manchester-united-2-0-evertonSuwaid Fazal