Jose Mourinho could well deploy pragmatic approach to stifle rivals Liverpool at Anfield

Matt Jones - Editor 19:09 13/10/2017
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • What approach will Mourinho take?

    Manchester United fans may be getting giddy at the possibility of a first genuine Premier League title challenge in five years off the back of a long-overdue return to swashbuckling, attacking football – but the free-flowing nature of their play might just grind to a halt on Saturday.

    A trip to Anfield to face famous foes Liverpool in the first North-West derby of the season will get the pulses of both sets of fans racing, as always, but don’t expect the passion and pride off the field to be matched by events on it.

    Jose Mourinho has worked extremely hard during his initial 17 months in charge at Old Trafford to try and adapt to a more attractive style of football demanded by United’s fans.

    But despite his new surroundings, he’s not afraid to revert to type in order to get a result.

    And that is why, as United prepare for their first stern test of the season, we shouldn’t be surprised if the Portuguese deploys a more pragmatic approach, aimed at stifling the hosts’ potent attackers and preserving the Red Devils’ unbeaten start to the season.

    Lest we forget, at the same venue 12 months ago, England’s two most successful teams played out one of the most uneventful stalemates in the long and illustrious history of this fixture.

    David De Gea made saves of note from Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho in a disappointing goalless draw but there was nothing else of note as Jurgen Klopp’s side were subdued by a classic Mourinho performance featuring defensive organisation and discipline.

    The low-light of the match was United enjoying just 35 per cent of possession – their lowest in a Premier League match since Opta began recording data in the 2003/04 season.

    On the other hand of course, while a defensive Mourinho masterclass is being predicted, what the Portuguese adores even more than pragmatism is throwing a spanner in the works.

    We might see him throw caution to the wind and fight fire with fire – this is even more of a possibility considering trusted acolyte Marouane Fellaini has been ruled out of the contest after picking up a knee ligament injury while on international duty with Belgium.

    It might seem strange in a game likely to feature such stars as Romelu Lukaku, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Philippe Coutinho and Mohamed Salah, that the absence of Fellaini is the biggest talking point.

    The much-maligned midfielder lives a fairly uncomfortable existence at United amid the scrutiny of fans, but has arguably been their player of the season.

    He’s been involved in all of United’s Premier League wins this season. The only game he missed? United’s 2-2 draw with Stoke.

    With Mourinho devoid of the big Belgian’s disturbing presence, Mourinho might be forced to go on the front foot.

    With Ander Herrera likely to come into midfield to replace Fellaini, United are instantly given an injection of energy by the busy Spaniard who offers cover for the defence but can also stretch the game in attack with his runs and incisive passing.

    Marcus Rashford and Henrikh Mkhitaryan give United added pace and ability to stretch Liverpool – while the hulking Lukaku is also a more welcome and mobile presence up front compared to when they had Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a static focal point in this fixture last season.

    Don’t forget Anthony Martial, who is likely to start on the bench, but will be introduced at some point to wreak the same kind of havoc he already has this season.

    The issue with this approach is the opposition are a step up from the static or unorganised attacks faced so far this season.

    For all Liverpool’s defensive fragility, going forward they can hurt teams. And with creative spark Coutinho back in the fold and orchestrating the Reds’ attacks, a defence likely to feature Ashley Young at left-back will be severely tested.

    VERDICT

    Adopting an attacking approach might well sit well with United’s fans – even if it ends up backfiring on Mourinho. Supporters making the famous trip down the East Lancs road would be thrilled to see Mourinho take the leash of his in-form attackers and go toe to toe with the likes of Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Co.

    However, don’t be surprised if this is what unfolds, but we think Mourinho will stay true to form. United are undoubtedly easier on the eye this season going forward but they are still based fundamentally on a stout defence. They are unbeaten and the Red Devils boss will loathe to part easily with that for the sake of an entertaining spectacle.

    Recommended