Jose Mourinho sure to set up deep block and other Man United tactics v Liverpool

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 18:07 15/12/2018
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  • Jose Mourinho

    Manchester United travel to Anfield hoping to hand Liverpool their first defeat of the season. If we are to go by the last two meetings between the two teams at Anfield, we can expect an uninspiring 0-0 draw on Sunday.

    The hosts find themselves in top form going into this fixture and United will have to be at their defensive best to contain one of the best attacks in the league.

    We take a look at the tactics Mourinho could employ in this crunch fixture.

    DEEP BLOCK AND DROPPING WINGERS

    1512 liverpool v united2(1)

    United usually set up a mid-block with the likes of Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera pushing their opponents to play the ball wide and blocking channels that run through the centre of the pitch.

    Against Liverpool, the visitors will have to employ a deep-block to keep Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane at bay.

    A 4-4-2 formation that shifts to a 6-3-1 without the ball can be the answer to United’s defensive woes ahead of the big tie. Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford will have a tough task ahead of them, patrolling the wings and dropping deep in order to keep Andrew Robertson and James Milner from conjuring anything dangerous.

    BYPASSING THE MIDFIELD

    United’s midfield is currently a notch below that of Liverpool and it would be very optimistic of the visitors to try and dominate the midfield.

    Long balls to Romelu Lukaku that bypass the midfield could be a handy tactic. Lukaku’s competence in the air when combined with Rashford’s ability to carry the ball on from there could provide United the edge in attack. The visitors can hope to prove lethal on the break.

    In fact, this sequence of play was responsible for United’s first goal in their 2-1 win when the two sides met at Anfield earlier this year. Lukaku’s presence can be vital, despite his poor touches and finishing.

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