How Tottenham's tactics can burst Man United bubble

Brendon Netto 11:46 12/01/2019
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  • If Mauricio Pochettino is indeed interested in the Manchester United job he is being so heavily linked with, then Sunday’s clash with his potential future employers presents the ideal opportunity to make an impression.

    The Red Devils are riding the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wave, winning all five of their games since the Norwegian took charge.

    However, they face a tough test when they travel to Wembley and take on Spurs who are still in the Premier League title race.

    Here’s how Pochettino can show off his tactical nous and burst United’s bubble.

    RUNS BEYOND KANE

    Harry Kane has played in a withdrawn role quite often this season and while his deeper average position compared to some of his team-mates seemed like irregularities early on in the campaign, it’s recently emerged as a clear strategy.

    The striker dutifully drops deep, dragging a defender out of position with him and opening up channels for runners like Son Heung-min and Dele Alli to attack.

    This tactical ploy also affords a normally heavily marked Kane to then ghost into the box and get on the end of crosses or cut-backs. He doesn’t have quite as many touches in the box as a result but his goal threat remains high while aiding the team’s attacking options.

    ERIKSEN DROPS DEEP

    Eriksen has been one of the midfield runners benefitting in the final third from Kane’s deeper role but he may have a different task on his hands against United.

    The Red Devils have shown under Solskjaer that they’re keen to press the opposition’s defence and while Spurs will look to bypass that by going long to Kane, if they do so at every opportunity, they risk surrendering too much possession.

    A shorter out-ball to Eriksen should the Dane drop deep and make himself available will help them maintain some control on proceedings. The midfield maestro can then act as a launching pad for a substantial chunk of their attacks with his excellent long passing.

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