A run of seven losses in nine games culminated in Wednesday’s Manchester derby loss for Manchester United, form that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to correct instantly as they remain alive in the race for a Premier League top four spot.
On Sunday they face one of their rivals in that race, as Chelsea come to Old Trafford in a classic six-pointer. A win would draw United level on points with the Blues and give their Champions League qualification hopes a shot in the arm.
Here’s a look at the tactics available to Solskjaer as he looks to end United’s poor run. Check out our analysis of Chelsea’s potential tactics here.
FLUID FRONT THREE CAN HURT CHELSEA’S HIGH LINE
United’s form in front of goal is alarming – four hours and 40 minutes without a goal, eight hours and 47 minutes without a goal from open play, and nearly a month since a goal from a forward.
What can Solskjaer do to get the goals flowing again? The best solution could be a recall for Alexis Sanchez as part of fluid front three. Sanchez doesn’t have the best record against Chelsea – only two goals and an assist in 16 appearances – but plugging him into the attack is a good tactic against the Blues’ high defensive line.
Sanchez’s movement would pull Chelsea’s defenders out of position and create space for the rest of the front line. As a bonus, he could also press Jorginho when United are out of possession.
SOLSKJAER TO TAKE LEAF FROM JOSE’S BOOK?
During Jose Mourinho’s time in charge of United, he masterminded two home wins over Chelsea, and both followed a similar blueprint: man-mark Eden Hazard.
In 2017, it was Ander Herrera who tracked the Belgian, while last season the task fell to Scott McTominay. Both midfielders are set to be late fitness calls on Sunday, though Solskjaer hinted that Herrera would likely be involved in this game.
Chasing the elusive Hazard all across the pitch is never the easiest task, not least when you’re returning from injury. Perhaps the United manager could adopt a tag-team approach: start with Herrera and bring McTominay on later, or vice versa. Neither would have to face the rigours of the full 90 minutes, and Solskjaer could even get one yellow-card foul out of each.
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