Defensive Calamities, Martial Reliance & Poor Finishing: Man Utd’s Struggles Vs Nottingham Forest
Manchester United’s recent match against Nottingham Forest was marked by defensive calamities, reliance on Anthony Martial, and poor finishing.
These struggles have highlighted Erik ten Hag’s failure to address the defensive vulnerabilities early and his reliance on Martial as the primary goal threat.
The team’s inability to convert chances has raised questions about their attacking efficiency, leaving them at a disadvantage.
Analysis of the match reveals the need for United to invest in new attacking options and address their defensive issues.
Key Takeaways
– United’s defensive set-up was questionable and they had defensive vulnerabilities throughout the match against Nottingham Forest.
– The team relied heavily on Anthony Martial as the primary goal threat, despite his underperformance.
– United displayed poor finishing and a lack of attacking efficiency, struggling to convert chances.
– Erik ten Hag’s failure to adapt tactically and address defensive vulnerabilities early in the match put United at a disadvantage.
Defensive Set-up and Vulnerabilities
United’s defensive set-up and vulnerabilities were exposed early in the match against Nottingham Forest. Questionable defensive decisions from their own corner allowed Forest to score the opener. Awoniyi was allowed to rampage through the field, and Wan-Bissaka shied away from the header leading to Boly’s goal.
Conceding two goals within four minutes highlighted defensive frailties and a lack of organization to handle Forest’s attacking threats. Ten Hag failed to address the defensive vulnerabilities, putting United in a difficult position and allowing Forest to take the lead.
It was clear that United’s defensive calamities had cost them the match.
Relying on Anthony Martial
Erik ten Hag still heavily relies on Anthony Martial as the team’s primary goal threat. Despite having a large transfer budget, Ten Hag hasn’t found a suitable replacement for Martial. His presence in the starting lineup is unforgivable given the resources available.
Martial has underperformed for multiple seasons and his time at Old Trafford should have come to an end already. Ten Hag should have invested in new attacking options instead of relying on the French forward. His decision to spend £72m on an injured striker, Rasmus Hojlund, is becoming more baffling.
Martial’s presence in the lineup is a testament to Ten Hag’s failure to identify the team’s attacking vulnerabilities.
Poor Finishing and Lack of Attacking Efficiency
The team’s lack of attacking efficiency and inability to convert chances raises questions about their overall performance. United displayed poor finishing against Nottingham Forest, dominating possession and creating nine chances, yet struggling to convert them.
The decision to spend £72m on injured striker Rasmus Hojlund is becoming more baffling. Martial’s presence in the starting lineup is unforgivable given the resources available.
Ten Hag’s initial game plan didn’t account for Forest’s attacking threat, resulting in a slow start for United. The team’s poor finishing was evident throughout the first half, leading to a difficult position and allowing Forest to take the lead.
Ten Hag needs to address the attacking efficiency issues in order to prevent similar situations in the future.
Lack of Tactical Adaptation
Ten Hag’s lack of tactical adaptation put the team at a disadvantage initially. His failure to adjust to the situation meant United struggled to regain control of the game until the second half.
Ten Hag’s initial game plan did not account for Forest’s attacking threat and the team’s defensive vulnerabilities were not adequately addressed. His lack of tactical adjustments meant the team was exposed early in the match and the defensive frailties allowed Forest to take the lead.
Ten Hag needs to be more proactive and take into account the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses in order to avoid similar situations in the future.
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