Solving United's Defensive Issue with a Back Five

TLDRDropping Casemiro into a back five can solve United's defensive issues and create a more potent counterattack. This tactical adjustment allows for better coverage of opposition wingers and reduces the vulnerability in the left-sided half space. It also provides more flexibility for the fullbacks and allows the wingers to retain higher positions.

Key insights

🔒Using a back five with Casemiro in the defensive line improves defensive solidity and reduces vulnerability in the left-sided half space.

💨The back five formation allows United to have their wingers retain higher positions, enhancing the counterattack.

🔄Casemiro's role as a 'halfback' provides better coverage of opposition runners and improves defensive positioning.

🔝Implementing a back five solves the tactical issue while maintaining a potent offensive threat.

👀Ten Hag previously used this tactical approach against Wolves and saw positive results.

Q&A

How does dropping Casemiro into the backline solve defensive issues?

By dropping Casemiro into the backline, United can better cover opposition wingers and reduce vulnerability in the left-sided half space. Casemiro's presence also allows the fullbacks to retain wider positions.

What is the advantage of using a back five formation?

The back five formation provides better defensive solidity and allows the wingers to stay higher up the pitch, improving the counterattack.

What is Casemiro's role in this tactical adjustment?

Casemiro plays as a 'halfback' by dropping into the defensive line. This role enhances defensive positioning and coverage of opposition runners.

Does this tactical adjustment affect United's offensive threat?

No, it actually improves their counterattack by having Casemiro in the backline, providing more flexibility for the wingers and creating a more potent offensive threat.

Has Ten Hag previously used this tactical approach?

Yes, Ten Hag implemented this tactical adjustment against Wolves and saw positive results.

Timestamped Summary

00:00United has a tactical issue in their defensive system that can be solved by implementing a back five, with Casemiro playing a crucial role.

03:57Dropping Casemiro into the backline helps to solve the vulnerability in the left-sided half space.

05:55The back five formation allows the wingers to retain higher positions, enhancing the counterattack.

09:32Casemiro plays as a 'halfback' in this tactical adjustment, providing better defensive positioning.

09:57Implementing a back five solves the tactical issue while maintaining a potent offensive threat.