Manchester United's 4-2-4 defensive formation against City stuck with me after I analyzed that game, and I wanted to see if it was only a tactic for that game or if it was something they regularly used. It turns out that United switched to the 4-2-4 formation after unsuccessful spells with 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 formations. In this post I'll look at the problems United was having with the previously mentioned formations and the strengths and weaknesses of their 4-2-4 set up.
When United set up in a 4-4-2 shape, they would often allow teams to enter their defensive half too easily. Often times this looked like the opposition's center back being allowed to dribble into their attacking half. This happened against Everton and Arsenal and it can be seen below.
Both center backs for Everton and Arsenal were more likely to make better decisions and complete passes to teammates by being able to shrink the space with the progressive touches into United's defensive half.
If a team is willing to cede space for the opposition's back line to progress with the ball, it usually means that they are in a tight and organized defensive block. However, against Arsenal, United allowed Arsenal center backs time and space and they were not organized which resulted in plays like the one below shown over two screens.
Another thing United struggled with was the organization of their double pivot in the 4-4-2. Often the two players in the double pivot would become too ball oriented and they would both step to put pressure on an opponent with the ball which left a player open and available to receive and advance the ball.
There were also situations where the double pivot was too flat and or was not aware of where the opposing players were located. This resulted in the double pivot being split which can be seen below.
In league play, it appears that United switched to a 4-2-4 after their first meeting with Arsenal who exploited the weaknesses of their 4-4-2 during the entire game. A 4-2-4 allows United to become more man mark oriented in their defensive shape and better protects their favored double pivot. This was apparent in their second league meeting with Arsenal shown below.
In this shape United try to force opponents to make passes that have a low percentage of being completed or to play in wide areas where they would try and trap them. They did this against Arsenal, and it was a day and night difference in terms of the pressure, time and space that was afforded to Arsenal in United's 4-4-2.
In the photo above, United have two central forwards, the right winger, the right back, and the right sided double pivot all trying to put pressure on Arsenal and win the ball in an advantageous area.
In the 4-2-4 the wingers would double up on opposition players with the outside back. They also did this against City.
Because United have a line of 4 in front, whenever they win the ball in their attacking third, they are automatically in a numerical ideal situation in a dangerous area. In their game against Brighton, they won the ball and were able to attack with numbers.
Although a 4-2-4 formation can be difficult to break down (which could be because it is not a common set up), there are areas which teams were able to exploit. The spaces on each side of the double pivot are vulnerable. It's the tradeoff United make in making sure that the double pivot is not disorganized like it was in the 4-4-2. City did a great job of finding those spaces, but Arsenal were also able to find them as the game went on.
Defensive transition (offensive transition for the opposition) in a top heavy 4-2-4 can result in counter attacks or numerical disadvantages in key areas. Brighton did not generate a lot of offense against United, but there was a moment when they were able to catch United on an offensive transition.
In their second game against Arsenal, Katie McCabe received a red card and left Arsenal with 10 players. Yet, Arsenal were still able to take advantage of a counter attack situation and tie the game. It also helps when you have players of Vivianne Miedema's quality.
Video taken from ata Football.
United are in contention for qualifying for Champions League, and it will be interesting to see if they continue to use the 4-2-4 formation to help them get there.
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