Its no surprise to see United have dramatically improved their ball retention under Van Gaal. Possession based build-up play is a fundamental aspect of Van Gaals style when it is working properly but at the same time, United have also completed more long balls in 2014/15, which is indicative of a lack of plan B when things arent working as has been the case on many occasion this year. However, the most startling stats surround the threat which Uniteds passing poses. Despite having over 1,100 more passes this season, United have actually had less passes in the final third in 2014/15 (3,078 compared to 3,183 in 2013/14) than they did at the same stage last year. Rome wasnt built in a day and Van Gaals United is most certainly a work in progress but something needs to improve. That stat is telling. It shows how sterile Uniteds passing has been. For all the possession, there has been less shots, a lower goals per game average, less goals and less attacking action in the final third. After adding so much talent in the summer, thats a genuine worry. United have been brilliant going forward in some games yet diabolical in others. That consistency is needed if a top four spot is to be achieved and as United have won 80% of their games when using a 4-4-2 diamond, in comparison to just 36% using the 3-5-2, maybe a formation re-think could alleviate much of Uniteds current plight.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 11:53:08 +0000
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