Manchester United will be desperate to find some inspiration after a nervy shootout win over Rochdale in the EFL Cup. However, things could get more difficult as they host high-flying Arsenal at Old Trafford on Monday.
The Red Devils have made an underwhelming start to the campaign. This upcoming clash at Old Trafford could be a must-win game if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to relieve some of the pressure of his shoulders. In this article, we will discuss three tactical steps the Norwegian should employ in order to outwit Arsenal on Monday.
Employ a left-sided overload
Solskjaer should assign the Manchester United players to employ a left-sided overload. That means they should try to emphasise more on attacking from the left-flank while assigning a more defensive role for the players on the opposite flank.
This is mainly because Arsenal are unlikely to start with Hector Bellerin on Monday, meaning Unai Emery will have to choose between either Ainsley Maitland-Niles or Calum Chambers to start at right-back. Both defenders are defensively vulnerable in that position.
In contrast, Daniel James is an ideal player for a left-sided overload. The Welshman’s pace and tenacity could cause a lot of problems for Arsenal as he can not only drift past defenders but can also put pressure on them by closing them down.
A high press
Arsenal players have often struggled to cope with a high press. The likes of Granit Xhaka and Maitland-Niles are known for their weaknesses when it comes to dealing with a high press.
Even the most technically gifted players like Dani Ceballos and Nicolas Pepe have found it difficult, which was highlighted in their performance against Watford.
Solskjaer should take note of this, especially given the fact the United players are not as technically astute as the Arsenal ones. What do they have, however, is athleticism and that could come in handy if the Norwegian boss opts for a high press in this encounter.
Starting with a two-man offensive line
It won’t be a bad idea for Solskjaer to deploy two men upfront considering Arsenal’s weakness in playing out from the back. The likes of Sokratis and David Luiz are not as efficient with the ball at their feet, and their passes often lack incision.
The Red Devils should concentrate on that weakness and play two forwards up top. That being said, both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are doubts heading into this clash. Mason Greenwood is tipped to be deployed as the number nine, but with no additional forward to back him up, Solskjaer should look to start with Jesse Lingard.
The England international is more versatile and can do a decent job as a secondary striker.
