Brighton’s pressing hindered United in possession

Erik Ten Hag did not get off to the best of starts in his first taste of Premier League football as Manchester United manager. His new side lost their opening game of the season 1-2 to Brighton & Hove Albion, who, led by Graham Potter, came to Old Trafford with an interesting game plan, and secured their second win against United in as many games.

During the first-half, Brighton adopted a back three system as expected, and executed effective man-to-man pressing tactics. The adopted pressing comprised of a few key features, and did also come with a flexibility which meant that at points, Brighton seemed to refrain from an entirely fixed shape when pressing United higher up the pitch.

Aribo brings plenty of versatility and dribbling to Southampton

Southampton’s summer recruitment has been promising. They have been opting for younger talent, with the eldest at 26, and biggest of those signings being midfielder Joe Aribo. Bought from Scottish side Rangers, Aribo finally has a chance to prove himself in the Premier League. And with there only being a year left on his Rangers contract, Southampton paid a mere £6m, with add ons.

Aribo offers Southampton a versatile and creative profile, which will add necessary quality and depth to their attacking ranks this season. Aribo’s adeptness in an array of roles and shapes, and in-game traits could benefit Southampton’s tactical aims too.

Sterling to Chelsea would possibly pose a fitting move for both player and league

With only a year left to Raheem Sterling’s contract at Manchester City, and the winger reportedly wanting to move elsewhere, could we see another notable exchange between two “big six” clubs in England, with Chelsea interested?

United need a winger, but need to prioritise other areas first

Invariably when a new manager arrives at the helm of a football club, transfer rumours pop up left and right. And with Manchester United’s appointment of Erik ten Hag, the club are overseeing an overhaul, with major outgoings, and the prospect of new recruits, especially those already familiar to ten Hag following his time as manager of Ajax. United have been heavily linked with defender Jurrien Timber, midfielder Frenkie de Jong, and winger Antony. But regarding the latter, United’s focus at first really should be on the areas the former two cover.

Retro Analysis: David Beckham’s role in the 1998-99 “Treble” season

England’s defeat to Argentina on penalties, and subsequent exit from the 1998 World Cup was doused in controversy, and David Beckham was scapegoated following his red card for kicking Diego Simeone.

But in the season that followed, Beckham proved an essential cog in the Manchester United machine that went on to achieve a historic Treble-winning campaign. Beckham’s work-rate, assists, and goals, led to the midfielder being awarded UEFA Club Footballer Of The Year, whilst just missing out on the Ballon D’or to Barcelona’s Rivaldo.

Beckham was one of the worlds best, and here’s a breakdown of his role and qualities in this iconic United side.

Atletico 1-1 Man. United: Should Elanga start more often?

Anthony Elanga is continuing to make quite the impression. Elanga was the right substitute at the right time as Manchester United were in search of a goal to relinquish the one-goal deficit against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League second round. Latching onto Bruno Fernandes’ pass and converting past the out of form goalkeeper Jan Oblak, Elanga saved United from a potentially dire situation going into the second leg.

van de Beek and Alli’s arrivals offer Everton further tactical conundrum

After a 3-1 to Newcastle United, Everton sit 16th in the Premier League, and only two points ahead of the relegation zone. This is not good. The defeat to Newcastle, and the 4-1 win against Brentford in the FA Cup are juxtaposing displays and score lines, in new manager Frank Lampard’s first two games in charge.

An optimistic appointment, Lampard was brought in after Rafael Benitez’s departure, and then in came both Donny van de Beek, on loan from Manchester United and then Dele Alli, on a free from Tottenham Hotspur.

What’s the deal with Manchester United?

What’s the deal with Manchester United? I mean, are they really united right now?

Attempts at mimicking Seinfeld’s mockery of the opening four words aside, there is room for concern, but not so much that you turn your back on Ralf Rangnick after only a month in charge.

Taking over as interim manager of Manchester United, especially in the current climate, was never going to be a stroll in the park. And that has been shown with mixed results so far. With 3 wins, 2 draws, and 1 defeat, United have went through what can only be described as a mixed start in Rangnick’s first 6 games.

Goal Analysis: Mohamed Salah vs. Chelsea

A 2-2 draw between Chelsea and Liverpool provided one of the best games of the Premier League season so far. Liverpool took a quick 0-2 lead, before losing their deficit following brilliant strikes from Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic, amidst an engaging tactical contest where pressing and end-to-end attacks took centre stage.

A big moment in the match was Liverpool’s second goal, scored by (who else?) Mohamed Salah, and it was worth breaking down to highlight Liverpool’s traits when attacking, as well as Salah’s quality when with the ball in the penalty-area, and in front of goal.

Joelinton, the hard-working midfielder

Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce as Newcastle United manager in November, and has looked to change things up tactically. Rather than setting up in a back three shape, Newcastle now adopt either a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1. And although Newcastle still loom in the relegation zone after Christmas, they have now recorded their first win of the season, a 1-0 victory over Burnley, and have been seeing impressive displays from a polarising figure.