Berbatov: Manchester United Has Room for Improvement
Dimitar Berbatov expressed his concerns regarding Manchester United’s recent 1-0 loss to a ten-man Everton squad at Old Trafford.
Almost a year ago, Manchester United made the decision to dismiss Erik ten Hag, shortly after a review that saw him retain his managerial position. The dismissal followed a defeat to West Ham, where United lost 2-1.
According to ESPN, United’s management lost confidence in Ten Hag after a poor start to the season, where the team garnered just 11 points from their first nine matches, raising worries about their ability to qualify for the Champions League.
Last season, United finished in eighth place and currently occupy the 14th position in the league. Following Ten Hag’s ousting, the club brought in Ruben Amorim, who saw the team end the previous season in 15th place.
Under Amorim’s leadership, United’s points-per-game dropped from 1.2 to 1.0, alongside a decrease in their goal differential from -0.3 to -0.4. Despite these setbacks, the club chose to maintain his tenure.
After a promising five-game unbeaten streak through October and November, United faced a setback with their loss against Everton, who had been reduced to ten players for over 75 minutes in the match.
Currently, United sits in a four-way tie for 10th place after 12 matches, and with a year having passed since Amorim’s first game, questions loom about whether the team has improved compared to a year ago.
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What’s Different with Amorim at the Helm?
While tactical formations might seem interchangeable, Ruben Amorim’s approach to the game is distinctly tied to his preferred system. He has emphasized a consistent philosophy, indicating he wouldn’t alter his approach unless directed to do so by the club’s upper management.
Under Amorim, United has consistently utilized a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation since he took over. Data indicates that just one other manager, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, has utilized a three-defender setup more frequently.
This year, while Amorim’s formation has remained unchanged, there has been a marked difference in how the team performs on the pitch compared to last season when they often struggled to create chances.
Initially, United’s transition speed was notable for being among the slowest in the league. They moved the ball upfield at an average speed of 0.98 meters per second, largely stalling during attacks.
Effective teams can either control territory while playing slowly or move quickly while ceding territory. Amorim’s United, however, struggled with both aspects last season.
In more recent matches, United has improved their tempo and remains competitive in terms of territory control, averaging 0.5 more points per match this season compared to their previous performances under Amorim.
Assessing the Improvements and Their Longevity
Evaluating their adjusted goal differential offers insight into the team’s current standing. This metric reflects their performance positively compared to last season and ranks them near the upper echelon of the league.
On the offensive front, their adjusted goals scored have improved, while their goals conceded have seen only a slight increase, suggesting the trade-off has benefited their attacking display overall.
Notably, many of United’s forwards have transitioned, contributing to the enhanced attacking capabilities. New additions have made a significant impact, pushing the team toward a more aggressive style of play.
However, the increase in team age is a consideration as well, with many key players now aging into their 30s, which raises questions about the team’s long-term sustainability.
Despite a favorable start to the season, the upcoming fixtures pose challenges. They have yet to face some of the expected top teams, which could greatly affect their trajectory.
In conclusion, while Amorim has steered United onto a more stable path, questions about their ability to put in consistent, high-level performances remain. The team stands at an average level, poised somewhere between poor and promising.
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