Bukayo Saka Arsenal Emirates Stadium
Arsenal Emirates Stadium
Man United will head to North London to take on Arsenal in matchweek 14 of the Premier League and Ruben Amorim’s primary focus in midweek will be to stop Bukayo Saka from playing his A-game.
Saka has been on fire for Arsenal this season and in just 12 league appearances, the England international has made 15 goal contributions with an xG of 3.63 and xA of 4.79. He scored one and assisted two during Arsenal’s 5-2 riot against West Ham United and if Man United do not have a proper plan to stop him, Bukayo Saka will have yet another field day.
Thankfully, unlike Ten Hag, Ruben Amorim has showcased a clear tactical vision since taking charge at Old Trafford and in just three matches, it’s clearly visible that the Manchester United players are playing with a well-chalked-out plan.
In midweek, Amorim’s defensive judgements and selection will come under the scanner which is why we decided to take a look at how the new head coach might be planning to stop Bukayo Saka.
Disrupting Arsenal’s rhythm:
The first and foremost thing Amorim will urge his players is to stop the ball before getting into Saka’s feet. The manager has used a high-press strategy in his first three matches and once again, Amorim will have to ask his players to squeeze Arsenal’s backline so that they cannot play out from the back.
The Gunners will take the field with an attacking mindset because they will be playing at home. But, if the likes of Garnacho, Fernandes and Rashford can break their rhythm early on, Arteta’s side might have to resort to a long-ball strategy.
The Man United players need to ensure that the continuous service to Bukayo Saka is stopped and the England international has to continuously come down deep to be involved in the build-up.
Doubling-up on Bukayo Saka:
United will line up in a 3-4-3 formation and this is going to allow the left wing-back to come in and slot into the backline.
Ruben Amorim, in a recent press conference, has admitted that his wing-backs are more like defenders than attackers and this theory will be put to test in midweek.
Bukayo Saka always relishes a one-on-one scenario in and around the opponent’s box but Man United will have to make sure someone like Casemiro, Dalot or Manuel Ugarte is always close to cover and help out the left-sided centre-back.
Forcing the winger to remain on the touchlines:
Bukayo Saka’s basic instinct is to cut inside with the ball at his feet but if the United defenders can keep him out wide then he will be a much lesser threat in midweek.
Playing with a wing-back will allow Diogo Dalot to man-mark Saka at all times and whenever he is on the front foot, United’s left wing-back will need to make sure he doesn’t get the room to come inside the penalty box.
Bukayo Saka isn’t much of a crosser because, in 12 league appearances, he has put his just 23 successful crosses which means if he can be kept out wide, the winger will most likely look for a safe back pass or a side pass.
To conclude, Bukayo Saka isn’t the only threat but there’s no denying that in midweek, he will be the biggest cause of concern for Manchester United. The England international is brimming with confidence right now and if he is not handled properly, Man United’s 7-game unbeaten run is going to come to an end and that too at the hands of one of their bitterest rivals.