Michael Carrick and Steve Holland were the happiest men in Manchester on Saturday, guiding Manchester United to a massive win over City.
The famous Old Trafford scoreboard read Manchester United 2-0 City, yet this definitely flattered the visitors, as Michael Carrick’s side could have scored five or six.
Carrick played a United DNA style with quick counterattacks, with City unable to deal with the Red Devils.
While being completely outcoached, Pep Guardiola was looking clueless on the touchline, clearly baffled by what he was seeing between the white lines.
However, Carrick cannot take all the credit for this performance, with Steve Holland drawing on past experiences to mastermind the win.
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Steve Holland masterminded Manchester United win vs City
The appointment of Holland has been hailed by Wayne Rooney, with his tactical knowledge being very impressive. Additionally, Harry Maguire said Holland is ‘magnificent’ which is another glowing review that says it all about the coach.
Giving Carrick an experienced assistant solves any doubts that could have been had over Carrick. Now, after the pair led United to the win over City, Holland’s role cannot be understated.
Michael Carrick and Steve Holland in discussion.
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Back in 2020, Holland appeared on the Coaches’ Voice YouTube channel for an episode of ‘Masterclass’ in which he discussed some of the biggest tactical systems of the time, including the Chelsea system he worked to develop alongside Antonio Conte.
Demonstrating on a tactics board, Holland explained a pattern of play which is familiar after seeing how United dismantled City.
“The number 10s will go inside, to play between the lines, with the wing-backs right up high [wingers in Carrick’s case] in the same line as the forwards. Five players in the same line in the offensive third of the pitch, which left three and two, with the team basically split into the five players who prepare the attack, and the five players whose job is to penetrate.”
United had this exact shape in possession against City, with Holland continuing, “What happened was teams were playing with four against five, and what happens is you get outnumbered. Particularly when the ball is getting switched.”
Against City, one key example was when Mainoo completed a perfect switch ball that provided an overload, only for Diogo Dalot to ruin the attacking move with an overhit and inaccurate pass.
“The problem the on the opposite side of the ball, when one player makes a run, [the defender] won’t be sure whether to go with him to cover the run, or whether to stay with the winger.”
United’s system with five against City’s four was particularly evident from goal kicks, with Rodri being asked to mark both Amad, Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo, meaning the defence was dragged out of position to help.
This created so much space for United to counterproductively
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Patrick Dorgu celebrates with his teammates during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United.
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Michael Carrick can implement a similar system against Arsenal
The best part about the success of this system is that Carrick will have Mikel Arteta scrambling this week to try and coach a solution.
Arsenal defend in a four, with the midfield often positioned higher up the pitch in a press.
If Carrick uses the no traditional striker plan again, it could force Arsenal to change the way they play, something that has them top of the league.
However, if Arteta decides to park up and be more defensive, allowing United the ball, it might also play into Carrick’s hands as he favours a more possession-heavy game.
United are no longer stuck playing one way, with Carrick and Holland already showing versatility and ability to change when needed.
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