Man Utd v Bayern – Pretty Diagrams and that

Following the inspiration of the superb Zonal Marking and the discovery of this11, a tactical analysis of United’s adjustment after Rafael’s red card with pretty diagrams and stuff…

This is how we described the adjustment in our post-match analysis…

Ferguson’s reaction to going down to 10 contributed much to United’s eventual defeat. He had numerous options and chose to remove Rooney and bring on John O’Shea. The Irishman severely lacked match fitness, one, and two, it left United with no recognised striker. Gibson went to left midfield leaving Nani haring around upfront.That left United with no outlet, no-one who could hold up the ball. Though Nani chased manfully (and could have scored once) immediately United were under seige, and it was relentless with nowhere for them to go.

Other solutions looked better. Berbatov had to come on and give United someone who could hold the ball up, supported by a midfielder (Valencia or Nani) where possible, and Fletcher to right back. A 4-3-1-1 if you like, with the other winger pushed narrow. Or a 4-4-1 with midfielders supporting the Bulgarian when they can. Alternatively, take off Rooney and Valencia/Nani, and play Giggs off Berbatov with the other narrow. Or if O’Shea has to come on, take off one of the wingers (and Rooney) and use the other winger off Berbatov with Fletcher in the midfield three. Heck, even take off Rooney, Valencia and Nani, put O’Shea to right back, and play Giggs off Berba.

Anything that gave United a recognised striker, a get out, an escape from the relentless attacks.

Nani on his own upfront against a good team who had to score just invited pressure, encouraged a bombardment, and forced United’s backs further against the wall.

So here it is diagrammatically (which will probably make much more sense). This is how United started the game and indeed the second half:

Rooney was supported by Valencia in Nani in a 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 formation, with Gibson bombing on in a Lampard stylee. This blew Bayern away initially as United raced into a three goal lead, and though Bayern nicked one before half time Ferguson’s men were almost totally dominant.

However, after the sending off everything changed. This is how Ferguson reshuffled:

As discussed above, this left Nani coming in on his own from the left upfront, running around like a headless chicken but offering nothing in terms of an outlet who could hold the ball up. Valencia tried to support him but United ended up with their backs to the wall.

This is how they should have reshuffled. Either like this:

With Berbatov the lone front man supported by Valencia and Nani, or like this:

Which would give Berbatov more support, or even, with an extra two substitutions, this:

Which leaves United looking more robust in midfield, and with Giggs playing a more natural role behind the striker. Should Fergie have preferred to reserve a sub, Nani could play the Giggs role.

Any of the above, all containing Berbatov, would have been better options for a team looking to preserve a narrow lead. It would have given them capacity to attack but also an outlet that would have helped them defend.

Just call me Sir Alex.