Manchester United side have had a good two weeks in all competitions, beginning with the Liverpool game in the Premier League. The Red Devils drew against the league leaders, before winning three back-to-back away games in three different competitions.
United have yet another away game when they face Bournemouth on Saturday, before two home games in the Europa League and Premier League.
If Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side can keep their good form going, they could climb up the table in the league.
Let’s take a look at 3 things Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to do to make sure Manchester United’s good run of form continues:
#1 Build from the back
Manchester United have had troubles in front of goal this season, but their defending has been pretty decent. In the league, the Red Devils have conceded 10 goals in 10 games, which is a decent defensive record, while conceding just 2 in 3 games in the Europa League.
Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have settled in well at the back and have made United stronger at the back, and both players have also helped in moving the ball quickly up front. But, both players can do a lot more in attack for United, which could perhaps happen once United are more confident.
The side’s strength is their defence at the moment, and they should use it to their advantage by building from the back.
Solskjaer’s tactic of sitting deep against stronger teams to counter-attack, using the pace of the likes of Marcus Rashford, Daniel James, and Anthony Martial can inflict damage on the opposition.
#2 Have a Plan B
It was encouraging to see Solskjaer play a different system against Liverpool, where he played three central defenders and two wing-backs, which stopped the Reds from playing.
He did the same against Chelsea, and it worked. But, this was against stronger teams that like to keep the ball, which allowed United to counter attack.
Against teams that sit back and do what United do to the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea, Solskjaer needs to develop a plan B, to counter low blocks.
#3 Manage his players better
Under Solskjaer, United’s players seem to press and run more, which has possibly contributed to the numerous injuries that his key players have faced this season.
The Manchester United coaching team must perhaps reduce the intensity of training, or not over-play key players so that they can keep important ones fit for key games.
United don’t have squad depth, especially in the attacking areas, and the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial must be protected or they may spend more time on the sidelines, which could hurt United.