This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Goals. Goals. Goals. Or in Manchester United’s case, a lack of them. The Red Devils have built their entire history around swashbuckling football, and throwing the kitchen sink at the opposition. These days, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side’s attack closely resembles a domestic cat lazily pawing at a passing fly. No intent, no ambition and no creativity whatsoever.
The fact that they haven’t scored more than one goal in a game since the 4-0 thrashing of Chelsea in the opening Premier League match of the season makes for worrying reading. Marcus Rashford has been the subject of much criticism for his perceived role in their attacking demise, but that only tells half the story. Against Newcastle last weekend, the England international looked starved of service and completely isolated up top on his own, registering no shots on goal.
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As one of the few genuine creators in the side, much would have been expected of Juan Mata. But games just appear to pass him by at the moment. What United desperately need to do however, is consider using the Spaniard in a more deeper position. Does Solskjaer really think they need both Fred and Scott McTominay in a midfield two? Talk about being defensive.
Getting Mata alongside the latter could well be the answer to getting more out of their attacking play. As per Understat, the 31-year-old has played in a central midfield 14 times over the course of his United career, and it is the position where he has the highest expected assists per 90 minutes (0.24). Allowing him to pick the ball up from the centre-backs, and immediately face forwards, rather than with his back to goal as he does in the number ten role, could make the most out of the side’s pacey attack.
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The likes of Daniel James and Marcus Rashford have the speed to get in behind opposition defences over and over again, but they simply don’t get provided with enough opportunities to do so. Currently, Mata averages just 22.6 passes per game in the Premier League – a total that is the lowest amount of any league season in his entire career as per Whoscored. It goes without saying that the 5 foot 7 man hasn’t contributed a single goal or assist this year either.
The Red Devils simply need to get more out of the play-maker, and changing up his position so he can see more of the ball may be the cure they desperately need.