by Rob Blanchette
As the transfer window grinds to its inevitable closure, with a grunt and a groan, attentions turn towards the latest set of fixtures, as transferred players look to make an impression in their new surroundings.
On Saturday, David Moyes takes his Manchester United side to the Britannia Stadium to face Stoke City.
The United Faithful are in a buoyant mood after the capture of Juan Mata, and are keen to see what the skillful midfielder can bring to United's attack.
Stoke currently sit just above the relegation zone, having only scored 22 times this season, per Squawka.
United themselves have also struggled in front of goal, scoring only 38 times from the 230 chances they have created during the season (h/t Squawka.)
However, with the return to fitness of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney, United will feel that this is their time to shine, and start their drive towards an automatic Champions League position.
The last four matches between the sides have ended in victories for the Red Devils.
United's Capital One Cup visit to Stoke saw Ashley Young and Patrice Evra both exploit the right-back position, with Stoke dropping too deep. This allowed United into the last third, and score the two goals that took the win.
Here we see the tactical error made by Stoke, which allowed Young to score.
Three central midfielders had attempted to squeeze the space in front of them, keeping a tight line and attempting to suffocate any potential attack.
However, with Chicharito making an effort to play as high up as possible, on the shoulder of the last man, Stoke's defence had retreated too far back, leaving a large zone in front of them completely vulnerable.
There was a similar issue with the second goal of the game, scored by Evra.
Young once again managed to breach any hold that Stoke had in midfield, and made his way deep into the final third, where he was addressed by two defensive opponents.
Source:- http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1940685-film-focus-previewing-stoke-city-vs-manchester-united
As the transfer window grinds to its inevitable closure, with a grunt and a groan, attentions turn towards the latest set of fixtures, as transferred players look to make an impression in their new surroundings.
On Saturday, David Moyes takes his Manchester United side to the Britannia Stadium to face Stoke City.
The United Faithful are in a buoyant mood after the capture of Juan Mata, and are keen to see what the skillful midfielder can bring to United's attack.
Stoke currently sit just above the relegation zone, having only scored 22 times this season, per Squawka.
United themselves have also struggled in front of goal, scoring only 38 times from the 230 chances they have created during the season (h/t Squawka.)
However, with the return to fitness of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney, United will feel that this is their time to shine, and start their drive towards an automatic Champions League position.
The last four matches between the sides have ended in victories for the Red Devils.
United's Capital One Cup visit to Stoke saw Ashley Young and Patrice Evra both exploit the right-back position, with Stoke dropping too deep. This allowed United into the last third, and score the two goals that took the win.
Here we see the tactical error made by Stoke, which allowed Young to score.
Three central midfielders had attempted to squeeze the space in front of them, keeping a tight line and attempting to suffocate any potential attack.
However, with Chicharito making an effort to play as high up as possible, on the shoulder of the last man, Stoke's defence had retreated too far back, leaving a large zone in front of them completely vulnerable.
There was a similar issue with the second goal of the game, scored by Evra.
Young once again managed to breach any hold that Stoke had in midfield, and made his way deep into the final third, where he was addressed by two defensive opponents.
Source:- http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1940685-film-focus-previewing-stoke-city-vs-manchester-united
