Louis van Gaal’s defensive strategy is working for Manchester United.
It is no secret that Manchester United’s biggest strength on the field is its tightly knit defense. However, Louis van Gaal’s tactic seems to have changed that, as he urges for possession of the ball and desires a more offensive approach. Manchester United has had a winning streak thus far, with victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
Critics have openly stated their opinion on Van Gaal’s defense strategy–many argue that the approach will backfire sooner or later and that Manchester United needs to pick up more possessions. However, Van Gaal has not only shown through recent matches that a strong defense is as good as a strong offense, but has the facts on his side. A fourth consecutive clean sheet in the league at the weekend leaves them with the best defensive record in the top flight. They have conceded just eight times and now sit just two points off the top spot. Van Gaal’s side was also fourth after 12 matches last season, but this time around it’s five points better off.
United has not been at the top when it comes to goals scored; seven teams have scored more than United this season and 15 teams have taken more shots. United’s merge tally of 10.3 shots per game is less than any of the other clubs apart from Sunderland, Stoke and Newcastle. Despite United’s struggle to advance foward, the team keep picking up clean sheets and decent results.
United has had a high average percentage for possession (57.2%) in the league, even though their number of shots per fame is drastically low.
The trouble with playing a defensive tactic is when the team faces a high amount of shots. For example, Atletico Madrid, one of the best teams in the world, struggles to top its rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid, both of whom are offensive teams. Sooner or later the team shooting more has a higher chance of scoring than the one blocking all the shots. Simply put, if the other team doesn’t have the ball how can they possibly score?
Most likely frustrating for fans who desire Van Gaal to change up his tactic, it appears that Van Gaal is reaping some results. Manchester City has conceived fewer shots per game (8.8) while still dominating possession. Bournemouth’s passing approach has limited the number of shots on their goal but it isn’t enough to cause damage to the opposite team.
David de Gea and Ben Amos are both terrific goalkeepers, as are lead defense players Tyler Blackett, Phil Jones, and Janko. Thus far, United has managed to be playing a good game but it will have to strengthen its offense if it wants to make it to the top 4.
What do you think? Does Manchester United have what it takes? Is a solely defense based approach enough?
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