Manchester United vs. Liverpool: Tactics Analyzed by Danny Higginbotham | Football News

Manchester United vs Liverpool, 14:05, Sunday, Sky Sports Premier League

2:09

Former Manchester United defender Danny Higginbotham explains how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tactical adjustments have allowed the club to flourish under his guidance.

Manchester United's tactical tactics under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have helped them better support their forwards – but they need to pay attention to Liverpool's Sadio Mane, warns Danny Higginbotham.

The two sides meet at Old Trafford, live from Sky Sports on Sunday, in a much-anticipated clash.

United enters the match after a turnover under the control of Acting Chief Solskjaer. He took office after United's defeat at Anfield in December, resulting in Jose Mourinho's dismissal. Higginbotham said his acting boss had reinforced United's offensive play.

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"When we get back to the game at Anfield, when Liverpool was right to win a 3-1 win and that it could have been more than that, it was obviously the last drop from Mourinho's point of view and they went in Solskjaer, "said Higginbotham. Sky Sports News.

"The problem at the time was at the front of the center – and I felt really sorry for Romelu Lukaku or Marcus Rashford, who was playing at the front at that time. very isolated.

Manchester United strikers were too often isolated under Jose Mourinho, says Higginbotham

"Because they defended in numbers – and Mourinho's point of view was" we must be stronger in defense "- so the offensive spirit [midfielders] will have to do a more defensive job. But then they suffered and they still did not keep clean sheets.

"It was finally a 4-5-1, it was so difficult because if they picked up the ball, Lukaku or Rashford were miles away from the defensive side of the team, and the ball that went up to Lukaku had to be perfect and he should repel two or three players.

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"Now, if they have to dive deep into a 4-5-1, they fall together, so Rashford – who's playing right now – is closer to the midfield and the units move up and down together.

"Then, when they move forward, everyone moves forward together.The first three work very well together.You get the width of your backs to the side, the first four can play tight against each other, and Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic down, can break in the back positions.

Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic can cover the Manchester United side-backs

"Suddenly you end up with three or four players who can trade nicely, as they have done recently."

However, Higginbotham expects Liverpool to enjoy the majority of possession at Old Trafford and baderts that Liverpool's reciprocal attack could pose a real threat.

Mane is a good example of Liverpool's offensive freedom. He was involved in all three goals in his last Premier League outing against Bournemouth, but his impact came from different areas of the field on every occasion.

Sadio Mane was involved in Liverpool's three goals against Bournemouth – in different areas of the field

"When you look at how the top three play, it's very fluid," Higginbotham said. "Personally, I think we'll see more of a Liverpool 4-2-3-1 at Old Trafford." That will not necessarily change Mane's position and the way he does it, though.

"He has a great understanding with [left-back] Andrew Robertson and we know that he loves to drive inside, which creates space for the backs.

"But I think because sometimes the attention of Mohamed Salah attracts, because of what he did last season, it frees up a bit more Mane.The teams will end up having to say that we have to treat him the same way because he is an incredible player.

"Against Bournemouth, it's the fluidity you're talking about in Liverpool that they can change positions, change systems and change systems in a game."

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