Beesotted contributor The Gowler (@BeesBreakdown) gives us the tactical and statistical lowdown of Brentford’s loss at Old Trafford.
Thomas Frank deployed a 4-2-3-1 against a Big 6 side, which in the past has strictly been a back 5. The unchanged starting XI saw Ajer, Pinnock, Collins, and van den Berg as the backline. Nørgaard and Janelt the double pivot, with Damsgaard roaming ahead of them. The dangerous front three consisted of Lewis-Potter, Schade, and Mbeumo.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United side came out in a 4-2-3-1 with Dalot, de Ligt, Evans, and Martinez making up the back line. Eriksen and Casemiro the defensive midfielders, with Bruno Fernandes ahead of them. Garnacho and Rashford the wide players joining Høljund up top.
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Summary
Manchester United focused their attacking play down the right side of the pitch, pinning Brentford’s defenders, and opening space for Garnacho on the left wing. Manchester United ended with 6 switches, the most for an opponent against Brentford so far this season.
Høljund’s hold up play and ability to drop to receive the ball also set up Manchester United’s attack. This forced Brentford’s back line higher, allowing more space for United to attack in-behind.
In possession, Brentford continued to build out of the back but failed to create much in the final third. Of Brentford’s 0.86 xG, only 0.17 xG was from open play, although the Bees showed creative open play routines, they were unable to put it all together.
As usual, Mbeumo and Damsgaard led the squad in shot-creating actions, while Pinnock ended with Brentford’s only goal, the most tackles, interceptions, and clearances.