Manchester United have got the best away record in the Premier this season. However, their home form is something to worry about. Away from Old Trafford, United have produced some scintillating performances. Yet at Old Trafford, United are unable to produce a consistent performance across the 90 minutes.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are known for their counter-attacking abilities. The counter attacking style of play is much more suitable for away ties. As the home side is often expected to have the bulk of possession and therefore this would play into the hands of a counter attacking side. At the Theatre of Dreams, Manchester United are expected to have most of the possession. The arrival of Bruno Fernandes has improved United’s passages of play. But when the Portuguese man has an off-night, United struggle to create clear-cut opportunities.
Unbeaten Away Form In The League
Although, the Red Devils have not been amazing this season, they find themselves unbeaten away from home in the league. The absence of fans, due to the ongoing pandemic, has so far benefitted away sides. This is mainly because of home fans driving their team on in home matches which can create an intimidating and hostile atmosphere for the visiting teams. Away from home, United have taken advantage of this and have produced some breath-taking comebacks. The Red Devils have come back from a losing position to defeat Brighton, Newcastle, Everton, Southampton, West Ham and, most recently against Sheffield United.
Counter Attacking More Suitable Away From Home
On the other hand, Manchester United have put in some stale and lacklustre performances at Old Trafford. They fell to defeat against the Eagles before they were humiliated at Old Trafford against Mourinho’s Spurs. This season United have been unable to produce their brilliance against the top sides at home like they did last season. United have dropped points against every one of their main rivals such as Chelsea, City and Arsenal. Furthermore, even in their single home league victory United failed to score from open play against relegation threatened West Brom.
How Can United Replicate Away Form At Home?
A combination of indifferent playing style and the absence of home fans has affected United’s performances at Old Trafford. United’s away form has moved them above many of their major rivals with a game in hand. However, their home form will restrict them from progressing any further.
Improvements at home could occur if Solskjaer settles down with a more familiar starting eleven. For example, he could use the same side that was so successful post-lockdown with the addition of Telles in the side. Most importantly, it is imperative that two of Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Donny Van De Beek start the home matches. At home, United look out of ideas when in possession and therefore it is vital to have a combination of these maestros on the pitch, who could provide that key pass to one of United’s deadly front three.
