MUNMan UnitedClub page
SABSabah FKClub page
Squad value€924.3m
Squad value€18.5m
Key playerBryan Mbeumo
Key playerTymoteusz Puchacz
Head coachMichael Carrick
Head coachValdas Dambrauskas
Nothing about how these two play marks this one out.
United do not chase the ball all over the pitch. They hold a tight block across the middle and squeeze once you come to them.
“Without the ball Carrick enforced a compact mid-block and a simple 4-4-2 press.”They keep the ball longer than they used to and work it through the centre, with Bruno Fernandes playing just behind the striker.
“Bruno Fernandes returned to the No.10 role, full-backs became more asymmetrical, and United played with longer, more central possession sequences.”United shoot more often than any other side in England. They will keep working the ball into shooting range and having a go.
“No top-flight team attempted more shots or had a greater number of shots on target than Carrick’s United, so creativity is unlikely to be in short supply.”They pass their way out patiently rather than hitting it long. If nothing is on, they will go sideways and wait.
“In possession, Sabah look to control the game through patient build-up play, using rotations to create space and find players between the lines.”Big, physical and awkward to break down. If they score, there is a fair chance it starts from a corner.
“Without the ball, they are a physically strong team who are difficult to break down, while their aerial presence makes them a threat from attacking set pieces.”