SPOSporting CPClub page
MUNMan UnitedClub page
Squad value€413.7m
Squad value€928.8m
Key playerLuis Suárez
Key playerBryan Mbeumo
Head coachnot published
Head coachMichael Carrick
Live on Canal+ · France
Live on DAZN or Prime Video · Germany
Live on RTÉ, Premier Sports or Virgin Media · Ireland
Live on Sky Sport or Prime Video · Italy
Live on Ziggo Sport · Netherlands
Live on Movistar Plus+ · Spain
Live on TNT Sports or Prime Video · UK
Live on Paramount+, TUDN or DAZN · USA
Sporting want to defend high up the pitch. Their coach says that when they dropped deeper at Braga, Braga got near their goal and scored from their only shot.
“Não queríamos isso, fomos conseguindo manter esse bloco alto e, quando baixámos, o Braga andou uma ou outra vez perto da nossa baliza e, no único remate que tem, acaba por fazer golo.”We didn't want that; we managed to keep that high block, and when we dropped deeper Braga got near our goal once or twice and scored from the only shot they had. our translation
Sporting play fast and direct, not patiently.
“Güncel taktik veriler de bu 4-2-3-1 tabanını, yüksek tempolu ve dikine bir oyun anlayışıyla tarif ediyor.”The latest tactical data also describe this 4-2-3-1 base as a high-tempo, direct style of play. our translation
Their playmaker starts in the middle but keeps sliding over to the left and cutting inside. That is deliberate: it clears the touchline for the left-back Maxi Araújo to charge past him.
“Explicando a geometria da equipa: o charrua começou por se fixar na posição 10, mas tem derivado com frequência para a esquerda, trocando de posicionamento com Flávio Gonçalves e realizando movimentações interiores para abrir a ala às investidas de Maxi Araújo.”Explaining the team's geometry: the Uruguayan started out fixed in the number 10 position, but has frequently been drifting to the left, swapping positions with Flávio Gonçalves and making inside runs to open up the flank for Maxi Araújo's raids. our translation
Pundits are split on how hard they chase the ball: some say they hunt the ball high up the pitch, others that they wait and pick their moments.
“A 4-2-4 built on "trios," third-man runs and a high press designed to create counter-attacks.”“United have proportionately deployed a high block to a greater extent than any other Premier League team this season (42%) and this is up considerably from Carrick’s time in charge last term (26%).”“Without the ball Carrick enforced a compact mid-block and a simple 4-4-2 press.”“In fact, the three games when opposition teams have completed most passes against United have come in the last three games against Como, Atletico Madrid and Leeds. This has coincided with Carrick's attempts to be more compact and solid defensively.”When pressed, United keep passing it around at the back rather than going long.
“Rather than force long balls forward when the press arrived, United’s centre-backs and goalkeeper kept circulating possession.”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.”