This article is part of Football FanCast’s Off the Bench series, which places in-game managerial decisions and squad selections under FFC’s microscope.
After claiming all three points against Tottenham in mid-week, Manchester United were at it again with a superb performance in their 2-1 derby day triumph against Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.
Snapshot
The Red Devils arrived at the Etihad on the back of beating their former manager Jose Mourinho’s Spurs side on Wednesday, and knew City would pose another stern test of their credentials.
But in a scintillating counter-attacking performance, particularly in the first-half, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were rampant, tearing the home side to shreds with their pace and movement. The visitors raced into a two-goal lead by the break, thanks to a Marcus Rashford penalty and a clinical finish from Anthony Martial, and racked up five shots on target.
As Pep Guardiola’s men chased for a comeback, United held firm, with Nicolas Otamendi’s late goal only proving to be a consolation. And whilst their attack did the talking in the opening period of the game, Solskjaer’s substitutions in the second-half certainly helped ensured they walked away with all three points.
Off the bench
The United boss’ use of his bench this season has had some mixed results, with his decision-making in that dramatic draw against Sheffield United seeing him go from hero to zero. But on Saturday afternoon, there can be no question he got his substitutions spot on, and more than just the personnel changes, it was also the mentality and instructions that he gave the players when taking to the pitch that proved to be decisive.
Andreas Pereira was the first man to come on, when he replaced Anthony Martial, with the Brazilian coming in to offer some more protection to the midfield area. And whilst the 23-year-old wasn’t involved in a game-changing highlight at either end, one particular moment showed Solskjaer is beginning to learn his lessons in the dark arts.
As City looked to mount a counter-attack through Raheem Sterling, Pereira came charging in from behind and simply swiped at the England international’s legs, bringing him to a halt. He may have picked up a yellow card for his troubles, but he ensured the Red Devils weren’t left exposed on the break. It’s the kind of mentality that comes with better in-game management, knowing when to make tactical fouls and how to kill a game off.
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The later substitutions of defenders Ashley Young and Axel Tuanzebe simply reinforced that. Solskjaer showed he may have just embraced the kind of ‘dirty’ tactics it takes to close out victories, and that is a trait that will bring them rich rewards. It is something Mourinho used to employ in order to gain an advantage and earn results, and whilst it may not be admirable or even honourable (Jamie Carragher even described it as “disgraceful”), it has proven it can work.
And on Saturday, the United boss embraced his inner Mourinho to full effect.
Meanwhile, Manchester United fans have lauded this man for his defensive masterclass against Manchester City.
