Manchester Derby Tactics: Glasner and Ten Hag’s Potential Influence on United’s Strategy

To achieve a significant advancement in Sunday’s Manchester derby, Manchester United might need to temporarily revert to a reactive counter-attacking strategy, reminiscent of Erik ten Hag’s earlier methods, which they had intended to move past, as this approach is deemed necessary to defeat Manchester City. This observation, frequently made by sports commentators, highlights Manchester City’s susceptibility to rapid counter-attacks in Rodri’s absence. Data indicates a notable decline in their recoveries, from 45.6 per 90 minutes in the 2023-24 season to 39.1 per 90 minutes in 2024-25. Furthermore, they have allowed the highest expected goals (xG) from fast breaks across the entire Premier League, totaling 4.5. Theoretically, Manchester United possesses both the squad and the tactical structure to capitalize on this vulnerability. Their strategy would involve adopting Ten Hag’s defensive and counter-attacking approach, complemented by heeding the advice of Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner. “We knew we can play a higher intensity [than City] – all the data showed this,” Glasner stated following Palace’s 2-2 draw against City last weekend. He added, “We knew when we get into the transitions we’d get in behind.” Glasner further elaborated on City’s tactical setup, noting, “There was so much space on the opposite side next to [Ilkay] Gundogan. When you play with one number six, 4-1-4-1, like City are playing, there is a lot of space on the left and right of the number six.” Crystal Palace’s initial goal in the 2-2 stalemate resulted from Will Hughes, in the absence of Rodri, having sufficient time to advance and deliver a through-ball to Munoz. Gundogan (19) was out of position, which compelled City’s two central defenders to attempt to step out. Employing high intensity, rapid transitions, and targeting the opposing number six are identified as key elements for attempting to overcome Manchester City, and Manchester United possesses the tactical framework to execute this. Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, which includes two ‘number 10s’ positioned directly behind a striker, creates a tactical scenario where City’s 4-1-4-1 system leaves its single number six isolated in that exact area. This fundamental tactical asymmetry has the potential to be a decisive factor in the derby. The anticipated formation for Amorim’s Manchester United is depicted with two ‘number 10s’ (red 9 & 10) positioned on either side of Manchester City’s solitary defensive midfielder (blue 6). Amad Diallo’s dribbling, or ‘carries’ in Opta terminology, has directly contributed to five of the six league goals scored by United since Amorim took charge. Should he initiate a counter-attack, Manchester City’s expansive midfield would likely be occupied by United’s two central midfielders, thereby creating openings for the two ‘number 10s’ to deliver through balls. This exact scenario unfolded during Sporting’s 4-1 Champions League triumph over Manchester City last month, where Amorim’s team predominantly employed counter-attacking tactics and scored two goals by penetrating areas that Mateo Kovacic, operating as the solitary number six, was unable to defend. Manchester City’s Kovacic, burdened by his role as the sole number six, was unable to position himself closely enough to intercept the through ball that resulted in Sporting’s initial goal. Subsequent to Kovacic being drawn out of his position and overcome by a successful dribble, Manchester City’s midfield was once again exposed, which allowed Sporting to secure a second goal. A rare victory for the visiting team is conceivable, provided Amorim is prepared to both replicate his Sporting tactical model and permit United to revert to their established playing habits.