The Two Alex Ferguson Philosophies That Have Helped United Boss

After 16 matches of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure at Manchester United, the situation appears as promising as it did after his first.

The team is still winning, goals are still being scored in abundance, and the mood surrounding the club remains overwhelmingly positive.

However, in order to foster those positives, Solskjaer has altered various aspects in relation to United’s style of play which has ultimately led to the team representing the traditions of the club in a more appropriate manner.

Under Jose Mourinho, the team’s playing style gradually ceased to uphold the beliefs instilled during Sir Alex Ferguson’s time at the club.

Solskjaer however, appears to be reintegrating those beliefs.

Perhaps one of the most underappreciated traits of United under Solskjaer and even Ferguson to an extent is their tactical flexibility, and how the team have adapts to changing circumstances.

The Red Devils have become difficult to predict, and they now operate as attack-minded pragmatists, just as they did under Ferguson.

United were often fabled for their offensive intent in the Premier League, appearing to attack regardless of the opponent, and although that’s true to an extent, the team also adjusted masterfully.

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If the answer was to dominate possession, United would. If the answer was to counter-attack, they would. If the answer was to play a more direct brand of football, they would.

Ferguson’s approach in terms of style was largely dependent on the match scenario, rather than playing with the same approach 100 per cent of the time akin to the likes of Pep Guardiola or Maurizio Sarri for example.

Solskjaer has recovered this attitude and it’s been evident in various matches.

Against the likes of Burnley, Bournemouth, Huddersfield and Brighton for example, United have largely dominated the ball and imposed their own game due to their superior quality over the opposing team.

Then, away from home against these types of sides, the approach has incorporated more counter-attacking, witnessed against the likes of Fulham and Cardiff.

The 46 year-old’s first real notable adjustment came against Tottenham at Wembley, in which a diamond midfield was employed with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial tasked with fulfilling wide striker roles.

This was done to exploit the high positioning of Mauricio Pochettino’s full backs, and the first goal came as a result, shown below.

Then, away from home against these types of sides, the approach has incorporated more counter-attacking, witnessed against the likes of Fulham and Cardiff.

The 46 year-old’s first real notable adjustment came against Tottenham at Wembley, in which a diamond midfield was employed with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial tasked with fulfilling wide striker roles.

This was done to exploit the high positioning of Mauricio Pochettino’s full backs, and the first goal came as a result, shown below.

Then, away from home against these types of sides, the approach has incorporated more counter-attacking, witnessed against the likes of Fulham and Cardiff.

The 46 year-old’s first real notable adjustment came against Tottenham at Wembley, in which a diamond midfield was employed with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial tasked with fulfilling wide striker roles.

This was done to exploit the high positioning of Mauricio Pochettino’s full backs, and the first goal came as a result, shown below.

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