The Tactics Show: Season Preview

#1032 | Ed and Dharnish preview the season with a focus on how United’s tactics are evolving under Michael Carrick. The pattern in pre-season has been more possession, more central possession, and an emphasis on third-man runs.  Where Carlos Baleba fits is still unclear: he's more carrier than passer, so the assumption is someone else, Kobbie Mainoo or Youri Tielemans, drops in to start moves while Baleba operates further forward.  The bigger worry is pressing. Pushing fullbacks and forwards higher creates gaps between midfield and defence, and neither Bruno Fernandes nor Marcus Rashford presses well enough to close them, though Baleba's mobility should help cover the space.  Up front, the squad is deep enough that losing Benjamin Sesko to injury or rotation shouldn't be a big problem, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and a returning Rashford all able to play through the middle. 0:00 Introduction and season preview 1:26 What's on the show today 2:20 More possession and central progression 4:12 Third man runs 5:52 Midfield pairings and where Baleba fits 10:01 Fullbacks in the build-up 13:40 Left-back transfer targets 15:06 The pressing question 21:17 Defensive transitions 23:45 The attack and Rashford's return 28:54 Transfer rumours 29:10 Wrap-up and season hopes If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing a weekly exclusive bonus episode, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Supporter funded episodes are ad-free. NQAT is available on all podcast apps and in video on YouTube. Hit that subscribe button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices