Sitting Deep, But Why?
We recently watched a post game analysis of Manchester United on a number of platforms and TV channels where pundits and so called fan channels slated Harry Maguire. In all of these analysis one theme was common. Harry Maguire was singled out as the reason Manchester United sits deep in games. But is that a good enough analysis? Is it fair to just say 'they are deep because Maguire has no pace'. (Continued Below)
Squeezing Up
Looking down through the history of football there are multiple examples of defenders renowned for playing in a high defensive line, despite those players having little pace. In fact, we recently clipped many games in which Harry Maguire himself was part of a high defensive line for England, Leicester City and Hull City. Maguire was more than comfortable to squeeze up the pitch in those games. So what's been different at Manchester United?
Maguire May Not Be The Only Issue
Putting the coaching hat on and taking a detailed look at the video evidence, then it becomes blatantly clear that a shocking lack of intensity within United's pressing game absolutely played a part in Maguire's decision making to be dropping off, or sitting deep as 'experts' refer to it. Granted, at times Maguire can be found wanting in terms of willingness to squeeze up, but this narrative that he is only happy to sit deep is a completely non educated, non evidence based accusation. Do those people actually understand the game? Pep Guardiola had shown interest in Maguire in the past, you can’t help wonder would the sitting too deep accusation be thrown at Maguire in a Manchester City team who relentlessly apply pressure to the ball in midfield areas.
Our Verdict
To suggest Harry Maguire can only sit deep and not play in a high line is a non educated football assumption. The bigger picture is that playing a high line requires a lot more than simply individual pace, it requires a team who press with high intensity to deny opportunity to play beyond. It comes back to the basics, pressure on the ball - Squeeze up…….No pressure on the ball = drop. Far to often Manchester United fail to apply the pressure needed to squeeze high.