Manchester United are challenging the obsession with control via possession

Manchester United have now won 3 games in a row and in their last two wins, against Liverpool and Brighton, they surrendered the majority of possession. Quite simply, Manchester United are not bothered by being out of possession; they care about what they do when they finally do have it.

Long balls, quick counters, and sharp link up have been the keys to their 3-game winning streak. They went from being the biggest xG under performers in the league, which was -5.4 as of October 3rd (Opta via Fbref), to outperforming their xG numbers three games in a row. On the whole, United have just been better at finishing chances than they were to start the season. 

But a few days ago when I wrote Liverpool vs Manchester United – The Aftermath, I argued that the way Utd went about beating Liverpool was probably not replicable. I thought that a reliance on a few moments might lead to them getting run over in those games where those moments didn’t arise. Against Brighton, they proved me wrong. Not much possession, a reliance on key individual moments, and a lot of fast counter attacks – they were practically the same and they took another 3 points.

For Manchester United fans, this must be encouraging. Their style of play allows for them to beat the big possession dependant teams since they can give that up and still be effective. And if you don’t believe me, their most impressive performances this season have come against Arsenal, Liverpool, and Brighton whilst they have struggled against less imposing teams like Fulham and Brentford.

So, this is the intriguing thing about Manchester United. Yes, they can compete with the big boys, but will they be able to pick up points against teams like Leeds, West Ham, or Nottingham Forest? Teams that will challenge United to control the games with possession and relish the opportunity to counter attack themselves? Will there be enough opportunities for United to have swift counters and interplay if they’re the ones who face a low block? That is what I’m uncertain about, but intrigued to see!

Anyway, seeing one of the biggest clubs in England performing well is so fun to see (even if they made my Liverpool – United prediction look silly). Let’s hope this continues so games between the ‘big boys’ become blockbusters again!