The Daly Brief | Spurs vs Man United, Premier League | OneFootball

"Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 always feels under scrutiny, but Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have had a swift impact. The recent win over Liverpool was huge, not only in terms of approach, but a display of character too..."

Rob Daly, official club commentator, presenter and pundit

Settling in Sesko...

Manchester United focused their summer activity on upgrading their attack, including the signing of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. His link-up looks an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund’s – dropping to use his 6ft 5ins frame to protect the ball before bringing Cunha and Mbeumo into play. The Slovenian varies things too with his rapid pace, looking to get in behind, while he’s built up a reputation for fierce shots and acrobatic efforts – however he’s been limited to two close range goals so far against Brentford and Sunderland. Sesko also struggled to impact last week’s 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest with Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic playing very physical with the striker, perhaps something Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven could recreate today.

Proven Premier League quality...

Behind Sesko, United added two of the league’s top scoring forwards from last season –Mbeumo (20 goals) and Cunha (15 goals). Both collect the ball from the striker and are extremely effective at making driving, penetrative runs centrally through the pitch. Mbeumo, a former Thomas Frank player, has elevated United’s attack already adding five goals, while Cunha has also played as the striker, which he’s done to good effect when required, showing real swagger in a United shirt and even dropping to near his own box to collect possession. Fundamentally, with more traditional wingers out of the door like Garnacho, Antony, Sancho and Rashford, United now have forwards of the profile Amorim wants offensively and defensively.

The Diallo dilemma...

The new arrivals, along with Mason Mount’s ability to operate behind the striker, means Amad Diallo is at right-wing back, a position he occupied last season despite playing in the front three during the Europa League Final. When United attack, Diallo is a threat bombing forward down that side, building a great understanding with Mbeumo. The pair linked up for a goal at Liverpool and impressed during the 4-2 Brighton win, with Amad explaining the fact they both speak French and have a good relationship off the pitch has helped. However, when he’s forward and possession is turned over, United are vulnerable to passes down the right-sided centre-back and even in a settled low block you can see the Ivorian is not the most comfortable defender. Much was made of the fact he was beaten to the ball by Morgan Gibbs-White for a headed goal last week against Forest, but Diallo’s remarkable volley to level the game nine minutes from time showed the worthwhile trade off.

Settling on a side...

Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in midfield don’t feel as exposed this season as the striker drops deep to thicken things up out of possession. Mbeumo and Cunha like to play inside anyway while even Luke Shaw can step into that area of the pitch from left-sided centre-back. In short, United look more compact, and with no European football this season, Amorim can use his midweeks to hone his tactics. In goal, Senne Lammens, signed from Royal Antwerp, looks commanding from crosses and, while Amorim generally wants to play out from the back, they’ve had success going direct from their goalkeeper. Arne Slot acknowledged it was a major factor in Liverpool’s recent loss to today’s visitors, while only Wolves (792) have played more long passes this season than Manchester United (770) – something for Spurs’ centre-backs to deal with.

Last time we met in the Premier League...