THE optimism that followed Manchester United’s opening day draw with Arsenal now feels like a distant memory.
Last weekend’s chastening 3-1 defeat at the hands of a vibrant Brentford side has seen the pressure ratchet up on manager Ruben Amorim, and the message of support from the Old Trafford hierarchy is beginning to wear thin.
GettyRuben Amorim faces a defining moment against Sunderland[/caption]
Sunderland are happy to have less possession but are still outscoring the opposition
On paper, a home tie against newly-promoted opposition should be a welcome relief for a team in turmoil.
But this is no ordinary season, and Sunderland are no ordinary promoted side.
One glance at the Premier League table tells the story.
After five games, the Black Cats are riding high in 5th place, a full nine places above a United side languishing in 14th.
While only four points separate them, the gulf in performance and confidence is huge.
As Amorim prepares for a match that could define his early tenure, he must find answers to the questions posed by a tactically astute and ferociously organised Sunderland outfit.
Here are three key problems facing Amorim in a game he simply has to win.
THE MACKEM WALL
Survival in the top flight is built on defence, and manager Regis Le Bris has constructed a backline of formidable strength.
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Their success is rooted in a disciplined 4-2-3-1 system, with the defence shielded by a midfield duo who patrol the central areas with authority.
Recruitment has been key.
Dutch U21 starlet Robin Roefs has been a revelation in goal, while the former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka and Belgian Noah Sadiki have formed a combative partnership in the engine room.
But the jewel in the crown is French international Nordi Mukiele who has been a revelation at the back.
Deployed at centre-back, he defends with pace, power and an intensity that has terrified opposition forwards.
Mukiele’s aggressive, front-foot style sees him jump to engage strikers high up the pitch, snuffing out attacks before they begin.
Shutterstock EditorialBenjamin Sesko faces a tough physical battle against Sunderland[/caption]
Nordi Mukiele aggressively presses Chris Wood on the half-way line in a move that Sunderland have use regularly
Again Mukiele is very quick to spot the danger and looks to engage the forward with a physical challenge
For United, the challenge is clear.
They must play into frontman Benjamin Sesko early, but the Slovenian must be strong enough to hold off the Frenchman while runners flood the space Mukiele vacates.
If they fail, the Sunderland door will be slammed firmly shut.
But if Sesko can win his physical battles with Mukiele – or at least the majority of them – the runners will be able to exploit the spaces that the Sunderland star leaves behind him.
United’s runners will be key. If they can play the ball into Sesko and then get in behind, they will be able to dictate the game.
MIDFIELD BATTLEGROUND
Amorim’s midfield conundrum has been a major talking point this season, with club captain Bruno Fernandes often deployed in a deeper role to accommodate new attacking talents.
This weekend, that selection could be his biggest test yet.
He will come face-to-face with the wily Xhaka, whose passing range can launch a Sunderland attack in the blink of an eye, and the energetic Sadiki.
The duo work in perfect tandem – when one presses aggressively, the other instinctively covers the central ground.
Shutterstock EditorialBruno Fernandes could hold the key against Sunderland[/caption]
Granit Xhaka moves out side to engage the opposition while Noah Sadiki holds his position in the middle to provide cover
United desperately need a player to provide defensive cover and balance, allowing Fernandes the freedom to push forward.
The failure to land Brighton’s Carlos Baleba in the summer now looks more costly than ever.
If Xhaka and Sadiki dominate the middle of the park, United will be starved of possession and pinned back in their own half.
United need to close down the options for Xhaka, as his range of passing gives Sunderland the edge when they attack at speed.
This could actually be the perfect game for Fernandes to play deeper as he can affect the opposition midfield and force the two Sunderland players apart and break their connection.
Xhaka’s range of passing can hurt the opposition so United need to limit his freedom on the ball
Xhaka is key man with his range of passing
Xhaka can also do the defensive work when necessary
THE FRENCH MENACE
While their defence has been miserly, Sunderland’s attacking threat is spearheaded by a player who fired them to promotion last season: Wilson Isidor.
The 25-year-old Frenchman has already bagged three goals, and his blend of physicality and intelligent movement will give United’s back three nightmares.
Isidor plays bigger than his 6’1” frame, a blur of perpetual motion on the last line, capable of occupying an entire defence on his own.
If United are not careful, he could easily tie up three United players on his own.
Wilson Isidor is adept at dragging players towards him, freeing up space for his team-mates, in this instance Chemsdine Talbi
He is a master at dragging defenders out of position, timing his runs to perfection to attack the space behind.
He will look to isolate United’s least mobile defender and exploit any hesitation.
United will need a plan to defend zonally against Isidor given his knack of dragging defenders out of position.
Isidor spots the space to be attacked between the defenders and times his movement perfectly to stay onside
CONCLUSION
A fixture that once screamed ‘routine home win’ now has all the hallmarks of a potential crisis point.
Can Amorim devise a plan to breach the Mackem wall and silence their French menace?
The Old Trafford faithful will be watching, and waiting. Another slip-up is unthinkable.
This is the perfect opportunity however for Amorim to show himself to be a more flexible manager tactically as he could adapt his style to counteract the threats posed by this resurgent Sunderland side.
If Sesko can win his physical battles, and United can stop Xhaka and contain Isidor, they could win this crucial game.
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