‘Tactical Hustling’

Hyenas (or “hyenanas” or “hyrenes”) are carnivores that are largely disliked and held in contempt not least because of their behavioural characteristics but also because of their role in Mufasa’s death. Hyenas are said to be very successful hunters due to their adaptability and cunning. They can be both hunter and scavenger and have complex social manners. Although often regarded as ugly (they are), greedy and cowardly, very few doubt that they are powerful and very very dangerous animals.

A herd of hyenas may chase a lion away from its kill/meal but nobody confuses it as being the king of the jungle. There is a grudging, almost contemptuous regard for its prowess but it would correctly never be acknowledged as belonging in the topmost hierarchy of the animal kingdom.

This is pretty much the current Manchester United situation – it can effectively ‘do a (dirty, professional) job’ but is devoid of any aesthetic or endearing qualities comparable to the contemporary big guns. Basically, it has become a typical Jose Mourinho prototype - which is not necessarily a bad thing on the understanding that this outlook is merely a framework of bigger things. While the team is still capable of giving any opponent a bloodied nose and cracked jaw, you get the feeling that if the opponent can avoid the knockout blow for the 12 rounds, he would win unanimously on points. Neither fighter would be bruised or bloodied but the opponent would have landed more power-shots. Think Floyd Mayweather with slow feet and hand combinations.  

The derby yesterday was one of those games that gave a vivid insight into the story behind our now 24-match unbeaten run. While there was enough potent ‘quick-acting’ venom available to intermittently keep Manchester City at a cautious distance, there was also the soft under-belly of inexperience and lack of savoir faire to encourage their consistent onslaughts. The menacing pace of the underwhelming Martial and raw Rashford kept Zabaleta and Kolarov honest but the technical (not tactical) deficiencies of the 3 blind mice (and the other tall man) in the middle meant that the opponents could regularly make dangerous forays into the United half. The philosophy (now such a dirty word) was more ‘We shall not lose’ rather than ‘Let’s go for the win’.

But under the circumstances, I understand it.

This has always been the foundation on which Mourinho’s teams are built – a solid defence structure and lethal attacking. He inherited a passably functional (if laborious) team from his predecessor and the addition of a spine of goals (and chutzpah. Zlatan), creativity (Mhkitaryan) and steel (King Bailly) was supposed to further elevate that platform for eventual top tier prosperity. Has this been a success? Mostly. But what was again glaring yesterday was the fact that Manchester United looked vastly inferior to their noisy neighbours for large spells. Agreed, there were injuries to influential players (Zlatan, Pogba, Rojo and Mata) and not-so-much influential players, also fatigue, but that really doesn't excuse the continuing genuflective performances against top attacking teams. See also Liverpool home and away when these guys were available. There continues to be an assuredness and street-smartness which a majority of our squad do not have. 

Yes, Mourinho is smart enough not to necessarily go toe-to-toe with more adventurous opponents but the difference between this team and his previous sides is that those teams had experienced firepower and technical know-how to do the smash-and-grab in such situations. The total defensive effort will then be praised as a 'tactical masterclass' but when it comes off like it did yesterday, it just looks cheap. When you consider the cost with which this team was put together (I'm sorry but we can't ignore the eye-popping figures), it just makes it look even cheaper.  Deconstructing the expensive imbalance created by inexperience, incompetence and senescence remains a priority to be addressed in July.  

The midfield of Carrick (twilight years), Herrara (poor on the day), Mikki (shocking loss of form) and the other guy could neither win the ball back nor make quick or intelligent passes to the forward men. When indeed they were even able to reclaim the ball, they proceeded to give it right back to City. There were several periods we could barely string 3 passes together and as a result the supply lines were cut off from the strikers. Hopeful punts from the defenders were the scraps they were left to feed on. Not that the attackers showed enough guile to suitably trouble the Kompany-led back-line and Mr. Glass Bravo. Funny enough, going a man down in the 83rd minute did not fundamentally change anything, for better for worse, in the team. 

But it was not altogether negative. A good point was won and a top 4 spot still remains in our hands. Clean sheet. Fosu-Mensah's injury was a bummer but everyone else left unscathed. We trudge on.

We are however approaching the phase were we have to specifically choose our poison. Injuries and fatigue have started to take their toll. There will be no point collapsing at the finish line of the 2 races. The blueprint of what lies ahead is assured. Auditions should have been closed. Targets identified and taken out. This should quickly stop being an endurance exercise in an iron-man contest. The selected line-up against Swansea in the early kick-off on Sunday should hopefully hint at something. Come On, You Reds! 

Signing Out,

B.L...

In Other News:

*Tomorrow, it's Anthony Oluwafemi 'AJ" Olaseni Joshua v Wladimir "Dr. Sledgehammer" Klitschko at the Wembley arena for the IBF, IBO and WBA titles. Winner takes all. Youth v Experience. 18 - 0 (all KOs) v 64 - 4 (53 KOs). Same height, almost same weight, same boxing style. AJ says he has no choice but to knock him out. Dr. Sledge says after knocking him out, he'll help him back up to continue his career. Let's get ready to rumble!

* There is something going on in Munchen...   

* Cavs give Pacers the broom and face shaky Toronto. Warriors sweep the Trailblazers and have an appointment with the winner of the Clippers v Jazz tie. Kawhi's Spurs eventually tame the Grizzlies and welcome MvP Harden's Rockets. The Celtics have a decider against Butler's Bulls and the John Wall/Bradley Beal tandem try to close out the Hawks. I love this game...

* Barcelona hit relegated Osasuna for 7 with Javier Macherano scoring his first goal for the Blanguara, a penalty, after 300+ games. Real Madrid respond in kind and hit Deportivo for 6 with their 2nd team. This one may go to the wire.....

* Kaiser Soze! 😂😂😂😂