The Tactics Show: Brilliant Mainoo, Problems with the Press

#1038 | Ipswich made a real go of it for a half, evading United's high press by exploiting isolated full-backs. Once Lisandro Martinez started dictating United's patterns of possession into midfield, the game opened up completely and United ran away with it. Ed and Dharnish dig into why United's press still isn't functioning, how much of the transformation in build-up play comes down to Martinez specifically and how well Mainoo and Tielemans dovetailed. They also look at Cunha and Bruno rotating as false nines, question whether it costs United a real box presence and close with a positive verdict on Ipswich as a team for the rest of the season. 0:00 Intro: United 5-2 Ipswich 3:46 Today's talking points 4:29 How Ipswich evaded United's press 9:59 Martinez transforms the buildup 13:42 Mainoo and Tielemans in midfield 19:30 Cunha and Bruno: two false nines 24:43 Verdict on Ipswich and the wrap-up --- Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today — Claude.ai/NQAT --- If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing a weekly exclusive bonus episode, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Supporter funded episodes are ad-free. NQAT is available on all podcast apps and in video on YouTube. Hit that subscribe button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices