ICYMI, analysis of Mainoo since returning to United's starting XI. #mufc
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2026/02/16/k...
ICYMI, analysis of Mainoo since returning to United's starting XI. #mufc
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2026/02/16/k...
I wrote a newsletter on set pieces and everyone's favourite hot new buzzword. free to read. www.graceonfootball.com/p/another-br...
18.02.2026 15:30 — 👍 10 🔁 4 💬 4 📌 1
Kobbie Mainoo has improved #mufc midfield since his return to the starting XI. It should come as no surprise.
Words on the disguise in Mainoo's actions on the ball, his passing, and his movement, amongst other things.
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United took more risks on the ball than Arsenal on Sunday, and that was notable in the lead up to the second, and third goals. Movement in pockets of space, passing, and so on.
Analysis of United's close combination play against Arsenal. #MUFC
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2026/01/27/u...
I wrote one mailbag piece a few years back, where I answered questions a number of people sent in, and it was really fun.
I'd like to do another mailbag, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask them.
- Out ball on the left, much like Amad on the right; long switches of play
- Penalty-box runs; to the back post and across defender
- Closing down in compact 4-4-2
- Tracking back; 2v1 vs. opp. winger
More detail on all of that in my analysis of Dorgu vs. City. #MUFC
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First piece of 2026!
Como 1-3 Milan: Como impress going forward, but Maignan imperious, and Milan take their chances
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Thierno Barry, and Igor Jesus, have not been the most prolific scorers for their sides (at least in the league), but they always guarantee a proper shift up front. They hold up play, run the channels, win duels, giving defenders something to think about.
28.12.2025 11:37 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
I think I've said before, but Retro Analysis would be the work on my website I enjoy writing most.
The review of United's season has been in the works for a while, adding things and making changes as I go along. This week has offered a lot of material.
Retro analysis of Bobby Charlton to be on the website for Christmas (Rooney analysis shelved for the time being)!
Followed by aforementioned Man. United mid-season review.
Analysis of Harry Wilson's tendencies in the final-third, which have seen him in such a rich vein of form. He's been creating, and scoring goals! #FFC
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/12/18/w...
A threat from both open play, and from set-pieces. What has also been helping Wilson, is that he's been starting matches more often compared to last season.
18.12.2025 12:33 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Analysis of Harry Wilson's tendencies in the final-third, which have seen him in such a rich vein of form. He's been creating, and scoring goals! #FFC
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/12/18/w...
Frank Lampard's Coventry side is currently 1st in the Championship, and on pace for 100+ points with a ridiculous goal difference
This week's article for @thetransferflow.bsky.social looks at a crucial reason for their great form this season: set-pieces!
www.thetransferflow.com/p/coventry-s...
Article on Cherki’s sublime assist, his influence in the final-third, and what I made of Guardiola’s comments - Guardiola was right, but I also feel flamboyance, in Cherki’s case, is part of what makes him effective.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2gR
Cherki is one of my favourite players to watch, and at City/under Guardiola, he could become even better than he already is. I feel, though, that it's still worth encouraging Cherki to do what comes naturally to him on the pitch.
09.12.2025 21:55 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Article on Cherki’s sublime assist, his influence in the final-third, and what I made of Guardiola’s comments - Guardiola was right, but I also feel flamboyance, in Cherki’s case, is part of what makes him effective.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2gR
Today's video is all about how Man United destabilise teams by playing direct. Enjoy!
20.10.2025 20:12 — 👍 37 🔁 6 💬 5 📌 1
I try to make my points as clearly as possible, without much room for confusion, or misconstruing, so hopefully I did so here.
Anywho, what different players do in 1v1 situations vol. 3, will be on the website at the end of the month! I really look forward to sharing this work.
I laid out some of my recent thoughts on #MUFC work on the ball, and combinations, as well as the trend of direct football in the early stages of the season.
Any feedback is much appreciated!
So far, United have often relied on long passes to create chances. They bring a lot out of Mbeumo, and Sesko, but United can’t afford to rely on long passes too much. Meanwhile, United’s fondness for long balls is part of a much discussed wider trend.
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imagine telling someone 25 years ago that 8 of the 10 Premier League games would be televised - but that the exceptions would be the Man Utd game and the Arsenal game
04.10.2025 13:09 — 👍 61 🔁 3 💬 2 📌 0
The end to Bournemouth v Fulham was great. All four goals were great in their own right, even if Leno could have done better with Semenyo's first.
Regarding Semenyo, he's only getting better, I think. Such a good, two-way winger, who's great with both feet, and can play on both flanks.
I’ve written my fair share on Palace in recent times. But I wanted to offer my two cents on Adam Wharton this time round. He reads the game very well, and seems to always make the right choice of pass. #CPFC
I think he definitely warranted a call-up to the NT.
#CPFC enjoyed a bright start to the Conference League phase last night, with Wharton keeping the ball moving forward from midfield. Words on Wharton’s involvement, and the connection between players, and system.
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I looked at a few examples, including Liverpool, who utilise clearances to get at the opposition on the break.
As much as they attack, the 161 clearances they have already made is an indication of how much defending they have had to do too.
If you enjoyed this article, and have enjoyed reading my work in the past, consider subscribing (for FREE!), so that you never miss an article once published.
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Clearances offer benefits defensively (they can help a team regain shape), and offensively (they can kick-start counter-attacks). I looked at past and present examples, tried to review their effect, and how analysis can lead to extended topics.
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/09/26/w...
I think it's really impressive how the likes of Rashford, and Luis Diaz generate such zip, and power on shots without a huge amount of back lift. Brilliant stuff.
18.09.2025 21:59 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0I've been revisiting Gerald Vanenburg tape. A really good dribbler, with a nice change of direction, and had a penchant for a stepover. So always makes for a good watch.
17.09.2025 16:50 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0