Talking tactics: Chelsea and Manchester United’s similar paths

Chelsea and Manchester United both opted to look towards their past to move towards the future. What tactics does Ole Gunnar Solskjaer use?

Perhaps it is sunnier demeanor that causes people not to take Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that seriously. He was lauded while they were on their long winning run, but that gave way to ridicule as that form fell apart following Solskjaer’s permanent appointment.

Solskjaer made a lot of noise about removing players that were not committed to the cause. That did not really pan out, nor did most of the transfer rumors surrounding the side. But despite all the jokes, Solskjaer did amass the third most points in the Premier League since his appointment and United did manage to strengthen the defensive side of things this summer.

Solskjaer was likely top of mind when Chelsea was considering appointing Frank Lampard. Both managers are very similar in their setups and philosophies. Both were thrust back into their old clubs with little experience. And both have a lot to prove this season. Jokes about Solskjaer aside, this will be a very difficult inaugural competitive match for Lampard.

One of the first things Solskjaer did upon arriving at United was simplifying things. But one of the mistakes he made was changing the training intensity too much too soon which led to a great deal of injuries throughout the season. With a preseason under their belt, that should be less of an issue and Solskjaer has already shown how he is keen on experimenting with shapes.

For the most part this preseason, United has used a 4-2-3-1 with Paul Pogba in the pivot. Occasionally, they have also used a 4-diamond-2 like they did at times last season, but it is all very fluid because Anthony Martial can play both wide and up top.

Offensively and defensively, United operate in a very similar to Chelsea under Lampard. The midfield and forwards look to press aggressively as the defense (and occasionally, the pivot or defensive midfielder) look to sweep up whatever breaks through. Offensively, the focus is on moving the ball up the field quickly and allowing the players to make their own decisions rather than complete rehearsed circuits.

The main difference between the two sides is how the defensive line deals with attacks that bypass the press and the sweeping in midfield. Lampard’s Chelsea usually maintains the defensive shape as they look to contain until the midfield can get back and assist. Solskjaer’s United presses on with the defense breaking ranks to continue to force the ball to move.

Because everything is pretty similar for Lampard and Solskjaer, the game will be won or lost on the differences in how the defense operates. Chelsea’s band of three and the striker can take advantage of the space Unite leave as they try to win the ball back. United will look to dribble through, especially in between players unfamiliar with one another at Chelsea.

Another way the game might be won or lost is formation. The 4-diamond-2 is well suited to counterattacks and bogging down the midfield. If either side expects to have less of the ball, the 4-diamond-2 would be very effective against a 4-2-3-1. That could be an adjustment that comes later in the match and it could be the deciding factor between the two sides.

This will be a tough match for both sides as they look to play their own game while also playing against what is basically their own game. Fine margins will likely be the deciding factor as former players face off from the sidelines.