Football writer Adrian Clarke identifies the key players, team tactics and where matches could be won and lost in Matchweek 21.
Team analysis: Manchester United
Man Utd return to Old Trafford in a far better frame of mind than they were the last time they played in front of their own supporters.
After serving up one of the most disjointed first-half displays in their recent history as they were outclassed by Newcastle United, the Man Utd players should be extra motivated to impress against bottom club Southampton on Thursday evening.
Backing up an impressive 2-2 draw at Liverpool with a resolute and gritty team performance with 10 men to knock Arsenal out of the FA Cup on penalties, there is suddenly a feeling of optimism around Ruben Amorim and his improving side.
What has changed?
Has Amorim found his best midfield?
After a period of experimentation Man Utd’s new head coach appears to have settled on Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo as his preferred combination in central midfield.
Completed by Bruno Fernandes - who likes to drop back to get involved in the play - this trio have played outstandingly well in their last two matches.
In the 2-2 draw at Liverpool, they each performed with notable composure in possession, with Ugarte’s calmness on the ball being a real standout.
The Uruguayan completed 36 of his 41 passes in a fast-paced contest where time on the ball was limited.
His brilliant pass to Fernandes when facing his own goal showcased Ugarte’s vision; it led to Joshua Zirkzee setting up Harry Maguire for a gilt-edged, but spurned, opportunity to score in stoppage time.
So how do Ugarte and Mainoo differ from alternative midfield pairings that involve Casemiro or Christian Eriksen?
I see two standout qualities which they add - their energy off the ball, and their ability to carry the ball forward with conviction.
Man Utd midfield pressures per 90 minutes compared 24/25
| Player | No. pressures - all areas | Player | No. pressures - middle third |
| Bruno Fernandes | 35.1 | Bruno Fernandes | 23.27 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Ugarte | 26.5 | Manuel Ugarte | 16.85 |
| Kobbie Mainoo | 20.9 | Kobbie Mainoo | 14.86 |
| Casemiro | 17.4 | Christian Eriksen | 11.36 |
| Christian Eriksen | 17.4 | Casemiro | 11.06 |
Ugarte and Mainoo are certainly more proactive when it comes to pressurising opponents and forcing mistakes.
Ugarte closes down ferociously inside the defensive and middle thirds, while Mainoo is effective in the middle and attacking thirds.
A little worried about their own recovery pace, Casemiro and Eriksen are less inclined to commit to pressures than their younger team-mates.
In short, the current pairing of Ugarte and Mainoo is markedly tougher to play against.
Mainoo and Fernandes instigated Lisandro Martinez’s opening goal at Anfield by pressing Liverpool with determination in the right-back area.
Together they forced a loose pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold, which was intercepted by Martinez, who scored from the same move (below).
In their famous 2-1 victory at neighbours Manchester City this season, Man Utd's penalty came from Mainoo and Zirkzee’s decision to apply pressure in another 2v2 out wide.
From a poor Matheus Nunes back pass, Amad won the spot-kick.
Without this type of aggressive work ethic (below), Amorim’s side would not have scored these two goals.
Man Utd's new head coach will also have seen how effective Mainoo and Ugarte are from transitions, or ball carries that instigate fast-paced attacks.
Casemiro and Eriksen do not travel with the ball at their feet especially well, preferring to offload passes, but the younger duo commit defenders with forceful runs of their own.
This could be a key ingredient when it comes to unlocking the door at home to Southampton.
Man Utd's midfield carries per 90 minutes compared 24/25
| No. dribbles attempted | No. carries | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Kobbie Mainoo | 3.19 | Kobbie Mainoo | 13.6 |
| Bruno Fernandes | 2.01 | Bruno Fernandes | 13.2 |
| Manuel Ugarte | 1.46 | Manuel Ugarte | 10.9 |
| Casemiro | 0.54 | Casemiro | 8.7 |
| Christian Eriksen | 0.29 | Christian Eriksen | 8.6 |
| Carry distance (metres) | Progressive carry distance (metres) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Fernandes | 136 | Bruno Fernandes | 68.4 |
| Kobbie Mainoo | 123.9 | Kobbie Mainoo | 61.6 |
| Manuel Ugarte | 102.5 | Manuel Ugarte | 45.4 |
| Christian Eriksen | 74.2 | Casemiro | 30.9 |
| Casemiro | 68.6 | Christian Eriksen | 26.1 |
As you can see (above) the three midfielders who are currently favoured most are all significantly stronger at travelling with the ball.
Being able to break the lines in this way is crucial, as it will drag defenders towards them, leaving space for others.
Bruno back with a bang
Collecting his third red card of the season at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day will have hurt Fernandes, but his response to that setback has been fantastic.
He was at his very best in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool, leading by example from a tucked-in, left-sided position at Anfield.
Fernandes' attacking stats v Liverpool
| Statistic | Total | Man Utd rank |
| Chances created | 4 | 1st |
|---|---|---|
| Assists | 1 | 1st |
| Successful passes | 42 | 1st |
| Succ. passes into final third | 23 | 1st |
| Duels won | 11 | 1st |
| Succ. dribbles | 3 | 1st |
On and off the ball he was sharp, industrious and fully focused on making the right decisions.
His reverse-pass assist for Martinez was a terrific piece of play, typical of his overall performance.
Fernandes also despatched a wonderful strike on the run in Man Utd’s FA Cup success against Arsenal, curling home an exquisite side-footed finish.
Analysing his touch map from that tie (below), you can see what a selfless display he gave Amorim at Emirates Stadium.
Most of his touches were deep inside his own half (even prior to Diogo Dalot’s red card) with his shot for the goal being Fernandes’ only contribution inside the final third.
Fernandes' touch map v Arsenal
At home to Southampton, you can be sure the Portuguese star will play in a far more advanced role, but that performance against Arsenal was a reminder of how he is prepared to sacrifice his creative instincts for the team when needed.
Garnacho back in favour
Amorim dropped Alejandro Garnacho from his squad for the Manchester derby in mid-December, but the young winger has gradually regained the trust of his head coach
He came off the bench to set up Amad with a lovely run and cut-back on the left against Liverpool.
And from the other flank on his first start for a month last weekend, Garnacho picked out Fernandes quite magnificently after scampering away from Gabriel Magalhaes.
Garnacho likes playing in front of the home supporters more than most.
Six of his seven goals in all competitions have come at Old Trafford this season, where he has also recorded four assists.
His displays have been inconsistent, but the 20-year-old has still delivered a direct goal contribution every 88 minutes on home turf.
By contrast, his single goal and assist in away matches have come at a rate of one every 365 minutes.
Garnacho's home and away attacking stats 24/25
| Statistic | Home | Away |
| Mins played | 880 | 730 |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 6 | 1 |
| Assists | 4 | 1 |
| Mins per goal or assist | 88 | 365 |
Southampton will know all about his threat though, as Garnacho’s only away goal this term came at St Mary’s when he converted Dalot’s cut-back inside the box.
Amorim’s recent faith in Garnacho indicates the Argentinian is beginning to win his boss over.
Do not be surprised if he is influential for the Red Devils against Saints.
