Premier League 2019-20: 3 tactics from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that cost Manchester United the game against Newcastle

The game against Newcastle United was crucial for Manchester United’s Norwegian manager, for a lot of reasons. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had failed to live up to the expectations since the start of the season and the fans were growing impatient over the team's lack of results.

The listless performances on the field, especially in midfield against AZ Alkmaar, had added fuel to the fire of dissent that was getting too close for comfort for the Norwegian. As such, the trip to St. James Park was a chance for Solskjaer to vindicate himself.

Manchester United’s vulnerabilities have been clear as daylight this season and every team, irrespective of their capabilities, knows that they can stretch Solskjaer’s side. Newcastle United, despite their league position, had the ability to cause United a lot of problems. And Solskjaer was crippled with injury problems while deciding on his first XI for the game.

Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League

The Norwegian opted for David de Gea in goal, with Diogo Dalot, Axel Tuanzebe, Harry Maguire and Ashley Young making up the back four. He stationed Fred and Scott McTominay as the double pivot in the midfield, while Juan Mata operated in the No. 10 role. The front three consisted of Daniel James, Marcus Rashford and Andreas Pereira.

United failed to capitalize on the few chances that came their way in the first half and the score remained 0-0 at the break. In the second half, the home side stunned United by taking the lead through Matthew Longstaff in the 72nd minute. United never managed to recover from the setback and lost the game 1-0.

While the team failed to impress, Solskjaer himself was culpable for a few decisions on the day. Here are 3 tactics from the Norwegian that cost United the game.

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#3 Team selection

Mason Greenwood deserved to start as the No. 9 instead of Rashford

Solskjaer might have had his hands tied due to injuries, but the Norwegian was still guilty of getting his team selection wrong against the Magpies.

In the absence of Anthony Martial, Solskjaer once again opted for a front three of Daniel James, Marcus Rashford and Andreas Pereira. Perhaps the Norwegian would have been better advised to trust Mason Greenwood in the No. 9 role, especially since Rashford had been struggling.

Tahith Chong in place of Pereira was worth a try, while Angel Gomes in place of Mata would have also made sense.

#2 Switching Axel Tuanzebe to the right-back position

Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League

Axel Tuanzebe started the game as Harry Maguire’s partner in the heart of the United defense and immediately caught the eye with his stellar performance. The Englishman was strong and alert and continuously attempted long balls from the deep to catch the runs of his forward players.

Tuanzebe was easily United’s best player on the pitch, and he complemented Maguire very well at the back.

However, things fell apart when Diogo Dalot picked up a groin injury and had to be replaced. Solskjaer brought in Marcos Rojo and then made an unnecessary change – he shifted Tuanzebe to the right-back role, while the Argentinean joined Maguire at the center of the backline.

The move injected chaos in the United defense, as Rojo and Maguire got in each other's way at times.

Perhaps the Norwegian should have shifted Ashley Young to right-back and opted for Rojo as the left-back instead. That would have helped United remain compact at the back, while also allowing Solskjaer to use Rojo’s crossing ability to unsettle the Newcastle defense.

#1 Slow build-up play

Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League

Manchester United had taken the field against a side that had scored just 4 goals and conceded 13 ahead of the game. Solskjaer had enough ammunition at his disposal to easily see off Newcastle, but what unfolded on the day was a totally different picture.

Instead of sticking to a fast, counter-attacking style of play, Manchester United once again tried to play possession-based football. They constantly attempted to keep hold of possession and were slow in their build-up play.

The visitors allowed Newcastle to close them down; they were not proactive enough on the field. There was a lot of space for the home side to exploit, especially between defense and midfield, and the Magpies made the most of United’s sloppiness with the ball.

The Red Devils ended the game with 69% possession but did very little with the ball at their feet. They lacked the intensity that was required to break the Newcastle defense.

United’s decision-making in the final third was also poor right from the start, and Solskjaer failed to sort it out during the break. Had the Norwegian managed to instill more urgency on the field, the result might have been quite different.