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

#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.