How Wayne Rooney exploited pockets of space against Real Sociedad

Wayne Rooney (R)

It took Manchester United just 69 seconds to open the scoring against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford in the Champions League on Wednesday, thanks to a dazzling and mazy run by the invigorated Wayne Rooney, and an own goal by Iñigo Martínez. Nervy moments followed asAntoine Griezmann struck the bar for the Basque visitors via a technically superb free-kick, but Man United held on and travel to Spain in two weeks, one point clear at the top of Group A.

Leaving match reports to one side, this article will attempt to document certain tactical phases that took place during the 90 minutes. In particular, Wayne Rooney’s efforts at breaking free from Real Sociedad’s narrow and condensed central midfield.

Sociedad Suffocation

From the start it was clear that upon losing possession, Real Sociedad would retreat and restrict United’s available passing options, thus cutting off supply to their two most dangerous attacking players – Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernández. England’s playmaker will naturally drop off the central striker to link up with the midfield, whereas Mexico’s prolific goalscorer is an instinctive poacher who prefers to dart behind the deepest opposition defender.

Wayne Rooney’s first-half passing statistics.

The image above shows Wayne Rooney’s passing statistics/location throughout the first-half – 22 passes completed from an attempted 28.

To make things clearer, I’ve highlighted the zone where his passing was most frequent – the central third. Rooney will frequently retreat in order to find available pockets of space from which to utilise his creative talent, but Sociedad’s centralised suffocation forced him out-of-position, as did the respective formations.

Real Sociedad’s Action Area image during the entire 90 minutes.

Manchester United lined up in David Moyes’ tried and tested 4-4-2 come 4-4-1-1 formation, while their La Liga opponents deployed the common 4-2-3-1, with Markel Bergara and David Zurutuza as the two deep-lying holding players, and captain Xabi Prieto roaming in the traditional No. 10 position.

If both formations are superimposed on top of each other, Wayne Rooney’s starting position would be between Bergara and Zurutuza, which is certainly not ideal for a creative and technically gifted midfielder.

Nine Real Sociedad players back defending.

The two images (above and below), from the first and second half, give a clear indication of the tactics utilised by Sociedad’s manager, Jagoba Arrasate.

Nine players retreated to the arc of the 18-yard box on a multitude of occasions, and as a result, it was surprising why Manchester United failed to exploit the flanks on a far more frequent basis.

Nine narrow Real Sociedad players, all closing down space.

Indeed, Patrice Evra and Antonio Valencia looked dangerous whenever they ventured forward into the vacant space, however their final delivery failed to calm the nerves of the home side – completing two of a possible 11 crosses. The flanks were ripe for exploitation.

Rampant Rooney

Manchester United seemed to take their foot off the pedal during the second half, but for periods of the first 45 minutes, and briefly during the latter stages, their build-up play and one-touch passing was a joy to watch – orchestrated by an intelligent Wayne Rooney.

The 28-year-old sensibly drifted into pockets of space in front of Sociedad’s holding midfielders from where he was able to survey proceedings.

Rooney in acres of space.

The image above highlights one such example.

Rooney has roamed into space, and as such, now has three viable passing options – one safe, two risky.

While in the image below, United’s playmaker has received a pass from Michael Carrick, before thrusting a delightful through ball into the onrushing Antonio Valencia’s path (indicated within smaller image). An intricate move which saw the Ecuadorian winger striking the far post.

Carrick spots Rooney in space and a goal scoring opportunity presents itself.

As great as Rooney was, his impact within these locations diminished as the match progressed, due in part to the home side’s inability to keep the ball for prolonged periods.

David Moyes was quoted by the BBC as saying: “We just want a top player like Wayne to play well. I said from day one that his training was great. I think England have seen that. But we need to see it all the time.”

Manchester United faced a team who played superbly in La Liga during the last campaign, and as such, are very much deserving of their place in the Champions League. However, the Basque side are currently stripped of confidence, with two wins from the opening nine domestic league fixtures.

Tougher times await the Red Devils.