{
  "id": 7717416,
  "title": "Why are Man Utd better without the ball?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/why-are-man-utd-better-without-the-ball-7717416",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-16T05:46:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Sport Football",
    "slug": "bbc-sport-football",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cxnvl2nv525ro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Under Michael Carrick, Manchester United's possession statistics have shown a stark contrast with their overall performance. When United control 50% or more of the ball, they average only 1.5 points per game. However, when they have less than 50%, that number jumps to 2.6 points. This correlation of 10 wins out of the past 10 games since Carrick took charge indicates a significant impact of their possession style on results. Former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faced a similar dilemma, trying to balance United's elite counter-attacking style with the need to beat teams that give the ball away. In a recent derby defeat, City's manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged that United's lack of space in behind and transitions after losing a man made the game more difficult for them. Carrick's style of play, emphasizing directness and excitement, resonates with fans but can lead to disorganized defending against stubborn opposition. To address this, United has adapted a 4-2-4 shape with full-backs pushing up and wingers providing support, often leading to isolated wing players. This has resulted in United struggling to create chances in the final third, especially when relying on wide play. Carrick's focus on individual player freedom has helped players like Bruno Fernandes break records, but it can also make the team vulnerable to reactive problem-solving rather than repeatable methods of creating chances.",
  "summary": "Manchester United have shown a notable trend under manager Michael Carrick. When they have more than 50% possession in a game, they average 1.5 points per game. However, when they have less than 50% possession, this average increases to 2.6 points per game.\n\nThe team's performance improves further when they have even less possession. According to BBC Sport, when Manchester United have 45% or less possession, they have won 10 out of their last 10 games under Carrick.\n\nManchester City manager Enzo Maresca recently observed that Manchester United excel in transitions and thrive in spaces behind the opponent's defense. He noted that when his team played against United with 10 men, they adjusted their strategy to drop deeper and deny United the space to launch counter-attacks, making the game more challenging for both teams.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Why are Man Utd better without the ball?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/why-are-man-utd-better-without-the-ball",
        "published": "2026-09-16T05:46:28.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Why are Man Utd better without the ball?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/why-are-man-utd-better-without-the-ball-7717973",
        "published": "2026-09-16T05:46:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}