Football
Carlos Fernandes’ New Manchester United Tactic Could Create a Transfer Dilemma
Manchester United have started focusing on long throw-ins under set-piece specialist Carlos Fernandes, but to truly make the tactic effective, they may need a player capable of delivering precise throws into the box.
Ruben Amorim wasn’t the only new coach at Old Trafford to face early challenges following his arrival in November.
While the head coach has taken much of the spotlight, his assistant, Carlos Fernandes, also experienced intense scrutiny.
Amorim assigned Fernandes the responsibility for set-pieces, continuing a long-standing collaboration that began when they worked together at Casa Pia.
However, when United started conceding goals from corners and free-kicks, Fernandes faced criticism, especially after taking over set-piece duties from Andreas Georgson.
Early Pressure on Fernandes
After a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford in December, where United were once again exposed at set-pieces, Amorim had to step in to defend his 30-year-old assistant.
“The responsibility of everything is me, is not Carlos, it’s on me,” Amorim said. “We are a team, we are a team in good moments and bad moments.
“We have a way of doing things, we are working on that and we are going to improve on that also but we didn’t lose because of set pieces.”
At the time, Fernandes was under significant pressure. Whenever United had an attacking or defensive set-piece, he would step into the technical area, ensuring the team was properly positioned.
United’s Improvement at Set-Pieces
Just as Amorim has seen the pressure ease in recent weeks, so has Fernandes. United have tightened up defensively from set-pieces and started to pose a greater attacking threat.
Their victory over Ipswich was decided entirely by set-pieces, while their FA Cup win against Leicester City also came from a well-worked free-kick.
This improvement has allowed Fernandes to expand United’s tactical approach. While free-kick and corner routines remain fairly standard, it is now evident that throw-ins are becoming a major focus in training.
Fernandes has been actively stepping into the technical area whenever United have an attacking throw-in.
Although United are not yet using long throws at every opportunity, they have been developing the tactic.
When the signal is given, Diogo Dalot takes possession of the ball and prepares for a long throw, while central defenders move forward as the primary aerial threats.
This approach makes sense when fielding three central defenders, especially with dominant aerial players like Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, and Leny Yoro.
While it has yet to result in a goal, it is clear that United are willing to use a more direct approach a rarity among clubs in the Premier League’s traditional ‘big six’.
Most technically inclined teams prefer to keep the ball on the ground. When Liverpool employed Thomas Gronnemark as a throw-in coach, the emphasis was on creating space and switching play rather than launching the ball into the box.
The Need for a Specialist Long-Throw Player
Fernandes, however, appears eager for United to become more direct and dangerous from throw-ins.
One area that needs improvement is the quality of the delivery. While Dalot is developing his ability to throw the ball longer distances, he is still new to the skill.
United currently lack a player capable of consistently delivering deep throws into the six-yard box the key factor in making long throws a genuine attacking threat.
This raises the question of whether long throw-ins could become a consideration in United’s summer transfer plans.
While they won’t sign a player solely for their ability to take throw-ins, Amorim is expected to target a new wing-back, and it could be an added bonus if the player has experience with long throws.
If they do, don’t be surprised to see United incorporate this tactic into their attacking play for the 2025/26 season.
Tottenham Hotspur made headlines on the final day of the winter transfer window by signing Mathys Tel on loan from Bayern Munich.
His move became the biggest talking point of deadline day as he performed a U-turn and joined Spurs on an initial loan deal.
The 19-year-old has made seven appearances for Tottenham, scoring once. However, he has yet to open his account in the Premier League or the Europa League.
Tottenham’s View on Signing Tel Permanently
Fabrizio Romano has provided insight into how Tottenham insiders feel about the possibility of making Tel’s move permanent.
According to Romano, Spurs consider him a player who could ‘absolutely’ be part of their long-term project.
However, the club is not rushing into a decision, as they remain focused on their ongoing Europa League campaign.
With Tottenham struggling in the league and already out of both domestic cups, winning the Europa League is their only pathway to European football next season.
Securing Europa League glory would guarantee Champions League qualification, which would significantly impact Spurs’ summer transfer budget and their ability to attract top talent.
“This remains the message: Tottenham consider Mathys Tel as a player who can absolutely be part of the project in the future,” Romano wrote on GiveMeSport.
“Then we have to see again, also in this case, financially, how Tottenham want to advance in the summer.
“At the moment, I can guarantee that Tottenham are fully focused on the present, because obviously, the Europa League is too important for them before deciding on the budget and what’s going to happen next season.
“It’s similar to Manchester United. If you have the chance to play Champions League football next season, everything can change. And so, financially, you can do way more things.”
Ange Postecoglou’s Plans for Mathys Tel
Earlier in March, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou spoke about Tel’s contributions, stating that he has “done as well as he possibly can” given the circumstances at N17.
Postecoglou backed the ‘extraordinary’ Tel to thrive once Tottenham’s injury crisis eases. He also revealed that he sees Tel’s best position on the flanks and hopes to use him there once key players return.
“It’s fair to say we’ve put a lot on a very young player and introduced him to our league,” Postecoglou told reporters.
“I remember Lucas [Bergvall] was a similar one at the beginning of the year. He struggled a little bit in certain games, especially in Europe.
“He struggled a couple of times, but over time, we’ve seen him flourish.
“I’m sure once we can get Dom [Solanke] back in and hopefully Richy [Richarlison] not too far in the future, we can use him in the way we want to.”
With key players expected to return soon, Postecoglou hopes to utilize Tel in a way that maximizes his strengths, allowing him to make a greater impact on the team.
For now, Tottenham remains focused on their Europa League campaign before making any decisions regarding Tel’s long-term future.
Aston Villa are interested in signing Villarreal winger Álex Baena during the upcoming summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old has been in impressive form this season, registering six goals and seven assists in 25 appearances.
His performances have long attracted the attention of Atlético Madrid, but they now face serious competition from Aston Villa.
According to journalist Rubén Uría, as reported by Estadio Deportivo, Atlético Madrid are “fighting hard” to secure Baena’s signature. His camp is aware of their interest, and they welcome the Spanish club’s pursuit.
However, Atlético cannot afford to relax in their transfer efforts, as Aston Villa are prepared to provide “tough competition” for his signature.
Unai Emery, who worked with Baena during his time at Villarreal, is eager to bring the Spain international to Villa Park.
Villa’s sporting director Monchi also shares this interest, making the Premier League club a serious contender.
Villa’s financial strength could pose a major concern for Diego Simeone’s side, giving them an advantage in negotiations.
Villarreal’s Asking Price
Baena is currently under contract until 2028, and his deal includes a €60 million release clause. With his strong performances this season, Villarreal may insist on this full amount before agreeing to a sale.
With both Atlético Madrid and Aston Villa in the race, Baena’s future is set to be one of the most intriguing transfer stories of the summer.
Southampton defender Jan Bednarek has suffered an injury scare, adding to concerns over Taylor Harwood-Bellis, after a collision while representing Poland.
International Break Woes for Southampton
Typically, the international break can be a frustrating time for club football fans. Unless major tournaments are underway, international fixtures rarely bring much excitement.
However, given the way Southampton’s domestic season has unfolded, fans may have welcomed the brief break from the pressures of club football. A chance to relax and take a step back from the Saints’ intense campaign or so they thought.
Instead, the break has only added to Ivan Jurić’s concerns. Just as news of Harwood-Bellis’s injury had shaken Southampton supporters, a fresh worry has now emerged regarding his defensive partner.
Bednarek Injured While Playing for Poland
According to TVP Sport, Bednarek was forced off during Poland’s match against Malta after suffering a collision that resulted in bleeding.
Initially, there was hope that he could return for the second half, but that did not happen, and he was ruled out for the remainder of the match.
Providing an update after the game, Poland head coach Michał Probierz said:
“Bednarek was still bleeding from the nose after the hit with the opponent. We decided that there was no point in him playing, but the whole thing is not serious.”
As is standard procedure, Southampton’s medical staff will conduct their own assessment to determine the extent of Bednarek’s injury.
While Probierz’s reassurance offers some optimism, the club will want to verify his condition before making any conclusions.
Thankfully, the injury does not appear to be serious, and his substitution was likely a precautionary measure rather than an indication of a long-term issue.
Southampton fans will now wait for further updates as the club evaluates Bednarek’s fitness.
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