Pellegrini vs Van Gaal: The Battle Of The Tacticians Will Be Key To Manchester Derby

While Manchester United’s defense will be put to its biggest test this weekend against cross-city rivals Manchester City, the result of the derby could hinge on the battle of tactics between Louis van Gaal and Manuel Pellegrini.

When Louis van Gaal assumed control of United this summer, the 63-year-old was coming off a successful World Cup campaign with Holland. Prior to the summer tournament in Brazil, Van Gaal learned that he would be without the services of a key player in his Dutch squad, Kevin Strootman. The AS Roma midfielder enjoyed a fantastic debut season at the Serie A club before suffering a devastating knee ligament injury which ruled him out of the World Cup.

The loss of Strootman forced Van Gaal to abandon the 4-3-3 system he favored and adopt a 5-3-2 arrangement. The Dutch boss was left with a defense made up predominantly of inexperienced domestic-based players, from a league considered to be in decline, and appeared to be an accident waiting to happen.

But the Netherlands surprised the soccer world by making a strong run in the tournament before ultimately finishing the competition in third place. Along the way, the Dutch blitzed defending World Champions Spain 5-1, defeated Mexico with two last minute goals – after Van Gaal used a stoppage of play to change formations; and beat Costa Rica in the quarter-finals following the manager’s decision to replace starting goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen in favor of Tim Krul shortly before the start of the penalty shootout.

Van Gaal would follow that performance up by – once again – surprising the masses by leading Manchester United to the International Champions Cup title. While the summer tournament in the United States isn’t one of football’s most glamorous competitions, Van Gaal found a way to navigate his young, weakened squad by some of Europe’s best clubs: Real Madrid, AS Roma, Inter Milan and Liverpool – while learning the ways of his new club and attempting to install a new formation/philosophy into his side.

The transition into the Premier League campaign wasn’t as smooth as the Dutchman would have liked. United were hit with numerous injuries to the squad, most notably in defense, and Van Gaal had to constantly change combinations, formations and tactics while trying to mask his side’s deficiencies.

United’s performances have slowly improved as Van Gaal’s squad nears 100% fitness and the club’s new signings have become comfortable and familiar with their teammates and manager.

Last weekend’s showing against league-leading Chelsea was perhaps United’s best of the early season. The club were expected to have their defense exposed by Jose Mourinho’s attacking options of Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard, Oscar and the aging, but experienced Didier Drogba; but Van Gaal was able to neutralize the London club’s midfield and limit Chelsea to one goal (which came from a set-piece).

Despite what was largely considered as the best United performance of the new campaign, the club were still fortunate to leave the match with a point. Chelsea were controversially reduced to 10-men just prior to the set-piece which led to Robin van Persie’s equalizer. But prior to the dismissal of Branislav Ivanovic, it could be argued that Van Gaal’s men were the better side on the day.

While Van Gaal has shown flexibility and creativity with his combinations and tactics, Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is once again being questioned for his lack of resilience and innovation.

City have shown to be a dominant force going forward, but the 61-year-old manager’s attacking philosophy has left the reigning Premier League champions exposed on defense at times.

There are also occasions when the Chilean’s tactics are shut down or limited by the opposition and, for whatever reason, Pellegrini has failed to present his players with a ‘Plan B’ to trump what is stalling their efforts. His side have fallen behind at half-time twelve times and only managed to win on three occasions, losing the remaining nine matches without a draw.

City have had difficulty beating teams who keep their back four very narrow – operating at the width of the six-yard box – with their wingers doing the full-backs’ work. Basically packing the middle of the pitch and daring the Manchester club to beat them down the wings with crosses.

Since City need a number of passes to build up their play, teams are able to keep their shape and slow City possession to a walking pace. Then, when City lose possession, they have been vulnerable to the counter attack because of individual weaknesses in defense and due to some of players’ refusal to track back.

Teams that are organized and attack with pace have really hurt City, and Pellegrini has yet to find a way to combat this issue. The Chilean has stuck to his 4-4-2 formation and his team appears to be losing patience with the manager’s refusal – or inability – to provide them with a ‘Plan B’. The players’ demeanor on the pitch is that of a side which is frustrated and/or searching for new answers.

If the match isn’t free-flowing, City players have shown the tendency to hang their heads and go through the motions, while Pellegrini stands on the touchline with his hands in his pockets, cutting a somber figure.

With that said, the Manchester derby will undoubtedly pump life into a City side playing in front of their home supporters. Pellegrini’s men will have forgotten their recent domestic and European failures, and will focus on the task of dismantling a United defense which has shown a proclivity to mistakes and individual lapses.

The opening 15-20 minutes could be the telling sign of the encounter. If United have trouble with Manuel Pellegrini’s attacking style right out of the gates and fall down a goal, it could spell the start of another derby demolition – similar to last season’s 4-1 defeat at the Etihad.

But if Louis van Gaal is able to organize his side and smother City’s attacking options, the atmosphere on and off the pitch could play into United’s hand. The home crowd – leery of their side’s recent performances – will become increasingly anxious, which will likely be reflected in the performance of City players on the field. The question will then be, can United capitalize and expose City defense?

Without a doubt, the match will come down to the tactical showdown between the two managers. Will Louis van Gaal be able to organize his squad and keep them focused for ninety-plus minutes on the road against a potentially lethal attacking force? Or will Manuel Pellegrini breathe life back into his squad and dominate United’s defense, much like he did last season?

Derby day looms in Manchester.