Manchester United: What Reds Must Do to Defeat Cambridge United in FA Cup Replay

Against Cambridge United, Manchester United showed the two polar ends of their struggling side: a stingy defense and an unimaginative attack.

With all respect to Cambridge, while the Red Devils can't completely abandon their defensive duties in the second leg, they should be looking to play on the front foot against a League Two side.

Louis van Gaal's side had six shots on target in the first leg, per WhoScored.com, and held 75 percent possession. However, they never found a goal, and they looked complacent to just knock the ball around for much of the game before turning up the pressure.

By the numbers, the Old Trafford outfit dominated the game, but it was Cambridge who actually had the more clear-cut chances. The League Two club took 40 percent of their shots within the six-yard box and nearly scored off a flick from a corner.

The fact that the Premier League side allowed this to happen is startling for two reasons.

First, it's a bit concerning when a top-flight club cannot contain players of a much lower ability, and it calls into question the back line of Valencia, Jones, Rojo and Blind. With all due respect to Cambridge's Ryan Donaldson, who was lively in this match, the Red Devils should have been able to bottle him up.

Secondly, the pressure that United invited shows a shocking unwillingness to take risks, which thwarts the creativity and expression of their attackers. Playing pragmatically against Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City is acceptable. Against Cambridge, Van Gaal's men need to simply open the game up, sacrifice a little bit of possession if necessary and let their weapons come alive in space.

This lack of risk is shown by the average field positions of Valencia and Blind, per WhoScored.com, who in fairness did take a little bit of risk and almost assumed wing-back roles.

However, one would hope that an attack-minded full-back would really put those abilities to use, spending lots of time in the opposing half.

screenshot via WhoScored.com

Additionally, both Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini seem to have played in defensive midfield.

The theme continues: Is a double pivot really needed against a League Two side?

For the Old Trafford club to beat Cambridge in their replay, they will need to take risks offensively. Could Donaldson produce a moment of magic if United leave themselves susceptible at the back?

Maybe, but Van Gaal has to have faith that the quality of EPL players will trump that of League Two players if he gives his XI the chance to succeed. To achieve a bit more attacking verve, Van Gaal could move Blind to the center of defense and slot the pacey Luke Shaw in on the left.

Additionally, many a Mancunian will want to see Ander Herrera given a chance, as he can bring speed and smarts to the center of the park while also showcasing defensive tenacity.

Even if the Red Devils play an attacking XI with an intention to play on the front foot, it is absolutely imperative that they get it right in the final third, with quick and incisive passes. Having 75 percent possession and not scoring is quite frankly abysmal, and they will be looking for their passes to be a bit more decisive and fruitful in the second leg.

The Manchester club shouldn't have to be amazing to beat Cambridge, but they'll certainly have to be better.