How Can Manchester United Stop Mohamed Salah?
This weekend, Manchester United will attempt to do what few have managed of late—stop Mohamed Salah from running riot in a football match. It's a task that is significantly easier said than done.
The Egyptian's scintillating season bears no extensive repeating here: His league tally of 24 goals matches that of Harry Kane—a phenomenal achievement—and he's added eight assists for good measure. Combined, those contributions make him the most productive player in the Premier League.
He's part of a rabid Liverpool attack which includes two other bona fide hotshots in the form of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. The three feed off each other, link and intertwine to cause defences nightmares. If it weren't for Manchester City's stunning attacking corps, the Anfield three would be considered the best front trio in the league.
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While they are feared as a collective, though, it's Salah's name that sparks fear into the hearts of all. His jinking runs, lightning speed and relentless finishing has been punishing teams all season. And just when you think you've got a handle on him, he twists you inside out on the way to another glorious goal.
How to stop him is a question that vexes every manager, and he's been particularly difficult to stymie of late, netting eight goals in his last seven starts. Saturday will see Jose Mourinho become the latest to attempt to solve the problem, and he at least can draw on previous successes when moulding a tactical plan for the game.
United and Liverpool’s first meeting this season, at Anfield in October, ended in a 0-0 stalemate. It was something of a Mourinho special, focusing on defensive shape and space management, with any form of attacking plan a clear afterthought, but it did the job and earned a point.
The Red Devils man-marked in midfield and pressed within their own half. Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were under instruction not to let Liverpool's midfielders turn and push or pass forward, thus limiting their ability to fire passes into Firmino, Salah and Philippe Coutinho.
Matteo Darmian, a natural right-footer, played left-back against Salah and did reasonably well. The Egypt international's best moments came when he collected the ball deep, then broke infield and away from his marker, or when he pinned his marker wide near the box and then darted inside to collect passes—something that's largely unavoidable in certain scenarios.
Liverpool came close to scoring on a few occasions, but those situations generally occurred in the aftermath of set pieces, when systems naturally break apart. Fortunately for United, the chances fell to Joel Matip and Emre Can—and they have David De Gea in goal. Otherwise, the Reds were largely restricted to potshots from distance.
Darmian's part in marking Salah closely was important, but even more crucial was the locking down of the central zones just outside United's box. There roams Liverpool's attacking linchpin, Firmino, and it's just as important to starve him of the ball as it is to mark Salah, as the two work in telepathic tandem to exploit space.
Liverpool's proficient use of the back-heel to release runners in on goal this season has made them a stunning watch, and the lion's share of those flicks come from Firmino. He has developed into a brilliant No. 9, and it's his ability to find Salah's runs with unorthodox passes that has flummoxed teams at times.
To stop Salah, you must first stop Firmino from finding him in perilous positions.
Few teams have managed this, but few have actually focused on it. Swansea City are one side who did realise how integral Firmino is to Salah's production. When they met at the Liberty Stadium in January, their human blockade of the centre prevented the Brazilian from influencing the game in the creative phase. Salah had arguably his most ineffectual game of the season as a result.
To pull this off, the holding midfield pair must be disciplined and smart, passing markers off to one another, blocking passing lanes and shielding the defence. It also doesn't hurt to be physical.
Mourinho will likely see Scott McTominay as the answer alongside Nemanja Matic, as it seems risky to trust Paul Pogba with such instructions. The Frenchman will likely be given the No. 10 role instead, which will allow him to receive clearances and break forward as the transitional player—similar to the role he played so well in the 3-1 win over Arsenal.
Darmian is unlikely to feature, but Mourinho can call upon another right-footed player to play left-back in the form of Ashley Young. The converted winger will feel comfortable coming inside with Salah, and he may also be able to take advantage of the space the Egyptian leaves on the counter.
No plan can prevent Salah getting touches, darting into dangerous areas or simply utilising his breathtaking dribbling ability to beat players one-on-one. But shrinking the space for him to work in and blocking service into the player who really makes him tick is the best way to reduce his influence.
Mourinho may not be able to nullify him completely, but he will attempt to ensure Salah will have to produce something truly special to have any sort of say on proceedings.
All statistics via WhoScored.com
