Manchester United were criticised on social media for their first-half tactics in the Community Shield against Manchester City.
Erik ten Hag’s team went into the break with a 0-0 scoreline, although City hit the post and looked more dangerous.
Both teams were missing key players due to injury and some were not fully fit after a busy summer of Euro 2024 and Copa America, but that did not stop some fans from criticising their team on social media.
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Man Utd: Long Ball FC
The biggest topic of conversation was Andre Onana’s ball distribution, as he constantly shot the ball forward and seemed to not catch anyone’s eye.
In the first half, the Cameroon goalkeeper attempted seven long balls, but was only able to get one of them to one of his teammates.
This led to fans posting online about his appearance, with one user asking why.
@AcademyScoop: “Why does Onana still dance with her hooves EVERY time?”
@UnitedStandMUFC said: “Another long ball from Onana straight to a City player. THAT DOESN’T WORK…”
Onana recently addressed the print media during the closing stages of United’s pre-season tour of the USA, with his comments going viral when he said he had to take “risks”.
“That’s me. And I think that’s what you’re going to see this season because I’m going to take a lot of risks. I can tell you that right now in advance! Be prepared because it’s going to happen this season, trust me! I’m going to enjoy it even more when this season starts.”
He added: “Of course, because the best team in the world takes risks. Building from the back, recognising things and situations when the opponent is playing one-on-one or when they are pressing with three or four players, recognising that we dominate the pressing, whether it is a number 9 or the 11.”
“So for me it’s important to recognize things like that and make the best decision for the team. I’m going to take on a lot of responsibility and I think my back is big enough to carry all that, right? I think it’s going to be a nice season.”
