EBL
@EBL2017
Maguire clogs the middle and increases the passing distances between De Ligt and Martinez for Onana. It often results in Onana playing a long, slow and predictable pass to a centre back on the side and the opposition can easily pin United in. Too many con's for United here.
The idea behind inverting the middle centre back is to create extra time for Onana in possession. Maguire inverts and it creates a passing lane for Onana. It allows United to build in a back 3 with the outside centre halves wide and Onana in the middle, like how ten Hag did it.
But I'm unsure if creating a passing lane to your goalkeeper is a necessary tactical ploy at the expensive of close proximity in the build-up and clogging central lanes. In fact, I'm not unsure about it. I'm adamant that it's not a sensible ploy. It harms the team quite a lot..
Ten Hag did it in Holland & Amorim did it in Sporting. But they rarely had goal kicks in domestic competitions because they dominated the opposition. And their teams excel in the high build, at counter-pressing & pressing from opposition goal kicks. You must earn control here.
Inverting the middle centre back so you can recycle to your goalkeeper and come out on the other side can make sense against teams that you have total control against. But not against special teams (like most PL or CL teams). I'll say it again - you must EARN control here.