Why United Can Be Head Masters

Manchester United can approach Sunday's visit of Stoke City relishing any set-pieces rather than dreading them, as has perhaps been the case in the past against the Potters.

Although Mark Hughes's side remain a threat in such situations, their style of play has evolved under the former Reds striker since the time when Rory Delap's long throw-ins would wreak havoc during Tony Pulis's reign. United's power from corners was demonstrated with three goals scored against Leicester City last time out in the Premier League and the height and muscle within the ranks is already proving an asset.

Paul Pogba and Chris Smalling nodded home against the Foxes while Zlatan Ibrahimovic's winner against Zorya Luhansk on Thursday was the sixth headed goal of the campaign for United. The Swede also soared to score in wins over Leicester (in the Community Shield) and Southampton, while Wayne Rooney grabbed one at Bournemouth. 

Jose Mourinho spoke to MUTV about the team's aerial prowess against the Foxes at Old Trafford, explaining how the goals came about. "Some work and some individual qualities," he said. "Some individual creativity in the moment and obviously some mistakes by the opposition. A combination of that. I know that we can be dangerous from corners but I can't expect to score three goals every match from corners because it is not normal. 

"Of course, we have good people to attack the ball in the box, we work some movements and the most important thing is the quality of the service and Daley Blind's service in that match was very good."

The fact the match officials are clamping down on grappling inside the area, something that was noted in the aftermath of the win over Leicester, could obviously contribute to more chances for attacking players from set-pieces. Some pundits have even suggested it as a factor behind why Stoke have made a disappointing start to the campaign, as defenders up and down the country come to terms with the increased scrutiny.

When asked by MUTV whether the stricter rules could lead to more goals, Mourinho replied: "I think it can but the problem with that is the inconsistency in the analysis. I think the fact that Mr Mike Dean gave a few penalties at the early stage of the season, meant everybody was looking to that personality to show at the beginning of the season - the personality to make big decisions, decisions according to the information we all got. He was one of the referees who was really strict with that. 

"I think Leicester and ourselves were aware of that so, when you don't grab and when you don't hold the attacking players, they obviously have a bigger chance. I think every corner where Marouane Fellaini is in the box, which was not the case [against Leicester], normally defenders do everything to him and, last season, [there were] no penalties and, this season, no penalties but the reality is that the most important thing is consistency. 

"I think the referees and assistants have to be consistent - they can't give a penalty one day and the next day, for the same action, it is not a penalty. That [Leicester] game was completely clean and the referee was really good and very consistent."

Despite Stoke sitting second from bottom in the table, Mourinho has stressed the Potters are in a false position. Nonetheless, there will be renewed optimism when United gain a dangerous set-piece, knowing the Reds have the players to make a difference. The height of the side the boss has assembled is a real bonus and could be something to watch out for this term.