We will play Sunday without Canouse (card accumulation). Assuming Moreno is still injured, who will be the DM? Is Flores OK? (he stuffed a humongous ice pack onto his thigh after he was subbed out). Will Jordy Rena be over his illness ?(Covid 19?) After going 90" will Sorga start? Etc.
Yes they are playing a more simple game, and yes players are playing their preferred positions (both things Ben could have done), but I think the biggest factor in United's improvement is that they are playing with absolutely no pressure. Ashton is actually in the enviable position of easily surpassing expectations, because they are low to non-existent.
I would say Pines' attempt to clear that led to the goal can only be charitably called "playing it on the ground." It was a terribly weak attempt to pass to a nearby closely marked teammate. The pass was so weak, it betrayed that Pines really locked up in his decision making and just pushed the ball with his foot to do something. You just can't do that in his position -- ever.