05 Oct 2013 11:07:50
Match day and I am not sure what to expect

This is actually a high pressure game for Moyes, fail to win it and I fear for our season. Indeed the top four could become a difficult task because losing or failing to win today would likely spread a lack of confidence and make each coming game even bigger. Draw or lose and we don't know whether Moyes can turn it around because he hasn't demonstrated it before. Even an unconvincing win may not be enough to relieve the pressure but a win is the minimum required today. Each game not won will see the pressure rise and possibly pressure is what is making him say some odd comments. Saying we don't have enough world class talent is totally accurate but should have been said in July and sorted out in the transfer window. Why say it when the timing it sounds more like an excuse? Does he not think Fellaini is "world class" because he bought him.

What we need to see today is United controlling the game, stamping some authority on the play and taking the game to Sunderland. If we score first then we must not try to hold what we have and drop deeper as we did on Wednesday. We have rarely looked like scoring from open play but Moyes needs his team to show more intent. We seem to make sure we don't lose rather than the "we will beat you no matter what" belligerence previously. I was interested in Lou Macari's comments this week in which he built today's game up as very important for Moyes after the performance of the players in our last two games. Macari is usually very much a club man but the emphasis on the game and how Moyes gets them to play surprised me slightly. This isn't Everton and we now need to see improvement or confidence will sap both in the team and in how the manager sets up the team. Front foot is needed with a win the minimum requirement.

1.) 05 Oct 2013
Sunderland in recent years has been a tough place to go and teams rarely are on the front foot, but they have sold almost all of their dangerous players and bought a load of Italians who will need time to gel. They are still managerless and they are still without their best player (Fletcher), so there couldn't be a better time to play them IMO.

We have to go with Smalling and Vidic. We need to start playing with a settled back four. I would expect mad Pat and Rafa as fullbacks. I would go with Carrick and Fellaini in midfield. Rooney in the hole and RvP upfront. Nani & Valencia on the wings. I am looking forward to seeing how Valencia and Rafael do together.

If we are doing well I would like to see Januzaj get 30 minutes. This player really excites me.

2.) 05 Oct 2013
I hope Januzaj gets a start (unlikely I know) but sticking with the same ineffective players (Young/Nani/Valencia etc) is not going to help.

The whole team needs freshening up and while I can understand that DM wants experience in there, it certainly hasn't worked.

3.) 05 Oct 2013
Sydney!

no offence but don't you think u write this statement" difficult place to go and do. " too much in recent times?
ok tell me according to you which place is easy to go and get sure points considering current run of games?