17 Mar 2014 13:49:13
Well done to Liverpool, they were well prepared tactically (putting Sterling between the lines was bold and clever of Rodgers) and they outworked us.

Our lack of pace throughout the side is glaring now. Defensively, it prevents us from playing a high line or pressing in midfield. But also going forward, for all the supposed talent of our "fab four", who fears Rooney, Van Persie, Mata, or Januzaj bursting past them?

Thinking about Liverpool's use of the diamond midfield, in theory it should allow them to dominate the middle of the park, and would be weaker on the flanks, inviting us to attack up the flanks. This would play into their favor, as Rafael is up field, then on a turnover, this sets up the speed mismatch on a Liverpool counter of Sturridge or Suarez against Vidic.

I've always liked Rafael, but yesterday gave me flashbacks to 2010 when his rashness cost us v Bayern Munich. Is he ever going to grow up?

How do you all see us lining up v Olympiakos?

1.) 17 Mar 2014
Zidaniel,

We were bad yesterday, and we made Liverpool look like Real Madrid. But to say teams don't fear Rooney, Van Persie, Mata, or Januzaj bursting past them is completely irrelevant. Teams are definitely fearful of those 4 because of what they are as players, not having buckets of pace will not be an issue in the long term.

As for your comment on Rafa. First 10 minutes he got carried away in the occasion, he made a couple of rash decisions but luckily we got away with them. He picked up a booking and then made a rash decision in the handball. (But if he hadn't done it they'd have scored anyway, so I was quite happy with it) However, his second half performance was absolutely magnificent! He was one of a couple players on the pitch who looked to have some desire. And that decision to leave the flank and go to pickpocket Suarez was ingenious. That was a very, very clever decision, and one of a maturing footballing brain.

In my opinion, our overall problem is not the lack of speed. Its Carrick. Last season he played out of his skin and was player of the year for good reason. But he's not linked the play anywhere near as well as he was last year. And as a consequence we're looking to move down the wings rather than through the middle as we did last year.

As for Wednesday, I think we'll line up exactly the same.

And I also think that if we don't get through on Wednesday, David Moyes is in big, big trouble. The brand of football is being damaged and with United being a publicly floated company that is a big, big problem.

2.) 17 Mar 2014
Jake, appreciate your response. My point I was trying to say with our front four is that despite their talent, opponents can play a high line against us. If we have just one who can frighten with pace, it could open up space between the lines.

Good point on Rafael's second half tackle on Suarez. At least he recognized the threat and took responsibility.

And I agree with you about Carrick, and even more about Wednesday. Moyes must be brave.

3.) 17 Mar 2014
No pace and the way they are set up is very easy to defend against.

4.) 17 Mar 2014
Carrick is the problem, we had our best run of the season when he was injured and jones was playing in midfield, now on to our loser of a manager, he imho played the team yesterday that everyone wanted and we still get stuffed, he Is a loser and he looks like a beaten man, all he is missing is a gray cloud over his head and he is the most depressing man I've ever seen, these type of traits can be infectious and will eventually rub off on the squad he needs to do himself and us a favour and admit that this is too big of a job for him : (