09 Aug 2018 10:02:43
DDay is upon us and let's assume that we get no new signings/ outgoings. I still think we can be positive for the season if a number of things happen:
1. Jose stops being miserable and engages positively with the players, Woodward and the media. Your at the greatest club in the world. enjoy it.
2. We move to a 3 at the back. I would be happy with Baily, Lindelof, and Rojo/ or as a stretch McTominy on the left side. Yes they could have a ricket in them but for me this would be our best version of a back 3 currently. No Jones/ Smalling for me.
3. Give Shaw a chance to be on first choice LWB. He may take 5-10 games but a good run will see his confidence and influence grow.
4. Make Pogba the captain. show him we want him to stay and make him take responsibility. He showed at the WC he can tailor his game. I still want the flair but do it with responsibility in mind.
5. Whilst Matic is recovering be brave to stick with Pereira as our CDM and allow Fred/ Pogba to push forward. This 3 in the middle have strength, energy and flair.
6. Give Sanchez a free role with Lukaku up front. Let them develop an understanding. By allowing Sanchez to roam he will naturally avoid being in Pogbas way on the left.
7. Trust our bench throughout the games/ season. Martial/ Rashford/ Lingard/ Mata/ Herera etc. can all fit into this format and play well as we saw in previous seasons. don't run the first team into the ground as it is a long season especially after the world cup.
8. Give some of the youngsters a try during the season. Players like Chong need to be nurtured but also given a chance without killing them if they initially fail.

If we do all of this the season can be fun and successful and we may re-engage with the club and team.

1.) 09 Aug 2018
09 Aug 2018 10:30:30
Good post, mate. Unlikely, but I admire your thinking.

2.) 09 Aug 2018
09 Aug 2018 10:54:15
Your argument falls down straight away on point one unfortunately.

3.) 10 Aug 2018
10 Aug 2018 08:57:07
I don't understand the obsession we have with playing Pogba on the left, he played on the right at the world cup and didn't seem to affect his game. Maybe that's something that should be pondered by the staff.