Manchester United Banter Archive August 10 2018

 

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10 Aug 2018 23:07:51
Many positives, despite our struggles to dominate the game:

1. The back four all played well. Lindelof and Bailly were a solid partnership, positionally very good. Darmian was steady, and Shaw did very well to get his first goal. Great to see his joy in scoring.

2. Fred looks very dynamic. He has anticipation and fight defensively, and can hold the ball under pressure. I ams sure there will be plenty more that he will show in coming weeks.

3. Good to see Pogba with the armband and the penalty as the match began. It was the right message after such a negative summer. And he played well, some key defensive headers, besides being a presence in midfield.

4. Besides Mata, who played very well, the attackers were all ineffective. Sanchez was just plain awful. Lukaku missed a sitter. And Rashford seems to struggle as a #9 in a counterattacking setup, where he is required to win headers, hold the ball up, and play back to goal so much. Sanchez failed to play him in behind a number of times.

5. Mourinho deserves credit for a good lineup and intelligent subs. Fred taken off with a yellow, Pogba off with some fatigue, and some minutes given to Lukaku. And he showed some passion after Shaw's goal.

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11 Aug 2018 01:56:34
We have a very good squad.

Love to see us just get on with it now. Get rolling in these early games and let the team spirit and partnerships grow.

Everyone was a bit off the pace after a tricky pre-season / world cup hangover. But everyone played there part. That Leicester team are no mugs.

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11 Aug 2018 05:24:03
Pretty good summary zidanial. I thought Gred worked hard but didn’t really get into the game. As you said up front we were not great but it’s early days, lots of rustiness, and players who haven’t really had a pre season. For the first few games, I’ll take any win.

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10 Aug 2018 23:37:12
Darmian wad awful but other than that agree with all.

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11 Aug 2018 07:06:07
Darmian was awful for the first 20 mins, when Gray had him beat. Not after that. Open your eyes, mate. x.

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11 Aug 2018 13:18:31
How bad was Sanchez . Every pass went astray 😆😆.

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10 Aug 2018 22:44:10
Not the greatest performance we've ever had, but it did the job. There were some very good performances.

Felt the midfield was very good, I think in Fred we have the potential of a cracking player, he just needs a few more games in a steady team imo. Andreas was really good, some nice touches and good challenges. How he was booked was a shambles, great challenge imo.

Pogba thrived off the captaincy for me. He made two brilliant defensive headers first half and showed great composure with the penalty.

Bailly was outstanding, he looks so clumsy but it works for him. Lindelof again was decent and got better as the game went on.

Most importantly there seems to be a squad who are fully behind each other. The celebrations for shaws goal shows that. Mourinho might be pushing it as us against the world and if that's how it has to be so be it.

Let's build on this!

Caolán.

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10 Aug 2018 22:39:11
We won the game I was watching! Me happy.

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10 Aug 2018 22:22:07
Will Jose be given credit for making Andreas Pereira, arguably, a first team player? 'He'll ruin Utd's youth' they said.

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10 Aug 2018 22:36:24
Yeah, I'm sure Jose worked night and day with the lad while he was in Spain for the last two seasons. Lol. Andreas has had to leave to get game time and to develop, I'm not sure how much credit Jose should get for that.

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10 Aug 2018 22:47:10
That is ridiculous Shappy, a manager can only be credited for giving youth a chance if they don't go on loan? Wow, desperate.

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10 Aug 2018 22:43:55
when matich spelling had a few he will not play.

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10 Aug 2018 22:49:50
Lollll. Some people can never be positive about Jose.

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10 Aug 2018 23:24:05
is fit.

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11 Aug 2018 00:07:12
Shappy,

You’ve made your mind up about Jose clearly, unlike you as you can usually give a balanced argument but not anymore it seems.

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11 Aug 2018 00:22:09
Let's be honest, Pereira would have been sold to fund another midfielder if Jose had his way.

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11 Aug 2018 05:26:49
If Matic has been fit then Pereira wouldn’t have played. Having said that, Jesse is now a regular so who knows? I thought he was very classy yesterday and given how knackered Matic looked last year hopefully he will get regular game time. I heard Moyes on the radio say he was surprised at his position as he was more of a 10.

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11 Aug 2018 08:43:08
Scholes asked will Jose be given credit for MAKING Pereira into a first team player?

So how excatly has Jose developed Pereira? Has he given him games over the last two seasons then spent time on the training pitch developing his game and ironing out his flaws?

Well no, because Pereira has had to move to Spain twice on loan to get those chances in the first team and to develop. His development over the last two seasons should be credited to the coaches who worked with him daily to improve him and not the manager of his parent club who isn't in daily physical contact with him.

Or should Jose be credited for someone else's work?

Am I being harsh on Jose for not giving him credit for developing a player he has hardly seen and has trained over the last two seasons?

I can give Jose credit for playing the lad last night. However, as many have pointed out would Pereira have played had Matic been fit? Probably not.

Jose did bring on McTominay last night for Fred before bringing on Fellaini late on for Pogba. So credit to Jose for giving a youth player a chance there before a more experienced player.

I can give Jose credit, but it has to be for something he has actually done rather than for things he hasn't. Is that fair or am I being unfair to Jose?

GDS, yes I have kind of made up my mind about Jose. I have seen him and followed his career since he knocked us out of the UCL with Porto. He has also been our manager for two years so I have seen him more closely over the last two years. After 14 years, two of which seeing him pretty closely I think that is sufficient time to make a fairly accurate judgement on the kind of manager he is.

If you haven't made up your mind on Jose yet, I can only say that you either haven't been paying attention or your one of those individuals who never make your mind up about anything.

My opinion of Jose hasn't changed, I didn't want him in the first place and I gave my reasons. I said we would win something with Jose, possibly not the title but we would win a cup of two. I said he wouldn't give youth a real chance, he would play negative football, and he would make a show of himself publicly.

Was I wrong? I don't think so. The only thing that's changed is my backing of him. I didn't want him but I backed him right up until the end of last season when things looked like they were starting to unravel. I still believe they will this season. let's wait and see if I get that right too.

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{Ed025's Note - harsh...but also hard to argue with shappy..

11 Aug 2018 08:48:12
Jose changed Pereira's position to a number 6 where he looks good. Has the better footwork than the average 6 because he's played further forward up to now. Really like the look of him there and Jose does deserve credit.

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11 Aug 2018 10:18:49
With regard to using youth players. more minutes played last night by United academy graduates than City academy graduates played in the whole of last season. Why is Guardiola never criticised for being anti youth players?

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11 Aug 2018 11:04:04
Has to still play him shappy. Credit to him for that. Could have played someone else there, not give rash 10. Not have Scott T play.

Could have left all those youth players at home for pre season.

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11 Aug 2018 11:41:43
Can we make are minds up about him and still want him to be the manager shappy?

I believe him to be a nice guy and a great coach. I don't think he always says the right things but I tend to ignore what he says most of the time as ed002 has instructed on many ocassion.

We've always known the style of football he plays, don't know now why people are pissed off at that now.

In relation to giving youth a chance, has he not played a number of youngsters these last few years? Does he not measure up to the standards of other managers at top clubs who give youth a chance. I'd like to see that chart.

I'm playing devils advocate here as he has of course made mistakes and the style of football hasn't been fantastic.

But the problems lie deeper than jose mourinho. Recruitment is a serious issue, I hope that they appoint a DOF or have a head scout who handles that side. I think Jose looks at Liverpool And City and just thinks we are Man United we should be that efficient in transfers too. Appointments in Moyes, LVG that clearly weren't right. Being unable to ship out players, something that Jose actually has managed to do in his time there.

Although Jose and united might not be the best fit, my backing will not change until the club decide to part ways with him.

1 game into the season and the knieves are being sharpened already.

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11 Aug 2018 12:35:18
RedRosie, is that actually true or was Pereira already playing as a 6 in Spain?

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10 Aug 2018 22:21:55
Sanchez looks really off the pace, his passing was terrible. Hopefully he comes good and builds up some consistency.

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10 Aug 2018 23:16:48
HOPEFULLY he gets moved to the right so that Martial and Rashford can play on the left as they were both more productive there prior to his arrival.

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11 Aug 2018 00:20:23
Based on the game today I'd much rather have Mata on the right than Sanchez!

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10 Aug 2018 22:17:09
Good win. Shaw periera bailly and pogba were a cut above the rest tonight. 2 great saves from our no1.

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10 Aug 2018 23:01:46
Idk about Pogba but the rest yes Shaw, Pereira, Bailly and lindelof for me.

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11 Aug 2018 00:08:08
Reman,

Pogba got man of the match from United, he was absolutely class, what didn’t you like about his performance?

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11 Aug 2018 00:50:58
Lacksadasical in possession a few times, when he should have either held on to it better or released it. Still more pluses than minuses.

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11 Aug 2018 05:27:55
I agree ken, I also thought Lindelöf was solid. Interesting no Smalling and Jones, I hope he sticks with Bailly and Lindelof.

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10 Aug 2018 22:14:29
I think on tonight's performance we should all realise that we actually signed Alexei Sayle in January. Some of you younger ones may need to Google that!

I might be reading too much into it, but to me the reaction from the other players when Luke Shaw scored said a lot. They say a picture paints a thousand words.
That to me was more than just them being happy national getting the decisive second goal. More than congratulating Shaw on scoring his first goal.
It looked like more than that to me. That looked more like a huge vote of confidence from his colleagues, a show of support.
Whether that is to do with the way he has aledgedly been treated by Jose, I don't know.
I know Shaw has issued with fitness and attitude towards training etc, but I thought he looked in good shape tonight and did very well.

If he can continue this way, he could just save his United career and save the club whole heep of money. Let's hope he continues to get the opportunities, and takes them.

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10 Aug 2018 22:36:34
Betty (great to have you back) shaw said Jose has helped him a lot, as have Carrick and McKenna. This could finally be the making of shaw. There’s a player there, let’s hope he kicks on.

Did anyone notice Mourinho’s encouragement of him towards the end of the game? Pat on the back and everything.

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10 Aug 2018 22:37:03
Really happy for the lad. He gave a great, honest interview in the papers a few weeks ago, which showed his determination to be a success at Utd. I hope he gets a run, and backs up his words with performances to match.

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10 Aug 2018 22:50:42
Perera, Shaw and Baily were the bedt players today.

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10 Aug 2018 23:03:52
He still looks porky but hopefully he's realised the only is down unless he pulls his socks up.

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10 Aug 2018 23:40:28
I just think he's a big looking lad. As long as it's toned, and he can still accelerate, it shouldn't be an issue.

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10 Aug 2018 23:54:15
If shaw can build on this he will push young onto the other side to rb imo.
He has worked hard shown great determination listened to his manager and i hope he proves me wrong.
There was a few players who were below par but in avictory its best to look at the positives. But if those players play 3 or 4 consecutive games like that then they are .
Take into account the team that played tonight had effectively 2 new full backs and a new cb pairing.
A midfield with 2 epl debutants and rash starting a rare game as cf without any pre season like pogba.
If jose gets on a roll he can transmit his desire to win at all costs through the squad then together they could prove everybody wrong.
Fred looks like a player to me. He lloks the type of player who will adapt to the pace of the epl and thrive. He made errors and was caught out a couple of times but he never stopped working to rectify every error.
Captain pogba. Great 1st 60 mins and led by example. As neville said its not about jose getting the best out of pogba its about pogba knuckling down and pogba getting the best out of pogba.
We all at times overlook or perhaps take for granted our no1. 2 great saves i'd say 90% of keepers in the epl wouldn't save both of them. I understand why clubs are now paying top prices for keepers for me its the most important position in every club team.
Lots of ppsitives. ill only be looking at negatives this season if they become consistent and i'm going to raise my tollerence levels for all players unless they have consistently played below par.

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11 Aug 2018 00:27:33
Well said Ken. Bring on some positivity. I love that the window is closed and we can now just get behind the the squad.

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10 Aug 2018 22:08:38
I'm happy good 3 points. Delighted for Shaw well done.

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10 Aug 2018 21:59:56
What are we going to talk about? I was looking forward to the group therapy session where I could discuss how little money we spent and Monday get my doctors prescription for my happy pills followed in the evening by my 12 step TA (transferless anonymous) meeting.

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10 Aug 2018 22:17:59
Supa, how are you mate. Long time no speak. Did you read my Baz Lurman remake the other day?
Valium is the way forwards!

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10 Aug 2018 22:49:42
Betty good to have you back along with your humour. I was actually thinking about not seeing your name on here for a while but I assumed like me and quite a few others over the years it's been infiltrated by people who want to just focus on moaning and singling out individuals. No, missed your baz lurman remake. And yes valium is certainly an option with some posters here but they would probably moan about it not being like they used to make them. Maybe just good old LSD will change everything.

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10 Aug 2018 23:44:15
The Baz Lurman thing was just a bit of fun but it was on deadline day, and there were so many posts it was on about page 6 in no time. I'll see if Ed's wouldn't mind if I re-posted it - but that may seem a bit self indulgent? Some may find it funny, some not. We'll see.

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{Ed004's Note - Repost it and I will put it up on the Other Page.}

11 Aug 2018 00:08:20
Thanks Ed - I suspect the majority will not have a clue who Baz Lurman is anyway, not ever heard the song. I forget how old I am now compared to a lot of posters :)

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{Ed004's Note - I wont lie to you... I just had to go Google who that is}

10 Aug 2018 21:57:25
Not too bad that not happy about the silly conceded goal but made up for Shaw and pogba who I thought was excellent today.

The not so sexily named Fred was also good.

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10 Aug 2018 21:48:31
Pereria best player on the park for me, Shaw also had a good game . Bit of a concern with Sanchez, I'm expecting a big season from him but he looks to have lost a yard . Still has the talent but may have to adapt a bit .
Very Jose performance today.

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10 Aug 2018 21:56:09
Pogba was head and shoulders above everyone else.

Will be good to see Pereira dropped for matic when he's back though. That was far too attacking and open for my liking.

Biggest concern was Fred, looked miles off the pace. Early days though.

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10 Aug 2018 21:59:37
Shaw was great, Pereira looked class, Bailly and Lindelof were very solid.

The worry is Sanchez who was pretty awful throughout. Rash wasn’t great but as with Lukaku he got very little service. I’m surprised we gave up so much possession at home, Pogba started well but faded.

We need to remember that some came back early so there is some rustiness and we have Lingard Andy Lukaku to come back. It’s funny reading the posts today as so many seem to have forgotten about Jesse.

FinLly, I know Shaw has struggled with his weight but a joke wears a bit thin. The kid played well and effectively scored the winner, let’s stop with the fat jokes.

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10 Aug 2018 22:04:58
Sepp I thought fred done well full of energy running everywhere thought he had a good game.

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{Ed0333's Note - I saw it differently. I thought he was fairly abject but I’ll reserve judgement till he’s had a run of games. He certainly offers you a different dimension though.

10 Aug 2018 22:07:44
Them jokes are wearing thin now.

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10 Aug 2018 22:13:23
I'm not going to kid myself. It was a shocking performance, "but we won", so it's fine.

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10 Aug 2018 22:14:02
Wish Alexis would pass, it's infuriating. Great to see Shaw score his first competitive goal. Mourinho was genuinely happy for him. Nice to see.

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{Ed0333's Note - didn’t Alexis pass to Lukaku for a chance?

10 Aug 2018 22:24:38
Shocking performance? Really?

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10 Aug 2018 22:34:15
Barbed comments galore. A half unfit side with a dreadful preseason prep behind them, beats a decent side at home. Game won, 3 points, players got some fitness, move and nothing to see here. This microscopic analysis of every single aspect of the game is soooo tedious.

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{Ed004's Note - Think it is blantanly obvious we havent even gotten into second gear yet. We played with a young midfield 3 that has never played together, one wasnt fully fit, one had never played a competitive game in a new role and another was making his competitive debut. The only 2 concerns I had watching was a) how poor Darmian was and his partnership with Mata was disastrous b) we still tend to sit slightly too deep.}

10 Aug 2018 23:24:56
Wish Dalot had been fit for pre season as he could play a big part this season.

Sanchez on the right and Martial on the left would open it up a lot more but JM has his knickers in a twist with AM which is an issue.

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10 Aug 2018 23:15:53
Ed - I think Darmian will be sold by the end of the window. He’s just helping us out until Valencia and Dalot get fit.

I do agree on how deep we sit under Jose - we have a young side with pace. We should push on and press much more.

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10 Aug 2018 23:19:31
I agree with that ed. I can't see who will be the established RW going forward. Rashford?

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{Ed004's Note - If it was me in charge I would try Sanchez there for a few games. If he cant offer more than what Mata is offering there (which is very little) I would drop him in favour of a front 3 of Rashford (on right) Lukaku and Martial. Let Rasford try to stake his claim for it. I expect Jose will shoehorn Mata and Lingard there until we can sign a new winger}

10 Aug 2018 21:18:23
Its just unfortunate the the swap for alexis and david bellion fell thru at the last min!

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11 Aug 2018 12:38:27
I thought Alexis is David Bellion. No?

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10 Aug 2018 20:52:55
Well we're winning.

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10 Aug 2018 20:06:30
What were we all so worried about? 😆.

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10 Aug 2018 19:43:20
Paul pogba captain? 🤔.

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10 Aug 2018 20:42:39
Let him keep it 😆😆.

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10 Aug 2018 19:24:38
I posted the other day that I have been struggling to feel excited about United in recent months.

However, I must say as I sit awaiting the first game of the season I am feeling a little excited in spite of my belief that it will all come crashing down this season.

Maybe Jose will stumble upon a winning formula, maybe Pogba will be the player we know he can be, maybe the club I love will return to its former glory.

It appears in spite of logic hope is winning me over. Please Jose don't kill that hope tonight.

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10 Aug 2018 19:37:33
I'm with you Shappy, let's pull together and do our part in making this a successful season. Pogba captain today, Shaw starting, Bailey and Lindelof CB pairing. Lots that make the start of season positive.
I'm even putting £10 on 3-1.

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10 Aug 2018 19:38:48
I can't wait we have a great set of players, get them playing well could be a very good season.

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10 Aug 2018 19:43:51
Same here mate. Despite the justifiable gloom, first game of the season even makes Beasts mood bloom. Nothing like it.

Interesting with Pogba as captain and nice to see Pereira and Shaw playing. Come on Utd.

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10 Aug 2018 19:52:23
It will be a very entertqining game today with Sanchez and Rashford to score.

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10 Aug 2018 19:54:53
Shappy your a gas man.
Yeah hope is ertenal. I think he can squeeze an ectra 5 ooints out of the team this season. Will it be enough? Only time will tell.
carra and nev talking a lot of sense as usual.

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10 Aug 2018 19:17:45
some bench!

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10 Aug 2018 19:03:59
Ah ha!
Paul Pogba starts as captain. who would have predicted that. let's get a positive stay lads. come on united. Pogboom scores and kisses the batch 😁😊😉.

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10 Aug 2018 16:07:27
Prediction time guys.

I know things haven't been going well but I think we should be beating leicester.

2-1 for me.

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10 Aug 2018 16:25:07
3-0 to United.

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10 Aug 2018 16:44:05
3-1 Leicester.

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10 Aug 2018 17:16:29
6-0 first half Maguire own goal hat trick followed by a Pogba hat trick in a 15 minute cameo. Jose will then precede to moan about Luke Shaw in his press conference.

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10 Aug 2018 17:23:01
Sanchez brace and 2 from midfield. 4-0.

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10 Aug 2018 17:34:29
Wow Nathaniel.

That is one hell of a prediction.

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10 Aug 2018 17:41:35
3-0 Sanchez brace, Mata with the other. Come on United!

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10 Aug 2018 17:47:28
1-0 United. Sanchez to score. A performance that is not hugely convincing despite the win.

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10 Aug 2018 17:51:35
Nathaniel, the reason why Jose will moan about Shaw is because that Maguire hattrick will be scored off 3 misplaced Shaw passes, should count as assists really.

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{Ed001's Note - I was assuming it would be because Shaw's gut blocked his view of the goals....}

10 Aug 2018 17:52:16
2-0 Sanchez to score first.

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10 Aug 2018 17:59:09
3-0 - is what it should be.

Not giving the bookies any of my money tonight though, far too risky. Who knows what we are going to look like - just glad to have it back.

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10 Aug 2018 19:07:44
3 - 0, Mata and Alexis to shine, Rashford to score.

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10 Aug 2018 15:47:18
Mason greenwood scored a couple of cracking goals again today for the 18s. Huge talent.

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10 Aug 2018 15:47:09
I've heard a rumour that the reason Rojo is number 16 and 5 is now vacant is because Rio is to come out of retirement. It's just a rumour though so if you put money on it and it's not true please don't ask me for a refund.

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10 Aug 2018 15:54:29
Makes sense, Rio is the right age demographic for Jose Mourinho. Lol.

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10 Aug 2018 16:40:54
Or a January signing maybe.

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10 Aug 2018 18:19:57
Rojo is 16 for Argentina, it’s never been free before so he’s asked for it now it is, no conspiracies.

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10 Aug 2018 14:12:08
Shame Toby and a LB never came in the end but onwards and upwards, Fred, Dalot and Pereira new additions to the team and Sanchez can be seen as one of them. Have't lose any players from last season so ultimately we have strengthened.

One thing Jose MUST do is play pretty much the same XI most weeks, didn't have a clue what the team would be most weeks last season, could pretty much guess City's XI every week. A back 5 of De Gea Valencia/ Dalot Bailly Lindelof Shaw, Fred Matic Pogba, Sanchez Lukaku Martial/ Rashford. No way can we consistently be seeing Smalling Jones and Fellaini in the team anymore. Also, Shaw needs to kick on and prove he's good enough, can't do what he normally does which is look ready in pre-season and then when the seasons come, boom.

Hopefully we're in for a good season.

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{Ed004's Note - Exactly the first 11 I would play. It would be more of a diamond formation with Sanchez in behind the front 2. I think it would suit everyone however we need to start pressing higher up the pitch. The only player suggested there who isnt very mobile is Matic but the rest should be able to cover for him when we press and he's intelligent enough to close of potential avenues for sides to get out from}

10 Aug 2018 15:18:04
On Matic, he needs to be rested a lot more than he was last season, looked knackered at times.

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10 Aug 2018 15:48:32
Last season we had 11 different pairings at cb. Not the basis for a title winning side.

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10 Aug 2018 16:02:06
Whilst Matic is injured AP will play in there and it will be good to see how he plays with the rest of the first 11. Sanchez has already mentioned him and the way he plays and with Martial, Lukaku and Pogba infront of him there will be more options for him to find his passing range.

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10 Aug 2018 16:02:06
Whilst Matic is injured AP will play in there and it will be good to see how he plays with the rest of the first 11. Sanchez has already mentioned him and the way he plays and with Martial, Lukaku and Pogba infront of him there will be more options for him to find his passing range.

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10 Aug 2018 13:28:40
Having had a night to sleep on the fact uniteds recruitment team decided to go on holiday last week, i'm terrified of the fact jones and smalling could start more games as a pair this year, frankly neither are good enough and together they are a disaster, surely the board can see this is not an ideal start to what could be the defining season in mous united career.
having said that i'm quite excited to see what the younger players (-tfm) can do this year, certainly leaves plently of playing time for a few to really shine.
Glad to be reading some more positive posts on here.
Back the boys! We are united!

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10 Aug 2018 15:25:48
Positive? Have you read your post on the rumours page? Oh irony.

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10 Aug 2018 18:23:27
Wow the irony.

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10 Aug 2018 12:42:32
Tranafer window is over and we got to do with what we have.

Sanchez should be a revelation this year as from looking at preseason gamea he does look a lot fitter and faster.

If Pogba has his heart on United should be tremendous for us, Lukaku and Fredn should also do really well. I think Fred will do all the running this year and help out Matic in protecting the back four which will make Pogba a lot more involved with the attack.

Lindelof hardly played last year and i think this is his year to cement a spot in the starting 11.

Th3 only issue we have is RB and LB unless Shaw turns the tables around which is quite doubtful but i hope he proves me wrong.

We are also going to struggle on the wings unless Martial and Rashford perform this year and really kick on.

We have a good team but they need to perform a lot better then they have last year.

We should be challenging for the title if players such as Matic, Pogba, Sanchez, De Gea, Baily, Lindelof and Lukaku perform to their potential. It will be tough for us this year if any of these players let us down.

I have a st4ong feeling Sanchez will score a lot of goals this year starting with 2 goals today.

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10 Aug 2018 11:11:01
I think through their actions, the Man Utd board have given Mourinho an interesting message.

They have backed him personally with a new contract but have refused to let him bring in short term, expensive fixes.

To me this seems like a challenge to Mourinho to show whether he's actually any good as a coach and a manager. Any fool (even me! ) could spend unlimited money and put together a decent football team.

But to succeed, Mourinho will now will have to mould and shape a team with the excellent but imperfect squad he has at his disposal. This means some major man management especially with players he has already upset. It will mean trusting in younger players and helping them make the most of their talents. It will mean being positive and putting this team on the front foot which will play to theit strengths.

Nevermind all this about lowering of expectations. Are you kidding me? Mourinho has a wealth of talent at his disposal but he's hasn't been utiliising it properly. We have brilliant attackers but the whole team plays at 70% with the handbrake on. I'm glad the board has recognised this and effectively told Mourinho to do better with what he has.

Mourinho reminds me of a spoiled kid at Christmas. He already has a room full of toys but its never enough and he always wants more of the best and shiniest toys. Then when he gets them, he only wants to play with the box they came in.

I'll conclude by saying I don't think Mourinho has got it in him. Even if he has the ability to rise to the challenge (which I don't think he has) I don't think his heart is in it which means he has no chance. He might last the season but I'll be amazed if he's with us next season.

And talking of heart not in it, I don't expect to watch much of Utd until Mouringo leaves. Too many times last season (and for many seasons before) I left the ground or the pub and wondered what I'd wasted my time for. Not this year.

Believable9 Unbelievable3

10 Aug 2018 11:27:10
Great post.

I just wish the board had held off on the contract. Really bizarre way of doing things. 'here sign this extension', happy days, few months later 'we aren't backing you and now you are locked in haha'. Seems a really weird way to go about things as now we have the grumpiest of grumps, who can point to this as an excuse and we have to pay mega money to get rid of him all the while the place becomes much more toxic.

I don't think the people in charge realise how treacherous their position is here, it's almost like they didn't see what Jose did at Chelsea before he was sacked. The risk/ reward strategy seems backward to me. Jose struggles to bring players on as well, it isn't his USP.

In for a long hard season as fans, and I fear the club have made one mistake too many by extending his deal off the back of a truly awful run of performances in the winter. Making an angry man, angrier is not conducive to a good atmosphere.

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10 Aug 2018 11:48:26
MancMan, sorry but you lost me after the "fool" comment. Did you see the Porto and Inter squads with which the fool won Champions League? don't think much money was spent there.

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10 Aug 2018 12:00:06
No Beast, I think it was a good move from the board. Mourinho cannot say in any way that he hasn't been backed. Along with the new contract, the club have spent a fortune on players he wanted. Mourinho now has nowhere to hide and if he doesn't deliver then it's all on him.

I think the board believe in their man and that's fair enough, but I also think they are being reasonable in telling him that their are financial constraints and that he already has good resources which he isn't making the most of.

By the way, just for fun, I'd like to remind everyone of a little quote from Fergie which seems quite apt for Manchester United under Mourinho; "I've never played for a draw in my life"

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10 Aug 2018 12:16:46
MancMan - hard to manage an employee with their toys out the pram, even harder if that person is a key employee. We (the club) are taking a huge risk because we are left picking up the pieces. We are asking a flat horse to do the jumps. We pay one way or the other.

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10 Aug 2018 12:32:31
United Addict, I didn't call him a fool but I take your point. It's 14 years since he won the Champions League with Porto and 8 since he won it with Inter. Great achievements no doubt, if you like that sort of thing. However, there are lots of things I could do 14 and even 8 years ago which I can't do now. Football has moved on and Mourinho is yesterday's man.

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10 Aug 2018 12:45:32
Having purchased Lukaku, Pogba, Sanchez, Matic, Lindelof and Fred, Mourinho is certainly not in any position to complain about the Board not backing him even if he did not get any key targets this year. The team has plenty theoretical talent at his disposal to compete effectively for titles. The best managers always have to add that extra special something to inspire a team to reach the next level by making the whole more than the sum of the parts.

I think Mancman has it right, although I do believe they would have stumped up for a truly top player if one had been available. It may be they are starting to realize that the very top players don't actually want to be in a Mourinho side that plays with the brakes on all the time. And it is the the style negativity and its affects that have come to the top of the agenda for the Board. There is no joy in the club at the moment and that also needs to be turned around.

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10 Aug 2018 13:22:54
Agreed - it comes to something when a reserve for Madrid and Croatia is publicly stating that he has no interest in playing for Mourinho. How many players are saying this to their agents in private, bet some agents are annoyed as we pay well over the odds for anything these days and it's easy money for the middle men. However, I get the feeling that most decent agents would realise that most players signing for Utd depreciate in value, so maybe not so many arguments as they should be thinking longer term for the good of the career as a whole.

It's just a mess. But looking forward to tonight and hope all us doubters are dealt a huge dose of STFU, I'll never learn though as no doubt tomorrow I'll be posting as usual with words like 'boring, lazy, confused, pathetic, defensive'.

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10 Aug 2018 14:58:49
"If you like that sort of thing " lol 😂.

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10 Aug 2018 15:36:11
Beast, you're right but Mourinho has nothing to throw his toys out the pram for. The board have given him the players he wanted and backed him with a new contract. He has a great squad with a fantastic first team. What has he got to complain about? It just makes him look ridiculous.

He is now master of his own destiny. If he wants to be Mr Neg Head then it's inevitably going to go badly. If he recognises what a great situation he is in, shapes up and gets the most out of his squad then good things might happen.

His problem is he is at the wrong club and has the wrong set of players for his negative brand of anti-football. If he uses the same tactics this year then he will fail to get the most out of them. A good manager would set them up to attack because that's what their strength is and it will also get the supporters onside.

We all know how it's going to be though and I'm sure Beast is right saying he will be back on here tomorrow "with words like 'boring, lazy, confused, pathetic, defensive'. " It's a shame really because there are some really good players whose talents are being wasted. I have better things to do tonight so I'll catch up tomorrow and you can all tell me how it goes.

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10 Aug 2018 15:36:56
Thanks Deano, I'm glad someone spotted that.

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10 Aug 2018 18:07:20
Mancman a few good post there.

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10 Aug 2018 10:34:45
Well now the dust has settled and some press have reported their take on our transfer failures it is time to reflect. I think some of us can understand maybe the owners telling Mourinho to do what he is paid to do and coach for once. The present squad certainly has some talented individuals and a few players yet to fulfil their potential. All the reporting was about our clamour for a CB, I think the owners have a point in that Jose has already brought 2 CBs into the club which he hardly used last season so maybe he should find a way of making his purchases work. Midfield we were short of someone to help out Matic and Fred was bought to solve that. In Sanchez, Rom, Rash, Martial, Pogba, Jesse, Mata we have players that should create a lot of chances per match so Jose must find a way of playing that does just that. The thing i am struggling with this window is not replacing the LB and RB position with top level players. Young and Valencia would not get near any other so called top sides team in Europe yet we have persisted with them for what will be the third year now. In todays style of football the wing backs are probably the most crucial area to get right. Unfortunately ours cannot defend that well and offer very little going forward, i cannot remember the last time either got to the byline and put in a dangerous cross. I believe these areas are why we struggle in games and look static and predictable, especially against teams that sit deep as we never stretch the pitch with both young and Valencia constantly coming inside instead of offering the midfield a wide outlet. I appreciate Dalot is a RB but he was clearly bought for the future although i am hoping he gets an early chance and takes it and maybe just maybe Shaw can get back to the player we thought we were buying. I just fear Jose will sulk and moan awaiting the inevitable departure like he did at Chelsea. I would love nothing better than Jose taking on this situation and going for it an all out frontal attack let's get back to making the opposition worry about what we are going to do rather setting up our team to neutralise an opponent. If this is going to be his last season why not go out with a bit of fight
As Dylan Thomas wrote Jose
"Do not go gentle into that good night
Rage, rage against the dying light".

Believable7 Unbelievable0

{Ed0333's Note - fantastic read mate, eloquent as f**k. I really enjoyed reading that. You make some salient points and it is not often we get a Dylan Thomas stanza on here. Ed’s 001 thinks he’s a welsh footballer. I think my opinions on your squad and manager are well documented so I’ll keep stum at this time.

10 Aug 2018 11:12:14
Good post Jamie. time for Jose to earn his crust now
And if you can't do it Jose you must move on.

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10 Aug 2018 11:27:22
We played some of our best football under the negative one with Blind at left back playing pretty much as a third centre back. That doesn't follow suit with the importance of the full backs.

Valencia gets a lot of stick but before his mid season injury and him being seriously overplayed he was one of our better performers.

Maybe I'm nuts and maybe my judgement is clouded but I believe the reason we started to look static, sluggish etc etc was because Jose gave up on our season when he realised he wasn't going to get the silverware he wanted.

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10 Aug 2018 11:52:30
Totally agree with all of that. We have a very good group of players, and significant money has been spent over the last couple of years on Jose's request. He now needs to coach the undoubted talent out of them.

I agree on the full back situation, for me full backs were the most important players we needed to sign this summer. Followed closely by a link player in midfield. We got Fred, and Dalot is very promising by all accounts and with both Valencia and Young able to play RB this season I can understand taking a chance on a super talented young RB.

LB however, needed sorting. If Shaw can come good then we will be golden. Yet the more time that goes by the less likely that he will achieve his potential becomes. Especially when the manager doesn't trust the player to give him a chance. I would have signed a new first choice LB (Jose Gaya or Kieran Tierney) then loaned Shaw out for a season after agreeing a new contract with him. That way he can play regular football for a manager who wants him. Then he can either come back to battle it out for the LB berth or he can leave having hopefully increased his value while on loan.

As for the Cab's we seemed to be chasing all summer, for me it would have to be Alderweireld, Giminez or no one. I don't see the point in spending serious money unless we get a serious upgrade and those two are the best available atm. Varane possibly as well but his injury record has been pretty poor, and I'm not keen on replacing injury prone defenders with other injury prone defenders.

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10 Aug 2018 12:02:23
Now that the dust has settled a little and I am less depressed than late yesterday afternoon, I feel there is every reason to be positive and every reason to be pessimistic. It is make or break - the infamous Jose 3rd season.
I believe that by and large we have more than adequate squad. MU seem to have done three things. 1.told the manager that he has enough talent if he develops youth. 2.Resisted splashing large amounts of cash on great players at their peak (who can only decline in ability and value) . 3.Preserved resources financial and great players we already have for the next manager should JM throw his toys out of the pram.
Hold on to your hats for a roller coaster as we find out how good a manager Jose is. Can he really build, enthuse and man manage a team and individuals and improve / transform what he has. Is he really a great manager or can he only buy success with older players? We are about to find out! I look forward with trepidation and excitement. Forgive any future pessimistic posts. I have only been on one roller coaster before in my life - a very small one when I was very young and I hated it.

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10 Aug 2018 10:08:32
Just read ( don't know how true it is) that jose has to avoid spending vast amounts on older players for the quick fix and the club are willing to back him with money for young talent that we can get more than a few years from, got to admit if the club are going to spend 60 mill+ on a player I'd like to see him here for the long term, also he has to use some of the good young players already at the club,
Even though I've been frustrated this window i agree with the club.

Believable4 Unbelievable0

10 Aug 2018 10:31:51
I agree that I prefer this strategy but then why bother getting Mourinho in the first place considering this is obviously his method (though I'd say more experienced instead of older) . Lots of people singing from different hymn sheets at Old Trafford unfortunately.

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10 Aug 2018 10:41:30
Just spin.

Ed002 has told us that the club were happy to sell both Pogba and Martial if their valuation was met. The club is reluctant to pay big sums for older players because they have no resale value. However, they know that Jose prefers to work with older players, and they extended his contract, but didn’t back him this summer.

Bottom line is that there’s no point extending a manager’s contract if you have fundamental differences over the direction of the club. The club are trying to save face after a window where they didn’t back the manager, and failed to bring in any alternative targets. The Godin thing yesterday shows that Woodward still doesn’t realise when he’s been used as leverage in contract negotiations. The club failed to sell players that they made available, and failed to bring in targets the manager requested. This is on them.

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10 Aug 2018 10:53:16
Every player Danny has a price if they want to leave.

The club pricing them out of a move could suggest fractions within United want them to stay and would prefer Jose to go.

Maybe United are holding onto them and considering a Jose exit strategy at some point. Maybe when a manager who they want is available IDK?

Don't get me wrong we know what our owners are like, however it's no secret MU want players under 27 and will only pay for expensive players that either sell merchandise or have a good two five year contracts left in them.

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10 Aug 2018 11:18:36
Ed002 has stated that the club offered Pogba to 4 clubs. But none were willing to meet the price. Both players want to leave. There’s no guarantee that they’ll be happy to stay if Jose leaves. Pogba, in particular, has been looking for a move to Spain since before we signed him.

I don’t buy what is being reported in the slightest. Jose is responsible for what we see on the pitch, which has been fairly poor. But the club are responsible for transfers. They’re trying to pass the buck to Jose to cover their own ineptitude in the transfer market.

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10 Aug 2018 13:05:27
It's obvious that both Pogba and Martial want to leave, and that the club will facilitate that move on the basis that the club doesn't lose out financially.

However, I wonder the reason behind Pogba and Martial wanting out?

Are they unhappy living in Manchester?

Do they have ambition to win things and don't feel they will at our club?

Are they unhappy with the current management set up and feel they need to a different manager to get the best out of them?

Because depending on why they want to leave their are measures the club can take to make them happy.

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10 Aug 2018 13:12:16
I think Pogba wants a move to one of Spain’s big two, as he did before he arrived. Martial might be convinced to stay under a different manager. But at that point you’re talking about allowing two fairly inconsistent players dictate club strategy.

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10 Aug 2018 09:54:25
{Ed's Note - Reid The Red has posted a new article entitled, Manchester United v Leicester City 10 August 2018

Believable0 Unbelievable0

10 Aug 2018 10:13:44
So hopefully, he'll release a one minute clip of him training hard and enjoying being a United player. Football before image, just saying!

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10 Aug 2018 09:47:45
Yesterday there was a discussion on Pogba's hair.

The lad just released a 1 min video of his hair cut. Just saying.

Hopefully he finds his world cup form for us.

Believable0 Unbelievable1

10 Aug 2018 10:32:28
So hopefully, he'll release a one minute clip of him training hard and enjoying being a United player. Football before image, just saying!

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10 Aug 2018 09:32:47
Guys - you're all missing the biggest positive of the summer for the club. For the first time since the 1988/ 89 season, we are going into a third season in a row with the same manager. OK, we finished 11th that year, but I'm sure it won't be "3 years of excuses. ta-ra Jose". Right? Right?

Believable1 Unbelievable0

10 Aug 2018 10:02:51
We had the best defensive record (I think) in the prem last season, but the goals per game cost us the prem, ie we couldn’t score, with the purchase of Fred,
Hopefully lulu Sanchez Tony and rashford step up a tad, bit disappointed we didn’t add to the defence squad, but again there’s the young lads to state their cases,
8-1 Utd to win prem title. But it’s going to be between us and the scousers fighting for it this season,
Utd made a profit on transfers this window, and I think we’re in a better position, despite the media assassination of Jose.

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{Ed025's Note - so city dont come in to it jock?..

10 Aug 2018 10:31:41
Made a profit on transfers?

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10 Aug 2018 10:34:58
Ed0025 -I do think City are now going to throw everything at conquering the Champions League which often hinders league success in the modern game. We will have to see. The league won't be enough for Pep this year I wouldn't think. That being said you don't win the title that comfortably by luck.

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{Ed025's Note - of course he wants the CL rosie, but the prem is the bread and butter and they are not odds on for nothing mate, if a team finishes above city then they win the league..its a simple as that..

10 Aug 2018 09:11:40
Everton fan here. Just can't understand what's going on. Growing up we would all watch united as gayranteed exciting football. Now Utd games are ones I avoid - I'm not trying to wind anyone up here - just opinion.
Utd signed most expensive outfield player in this window (Fred) - he's nowhere near the Brazil starting 11.

linerloft, Baily, Sanchez, lakaku pogba - non of them have been hugely successful - don't think board will keep giving him millions as his signings have been poor.

His management of players is dreadful - I think he has had his day. I think he will be gone by Christmas


I do hope you get a new manager as PL needs an exciting Man Utd.

Good luck for season.

Believable3 Unbelievable3

10 Aug 2018 09:29:02
The City keeper didn’t make the Brazil first eleven either and he’s not too shabby . And given Brazil’a World Cup, who’s to say they wouldn’t have been better with Fred in the side.

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10 Aug 2018 10:17:27
I thought Mahrez was more expensive as was Jorginho as was Keita, Fred was £45m plus add ons.
Ps. Sane was not in the Germany squad, so that theory doesn't always work.
But I agree with you on Mourinho, his man management style is a bit outdated and I am not sure the players are entirely happy working under him.

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10 Aug 2018 08:58:17
It's that time of the year again, time to get your predictions in for the coming season in the annual predictions competition.

Its just a bit of fun, I think I was lower quartile for the first 2 years and struck lucky last year. Questions are the same as last year.

Nobody had Salah down as top scorer or player of the year, who knows what the surprise will be this year.

One little favour please, for the big teams please use United, City, Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea, Arsenal - not your own variations such as Spuds, Chelski and so on. There were about 8 different ways of typing United which makes sorting the sheet out a nightmare.

Our window closes on Thursday, games start this weekend, and teams could still lose players between now and the end of August. As a compromise, the comp will close on Friday 24th August.

Good luck all.

Predictions Form

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10 Aug 2018 09:32:01
Just replying so I can see my name to enter the comp, forgot what it was.

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10 Aug 2018 10:19:25
I said I'll be objective but sorry to disappoint.

Manchester United for everything, Pogba, Chong and all 😀😀😀.

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10 Aug 2018 10:38:48
Hardest to do was the relegation. Could be from 6 teams.

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10 Aug 2018 10:52:28
Bit biased lol, but tough choices this year.

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10 Aug 2018 15:33:33
All done I don't think I will win tho 😂.

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10 Aug 2018 09:02:52
Right. Window over. Would have liked maybe one or two more but Jose has to play te hand he's dealt now. Down to business tonight.
Before last season I was excited. If it all clicked I thought we could have had great season. We have the same squad add in Sanchez (who with a decent rest could be a new signing on his own) Fred, who could bring that energy to midfield that its lacking and A. Perreria who I've been looking forward to getting his chance to shine.
Shaw could pull his finger out and hit the form we saw pre injury.
Lindeloff has had a good world cup and was good for last part of last season.
Pogba is on a high from the world cup.
Lukaku will only get better.
Martial has something to prove.

We still have the makings of a good season ahead of us. I don't expect City to romp it like last season. Lower teams showed you have to take a risk and take the game to them and I expect more teams to go for it after sitting back and still getting whooped by four or five.
Leicester tonight. Not an easy 3 points but it should still be. A game at a time and you never know. GGMU!

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10 Aug 2018 08:30:33
Oh well another summer of media lies and being linked to every player under the sun over. I must say I am disappointed Sandro was not signed.
In terms of the manager, I hope he buckled down and gets the best out of what we have, but based on his past behaviour I suspect he will be even grumpier than before and throw a few more players under the bus. Let's not forget we are not the only club to have an awful window, spurs had a stinker as well. Let's see how potchetino reacts compared to Jose.
I suspect with a little more grace. I wouldn't mind seeing potch being brought in to replace Jose. I know many on here will say he has not won anything, but he has improved a young spurs squad moved them up the table whilst operating on a small budget and with a restrictive wage structure. I think he would do wonders with our youth whilst also playing the United way and being able to attract top players when required.
As the saying goes a leopard can't change his spots and Jose's history suggests a melt down by xmas, let's hope the board put a bit more thought into the clubs direction of travel and that we have a manager who fits those ideals lined up. The current approach is not working!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

10 Aug 2018 07:40:18
Now that the dust has settled a little and I am less depressed than late yesterday afternoon, I feel there is every reason to be positive and every reason to be pessimistic. It is make or break - the infamous Jose 3rd season.
I believe that by and large we have more than adequate squad. MU seem to have done three things. 1.told the manager that he has enough talent if he develops youth. 2.Resisted splashing large amounts of cash on great players at their peak (who can only decline in ability and value) . 3.Preserved resources financial and great players we already have for the next manager should JM throw his toys out of the pram.
Hold on to your hats for a roller coaster as we find out how good a manager Jose is. Can he really build, enthuse and man manage a team and individuals and improve / transform what he has. Is he really a great manager or can he only buy success with older players? We are about to find out! I look forward with trepidation and excitement. Forgive any future pessimistic posts. I have only been on one roller coaster before in my life - a very small one when I was very young and I hated it.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

Review Of The Day 10th August 2018

10 Aug 2018 07:43:00
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Review Of The Day 10th August 2018

Believable0 Unbelievable0

10 Aug 2018 06:55:35
I know most of us including me are disappointed with the transfer window but that's done now and we have to look forward. With Fred, Dalot and perreira coming in we have only strengthened our squad. We didn't have any outgoings so doesn't really matter as we have enough players. The main area of concern for me was full backs and that has been for many years now.
There wouldn't have been so much negativity if we had our full squad to play the first few matches. We all know that with City in that form we can't even think about taking any match lightly and dropping points early in the season means we might not be able to recover at all. If we manage to keep the players for the remaining of the transfer window and get good results at the start with so many players out then I can see us doing well this season.

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10 Aug 2018 07:37:25
I must say, I did expect better windows from a family called the Glazers.

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10 Aug 2018 07:47:44
The best transfer window joke of the summer comes after the deadline. Typical!

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10 Aug 2018 08:32:53
No pane no gain.

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10 Aug 2018 09:07:38
On reflection I totally agree!

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10 Aug 2018 15:34:47
The whole window is nothing but a pane in the glass.

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10 Aug 2018 06:49:39
Interesting article on one f the red tops this morning, could be complete nonsense but worth sharing.

‘It is understood the United board have warned he must stop demanding over-priced older players to fill perceived gaps, and instead work with the outstanding young talent already on the club's books.
Chief executive Ed Woodward himself refused to even consider selling Paul Pogba or Anthony Martial this summer, despite Mourinho's high-profile disputes with the pair. United did try to get centre-back Alderweireld, and were involved in a dialogue with Tottenham right up until Thursday afternoon on deadline day. But they baulked at an unmoving asking price well in excess of £50m for a 29-year-old who would have no future resale value.
Woodward also believed Perisic, also 29, was an unsuitable short term fix at Inter's £60m valuation’.

Someone posted recently about our approach of not buying older players and it seems that might be where the problem lies. Personally, I completely agree. The occasional older player at a very good price perhaps but selling Martial and buying Perisic would have been ridiculous. We have had our plants pulled down so many times I’m glad we didn’t pay the ridiculous fees being demanded for ‘old’ players. I suspect this would have been the issue with Bale, his age and injuries would not have justified the fee being demanded.

If those conversations have taken place, it will be interesting to see if Jose knuckles down or throws his team out of the pram.

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10 Aug 2018 07:35:03
Whilst I agree that we shouldn’t always look for quick fixes, this is extremley worrying. When the manager isn’t in control of who comes in or who is targeted it should be a major concern. How many people on our board are proper football men who should make these decisions?
Do you think klopp and pep have been told they can’t sign half their targets? It’s worrying.

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10 Aug 2018 07:43:49
Worrying in the short term but perversely I’m quite proud of the board for insisting on buying only younger talent to develop as its essential to plan for the future rather than a quick fix now that you might get with older players.

Look at all elite clubs who have seen they have ageing teams and are now bringing youthful talent in: RM, Barca, Bayern, City, Liverpool etc: we are already playing catch up with them but hopefully our aggressive recruitment pokicy at youth level with bear fruit soon.

We do have the team to challenge this year but we must also be building teams for future success as well: otherwise all the old men would frazzle out when Jose goes leaving nothing behind.

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10 Aug 2018 07:53:07
AJH, I completely agree with your post. I read something similar, wherein, the author spoke about how the board saw Mou's demand for older players as short terms fixes, and not better than what was available to him. Personally, I feel only Toby would have been a good addition to the squad, but I also feel that Lindelof, who has been completely written off, deserves a proper run of games, before making him a part of the bench. Similarly, as bad as Smalling or Jones are, they are semi-decent backup players to have.

The problem however, starts when Mou starts using one of Smalling or Jones to partner Bailly, that I feel should not happen, as clearly, Lindelof is miles ahead of both of them combined (personal opinion) .

The only other position that I feel should have been looked at was leftback. Sandro was there for the taking (at least, according to the Eds he was) and I don't know why United did not pursuit that, even one Philipe Max (spelling) was on our list of potential LB's, wonder why he wasn't looked at. The problem of us having no width will remain a problem, but that problem can be rectified at the training level and it is upto the manager and the coaches to solve that.

Sanchez, Martial, Rashford all can play on the left, and all three can be equally efficient on the right as well, heck, Sanchez started his Barcelona career as a RW, and I don't see why one of Martial or Rashford cannot be the taught to deliver a ball in the box.

Buying players just for the sake of buying is a problem that been plaguing United for a while now, obviously, this started post the SAF era and has continued till now. Maybe the board is right in not spending the dough as per the whims of the manager and maybe they are right in trying to judge the manager based on his performance on the field, rather than in the transfer market.

That said, I know it might be a difficult season, we might have to face 4 really anxious months (up to Christmas) and maybe Mou won't be here and maybe we'll be in turmoil, but I'll still support this club.

We play Leicester tonight at Old Trafford and while we all might have seen a lot of football thanks to the WC, there is nothing like a late night kick-off at OT, let's get behind the boys who wear the jersey, even though many of us might or might not want to get behind the manager.

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10 Aug 2018 07:58:58
Excellent article by Daniel Taylor in today’s Guardian that explains it all.

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10 Aug 2018 09:03:37
I said this about Jose years ago on this very site. Jose buys quick fixes for immediate success, then he leaves the club needing a complete rebuild and full of over aged players on long overpriced contracts. Mourinho (and this is not a dig) is very much a man who cares about his own personal success. He will of course want Inter, RM, Chelsea, MU etc to do well under his tenure, but doesn't care too much about them when he is no longer at the club. Chelsea possibly an exception whilst Conte isn't there, but he will care very little for Manchester United when he leaves. Mourinho wants quick fixes for instant success and would leave this club in turmoil 2-3 years down the line.

Certain fractions within the United hierarchy want young, special players and will pay top money for players in this bracket with a good age on their side. IE Pogba, Martial, Bailly, Lindelof, Lukaku etc. Jose wants quick term success so he can swan off to his next project with more personal honours. My personal thoughts is of course back the manager within reason. Which I think is what's actually happening right now.

However with Perisic I think that was a mess up by Ed Woodward with them able to get him at less than half that £60 valuation in June 2017. That was a mess up, but he is not anything near worth £60m at 30. So I agree with the board to block that Jose target. Would you pay £60m for Toby when he could be bought in January for less, the summer for much less? Ed002 has said the club will not overpay for players, much like Chelsea right now. It's just not smart. But if a young, talented player who wants to join the club comes along, then the board will pay up.

United at the moment with Jose's attitude, mind games, war with the board/ players and his very unattractive and negative tactics on the field. Would you want to join Manchester United right now?

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10 Aug 2018 09:08:38
I think we need the odd older head in various positions, I’d have paid the money to get Alderweireld for that experience. Is all well and good saying buy young and promote youth but you can bet your life fans will be moaning when we are 7th cz we have no experience on our ranks, then Jose will get the blame as per when actually Jose has identified that we need a leader at the back, for all the will in the word Axel and TFM are not leaders. Jose knows where needs fixing and he’s not been backed this window, has spent money previously but clearly Work still to be done so back him all the way or sack him just don’t leave him with 3/ 4 of a squad and then judge him for not closing a 20pt gap. 2nd is the best we can prob hope for again. Buying experiences older heads, start winning then blood youth as Fergie regime did by all means but not now, too much pressure on them by fans and the fake news peddling media.

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{Ed0333's Note - I really don’t understand why you didn’t push the boat out for Toby either mate? Jose doesn’t care about resale value etc so Toby was the obvious short term fix who would add real quality. Easily better than the other players you were seriously linked with, McGuire, Boatang, Varane. £55 miilon for Toby for probably 3 good seasons probably not great value for money but then again your the richest club in the world you can afford it.

10 Aug 2018 09:26:15
WRD/ 333 - MU already have older players IE Matic. And when we are talking about younger players, we are not talking about Dalot. More like Lukaku, Pogba etc. These players have experience.

Toby would be a good addition, but not at that crazy price at his age and injury record. Bear in mind if we buy him this time next year he is 60% cheaper. And I guess it didn't help Everton and Wolves not buying Rojo and Smalling respectively.

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10 Aug 2018 09:45:53
I’m sceptical about that story considering Ed002 told us that the club made both Pogba and Martial available. The issue was that nobody would meet the club’s valuation for these players. I would suggest that this is part of a positive spin campaign to deflect blame for a poor transfer window onto Jose, who isn’t responsible for negotiating deals.

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10 Aug 2018 00:24:52
Hi guys, long time reader but not posted in a while

Like many I'm disappointed that we didn't add to our team when we clearly have weak areas. That being said, it's a new season. Start well and get some momentum and who knows how far we can go. Yes we finished well behind city but it got to a point where city were always going to win the league and we were going to be top 4, losing all motivation to fight. I'm very excited. I feel the current players we have will all be extra motivated to show why we don't need anyone else and what we can actually do. Start well and hopefully other teams slip up and it'll give us the confidence to carry on and have a shot at the league. let's GO LADS, COME ON UTD.

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