Manchester United Banter Archive August 16 2014

16 Aug 2014 23:04:53
Dont really know how to sum up today, we were generally poor all over the pitch with very few positives to take from it.
Benatia will be a fantastic signing if it comes off and from what the ed said earlier Daley Blind is looking likely, but the thing that troubled me most today was the lack of chances we created and we have the players to create chances I honestly don't know what the problem is it is very worrying.

I just hope that if we do get 2/3 in things improve because the excuses seem to be running low and our domestic dominance could be coming to an end it always comes and goes in cycles and I worry this might be the end of ours.

We had a good run, time to enjoy fighting it out in mid table now trying to ruin other peoples titles by getting lucky wins haha

16 Aug 2014 21:26:08
I just hope Van Gaal now sees the need to sign a quality defender after this loss. Jim White of Sky Sports has just confirmed a bid has been put in place to sign Mehdi Benatia(Let's all just hope this is true). I feel we also need a world class winger who is very pacy, versatile and not scared to take on his man (REUS is certainly perfect for this role) and a top quality midfielder to patner Herrerra(Vidal). IMO Fletcher is passed his prime and not good enough to be a starter at Man utd. We also need to get rid of a host of players(Valencia, Young, Nani, Anderson, Cleverley, Fletcher). The sooner Van Gaal realises the need to bring in at least 3 top quality players, the better for us! GGMU!

16 Aug 2014 19:49:35
Moyes now live on Al Jazeera saying we were looking for CB all of last year and working on a few things but there was not a lot out there that could walk straight into the team and not many available.

Keys and Grey can't shut up with their criticism of united. They are criticising LVG and questioning why play 3 CB today against one striker Bony and only do that if the 2 wide cb's are great on the ball and go forward and our are not.

GCU, Keys and Grey are a couple of cretins who love to stick the boot in on United. However, I would agree with them on the above comments.
But, I don't wish criticise LvG. We really need to trust the new manager this time round and give him our full support. I am sure he will turn things around, but it will take time. And its going to take money. There is no quick fix for United at the moment.

I think a lot of folks on here think transfers are easy when in reality the elite players are being looked at by ALL the elite clubs there are about 10 players that about 10 clubs want.

If you look at city's recent signings they are not stellar signings even Chelsea as personally I do not class Costa or Fabregas as superstars Liverpool are the perfect example, bought 8/9 players in and all of them put together do not, =a Suarez I am pleased with the players we are linked with and I hope we get a couple in (we need em) but the obsession with signing everyone who has ever kicked a ball is driving me mad

I am in complete agreement with you, BS. I am 100% certain that given the time and backing, LVG will get us back challenging on all fronts. The thing that worries me though is the backing from the board. Hopefully, today will be the stimulus for the club to allow LVG to spend some serious money, if they are serious about us getting back in the CL this season.

Having so many players injured hasn't helped though. Today's team was weak in key area and it cost us, even though Swansea wasn't much of an attacking threat for the majority of the game.

16 Aug 2014 17:23:53
How long do you think it will take van Gaal to fully revert to the 4-3-3? I think as soon as he gets the players at the club he needs then it will be an overnight change with Rooney, Van Persie and a new forward up front and Mata the front of a midfield three.

16 Aug 2014 17:49:21
That's what I'm hoping for Fresh. I think the dynamic winger/forward we need is absolutely vital. Surely, as was the case with Holland in the World Cup, this 3412 is just temporary?

The sooner the better. We need a bona fide winger to join Rooney and RVP, or else just let Januzaj start.

16 Aug 2014 18:24:09
I think if he gets the players he wants in and reverts to 433 , Mata for me could lose out with Carrick and for instance Vidal in midfield with Herrera ahead of them .

Mata for me is too slow , doesn't beat players and won't work hard enough when the opposition have the ball

Pace and Power. Just look at what Janujaz did and he isn't totally fit yet. If we can push teams back we can create space for creative players, at the minute it is far too slow everywhere.

I didn't want us to sign Di Maria, but I would take anyone that would ignite some spark into the game now, it's critical.

I don't think RVP would have made any difference today either.

Can't play that with this squad. need two winger/forwards and neither rvp or rooney are any good on the wings. Besides you need a Kroos/modric/fabregas type player in midfield.

If we get quadrado and dimaria and vidal then I can see it.

But that would mean mata will be sitting on the bench as will one of our key strikers. It would also mean whole sale changes and sale of players including some of the darlings of the fans.

We would also need a better right back. In reality maybe another 2 windows before we see that.

I think Welbeck would have made a difference, not saying he's the answer but he provides power and pace. Offers much more than Hernandez

Shahram, the plan is clearly to play a 3412 this season. Even the U18's were playing it. It will not be Di Maria and Cuadrado, it will be one or the other like the editor said. Rojo (LCB), Benatia (CCB) and probably Jones at RCB, Vidal midfield with Herrera. Cuadrado/Di Maria (RWB). Di Maria will most probably play where Lingard/Adnan played today in a 343 and as a winger in a 433. Di Maria is very hard working and does a lot of defending when playing on the wing for RM. He would make a great RWB, but I suspect he would also be used in the hole and as a striker on occasions, but I think considering MU preferring Di Maria to Cuadrado and considering Cuadrado was being signed to play as a RWB, it's probable that he will be bought initially to play there.

SYD

My response was to fresh asking when we would migrate to a 433.

I agree we wil see more of 3412 or 352 this year until we slowly accumulate the right players and change the look of this team in a few windows.

I also think if the players you are mentioning do happen to come in this window, I would not be one bit surprised to see Adnan feature more and more at the expense of mata. or even go to tradition 442 or 4411.

I think if we get Vidal you will see Herrera and him in midfield and then the question is what formation get our best players on the pitch. I believe with Quadrado on the left wing and Adnan on the right wing that would be our best set up with shaw and rafael as LB and RB. Obviously RVP and rooney upfront.

Back four anchored by Benatia and choice of 3 or 4 other pairing but most likely jones.

People think he's only playing this formation because he lacks players in other positions, yet it is being played at academy level, we lacked CB's today and yet still played with three and last of all we are looking at signings which fit the 343 more than any other position. He wants to sell Rafael if rumours are to be believed and buy a RWB (Cuadrado), so where would that leave us playing with four at the back? I think the 343 is going to be played longer than people think. Only time will tell mind.

Lvg sounds as stubborn as moyes

We only played it for 45 minutes and lvg said he had decided to change formation mid way through the first half

16 Aug 2014 16:20:35
Here's my happy happy joy joy assessment.

People saying Rooney played well either didn't watch the game properly and just saw that he had scored or have some real messed up idea of what a forward is meant to do in a game, (aside from score) and what constitutes playing well for our captain and great hope!

He finished his chance well, but he was roaming too much again, so we had nobody upfront, he gave the ball away very often yet again, there were at least 4 occasions where a simple lay off was on for a dangerous attack and he under hit the pass awfully, almost every time he had the ball this happened. Decent freekick and good finish, he did nothing else the whole game.

Still he wasn't the worst player by any stretch of the imagination. It was better than what Mata did, I maintain he is too slow for our pitch, it is just too big for him and he needs too much time - he is only suited to certain games and with certain pacy players around him, basically a luxury player we can't carry at the minute with such little movement upfront and out wide. He hasn't impressed me all of pre-season either, just like Sneijder during the world cup didn't.

Hernandez is still lost in 2011, his value is diminishing by the second.

Fletcher gave the ball away so often it was unbelievable, he went missing a lot and towards the end looked like he was hiding a bit as well.

Herrera - did nothing, still waiting to see this amazing prospect play, as I missed the easy friendly against LA Galaxy that seems to have had everyone salivating. He has shone glimpses, but thus far I am far from impressed.

Young & Nani - not worth the decay on my keyboard typing about them

Janujaz - reminded me of Ronaldo when he first came over, great with the ball, but bad decision making - still something special.

Fellaini - Can't blame him if LVG resorts to old school tactics, stupid elbow, (some tactical genius LVG is deploying 80's hoof it tactics).

Back 3 - weren't really challenged, some silly mistakes and poor slow build up play, but that isn't their strengths. Can somebody tell LVG that if we play 3CB's they need to move forward with the ball, we looked like Carrick & Cleverley were playing back there, the return of the crabs?

LVG - glad to see the old 4-4-1-1 was worked on in our friendlies, wait there it wasn't, we put all of our eggs in a 5-3-2 basket with the most injury prone set of players the world has ever seen and weakest part of our very weak team being relied upon. No passion, no energy (both LVG and the players), is this what we have been pinning our hopes on, where was the mad genius sorting out the shambles, at least Moyes's eyes told a story when the plan was being blown up in smoke, it was almost like he didn't know what to do?

First game and things can only improve, I just hope people crawl out of LVG's backside now and realise that he isn't a genius, he is just very self assured and good at what he wants to do, the problem is one magic 5-3-2 formation doesn't fix all illnesses and we are on life support already.

He needs players, our support, but we also need to stop raving about him so much until it's deserved.

Beast everyone including LvG is aware that we require players. and not just players. world class players.


That however does not justify today's loss but let's just hope it serves as an eye opener for Eddie Woody and he gets the players LvG wants.

Herrera was the only player I saw that played a forward pass Fletcher what can you say he was decent but lacks a Toure stature we have got the old Young back he must of went on holdays in the pre season Jones was good but two defenders are needed Shaw coming back will be good but a right wing back is needed and Vidal

The biggest thing that's wrong with the club at the minute is the supporters! It appears to be a comp at whom can rip them to bits the most. Stop complaining and get behind the team! It's our time as fans, to help the lads get confidence back! There playing with fear because every mistake is being analysed by people like yourself whom haven't got a clue!

I thought Herrera played pretty well, I agree with everything else. We are forcing the 3-5-2 and many out of position just to accommodate Mata, who is smart and technical but not dynamic enough physically.

What a waste of 5 minutes I will never get back in my life reading this rubbish. I was at the game, yes it wasn't pretty but do you really think that you are more experienced than lvg or for that case Moyes last season. I am as disappointed as the next supporter and have been a season ticket holder for the past 30 years or so. I have seen the bad times under sexton, big Ron, and early fergie days. Seen the best times under fergie and then the lows of last season. We have 3 weeks to buy and then 9 months to put today right. Honestly your negativity is getting me down. Have some faith please

Boca you are wrong mate I think the fans are loyal all last season and today our fans inside the ground were brilliant BUT the club and players should no we are not happy with what we are seeing if nothing is said then everyone just plods along thinking it is ok

Boca I tend to agree with you mate, we have played friendlies away and won them all and looked really attacking at times and confident again, then we come home, play against Valencia at OT and revert to last seasons football and the same today.
I think when we play at home the players are scared to make a risky pass forward incase it gets intercepted because the fans start moaning and groaning like last season, mentally they know they played terrible at home at times last season and fans getting on there back for every intercepted pass won't help them gain confidence in wanting to chance it.

Boca - I'm not their counsellor, I'm a paying supporter and voice my concerns to fellow supporters. I don't rip into the players or abuse them in the changing room or from the stands and I doubt they care much about what people like me have to say, or even know. So the problem is most definitely with the players and staff, not the supporters.

I think supporters are the only ones coming out and saying what the problems are, everyone else seems to be in denial or taking their sweet time to sort them out for some unknown reason?

I'm sure LVG knows we need players, but didn't he say our current crop are good enough a couple of weeks ago? So we don't believe what we hear him say we are meant to believe what we want him to think? Doesn't make sense.

We have had plenty of time to correct the mistakes that we are making, it is basic stuff. LVG has made the wrong decisions thus far, I hope he walks the walk now and lives up to this top billing we are desperate to give him.

Apparently it takes no time for a transfer to be completed, let's hope he is correct as we have several days to do what he says can be done in one of them!

Not true Zidaniel. we are using the 3-4-1-2 so as to accommodate Rooney, RvP and Mata in their best positions. That and LvG clearly doesn't have enough faith in his defenders to play 2 at the back all the time. Mata can be accommodated in a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 4-5-1, 5-3-2 so you're just plain wrong there mate.

16 Aug 2014 18:48:13
Think herrera played well. Thought when he was subbed we sat back again. Not the ideal start but the team is weak hopefully that is put right. Maybe you should look at things as half full rather than half empty? you may start enjoying things a bit more. Support your club 1 game doesn't equate to a disaster.

Andy, if LvG gets the two defenders that he wants (Benatia and Rojo), then we will still play three at the back. Question will be Jones, Evans or Smalling at RCB. LvG will chop and change formations during the game, but he needs the correct personnel to play the way that he wants to. We are severely lacking 3-4 good players plus Shaw and Van Persie.

Beast

post little, read a lot.

that was some post, I was unable to see the match, I going by your excellent report, just glad I read your insight before I watch the highlights. let's hope we get the necessary signing we need, roll on to the next game.

Thanks Byron - I'm sure things will change, but it will not make for pleasant watching I'm afraid.

Andy, fair play on your argument there. I was just too lazy before to lay it out the way you did, meaning that Mata can be an attacking mid and both Rooney and RVP can be strikers. Guess I was just down on Mata today, because he needs to play in that attacking mid, or #10 position, and he did not have a good game today.

16 Aug 2014 15:56:05
Center Mid: Whether or not we get Vidal, we should try to get Carvalho. He would be a powerful presence at def mid. Imagine a midfield three of Carvalho, Vidal and Herrera.

Wingers: we should go all out to get Di Maria or Cuadrado. Our need for pace is obvious.

Center back: we need a leader. We have missed out on Hummels and Vermaelen. Benatia looks to have that kind of presence, not sure if we can get him. Rojo would help.

But to stress again, Carvalho seems there for the taking. He will be worth the price.

I think benatia will sign, chelsea don't really need him, so unless Bayern come in for him I think he will sign for Man u

16 Aug 2014 15:49:02
As odd as it sounds, this game was probably the best result we could have hoped for. It will have convinced the manager that he can't rely on certain players to deliver for him; and we will hopefully see players brought in over the next few days.

I have to admit that I was a bit naive where this team is concerned, because of the good performances in pre-season; but after today, it is patently obvious that we need some top quality in CM, plus pace up front. The defence isn't worth talking about, because no one would disagree that we are in desperate need of a commanding CB.

The concerning thing from today's performance for me, was the 3 at the back. For it to work, we need a ball playing CB.
I for one think we might see the three at the back system abandoned by LVG, in favor of a 433 system; for it might not be such an effective system -by the look of it - for the PL.

I for one am not to worried. I expect it to be a bit rough at the beginning, because the manager hasn't had that long with the team, plus he is yet to go into the transfer market and bring in the type of player he believes will suit his system. I am quite sure we will improve over the coming weeks, especially if we get in 3 or 4 good signings done.

It was painful today; but the pain was akin to the pain people feel when they have been to the gym for the first time: the pain hurts, but it is a type of pain that you know in the long run will benefit you.

Vlaar will be a good addition.

Vlaar would be a disaster, too old and slow.

Sam

Moyes had said something interesting on the post match show. He said many teams did the same to him last year and the PL even the bottom half teams are now all playing so compact that you need special players to break them down. Hint hint we have a lot of average players and you are not going to create chances against teams who are sitting back and playing compact. Spot on I say.

Watching the arsenal game, a lot of huffing and puffing but CP are proving difficult to break down. 2 goals both from set plays.

People are hanging their hat on RVP coming back and saving the day but he will needs service like any decent striker and nothing coming from midfield or wing play today.

Couldn't agree more, GCU.

I think we need to bring some pace into the team. That and a bit more bite in the middle of the park. Herrera is going to be great for us, but he needs someone next to him who can share the load.
Fletch really disappointed me today. I was singing his praises a few weeks back, but he just isn't physical enough IMO; and we need someone in the middle of the park who can break down teams when they try to counter attack. Today, there were a few occasions when Fletch failed to do that. That said, it is good to see him playing again. I have no doubt he will have a part to play this season, but we still need another top CM if we are going to really dominate the likes of Swansea, let-alone the big boys.

16 Aug 2014 14:52:20
The good news is Fergie was an absolute genius by making that squad win the league.
The bad news. the majority of your players are absolute dog c---!
I'm sure you'll be back though, you've got the money to buy some talent!

If only we had Sanogo to score 40 a season, or Monreal to nail down Lwb, we'd be sorted.

Will we spend the money though?

16 Aug 2014 17:26:05
Jack - stupid comment.
And Beast, yeah I think you will! Can't see Van Gaal taking the job if he wasn't promised total control on transfers, and he must of known players like Cleverley, Fellani, Nani, Smalling ect weren't good enough?

Little gunner - I don't know what game you watched - if you watched it - today because Smalling was excellent. Bony never had a sniff.

LG

watching you guys play now and no better and lots of huff and puff an pretty rubbish I would say.

16 Aug 2014 15:08:44
1. The 3-5-2 gave Swansea no problems, then was scrapped for the second half. It does seem that the 3-5-2 looks too slow in possession, we always end up moving the ball around horizontally.

2. Before we get too negative, all the injuries were a factor. Hernandez is a big step down from RVP or Welbeck. Second goal was down to some inexperienced defending.

3. At the moment with who we have, we are not a powerful team in terms of pace or strength. That means we better be very good in possession, and today we were not at all. Far too many giveaways. Rooney did well in to score, but he killed far too many attacks with his poor layoffs.

4. First goal was the fault of the center mids, especially Mata. No one at all near Ki when the ball came to him, and a little clever obstruction from Bony. Without Carrick, we have no CM who is disciplined positionally in defense.

5. We need patience. There will be some growing pains. We'll see who comes in in the next few weeks. Hopefully a leader in the back, a dynamic center mid, and a winger with pace. Maybe we will see more 4-3-3 sooner than later.

16 Aug 2014 14:49:05
An odd game really. A lot of players played fairly well (Jones, Smalling and Januzaj had good games by all accounts) - but we played poorly as a team. The link between our forwards and midfield seemed non-existent at times and we really didn't look good playing with three at the back.

As impressive as he's been in pre-season - Blacket has cost us three points today by giving the ball back to the free-kick taker for the second goal. At 1-1 it looked as though we would go on to win the game but that second goal took the wind out of us. It was nice to see us pushing for the equaliser right at the end rather than just giving up like we seemed to at times under Moyes - but all in the end the result and the performance just weren't good enough.

We need 2 or 3 new players if we want to secure top 4 this season - let alone challenge for the title. I know we have RVP still to come back; but he doesn't really do much aside from score. Our issue is our inability to create decent chances and break teams down rather than the finishing (Rooney showed today that given chances - he's more than capable of scoring). We need to be seeing a lot more from Mata and a lot more from the wide players (Young was useless in the first half - although a lot better in the second half after we switched to 4-3-3). I'm glad Avi Glazer was there to see that. Hopefully it will convince him to stop messing around and greenlight some big money transfers rather than haggling over a few million pounds.

Good post but we really weren't good at all today. We've known for some time we need to strengthen and we don't seem to want to spend the required amount to get the best players.
Defensively we looked inexperienced. Midfield is non existent and we've known that for 4 years.
There are no good points to come out from losing at home to Swansea in the first match of the season. It is unacceptable, so we can't dress it up any other way.

R7, it's Ed Woodward who is haggling, but hopefully a bit of pressure from above may move things along quicker. It's very important for the Glazers for us to finish in the top four. This result may be a blessing in disguise. A bit of fan pressure, manager pressure and hopefully owner pressure may give EW the kick up the ass he clearly needs. Obviously we are working hard behind the scenes, but this is no time for penny pinching. Not now!

Center mids at fault for the first, whether individual failures or a tactical problem to be fixed. Second goal clearly a naive mistake by Blackett.

I agree, not much teamwork shown in the second half. Nani and Januzaj both held the ball too long, though Januzaj was at least a genuine threat.

Depressingly reminiscent of last year with a complete lack of ability to break down a disciplined packed defence, and then slack marking or downright carelessness on our part costing us the points.

Janusaj looked good on the ball but injudiciously opted to shoot when a pass would have been better - very selfish. Jones was very focused and effective. Blackett made that one mistake. Mata was lazy. Chicharito was anonymous. Herrera generally ineffective and Fletcher is simply not quite fast enough in thought or movement to make a difference.

As Redseven writes, if we're not creating any chances then having a fit RVP isn't going to make a whole lot of difference. Would Shaw bring a new dimension? Probably not that much.

Surely LVG is aware by now that we're in need of a serious upgrade in midfield quality in particular. Without that, it's hard to see us changing the dynamic at OT. These next two weeks are really looking vit(d)al for this season's chances.

Herrera Shaw Jones De Gea Rooney Rvp Mata and to a certen extent Smalling are decent enought to be in the team but a right wing back a centre mid a defender and maybe another centre back should be brought in

16 Aug 2014 14:33:52
Good things to come out of today,

1) not a bad debut by Blacket
2) Rooney played well
3) Smalling had a good game.
4) januzaj looked good
5) hopefully Van Gaal now knows how limited the squad is and how tough the premiership is.

Bad points,

1) slow build up play.
2) not many clear cut chances created.
3) young looked suspect defensively.
4) lack of pace from strikers.

We need to see significant improvements or we will struggle to get fourth.

Young has gone back to what he was last season - rarely taking on his man and coming inside again. Some of the players I thought were still thinking it was last season and were affected by it.

4th? On this showing, 7th will be a good achievement.
Hopefully, the glazers should know now that this team is not up to it and for Woodward to actually stop talking bull. t and start buying players.

Re: Bad points - agreed. However, the gravity of 1), 2) and 4) far outweigh any of the good points mentioned. The negatives are serious, long-standing issues that require big money to fix.
We will struggle to get 7th never mind 4th.

16 Aug 2014 14:52:03
Bad point,

5) LVG tatics (Herrea off, Mata CM so we can hoof the ball long the Fellani)???????????????

Attack is missing Van Persie and a Cuadrado/Di Maria.

Defence missing a warrior and a left CB. Hummels/Benatia and Rojo.

Midfield is missing King Arthur. Fletch is decent back-up at best.

We have known this all summer, but we are heading into the last couple of weeks and we are STILL four signings away from where we need to be. Is it really feasible for MU to sign Vidal, Di Maria, Benatia & Rojo in such a short space of time? Not a chance.

16 Aug 2014 14:58:53
Young very rarely took on a man one-on-one in the pre season anyway he just made more runs for diagonal balls.

Can't help but think Shinji would have done a better job today instead of Mata, Mata didn't have a good game.

The three players that stood out for me today were Rooney, Smalling and Jones.

-Blackett was poor.
-Rooney did play well.
-Smalling was poor. Jones was only decent defender.
-Januzaj looked good, but if LVG is going to keep forcing a 3-4-3 with wingbacks, I don't see how januzaj fits into that formation. LVG forcing a formation that only works for Rooney/RVP/Mata, but noone else.
-If he didn't know that the squad is limited and the premiership is tough than he's dumber and more ignorant than every single person who's watched a united match. ever.
-no build up play. passing side to side is cleverley-ish.
-no chances. set pieces only.
-young looks suspect defensively and offensively in every match he's ever played.
-hernandez is fast. he runs fast, just never with the ball.
-We are no better off than last year, and fourth is a dream/fantasy if we're going to play such mediocre players.

352 playing wingers at wing backand 2 box to box cm's is far too open. We were good for 15-20 mins at the start of the 1st half but after that it was as if the players were expecting someone else to do it didn't get the ball to nani and januzaj enough. I thought fletcher was poor and should of been him not herrera. Not to question lvg but thought Blackett should of went to lb and young at rb. 2 goals conceded out of nothing and a few little decisions went against us not that the handball at the end was a pen but he gave them 2 free kicks for less. A physical cm 2 CBS and a right sides full back is needed.

Sydney, well said on attack, defense, and midfield. And Speede, I agree, Herrera should have stayed on.

16 Aug 2014 14:02:05
Missed the first half doctors appointment. First time seeing united this year and quite interesting to watch the movement and players. Herrera and Janusaj are so classy on the ball. Rooney great goal.

The boy blackett is a keeper and looks very composed and will be a good player for years to come. First time seeing him too.

16 Aug 2014 13:39:39
IMO van gaal will take Hernandez off and Nani on. Better first touch, better technique, better running with the ball.

The build up has been too slow and very little created. It is early days, but including lack of transfers it's all a bit similar to last year. Unless our defence is improved it is going to be a long season.

Good to see the kids getting a run out though.

16 Aug 2014 13:26:59
Why is nani warming up

I think he may replace Hernandez as he's more direct and better on the ball. The attack looks empty without our very own RvP. Swansea are packing the defence when the ball is on the ground, when Mata lofts it in, Rooney and Hernandez have lost every aerial battle. That's why we are missing a brute like RvP. Tall, strong and not afraid to elbow a defender in the nose. But if we haven't got brute, we must go with pace and Nani has plenty of that.

Hopefully to replace chicarito he offers nothing

Because he's cold.

16 Aug 2014 15:02:44
Syd Rooney's more of a brute than RvP? The only thing he lacks is height but he's stronger than most players on the pitch.

What a difference I think it would have made though had we been able to start both Roo and Rvp.

In his younger years Oz, he's gotten soft in his later years.

16 Aug 2014 11:50:06
Two separate points. First I'm beyond excited for the season to start. It's been a cold and dark summer. I'm hopeful that we have some successful and attractive football coming our way. I'm hopeful and optimistic. That being said. for all of the posters urging transfer patience, here we are, season starting and we haven't completed HALF of the transfer business we need to, both buying and selling. LVG is a great choice, I just wish when the glazers fired moyes they also fired Woodward or just limited him to commercial aspects of the job and hired someone else to handle transfers, etc.

2-1 united. Rooney brace.

16 Aug 2014 11:40:42
In other news, the match between pool and southamptom may turn out to be one of the most confusing in history.

16 Aug 2014 11:58:27
Wow shows lvg has balls to include two such young players in the 1st team. Lingard and blacket. Surprised no Zaha on the bench to play as extra striker, would have preferred him to Nani.

I suspect Zaha will move to a London club on loan.

Draig - Who else can play? Valencia, Shaw, Rafael all injured and no real other defenders?

Or perhaps it shows that we have loads of injuries and lack any depth at the back?

Balls. No brains. Brains would have bought top players to compete in a top league. Brains would have allowed him to cut ties with terrible players like Fellaini, Nani, Hernandez and Young long ago and replaced them with players worthy of playing for United. And don't mention injuries. He worked them into the ground, let the world cup players take most of the summer off, and didn't buy the players we need. LVG needs to acknowledge that he's screwed up so far. Hasn't improved the team's players, hasn't gotten rid of the bad players, and seems as clueless as david moyes in terms of getting united back to the top. argue with me all you want, but i'm not the one who kept these players and allowed them to play for the team. If you choose to play young/nani/etc you deserve to lose.

16 Aug 2014 10:21:32
Does anyone think there may be one or two "injured" players playing today? Do we have another bluffer on our hands in LvG?

It turns out no. Surprised with Lingard playing at wing back though

I think Van Persie may be on bench. He's not injured, just not 100% fit so cannot see why he cannot be on the bench just incase we need him.

Wow, strong rumours via Oliver Holt that Van Persie is on the bench and Hernandez starts.

No Van Persie, but Lingard starts and Hernandez.

16 Aug 2014 09:31:20
Hope all our defenders come through unscathed or we'll be playing the under 15s soon

They might do a good job. The under 15s that is;)

16 Aug 2014 08:51:39
Lying on a beach in Sri Lanka on my honeymoon but totally distracted by our game today. No chance of watching the game here so I'll be keeping up to date as best I can. A little bit worried about our inexperienced left side with Blackett and James as I think Swansea might exploit us there but feel confident Rooney and mata will see us home. Really hope januzaj gets to play and show LVG his worth. Here's hoping for a winning start with 2/3 signings to follow in the next week or two. And I hope there isn't a repeat of the booing of fellaini. Not acceptable. I'm going for a 3-1 win.

16 Aug 2014 09:19:43
I think even with inexperience they are both better at defending than evra so we will be exploited less down that side than last season!

Lol, get back to your honeymoon mate - or you might end up in the doghouse! ;)

16 Aug 2014 12:07:31
Good lad, DDG. Posting on a football website on your honeymoon. Start as you mean to go on, mate :)

DDG1, enjoy yourselves mucker, amazing place, if you get a chance have a look at Sigariya Rock. Awesome place. All the best.
As for today, really looking forward to see how Rooney and Mata play. I think Rooney is going to have a very good season. Looks really fit and in shape.

16 Aug 2014 02:23:38
I think I'm in love with Ander Herrera. If he's half as good on the pitch for us as he is personality wise, we're onto a winner.

15 Aug 2014 23:59:19
Just finished reading Ander's latest interview. That's exactly what a footballer should be. The love and passion for the game he has is admirable.

“I still enjoy football. I love football. I love my profession. What I don’t like is cases where owners prioritise their interests over the club’s. Football can’t be solely about profit. Look, no one’s stupid: no one wants to lose money but nor should it be about people getting rich off people’s dreams.” This extract seemed fitting.

Outstanding read. Ander is a real student of the game, as well as passionate about it. I like the way he spoke about being available for the ball, like he wants responsibility. Such qualities will show in time on the pitch.

He also said.
"A leader? ‘Leader’ is a big word at United. We have leaders like Rooney, Van Persie, Fletcher, Cleverly"

Whatever you think about cleverly as a footballer, you'd never say he was a "leader".

Oh so you know him personally? Leaders come in all shapes and forms and perhaps there is a very good reason why cleverley is still at the club!