Manchester United Banter Archive February 19 2019

19 Feb 2019 19:45:54
I have been impressed with Pogba, and his stats in recent games have been immense. But, and I’m not looking for an argument here, I don’t get the MOTM awards and the plaudits he receives. He’s been great but he does still drift in and out. Take last night as an example, Herrera was immense, here there and everywhere yet Pogba gets MOTM, Phil Neville says he’s the best midfielder in England, and the Times had him as 9 out of 10.

He’s really stepped up and looks a different player but not to the level he is being lauded. Am I not seeing what everyone else is seeing? I’m really not fishing I’m looking for genuine opinions. I’m happy to have him in the team, he’s starting to look the part, and who knows how good he can become. But others talk about him at a level I’m not seeing. Just me?

{Ed002's Note - Who would you look to replace Pogba with as he still wants out?}

19 Feb 2019 19:53:41
Lets play one game without pogba and see what happens.

19 Feb 2019 20:20:46
Ajh, I saw it the same way, herrera was motm, pogba proably got it for goal and assist, but like you said he drifts in nd out, and if he wants out let him off.

19 Feb 2019 20:59:05
He is playing well and has been the real difference maker now for the best part of 12 games. He is scoring and creating chances weekly
Yes he has defencive lapses and lazy moments but he is trying much harder.
Scoring and making goals dictates that he will get the plaudits. Very few if any difference makers have stays as good as his over last 2 months.
If he still wants out at least he is increasing his value.
It will be an interesting summer that's for sure.

19 Feb 2019 20:39:25
002 as for the pogba replacement, are still looking at SMS?

{Ed002's Note - THose thoughts have gone.}

19 Feb 2019 20:51:50
Can't be persuaded to stay ed? I thought Jose was the problem?

As a replacement? Well you're not going to get a like for like. I'd focus on getting a busy CM, niguez, veratti, Kante? And look to add a pacy forward who is comfortable as a no.10 but also drifting. Easier said than done.

{Ed002's Note - Saul would be the one but the asking price is very high.}

19 Feb 2019 21:07:07
Absolutely no chance Pogba will be sold in the summer! We don't need a replacement we should be looking to build the team around him. He's our best player by a mile.

{Ed002's Note - He wants to leave.}

19 Feb 2019 21:21:18
I'd be absolutely gutted if he left this summer. Hopefully he'll give us at least another year, see we're building towards something and he can be persuaded to stay. I would imagine any deal will be difficult considering his current form the asking price must be outrageous.

19 Feb 2019 21:29:13
He may want to leave but realistically to who? There's probably 4-5 clubs in europe that could be thought of as possible destinations but all of them have issues that rule them out.

{Ed002's Note - No they don’t.}

20 Feb 2019 04:45:21
I am not a huge fan of Pogba's antics. He still has lapse in concentration and strolls around the pitch at times.
BUT. BUT. If Pogba is out of the team, the team loses almost all the creative spark.
Nobody in our squad can provide those inch perfect killer pass to forwards other than Pogba.

At times he is unstoppable while marauding forward. He draws fouls while skipping past players. He is strong in the air.
When Pogba has a good game, the team is almost certain to win. That's his importance.
First time in 3 years, he is being used in his preferred role and he is showing his true ability.

His goals and assists ratio in the last 12 games from midfield are one of the best in the world.
He is starting to be a difference maker in the games. Hopefully he can maintain this form and sort out his negative aspects.

19 Feb 2019 11:54:40
Well, we all wondered how Ole and the team would bounce back from the first big set back. Losing their first game and taking a big blow in terms of possible advancement in Europe had the potential to derail the season. These players are supposedly weak minded, show ponies, only turning up when they want to.

A lot was said about the defeat to PSG, questions were asked about Ole's tactical know how. Ultimately I feel he had a plan that was working reasonable well up until half time, then the injuries left us with very few options and against one of the best sides in Europe we were undone. Hardly surprising considering most of us believe there are clear and obvious weaknesses in the squad. A squad that probably isn't quite ready to challenge for the title yet, let alone challenge for the UCL.

Last night I feel Ole went a long way to answering those questions. He will have asked for a reaction to that defeat, and he got it from every single player. I haven't seen such a hard working and complete defensive performance from our side in many a year. We totally kept Chelsea at arms length for the entire match, the tactics were spot on. The jobs Mata and Herrera did last night were nothing short of exceptional. Mata gave Jorginho a torrid time, never giving him a moments peace, while he also worked well as a foil for our other attacking players linking things together quickly and simply.
Herrera on the other hand some how was everywhere at once, putting out fires before they could become a problem while also giving Hazard the sort of game he will have nightmares about. Every time Hazard received the ball Herrera was in his face. When the kit man washes the kit he better check Herrera's shorts as he'll probably find Hazard in the pocket.

It seems strange celebrating such a fantastic defensive performance when for many of us the chief complaint under Mourinho was the defensive performances. However, this was a very different sort of defensive performance, rugged, pro-active and not at the expense of attempting to win the game. Rather than timid, reactive and in some sort of desperation, with no attempt to try and win the game.

It was hard to pick a man of the match last night, Shaw was phenomenal, as was Herrera, Pogba, Mata, Smalling, Lindelof and Rashford.

Lukaku had a much improved performance and maybe playing in a partnership will suit him more than as the lone striker.

Sanchez worked hard when he came on like he had a point to prove.

All in all it was an excellent performance. I can't remember the last time I was looking forward to playing Liverpool this much.

Listening to Pogba talk last night about how Ole believes in the players and the players believe in him. Well I believe in the players and I believe in Ole.

19 Feb 2019 12:11:32
Nice post Shappy.

Let's see what formation Ole targets against Liverpool.

19 Feb 2019 12:11:54
Defended as a team all over the park . Front to back.

19 Feb 2019 12:21:36
Great post shappy. I will admit I was one of those that came on here at the heat of the moment pretty furious after the PSG game. I really had doubts last night about whether ole could set us up differently without the pace of martial and lingard. Yesterday was a masterclass. Every single one of those players out fought and out played their opposite man. The togetherness of the squad, fans and players alike is incredible to see. Not been this was for 6 odd years.

I mentioned during jose’s reign that I had never felt so distant from a united squad. I had no affinity or connection and I really thought it was the players that didn’t care. How wrong I was. We all know what the problem was now. I am feeling a connection with this team that I didn’t think I would. The surging run that pogba made to get on the end of rashford’s cross epitomises the desire and passion of the squad. Herrera singling our the subs and praising them is the sort of leadership we want to see at united. His reaction with Sanchez after the game is what I want to see. He’s put it on himself to ensure that everyone is pulling in the same direction. Wonderful stuff.

I just love watching united at the moment and ole has really brought a smile back on my face. Long may it continue.

19 Feb 2019 12:30:33
Great post Shaps.
It’s just too soon for anyone to start saying Poch should be our manager. Even OGS for that matter. We should just enjoy the revival and Que Sera Sera. In time The Right One will be in.
As to the game, I was so impressed with both goals. Missed the game as was too late (or too early) for me but just watching the delayed showing. And yes I quite agree with most of your comments.

19 Feb 2019 15:59:43
Shappy 👏👏👏.

19 Feb 2019 19:34:40
Good post shappy.

20 Feb 2019 00:14:42
Spot on Shappy.

19 Feb 2019 07:09:26
What a way to brighten up a Monday! Great win and the tactical know how that Ole and the team are showing is exceptional. Away wins at Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal (conceding only one goal) is phenomenal. 11 wins, 1 draw and 1 European defeat isn't too shabby either. We know we aren't at the level required yet for Europe, but we are doing the business domestically and I could see us finishing the year with top 4 and an FA Cup trophy.

For me, he's done enough to get the job.

19 Feb 2019 09:09:19
Refreshing post Fresh ;)

19 Feb 2019 10:11:06
He is doing a good job, but I wouldn't give him the job now, wait till the end of the season to see where we are.

19 Feb 2019 10:20:26
GGMU :)

19 Feb 2019 10:56:50
Why decide now? Anything could happen between now and the end of the season. Olé deserves to be considered tho, and Ed has a decision to make, that he probably thought he'd never have to.

19 Feb 2019 11:36:31
Apart from the obvious good results, performances and mood around the club Ole has shown what this current squad is capable of achieving.

We all know that we are currently not good enough to win the PL or CL but we can compete just below that level.

If we could obtain new signings at RB, CB, CM and RW/ RM and move on 4-6 from the current squad that aren’t good enough then I believe we can compete.

With the away wins at Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea Ole has shown himself to be tactically very astute. Whether this is purely down to him or more collective amongst Phelan, Carrick and McKenna we don’t really know.
If Ole does get the job full time it will be interesting to see what happens with Phelan as he may also be an important part of this coaching setup.

Hats off to the fans at the game last night you were amazing. For us armchair supporters last night all that we could hear in the second half was you and it was non stop.
Between Ole and the away support Utd have got their pride and dignity back. Just couldn’t imagine this situation back in December.

19 Feb 2019 19:09:19
Pfft, based on the last 11 games we are good enough.