Manchester United Banter Archive September 01 2013

01 Sep 2013 23:36:41
Evening ED, Do you expect United to sign any players on deadline day, if yes, then who?, Many thanks, Great Site and Great work by yourselfs and collegues. {Ed004's Note - Fellaini}

01 Sep 2013 23:11:06
you hear so many people saying Moyes was not the right choice to succeed SAF.

so who would you have chosen?

Just for the record it wanted Klopp but Moyes was a close second, I still think he will do well just needs time to adapt, remember he isn't use to all this media hype and having money to spend

everyone's view would be good

The money to spend comment means more than everton (well that's what the owners tell us)

I'd have taken Klopp, Pep (if SAF's decision came before Pep had agreed to move to BM), Pellegrini, Heynckes or Ancelotti over Moyes.

I was hopin for klopp too think he quite have been a great pick

Ancelotti would be my choice. If things don't work out with moyes I would definitely go for him for his experience and players look upto him as a great manager.

Klopp definately, heynkes anyone with a c.v of being able to win something or come up with the tactics or plan to beat a major club on their own patch in 11 years, someone who wouldn't be afraid to play and bring through young players so as we don't lose them to other clubs.

Kloot!

Well we have Moyes let's get behind him

If he is n't used to spending all the so called extra money, why did he not just go and ask SAF where there any targets in mind when he was offered the job, discuss them and get everyone to agree and just go and get them, end of.
That reasoning just doesn't wash. Moyes had the opportunity to squeeze as much money as he wanted from the Glazers as part of his own negotiations, why did he not do this?
No one in bar a unknown rb, no deadwood gone, now last day of window very amatuerish just not good enough.
Wearing green and yellow jersey 2moro.

I would have taken moyes, firstly because he's British, secondly because he was loyal to Everton for 10 years and did a great job in that time, and thirdly because that's the man SAF chose, which is good enough for me. {Ed007's Note - I think you will find Moyes is Scottish. If you ever meet him don't call him British whatever you do! Or Fanta-Pants, indicator oxters or scorching baws.}

There were at least 5 managers I would have looked at before Moyes and the No1 for me should have been Mourinho, followed by Klopp, Pep, Loew, Ancelloti and probably others before Moyes.

Did SAF chose Moyes because of the financial situation with the owners?

Moyes was the risk United didn't need to take.

01 Sep 2013 23:01:04
I think we have all bought into the whole "we are biggest club in the world" "We are always interested in the best players" spiel that we have been given over the last 2-3 months. Well I believe now that everyone is beginning to see things as they really are. The sad thing is, that we have had to find out this way, and now there are reems of disgruntled fans, myself included. We badly need a squad and primarily first 11 overhaul. The official lines from the club are what's quoted above, but I think its untrue and that's what people are realising now.
In my opinion, if they were just honest and said look, we have no money, we can't buy the elite players the supporters would be down but understand and continue to support. But as it is we all feel we are being lied to and that's what's causing the anger and animosity. I am edging towards the 'Moyes was Glazers choice because of budget restraints' the evidence is certainly there. Seems we are being flogged as a cash cow with endless sponsorship deals. Sadly we are more of a brand than a football club. that's the Americans for you.

Never have and never will buy into the glazers. Never used to post on this site but used to read it. With all the rubbish coming out of the club and reading the false expectations of fans as a result wanted to post.

01 Sep 2013 22:41:15
Conflicting rumours in the Spanish media as to whether Ander Hererra wants to come to us or not. After today's ineffective display in midfield most fans can see that we need two new midfielders. Why, on earth, Young continues to be picked is beyond me, his performance today was dire and I cannot see any prospect of him improving this season.
Last chance saloon tomorrow and I'm sure we'll buy but whether they are the players we planned for is, I think, unlikely. Not a good start for Woodward and, Moyes must, also bear some responsibility.

The majority seem to suggest that he does not want to leave Bilbao - and moreover that we are not prepared to cough up the money to bring him here anyway.

01 Sep 2013 22:31:40
whats realy going to be ironic about this transfer window the no value speech but if and how things are going I say if we get hair do and they rub it in by giving him the number seven shirt I would of thought all these sponsers we are signing up if we don't win anything are going to be doing there best to get out of the deals I for one am hoping they do the quicker the muppets start loosing money the quicker they will sod off back to america

Unfortunately it will take 5 or 6 years of failure before our global appeal begins to dip.

The Glazers wouldn't let that happen though as the one thing they do understand is business. I'd expect heavy investment in the squad if we failed to win anything two years on the bounce. You have to spend money to make money - as they say.

I agree but unfortunatly I think we have got a manager who thinks what he did at everton holds him in good sted for this job and he's going to be very quickly found out hope i'm wrong but not very promising when he dose not think thiago was good enough for prem

01 Sep 2013 21:38:54
So deadline day is more or less upon us, question for the eds, what deals do you think may happen today? I don't mean just Manchester United but across Europe really, any interesting deals you think may have legs? Thanks in advance :) after tomorrow the eds can take a well earned breather. Oh and on a side note I'd like to echo my fellow fans opinion on Ozil I can't believe he might be going to arsenal. {Ed004's Note - Im not sure I reckon we will sign fellaini and that's it}

01 Sep 2013 22:19:48
If we fail to sign Ozil there is something seriously wrong with our club. All summer we have heard that we are after the very best and have unlimited funds. Ozil is one of the very best and is available. We should be signing him. It's a big fee - but if we have £40m for Baines and Fellaini we can afford the £38m Ozil would cost. We do not need Baines and Fellaini alone is not enough to strengthen our midfield.

Given how poor our wingers are I think it's time we gave up on playing out and out wingers and play three players centrally behind RVP.

------RVP-------
Kagz-Rooney-Ozil
---Carrick-X-----

with 'X' being one of Herrera, Khedira, De Rossi or Fellaini.

This would make us a force to be reckoned with in all competitions and would allow us to revert to wing play in smaller games. Of course - this is wishful thinking. {Ed004's Note - What I don't understand is David Moyes has played against Man Utd before so he should come in with fresh ideas and no loyalty to any players and therefore should have made new signings straight away. By signing Baines, Herrera and Pzil he would surely realise he makes our defense one of the best in the world. The midfield 2 would offer a lot defensively while also being a very good supply line and possibly the best in the premiership and there would be a tonne of goals with RVP and Rooney benefitting from supply of Ozil and Kagwa}

Ed004 -

Not only has he played against us before - he also has the luxury of having Sir Alex just upstairs. I know he wants to make his own mark on the squad in order to get out of SAF's shadow - but at this point SAF knows the squad a lot better than Moyes will for at least another 12 months. The fact that Moyes seems to have spurned SAF's advice baffles me (apparently we had transfers lined up which have failed to materialise).

Taking SAF out of the equation - one only needs to watch a few games to see that our midfield isn't good enough. I resigned myself to the fact that Moyes would bring his negativity with him to the club and stick with playing one up top (which again baffles me given that our striking options are the best in the league). Signing Fellaini further strengthens my prediction. We are used to playing attacking, free-flowing football and yet we're looking at a player notorious for holding up and stopping play. He'd make us harder to beat - but uglier to watch (and the last two games have been ugly enough as it is imo).

I'm torn between blaming Moyes or Woodward. Woodward appears to be a poor negotiator unable of getting his man - which for Manchester United simply is not good enough. Moyes however should have given him a comprehensive list of players to go for not long after he found out he was getting the job so we could have got our business done sooner.

Yes; Woodward has been poor and wasted time with Thiago, Cesc, Fellaini, Baines, Herrera and De Rossi - but there are around 100 players who could/would have strengthened our first 11. Many of those were clearly available for the right price. I still think we could have signed Cesc had we gone in with a decent bid BEFORE Thiago moved to Bayern. {Ed004's Note - I agree I fully believe we would have signed most of Garay, Baines, thiago, strootman and Di Maria}

Ed004- I thought it was that simple too, but obviously not. I believe we could have had Oezil, Fellaini and Baines tied up in the first half of August if we really wanted too. We would have had a force of a team with the layout of the original post.

It seems as though we are more interested in being linked with players than we are actually signing them

Fabregas for £25m, De Rossi for £10m, Herrera for £25m, Baines and Fellaini for £28m. None of these bids were ever going to be accepted. Add to that the links with Thiago and Moyes (initially) refusing to deny bidding for Bale when we hadn't - and I'm honestly starting to wonder whether he actually has any significant money to spend!

The real kick in the teeth is that I can see us signing Fellaini and nobody else - and to make it worse - we'll end up paying more than his release clause was. Not a good start for Moyes and Woodward.

Why was Herrera for £25m never going to be accepted? That is a high first bid for a player 50% of fans no nothing about. Was a £34m bid for Cesc not a fair second bid? You are describing opening offers and opening offers are generally to get the ball rolling. De Rossi is in his 30's and when he does leave Roma it will not be for much more than £10m. My gripe is DM not going all out for Thiago. If it's true that he didn't think he would be strong enough for the EPL, then he is wrong and comically wrong too. Thiago would have been a better signing than any of the above. let's hope we can pinch Oezil.

01 Sep 2013 22:16:12
If Moyes Sells Kagawa, Buys Fellaini and then Arsenal
get Ozil united are the losers here big time.

If this happens Moyes is a grade A moron.

Gaz

DM was given the Manager position because he can play with very limited funds and still stay in top 5! If we don't bring players that can really improve our team, don' t get me wrong we are just not going to win anything again like 2 seasons ago!

100% It would be devastating! Absolute disaster! Kagawa cannot be sold at any cost! With an already poor midfield why would anyone wanna sell the best playmaker? Unreal!

I think Kagawa is over rated. In the games I have seen him play he doesn't look big enough to cope with the demands of the Premier League. Sure he may be fit enough but he is easily bullied off the ball and that was against lesser sides than the so called top 4 club.

01 Sep 2013 22:14:11
Ozil in advanced talks with Arsenal! This is getting embarrassing! The amount of players that have or are available and there is nothing to convince me we are really trying to sign them! Just low bids for players worth a lot more so they can try and fool us to believe something could happen! Going from player to player and missing out is quite embarrassing! Sort it out united we fans pump millions into the club and nothing gets shown even though everybody is shouting for a quality midfielder! Hopefully i'm proved wrong but my confidence in the team is diminishing by the day, everybody is improving the quality of there teams massively and we are just standing still! No excuses!

01 Sep 2013 21:53:56
Sly Sports have just confirmed that arsenal are in advanced talks with Ozil over a move to London! Surely we should step in there and hijack that move now we know there is confirmed desire to move! I originally thought that moyes wanted to get the first three tough games out the way with SAF's squad in fear of loosing 2 out if the three. Now I'm not so sure! I thought DM decided to touch the squad on deadline day that way no blame would be at his feet almost and he could say that it wasn't his squad if he was too loose the games. So many possibilities out there for us, casillas would be a good shout as well as he is still being benched. DDG as #2 and anders out on loan! controa (sorry about spelling) at the back with baines, Ozil and fellani in the centre with Rooney and RVP the top two would make us formidable but I just can't see us making these marquee signings tomorrow. The best we can hope for is baines and fellani in my humble opinion. Although I hope I'm wrong.

DDG is and should be number one for me

Can't see why we should try to sign Casillas and bench DDG.Big Dave will be even with him in a few years imo.In fact I believe that we should do everything in order to keep him rather than buying a new 1st choice keeper, as I'm worried one day we'll lose him to Madrid or Barca.

I believe we'll announce Fellaini and Herrera tomorrow.

Big Dave has earned the number one spot. He took a lot of flack in his first season but has developed into one of (if not) the best keeper(s) in the league. Give it a few more years and he will be the second best keeper in the world!

I wouldn't touch Casillas with a barge-pole. A great keeper - but clearly a divisive figure in the dressing room.

01 Sep 2013 21:46:57
Not getting excited or carried away with SPECULATION as that's all it is we won't sign anyone. Then we will here all the same crap as normal no value. We have players with potential ie nani if players stay injury free ie anderson and that players chise other clubs because they offered better wages where in fact we didn't offer a fair price to the club ie offer everton less than fellainis buy out clause is when a week before we could of offered the same and got him because we woukd of matched the clause. We will not sign anyone its ckear that we need two/three midfielders I woukd be happy with de rossi on loan fellaini and herrera for bout 55 million but herrera has already stated he will not leave.

01 Sep 2013 21:45:22
One thing we now know is that moyes brings NO new ideas, my missus could pick that formation, maybe not giggs on tgr right wing eh?, moyes thinks we've performed well in every game, maybe he's seeing better than what he was seeing from the bench last year, I've just heard moyes say he didn't have Kagawa on the bench this time because he thought he may need nani to change the game, tells us what he thinks of Kags, get your money on SAF being our next manager boys cause if moyes takes us outta the top 4 then he will be an interim coach, didn't want moyes I think we have hired a loser not a winner, sorry but that's my opinion which i'm entitled too after 40 years, he's a rabbit in the headlights the cheap option, has no idea if we have anyone comin in or not, unbelievable.

How did he keep his job at Everton for 11 years if he's a loser not a winner? Baring in mind they have a budget of about ten quid each transfer window!

If he doesn't have a clue whether we got anyone coming in or not does that not tell you he's probably just as fed up as us with either the Glazers of Woodward? Obviously he's going to say he's happy with the team etc you'd be daft to expect anything else.

01 Sep 2013 21:29:08
Looks like Martinez is a hypocrite, offered 7m for McCarthy but said he was worth 20m when he was managing Wigan. Isn't that offer insulting and demeaning. Hmm

01 Sep 2013 21:20:49
Have been reading a lot of the posts recently & to be honest it is quite depressing, so just for good measure here is my opinion. Firstly todays performance wasn't great & it seems Moyes has inherited Fergies square pegs in round holes policy. Jones is not a right back( don't really know his best position), our only signing so far is Varela & he is a right back so bleedin play him. Young is very very poor & it was his fannyin about that cost us the corner & then goal. Cleverley is so pedestrian its painfull to watch. Ryan Giggs is a legend that unfortunately doesn't know when to call it a day & is in danger of undoing all his many seasons brilliant work. The CM is so devoid of creativity ( Carrick aside) that it beggars belief that Kagawa can't even make the bench, no wonder Pogba left. Can even see some of the youngsters that have so much promise doing the same. Still not convinced with Welbeck, sure his workrate is fantastic but he doesn't know what to do with the ball when he gets it. Hoping tomorrow brings some much needed creativity like Herrera, Ozil, Moric etc.

I just read that he decided for Nani instead of Kagawa who he confirmed is fit. I have to wonder why as they are completely different players. I still believe he is the right man for the job but starting to buy into this theory that maybe they are not giving him the funding he needs to buy players.

Sensible post until the delusional bit at the end expecting our owners to fork out for players who would improve the team.

Have to agree, its a sad depressing day when we turn up at that hole of an anfield and play like we did with players that aren't fit to wear the utd jersey.
Even more depressing is the fact that so many decent players are passing us by and choosing lesser clubs. Only God knows who or what we are going to end up with 2moro because I think that neither Moyes or Woodward have any idea what is happening.
As sick as a small hospital!

I still think we played ok but when players like ozel become available - with our lack of midfielders- we should be in for them but they won't pay the money. Does it need spelling out?

01 Sep 2013 21:08:14
So ozil is in advanced talks with arsenal according to sly sports, moyes what are you doing? He is exactly what we need!

01 Sep 2013 20:43:35
Bonds going to love it bulent tulun Galatasaray sporting director has confirmed that 2weeks ago they turned down an offer for Mr sneijder from man united {Ed007's Note -LMFAO!!! Please no, not again!!! I thought it was going to be Ozil this year but it could never have been bad as that, it broke my heart. I did see somewhere that he had dropped a hint to somebody that he would be an Arsenal player, I mean Sneijder btw, not Ozil.}

That would be funny if the GREEDY & LAZY little so and so ended up here. I am sure his misses would be happy. That said, with all that is going on in Syria - with the likelihood of the Turks getting involved militarily, I am sure a lot of foreign players' might be onto their agents right about now.

01 Sep 2013 20:57:23
Now bale is gone hopefully we'll sign ozil and a midfielder either herrera or fellaini.

01 Sep 2013 20:40:03
OZIL going arsenal, so another one bites the dust, had enough of all this crap now
BIGAL REDFOREVER

01 Sep 2013 21:02:13
I cannot wait for deadline day! Please let us sign a few!

01 Sep 2013 20:37:12
Am I the only one that thinks that's the first time in years we have gone to that place and dominated the game? yes we lost, Rio will no doubt look at himself and think he could and should of done better.
Derbys like this are won by small margins and u dnt get smaller than a lucky flick off some1's back.
Liverpool haven't over night all of sudden got better than us, they just got the rub of the green today, it happens and wot makes us great is our ability to forget loses and move on to the next game and win, i'm 110% sure we will again.
We all know signings are needed and i'm also sure they will come, but for now why dnt we show the rest of the league wot really makes this club special, credit toLiverpool like the good Italian sides of the late 70's-80's they got there goal and shut up shop in the form of side ways passes across the back 5.
On another day we we could of had 3-4 goals, mark my words if we had of scored today more goals would of come our way.
So credit where its due to liverpool in that sense, the game plan worked.
Wot really annoys me is the over reactions to 1 game and the free for all on certain players, yes clevs showed his weaknesses again but it ain't nothing new to us, Young is the most 1 footed player that's apprently a 2 footed player I have seen, but again we no this! They are good sqaud players neither the less, but come on guys they are our players and we should respect them and support them, sure criticize but no need for some of the over reactions on here, its not there fault signings have not been made!
So all in all, forget this one and move on, United always do, there is no crisis we dnt have a manager out of his depth we simply lack that va va voom in midfield sometimes to create chances when a team sit back and asks us to break them down.
Leave the overreaction to the media and come may i'm sure we will have the last laugh.
Cheer up every1 its one game in a 38 game season we have a challenge to rise to now and over coming challenges is wot this club has been built apon, I fear sometimes that has become a bit lost on a few supporters!
Prepare for puzzled and lfc coming on and telling us how happy they are and how there game plan worked, a game plan they were criticising us for in games last season, but it was there cup final congrats to them for winning the UTD vs Liverpool cup, i'd rather win that PL trophy again anyway.

They have played three games and were lucky to get the three points in all of them. Last season, they lost their first few games plus a draw against city and should have taken the three points in all of them.

Football really is a funny old game.

Chris

Completely agree with the over reaction nonsense form people. However, whilst being fairly sanguine, I am concerned about how much surgery our team needs and whether DM is up to doing it. Hopefully it is just the transition and over the next 12 months we will address the issues but they are mounting up at the moment. Midfield is becoming desperate and as many have said, I would promote from youth and be damned

Chris

We were completely over-run in the centre of the park. When we did get quality possession forward, we did OK, and we defended well, but they dominated the middle of the park.

It wasn't as terrible as some are suggesting but it did remind me of the games over the last 2 years where we've played Carrick, Giggs and Scholes in the middle and not had the power to compete.

01 Sep 2013 21:20:18
Okay, so some media outlet is suggesting that Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Ozil. If that is the case then it would suggest that we are not interested in the player, unless we are also talking with him.

I was kind of hoping we would try and sign him because he and Kagawa would give us a lot of quality in the final third, which we are lacking at the moment.

Chris

Tactically we were ok but we don't have the quality of player to succeed at the highest level using those tactics. It didn't work at home to Chelsea or today. What seems to have been missed is that generally we had control of the game and that was with Cleverley, who had a reasonable game but not convincing, Young, Giggs and Welbeck. Imagine if we had real quality in those positions.
You can see the difference, we close down higher and more quickly and pass and move forward in triangles but to create opportunities and get in behind a team like Liverpool or even Chelsea you need quality.
My concern today is the team selection of Giggs and Young, Nani instead of Kagawa on the bench and the lack of reinforcements in central midfield. As a few of us have said our owners need to show ambition and invest heavily in the club something that has been lacking for some years.

Darklarrd we were never over run at all mate, we controlled possession but failed to make it pay.
AJH we are all a lil worried but I honestly think if we get our CM sorted we will see a huge improvement in our wide play.

I share those views to Redman, no way should giggs be our go to man.

01 Sep 2013 20:22:19
Deadline day looms. Do the good people on here or any of the eds think we'll make any signings? And if not how will it affect our season. As For today's result we could lose a match anytime at anfield no matter who's manager or playing {Ed007's Note - I don't doubt there will be a signing or two.}

I can live with no signings but am starting to question current team selection. Giggs as 1st choice is just not right - the difference when Hernandez came on today was noticeable and surely Kagawa should be given a real run. So, signings are not an issue for me as long as we promote youth and give our carbine players a chance

The fear for me is every other club who we should be competing with at home or in Europe has strengthened. We're 2 quality midfield signings away from that. We won't win the league or get anywhere in Europe without strengthening

01 Sep 2013 20:12:36
We had good spells in today's game, however it was clear that we were lacking either Rooney or Kagawa to add more composure and creative attacking through the middle. Shame that neither are match fit at the moment. I thought Ashley Young was unbelievably shocking today, can't beat a man and he's just so predictable.

I sincerely hope we sign at least one hopefully two decent midfielders capable of taking the ball forward and making a clever pass. Cleverly was also awful today, he just tries to do Carrick's role but much worse.

I never understood why we signed Young. As for Cleverley, to be fair, he want the only one today. Clearly midfield is the major issue. I actually thought Valencia at right back looked really good although Nani was his usual inconsistent frustrating self.

01 Sep 2013 20:05:50
Right one game is not going to change my mind that Moyes is the right man for the job. I still think he is, I just think this game has highlighted just how steep the learning curve is going to be for him. Hopefully he learns a lot from this defeat and it helps him become a great manager with us.

Several people have jumped on what he said after the game. This is one of the reasons I hate the rule that forces a manager to speak to the press straight after a game. I mean seriously what do you expect him to say?

If he is unhappy and he vents his anger about decisions that may have changed the game then he will get dragged up infront of the FA and fined.

If he says he is unhappy with his players then he will cause unrest in the dressing room and create more problems for himself.

So all a manager can say in these situations is he felt it was a good performance and his side were unlucky. You watch every interview of the losing manager and he will pick on the positives or try and put a positive spin on it and just bemoan his teams poor luck. So if that's what they are all going to say then what is the point of having the interview.

So I expected Moyes to say what he did, and the same goes for his comments on the squad. First off this is the same squad that won the league las year, and secondly if he says we need signings to be able to compete and then they are unable to make those signings then he wil have destroyed the team moral and have to rebuild it.

But I must say that I have just watched the worst performance from a United team since our lost to Blackburn.

The team selection and the tactics were all wrong and as a result the team suffered. If Liverpool had anything about them then they should have given us a stuffing today. The fact that they only scored one goal and created precious little else infront of goal is the only positive we can take from the match.

The idea to play with Giggs and Young as inverted wingers wasn't such a bad idea. The plan was for them to tuck in abit meaning the only space for Liverpool the attack us was out wide. Liverpool try and play through the middle and they don't have a striker who is going to be able to win the ball in the air against our defenders, thus forcing Liverpool out wide and limiting their creative force through the middle will in effect neutralise them as an attacking force. Which we did, so form this point of view you can say the tactics worked.

But we are Manchester United and we don't just settle for stopping or limiting our opponants attacks. We are expect to launch effective attacking motions ourselves and score goals. And this is where the plan to play inverted wingers fell down as although Giggs and Young can do a job defensively neither were a threat going forward, they lacked the vision and ability to pick effective through balls, they are unable to consisitantly beat a man and create space, and they don't have any real movement to be a goal scoring threat. And neither will they at any point this season.

For all intents and purposes they may as well been inverted full backs for all the attacking threat they carried. All it ment is that we had no natural width so Liverpools defence bunched in and shut out all space in the middle.

Moyes next idea to have Welbeck drop off of RvP and become the third man in our midfield to cover for the Liverpool three man midfield. Was again a good idea in princible but didn't work out that way. But with our inverted wingers there was little space for Welbeck to move forward into and when he dropped deep it cut off RvP and left him isolated and effectively out of the game.

Inverted wingers are fine aslong as you are getting adequet attacking impetus from your full backs. Even then your much better having one inverted winger and one normal winger. Then you have an attacking full back over lapping the inverted winger and an attacking midfielder dropping off the main striker. That way you can still opporate with a double pivot midfield duo.

If you want to have two inverted wingers then you are best using a 433 type system. This will allow you to have two very attacking full backs to create width, then you have the two inverted wingers cutting in and finding space off of the main striker. But by having a three man midfield you have an extra body there to cover the full backs in case of a counter attack. In this system you have two holding midfielders sitting and one more attack minded midfielder to push forward and make late runs into the box and to be the creative force in midfield.

Either way Moyes got his tactics all wrong against a Liverpool side that so far this season have been defensively soild but lacking in the final third.

I would have looked to stretch Liverpools defence and make them uncomfotable. I'd have gone with a 4213 formation, then I would have looked to get the wide forwards to pull Liverpools defence wide creating space in the middle for RvP and the attacking midfielder who for me should have been Kagawa. I'd have started with Valencia at RB with Evra at LB they would push up making two on one situations with the Liverpool full backs this would have forced Liverpools midfielders to drop deep to help cover them, this would mean that Liverpool would no longer have the numbers advantage over our midfield and would have given them the space to allow Kagawa to push forward and find the holes in Liverpools then stretched defence. This would have also totally isolated Liverpools front three and made defending against a team that so far has lacked a spark in the final third very easy.

I'd have also rested Rio as you can't get him playing three games in a row anymore without sufficient breaks inbetween. I'd have lined up with DDG, Valencia, Evans, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Cleverley, Kagawa, Nani, RvP, Zaha.

The pace and Trickery of Nani and Zaha would have created so much space in the middle for Kagawa that with some clinical finishing we could have won by a landslide.

And its this which is what makes the defeat so frustrating, we didn't lose because we didn't have the players to win. We lost because we chose the wrong players and the wrong tactics.

I have always worried about Moyes back room staff, both Round and Neville were defenders like Moyes. So I do worry that there maybe a negative mind set amounst the coaching staff as they have spent all of their careers under the idea of safety first. I'd have liked to have seen one ex attacking midfielder or striker in there somewhere just to give balance to the debate about tactics.

Isn't that person giggs and possibly scholes in near future?

It's been said many times moyes is a defensive manager
How's that short and sweet

In regards to the coaches was Giggs maybe not brought in for that? You know being a forward thinking player

Shappy

I agree with some of what you say but I think the tactics, with wingers stepping inside, was good, it was just let down by a number of very poor individual performances (Giggs, Cleverley, Young in particular). The midfield 3 ended up too spread out, which slowed us coming out from the back. This wasn't a tactical failing - it was down to the players. I think the plan was for Evra and Jones to push on and pin the Liverpool full backs in. Jones was doing pretty well until he got injured.

Overall, it just highlighted what we already know - central midfield is a problem. Although our results against Liverpool have been good recently, the performance (and being over-run in midfield) wasn't unusual. I always worry ahead of our games against them because their central midfield is strong.

I don't think it was the right game for Zaha to come into. He has a bit of a temper and might have got frustrated and sent off. But I'd have rather seen Kagawa than Giggs.

Nani showed himself in microcosm when he came on - some nice touches, some threat, but not remotely following the plan. I think he might have got the nod ahead of Young if he'd been more match-fit.

Oh well, let's see what the next 24 hours bring.

Zaha must be wondering why he came to United when he apparently can't beat out Giggs or Young for even a minute. He can be a difference maker for us especially as a sub but Moyes doesn't even have him on the bench. Kagawa is the million dollar question, Rooney not playing and still he can't get a game. I don't think Young, Giggs, Clev and Welbeck strike any fear any in the opposition.

01 Sep 2013 21:08:33
Possibly Pancho, but that's in the future and not now. They are also unproven at any level. Giggs and Scholes should manage the under 21's in order to prove their ability as tacticians first. Solskjear would have been a dream to have as Moyes assistant but he is in fairness too good to be an assistant manager. Also I have hopes of him maybe succeeding Moyes if he gets the experiance and proves himself in the mean time. So maybe he need to distance hinself from the current set up as its always harder to take up a new role form within a set up than it is to step in from the outside.

I get that yeah and agree about ole . Just pointing it out.

01 Sep 2013 20:02:13
Bad performance, bad result.

We can partly refer to the unavailable players (Rafael, Kagawa, Rooney), but it was mainly the bad selection AND performance for me.

Just wanted to comment on each player today.

De gea:Couldn't really do anything to prevent the goal, but when he was need he was there, no mistake.
Jones:He showed today why he is a cb and should only be played cb as well.Good defensively, but going forward not really a threat and his crossing is bad.How badly we miss Rafael.
Ferdinand:Good defensively and passed the ball well from the back to start attacks.
Vidic:Same as Ferdy in defence but he made 1 or 2 mistakes today that could have costed us a goal.Unfortunately he isn't like the old Vidic but he's still reliable except for this match.
Evra:He started brightly and continued to be bright throughout the game offensively.Didn't notice any bad defending from him today, correct me if wrong.
Carrick:He was both bad and brilliant.He gave the ball away sometimes and lost his temper, but on the other hand some of the passes he picked forward were brilliant.
Cleverley:As much a I would like to support this lad, I can't after today.Only passed sideways and backwards, no creativity (like the whole team today).I remember him at one moment having no player near him and instead of searching for a forward pass, he was doing circles around himself.As if he's a robot ordered only to pass to the near players, and when there isn't anyone he goes out of order and shows:"ERROR"
Giggs:The sooner we stop startying him the better.
Welbeck:Worked continuously and stole the ball many times.Needs to improve his finshing.
Young:We need to get rid of him and buy a true winger, never beat his man, didn't ask questions to their defence, rubbish performance once more.
Van Persie:Not his day for sure.We could have scored one right after Liverpool scored but couldn't get to the ball and lost his balance.Can't blame him though because he got no support from the back.
Valencia:He tried very hard but he's far from his old self.I think he's starting getting some of his confidence back though.He was one of our most energetic players up front.I think he should be second choice rb, not Smalling or Jones.
Nani:Obviously he made an effort but it wasn't the right time to give him his debut for this season.At times he was searching for a bit of magic and one-twos but Anderson wasn't there for him unfortunately(they seem to combine well like at Nani's goal vs Chelsea at the League Cup last year)
Chicharito:Same as Nani.He looked willing to test Mignolet, but nothing special from him.

Don't you guys think it's time to move on from the old-fashioned 4-4-2, I think it's one of the reasons we lacked creativity today.

Anyway, I'm sure the players and Moyes will learn from their mistakes and be better against Crystal Palace and then City.

We'll bounce back!

Haha, perfect analysis, especially the robot 'error' I know the exact moment your thinking of.

01 Sep 2013 19:47:47
Finally bale saga have ended. His transfer is been confirmed so let's expect some movement now. rumours that psg and manutd are in race for ozil. Few years ago I would have said he wil choose us obviously but this days things are differnt. From dream signings of ronaldo, lewondoski, thiago, fabregas we have come down to the last day with no signings yet. Hope we have a lucky day tmrw.

01 Sep 2013 19:42:07
We looked terrible today. Lost without rafa(who in my opinion is best rb in the world atm) rvp got no service, midfield overran, tactically outplayed once pool scored they sat bck and handled us and that's hardest thing to face. They done us. Scored and stopped us from scorin. wouldn't have happened last yr. I still want moyes to be givin time at least 2 seasons then ill properly voice my opinion. But a 40yr old giggs should never start on the right wing(where he didn't start in his hayday) just a poor game plan shown up for what it was v amatuer, plain terrible. Made to look like a v v v v v bad team in anfield. and its been aehile. Hard to take

01 Sep 2013 19:32:02
Wow what's with all the moyes haters! Give the man a break! Yes he said he is happy with the squad, everyone knows that we need a midfielder and so does moyes! But what do you expect him so say. That are team is s. t!! Moyes is a great manager, and I believe we are playing loads better, we was the better team against Chelsea and the better team at Liverpool, we never dominated a game last season, so with a creative addition we will be great, but if no one comes then have your rants! We have a very hard set of games to start this season, I never expected us to win today, Liverpool are a very good side and we might have lost but I can't remember the last time we dominated at anfield. let's just see what happens tomorrow

01 Sep 2013 19:25:53
Get a grip guys. We have always started awful. I do think we will get better and Dm is the right man. I do believe we will sign sum1 2mrow and if we don't no worry

01 Sep 2013 19:06:41
Glazers are great pumping in loads of money. Giggs looks as though another few seasons left in him young is a great pool player. We ave a great team we don't need any new signings best squad in the league only signing we need is the legend himself back sir Alex Ferguson

Ill take that as a joke, or else you are another of those fans that wear rose tinted glasses.

Young - ridiculous. Get rid
Clevs - diabolical. Let go
Valencia . 1 trick pony

Would Rooney playing have made a difference? Your damn right he would of. Giggs was as useful as a wet stocking and Young. Need I say more. At least Nani got a shot off

01 Sep 2013 18:48:46
I never thought we would sign the top quality couple of players we need because "they" just won't pay what you need to get them. Fergie had a couple out of them because it was him even then they have underspent ll in all. It's ok saying we have the same squad as last year but everone below us (except arsenal so far) have all improved their squads. To stay ahead we needed to add a couple of quality players not loads just a couple but it was going to cost more than they are willing to pay. We will probably jusyt end up with frizzy head which is not the quality I was thinking of.

01 Sep 2013 18:32:48
You know what. I come across to have some back and forth banter with you guys but I must say after reading through some of your post I'm disgusted.

I read from some person who calls himself the trawlerman that SAF left your club in a bad condition, this could not be further from the truth, he left a title winning side in the best condition ever, each department you have is exceptional, I'm an Evertonian but respect to the bloke!

If your going to blame Moyes blame Moyes but the bloke upstairs put you were you are today! Rant over.

You obviously have some serious issues with DM. SAF neglected to buy a midfielder for 5 years with nothing coming through the system.

We used to be a team that used to create umpteen chances and rip teams apart and have not done that in 3 years. So your assertion that he left us in great shape is incorrect as we have the poorest midfield of the top 5 sides.

Whilst he was a great manager, he also had his flaws and recommend you watch the 2 finals against Barca and maybe you will understand where and what we lacked.

U no wot u are getting very boring now, there are more sides to u than a hexagon!

So fickle, after the Swansea game, SAF was great, Moyes was great, Team was great.

Maybe you need to concentrate on producing instead buying, wouldn't surprise me if you after Barkley next.

Moyes I couldn't give a stuff about, he's history to me an reading through the post a lot of your fans would also like him to be history.

Why Chris? Only say it how I see it, I don't have to support you to have an opinion, it's an open site.

If Barkely wants to win things and if we are interested he would end up at United.

Finally, Are you a spurned ex lover of dm disguised as an Everton fan:)

GCU, are you even a United fan? After all the sh@te you talk.

No everton Fan, what did Davey do upset you so much.

01 Sep 2013 18:28:21
Oh My lord. Some of these posts really concern me. Did we watch the same game?

Yes we lost. Yes it was to Liverpool, However, One of our star players was lost to injury, we lost our RB early in the first half. We were away.

Moyes Post match interview. He is always going to say he is happy with the squad. if he said what we all been saying on here there would not be a squad left. Get a Grip people. Moyes is the right man for the Job. He has been given the Team he has got. Including all the players everyone is saying are not good enough. He had the Rooney Saga which he dealt with well. He has not got players in which is Not his domain. We have had some tough games. Give the guy a break. Yes we can point out issues but seriously 3 games in from what I see you all want the man sacked. Its pretty pathetic guys lol.

Anyway Man Up and Support the Team. Stop Being drama Queens. We are United Remember

Well said mate, way too much doom and gloom on here, makes me wonder how some of these lot would have gone on through the lean 80s.

Are you serious?

We were rubbish and this team is crying out for some signings.

Not saying we don't need players, yes we are crying out for quality midfielders but we wasn't exactly taken to pieces today either, missed rooney today as well.

01 Sep 2013 18:27:11
I was very frustrated seeing us play today. First half was dominated by Liverpool but in the second half we had more of the ball but there was no one in our team to create chances in the final third. We're crying for a creative midfielder but frustrating thing is that Moyes did'nt played the most creative player we had, Kagawa. And apparently Moyes is happy with our squad. Moyes has my support but we really need to sign a midfielder and fast.

01 Sep 2013 18:18:18
Let's be realistic.
Going to Anfield is never easy. We made it much more difficult for ourselves by conceding a poor goal so early.
Right now for the positives and negatives.
Moyes is neutral for me, questionable initial selection, trying to keep the nucleas of last year going rather than being his own man immediately, but adapted well to the injury and tried to be attack minded
Positives
DDG good and not helped by his defenders sometimes.
Cleverley, actually very reliable good passing and worked hard.
Vidic, immense except for one dodgy back pass.
Hernandez, sharp just needs game time after injury.
Rooney, shows his value when he is not there.
Carrick ever reliable.
Negatives
Giggs albeit I would question Moyes on selection, rather than Giggs himself.
Welbeck is not sufficiently technical to create enough chances and RVP is always going to be the main striker so his input is limited, but willing workhorse.
Young, not enough end product
It does however highlight the need to have both additional left back in case Evra gets injured and at least 2 midfielders.
Let us see what happens tomorrow.

01 Sep 2013 18:10:16
Yes the goal was Rios mistake but there was a reason why SAF never played Rio in 3 consecutive games.

He is not 25 yrs old and Moyes needs to realize that.

What because he is a rubbish house who won't put his head where it might get hurt. {Ed004's Note - I would start Smalling ahead of Rio and I didn't see the game so that's not based on today}

01 Sep 2013 18:00:05
Have to say though that performance today was shocking. No creation and 90 mins of no chances. I wouldn't be happy if I was Liverpool either they were worse very lucky to win the game. Moves was happy with performance and believes no signings. Is he having a laugh need 2 midfielders one with presence the who can control the game and make a pass. Young and Welbeck were shocking need a decent winger as well.

Maybe not happy with the performance but delighted with the 3 points. Just the same as you guys would be had it been the other way round. Things are going to be very different under moyes compared with SAF. You have had it too good for too long and it's all down hill from here unless you change your manager at end of season. He is not good enough and fergie has got that decision very wrong.

As JR said we got 3 points so very happy. Bit hypocritical as a united fan the amount of games you won last year and played poor was uncountable. We also played better then you first half and defended very well second barley gave you a chance.

In fairness wasn't out best game, but don't see how it was at all lucky. Truth is we got an early goal because of bad defending and from than on it was a case of defending well and united not delivering quality set pieces or being able to open us up, least how I saw it. Think ending the half 1-0 up changed our approach and after that I don't think united did enough to test our goal. Only real luck was Rooney getting injured before hand. Though we have positives to go from this point, where missing our starting CB and got a clean sheet, our new players who should improve, looks like Saurez will be coming back (even if I dislike him is our best player), sturridge is on fire, have won 3 of 3 whilst not playing at our best and have 3 new signing at least coming in. Don't see us challenging for the title but start would suggest top 4 is a possibility!

01 Sep 2013 17:41:58
we should get rid of young, giggs and cleverly and in the processes get rid of ed w. because clearly he does not know what crap about his job.

01 Sep 2013 17:37:58
Moyes is happy with the squad after seeing how they performed in the 1-0 defeat to our biggest rivals!?
We need to get real and act like spurs. See a player you want and go get him!
Praying for deadline day magic, but am not going to be surprised if we announce the signing of. Paul Scholes!

Act like spurs? :)
spoke too soon?

01 Sep 2013 17:21:11
I wouldn't read too much into Moyes' post match comments, he's hardly going to come out and say his players aren't good enough is he? The fact is Moyes knows that we need 2 or 3 additions, its just a matter of whether the club are prepared to spend accordingly.and whether his targets are "gettable". So many posters on here are blaming the new management team, but let's not forget that SAF failed to strengthen our midfield for the previous 4 seasons too. No doubt I will get massive abuse for saying so, but I think despite being the greatest manager of all time, SAF maybe should have stepped down a couple of years ago. In recent seasons we have stood still while others around us have caught us up.Despite what some of you believe, SAF was never the greatest tactician, and he too made many questionable team selection. He did however somehow manage to get the very best out of his players. Having said that, in my opinion for what it is worth, last season was SAF's greatest achievement at United.There is not another a manager in the world who would have guided us to the title last year with the team that he had.
We have players at the club who have loads of ability and have been played out of position, and have suffered as a consequence. Anderson was one of the most promosing attacking midfielders in Europe when he came for quite a large fee. He is, and never will be a defensive midfielder, yet that is where he has been made to play too oftenfor example. More recently Kagawa too. He is a top class player in a more advanced role, but looks week when asked to defend. I really hope he too won't be wasted in the wrong position. he is the creative player that we are crying out for at the moment.
Lets all just hope that we can make a couple of decent signing by the end of tomorrow that will give the team fresh impetus. We all know that we need a defensive midfielder and a more creative player so let's hope we can make it happen, but don't just blame Moyes if it doesn't.

Good post mate

The are so many toys being thrown out o fit pram blaming Moyes but SAF continued with his no value in the market line for a few years. We have also bought inconsistently and haven't delivered real quality youth players recently. I thin we may be in for a challenging couple of years whilst Moyes gets to grips with what needs to be done, I don't think there's a quick fix. We have a few outstanding prospects but in our desire to continually buy young players, we have found ourselves exposed, particularly as Rio, Vidic, Carrick, Evra, and even RVP all are towards then need of their career and some of the younger players don't look like they will make it.

Anyhow, some of us are old enough to be sanguine about it, it may take a year or 2 but as you say, last year's team was hardly exhilarating even though it won the league

AJH

I agree and have believed for a long time we need to clear out quite a few players. Whilst everyone argues evolution, this team needs a little bit of revolution as the quality is frankly shocking. I can not ever remember 2 games where we have in all honesty had zero chances and been this sterile.

I think we would do well starting with a proper no 8 and TC23 is as poor as you can get for an advanced midfielder. I am bemused by how basic his game is and the boy has no courage to even try a forward pass with some weight on it.

Giggs does try but he does not have the touch and hence all the wayward passes.

The wingers are looking poor because everybody loads up the wings against us as there is nothing to worry about through the middle.

Finally, Welbeck is just not good enough on the left or behind the main striker and someone said last year that he was sunderland/everton quality and I completely agree.

God
That's very true we have a good team but it's not great .
We have good players but not enough of them are great.
Which is why for the last 3 years we have been good to watch not great.
We are crying out for some real wc talent

01 Sep 2013 17:01:36
86+5 mins of play and a team can not create even a single chance?

reminded me of last seasons game against tottenham. when they sit down at the back from the second half and we died but couldn't creaet a chance to break them.

out of 11 playesr what good to best we have?
1 goal keeper, 2 strikers( one injured), 1 defender?

is it enough to win the league? forget EUROPE.
i was watching REAL MADRID game just before it. they will tear us apart for 5 goals minimum.

only we can do now after SAF's departure is,
pray.
god save united

OVER REACTION

Get a Grip man!

Not a good result but for pitys sake its the 3rd game quit the dramatics.

We will do our business tomorrow

You are very very annoying. Please put your dummy back in

So your name is USE LOGIC but you say we should pray? .

Didn't have a chance? How many did Liverpool have? Van persie had the best chance of the game in the last 5 mins!
The worrying thing is the fact that giggs is still picked on a weekly basis. No kagawa or zaha on the bench speaks volumes. I love giggs and all he's done for the club, but surely there has got to be a professional pride which tells you your not up to it anymore! Liverpool were far more up for it than us.

01 Sep 2013 16:43:46
Midfield very poor today, Young made of glass & careless in possession, Valencia unbelievable lack of confidence (played RB I know), Giggs wasteful in the extreme. Carrick probably under pressure as playing next to Cleverly. Wellbeck & Cleverly are still developing so we shouldn't crucify them, but not yet consistent in the big matches.

We need a solid platform and maybe Fellaini will give us that alongside Carrick. I started the summer praying we didn't sign him, but after our transfer activities this summer I find myself praying we get him. To be fair, a mate of mine is an EFC ticket holder and says he thinks he would be amazing for us.

It's been a difficult transition with SAF leaving and you can't help but think we should have brought players in early in the window, with Moyes taking over transfer activity in the next window. if they are good enough for Fergie, they'll be good enough for Moyes.

The squad needs an overhaul with too many inconsistent and injury prone players. Young, Anderson, Valencia, Wellbeck, Nani, Hernandez, Buttner, an ageing Giggs and a want away Rooney.

Unfortunately I think this is going to be a really tough couple of years for David Moyes. With all due respect to SAF I'm not sure the squad has been handed over in the best of states. Good enough perhaps for the EPL but certainly won't strike fear into the European elite.

Interesting times ahead.

Trawlerman.

01 Sep 2013 16:36:51
I thought lfc were poor today, nothing special. That's says more to me about the united team though!
Surprised no kagawa and we are suffering for not making any player signings!
Onwards and upwards though, traditionally we don't start well so let's hope we improve!

01 Sep 2013 16:16:17
"From what I saw today, I'm more than happy with what I've got. It's the best we've played this season. I wouldn't be worried if I didn't add to the squad." - David Moyes.

Two worrying things here, one, it almost seems like a prelude to no signings and two, he seems to be taking positives from today's performance. Oh dear.

01 Sep 2013 16:24:30
David Moyes: "From what I saw today, I'm more than happy with what I've got. I wouldn't be worried if I didn't add to the squad."

WOW

Disgusting. We've been had, boys. From day one, we've been had. Disgusting. The amount of money the fans put it into this effing club, and what do we have to show for it? 2million on a fullback for the future.

We won't sign anyone tomorrow, deadline day is not the day to get a bargain and that's all we're in the market for it seems.

Ngiak thinks everton has a better squad than ours
gan

Ngiak, stop posting nonesense. This squad won the league last year and finished about 30 points ahead of Everton.

Fair weather supporter?

Trawlerman.

In a few words, were ****ed! Moyes does not have a clue what he's doing and has, since day one, been feeding the fans lies and raising their expectations! I'm definitely not his biggest fan right now.

Calm down lads, players will sign tommorrow, Fellaini certainly, maybe Baines and another CM at least.Moyes will get it right give him some time, he wasn't manager of the year three times for nothing.

It's not so much the squad as it is his team selection.

01 Sep 2013 16:59:23
I have tried to stay positive about the whole Moyes' appointment, but I am beginning to wonder if I temper that positivity with a bit of a reality check.

I am still sitting here now wondering why he went with the 11 he did. Liverpool are not Chelsea. In-fact, they are just above bloody average and we should have gone with a much more attacking line-up. If Kagawa, Nani and Hernandez would have started today, instead of Giggs, Young and Welbeck, we would have won comfortably today.

Liverpool did sod all in that game apart from press high. There so called flair players' were shi.e. They tried their hardest to get a man sent off today, which pretty much sums them up.

We need a new CM. I cannot stress that enough. Without one, we could be in a bit of trouble this season, as Cleverley just isn't good enough we he gets pressed. He is fine against teams who sit off; but in a congested midfield, he just doesn't seem like he has the quality. I would be elated with Felliani. He would give us some bloody muscle, and stop muggy teams like Liverpool, with average players', dominating us.

The only positive for me today, was the form of Vidic. The guy is looking back to his glorious best.

The manager needs to start trusting in our flair players' - especially Kagawa - more, as opposed to sticking with players' who will give him a shift. Liverpool were there for the talking today and Moyes' lack of courage lost us the game.

Moyes' needs to realise that for all the nice rhetoric coming from the former manager etc, about him having time, the fans' and those within the upper echelons of the club, will not sit back and allow this team to fall from grace. I am not saying that will happen, but Moyes' will not get unlimited time to build; he will need to produce results this season, for if he don't - especially if he signs no-one tomorrow - those fans' who were not that enamored by his appointment in the first place, will put massive pressure on him; a kind of pressure that he has never experienced before.

Ultimately, Moyes' needs to create his own style and stop trying to live in Fergies Shadow

Dear sir
you sound like what the Liverpool fans have been saying the last 20 years
the rot started many years ago
ngiak saw it with a few others
nothing done the last three years while everyone else improved
last season will just be a distant past soon
if united don't remove aged players
passengers
and players who are just barely squad players
enough of no value in the market
and stop living in the past
there is little value in this team
especially if Rooney and kagawa don't have their heart here
gan

His own style concerns is what concerns me. We have some good skilled players that he refuses to play. Needs his head examined for playing Giggs and Young

Flint,

I got that sinking feeling as soon as I saw the line-up.

Young just isn't good enough. I never quite understood what SAF saw in him.

01 Sep 2013 16:12:59
David Moyes: "We gave away a bad goal but it's probably the best we've played this season. The players did well."

Was he playing FIFA during the game or something?

01 Sep 2013 16:10:38
I have to admit I found myself pretty concerned when I saw Moyes send on Valencia on for the Injured Jones.
However I was very pleased, His obvious attacking abilities help subdue the Liverpool attacking threat on that side. He showed great strength, great over laps.

I just don't know where to start in terms of Ashley Young, a lot of energy and great pace. Looked encouraging when he came on as a sub against chealsea which I assume got him the nod. Ok so the positives out the way. This lads touch was as ever DIRE, Only time he seemed to beat a player was when the ball pin balled around their legs a few times and he got the lucky bounce. It is a reflective of how limited our choices are in Midfield really. He has just for not not shown Top quality and I was shocked when we bought him.

I can not be the only guy frustrated with the how much involvement Giggs has had in first team football since the start of the season. For me easily one of the greats of our great team however is this how he wishes to be remembered? He was caught in possesion a few times today again, and I don't know what his pass% was today however not many of those killer passes or seemed to work. Unfortuneatly no sight of Kagawa again, he is either getting sold of massively under rated by Moyes. Personally I would love to see him playing instead of Giggs. This just confuses me, he has great quality offering something different in the midfield we are lacking. I feel the selection currently is not offering any creativity, At all. So we are relieing on Carrick(I rate highly) who is playing a holding role or Giggs who I believe has been let down by his passing so far this season.

I don't like to say it but Liverpool impressed me today with their desire to win the ball, Every Liverpool player today played his socks of, Winning the first bounce and loose balls. Defenders throwing themselves into blocks and tackles. a lot of our problems today were probably due to how well they closed us down however if we want to be the best we need to adapt and out play them. They shut RVP off from the rest of the team, he was getting no service at all. Partly due to our lack of creativity in the midfield and lack of Final ball, but in addition how massive a gap there seemed to be between the fron 3 and middle 3. If we are to relie soley on 1 striker which is sad in itself then we need to atleast ensure we can give that superstar some form of service in which to score. You'd imagine that a fit Rooney would lighten the load some what dropping deeper to receive the ball and either feed RVP or look to score but Wellbeck is just not a big enough threat to take some of the pressure off RVP. Big teams will do all they can to subdue such a threat.

Now wow Poor De Gea, there were Atleast 3 Dire passes back to him today, Come on if we are going to pass to the Keeper put enough leather on it so it reaches him, thankfully we do have a World Class player between our sticks who was quick to react but any of those could have cost us.

I might sound all Doom and Gloom, Unfortunatly it is very easy to focus on negatives though they do help us learn, but I guess you need to re-enforce what was possitive to.

I found the game Massively entertaining, obviously Gut wrenching and frustrating also as a United Fan. But I do think Moyes has tried to re-introduce the type of football we Love and have I feel been missing last few seasons. Players are trying quick interchanges between one and other. Allowing some great passages of play, we need to keep this up, although it seemed that not everyone was on the same wave length all the time that comes with time. :)
I feel Some will be dismissive of cleverly as usual but for me he did well today, tidied up and distributed the ball possitively, not always back as many will tell you.

Nani was spritely when he came on, Tried a bit too hard but I bet we all thought he was going to score with that strike, on replay was not going in top corner as I had thought but hey was a thumper. Looking at our other chances its the best we produced.
Wellbeck is still missing that killer instinct, He Likes to take a few touches before shooting which allowed Liverpool close in and tackle on the most part, however it was good movement and managed to find the space to get in to those chances.

I do think the guys played well today, don't take my points as a bash on our team. Liverpool just did well to negate us.

I think we do need to bring some players in tomorrow though.

Area's I would like to see us strengthen.

I would love a new winger, I think we should be aiming for more than Wellbeck and Young as part of our forward 3.
We obviously need to add some creativity to the middle and I would love a Ball winner too.
And I would love a new Defender. but not Left Back. I would love a New CB. Some one to partner Vidic until Smalling and preferably Jones is ready.

If we are not going to use Kagawa what are we doing with him?

I assume he is going, not that I want him to.


So what I'd like

Front 3. Rooney, RVP, Signing

Mid 3 . Signing (Fellaini) Carrick Signing (Herrera or Ozil)

Back 4. Evra Vidic Signing Rafael(Jones for now)

I Hope nani finds his form/ consistency but we can not bank on it. Valencia also.

Thought this was shappy when I started reading

You can slag Moyes off as much as you want but don't forget SAF bought all the players.Give him some time and stop all the panicking.

Not sure I criticised Moyes once. Well other than the selection of Giggs. I rate Moyes and think he has done well. infact i'm sure I mentioned I am liking the way we are playing under him? . Wait Paul did you read any of it?

01 Sep 2013 16:07:29
Does anyone know where kagawa was and the last time we failed to score in consecutive games?

01 Sep 2013 16:04:04
very rarely get angry at games but that performance was abysmal. So slow and sloppy. Moyes and Woody need to get at least 2-3 top players in by tomorrow, as I am very doubtful this team can retain the title.

Although us losing means I will be working out constantly for a few days to relieve my anger! I'd have a body like Ronaldo if I religiously supported my local team Southport!

Days like this remind me how much I hate Liverpool. Especially Gerrard.

01 Sep 2013 16:01:33
It's not Giggs fault, it's the manager who decides who play!

Giggs should have retired long ago, him playing as a starter show exactly the "Quality of our Squad". Nobody can dent that 30% of United players are not good enough, not because we lost against an poor, poor side as most of people say. It's because they're not good enough.

We'll wait untill 2nd of September to do exactly what we should've done 2 months ago.

The only lesson we can take from this game is that draw or loose at home is not good enough, does not matter who you play against.

I felt sorry for RVP, 9 players behind him and still could not creat a single clear chance!

01 Sep 2013 15:57:57
#moyes out!
Liverpool deserved that today just sat back and made us look the the most uncreative team in the league. Think we may struggle for top 4 this year . If only we had sturridge what a player he has turned out to be for liverpool. Damn how tables are starting to turn and I'm not happy about it.

Overreaction lol?

Jesus how negative are you. talk about jumping on the bandwagon, just what other teams hope for from our fans.
3 games, let's get back to reality.
Tough start, need a signing, will improve

01 Sep 2013 15:56:59
I don't believe that result we need some world class player's fast we lack in every position its a joke the player's we are linked with are not even close twe need a new center defender a creative midfielder and world class winger because young nani don't cut it

01 Sep 2013 15:52:43
0 goals in 2 games is unacceptable as far as I'm concerned

In DESPERATE NEED OF CREATIVE REINFORCEMENTS

We have creative players moyes just didn't pick them for some reason

Totally agree Zaha and Kagawa should start next game, and start giving Powell some chances! Because obviously were not signing anyone!
More bull rumours about Di Rossi? Another unrealistic target who has already turned us down, doesn't wanna leave his club who don't wanna sell!!
No Money No players just full crap!

01 Sep 2013 15:49:42
Unlucky lads. let's be fair you played poor. Just want to say to chicken little! Or Disney! How does it feel to lose to a "mid table team" that will be fighting for 7th? Unlucky mate! 5 points ahead looking pretty sweet. Looking forward to seeing you back on our page yeah keep going should be funny :)

Any money you want that we finish above you?

Fergie and Gill seen it coming! that's why they got out while they could! Glazires might finally be going to milk the club dry and ruin it like they done in the U.S. with the Tampa Bucs!

Didn't say we would as going 7th to above the ex champions is very unlikely. My main dig was at Disney! The guy has been on our site for ages saying you're going to finish 30 points ahead. Wanna bet money on that? But let's be fair if united don't improve bad times. Don't worry moyes has faith!

01 Sep 2013 15:47:25
Well there are going to be lots of posters now. That was poor. We are devoid of creative ideas. Young and cleverly are not united quality and giggs is too old. We are missing link up from Rafael on the right but above all we need new names in the centre. Rvp was so frustrated today it was obvious. Rooney to stay but we must buy. If we don't it'll be a very tough season.

Nozzla

01 Sep 2013 15:46:40
Today's game was poor, we made an average liverpool team look like world beaters.How giggs still get a game is simply beyond me, is sir alex picking the team?whats with kagawa?why is cleverly ahead of anderson?.
We need 2 midfield players, left winger and a left back before the window shut.

01 Sep 2013 15:46:04
We should offer 40M+Kagawa for Reus and Gundogan.

If bale is sold for £85m, these two are worth atleast 50m each.

It's never going to happen but we can hope

That is just sheer arrogance and ignorance. Why on earth will they accept that and let two of their best players go?

No we should keep kagawa and pay 60-70 million for reus and gundogan.Though if moyes does'nt fancy kagawa as a player if rumours are true then i'd have to agree with you.Quality should not be replaced by quality, get rid of the players who do not contribute to the team, as of today could be any player but my thoughts are cleverley, giggs(legend), young, and valencia just don't cut it.

Stop it, you are confusing Mr.Woodward ; he has enough problems already :o)

01 Sep 2013 15:44:24
No creativity & No service= No Goals!

By the looks of things this will stay the same till the next transfer window.

Melbourne Matt

Dithering dave and missing in action Woodward, what are you doing? Where is kagawa?

If you want to buy players at a reasonable price deadline day is not the day to buy.

We looked extremely poor at liverpool today and if we struggled against the scallies we will struggle in our champions league group.

As I have said before, no one will be happier than me if I am proved wrong, but I have serious doubts about ed the duck and moyes.

If you want creativity and service then we should have started with kagawa and zaha it won't matter who we buy if we keep playing cautious football moyes needs to realise we are manchesterunited not Everton

01 Sep 2013 15:43:21
I really do try not to over-react and get knee-jerk reactions.

but honestly that was the WORST performance I've seen since the Blackburn game 2 years ago.

I noticed SO MUCH long ball football, Vidic constantly lumping it up to nobody.

I'm expecting an apology for that monstrosity of a performance.

Okay, so Rooney got injured so why not bring in Kagawa? Januzaj perhaps? what about Zaha?

If nobody comes in tomorrow, and we continue to play with no creativity then I can see us lingering in 3rd at Christmas and looking for a new manager.

Hopefully we'll sign Herrera and De Rossi.

Its not even like Liverpool were good! their goal was well worked but they had as much threat as us, extremely pissed off.

My decision on Moyes won't be made just yet, but if we carry on with performances like that then I will be shouting Moyes Out at christmas.

There were three players who did not have 'bad' games (Evra, Valencia, DDG) - the rest were terrible. How on earth are Giggs and Cleverly getting so much game time? They are useless. Aside from one good through ball each - they contributed nothing other than giving the ball and free kicks away.

To be fair to Vidic, mate, he only resorted to long balls out of frustration, because no-one was taking responsibility for wanting the ball in midfield and coming short for him.

StevieK

Reseven,

It says a lot when Evra is the only man making forward runs.

DDG done what I expect of him and I felt Valencia was once again, very one dimensional.

StevieK,

I felt Vidic played well, but I saw the same against Chelsea, Ferdinand was lumping the balls unfield for no reason.

01 Sep 2013 15:42:51
On the balance of what I've seen so far this season I think it's a real possibility that we won't qualify for CL. When Moyes was appointed I didn't think he had the pedigree to take over the country's most successful football club and his inaction in the transfer market, lack of tactical awareness, non existent experience in winning any sort of trophy and the fact he keeps on picking Giggs has done nothing to change my mind. LFC are at best a half decent team and we still couldn't create anything.
I think Moyes could be SAF worst signing yet. No excitement, no entertainment, just like EFC.
(if we win the next 3 games I'll be slightly happier)

The start of the season was always going to be difficult, nothing like a good old overreaction though.

01 Sep 2013 15:42:03
hey good fellas. With the mentality and selection of players that our manager has I doubt if we'll beat any of the top teams. Am surprised that zaha, kagawa and januzaj are not being involved and are much better than all the wingers that played today. I have also noticed there's little believe and morale with the players. I don't think any top class player will get attracted with our system of play at the moment.( so let's not wait for deadline day with so much enthusiasm since the lot that will come will be of the same quality with what we currently have)

01 Sep 2013 15:40:02
Alrite lads, 1st time poster long long time reader as usually I've calmed down before clicking post!but with that performance and current situation with us i'm raging!giggs?young? along with other "good enough for squad" players we are just not good enough!i felt no real urgency to go get that equaliser, dilly dallying in defence and midfield just frustrates me. Showed today, van persie a little quiet/off form and we got nothing!moyes.woodward must buy!plenty of players who would improve our 11!heres to hoping lads!

01 Sep 2013 15:39:00
I don't know about the rest of you but I'm incredibly disappointed with that performance. For me the only player who looked to be into the game was Hernandez when he came on. Liverpool did play well and credit where it's due but if moyes can't see that we're in need of new faces then I fear for where we may end up. Also, anyone know what's happened to kagawa?

01 Sep 2013 15:35:59
I honestly don't understand why we havnt signed anyone. On the basis of that performance alone anyone would know we need signings. A strong CM and decent LW (I say decent because decent would still be an improvement on our current LWs) are what's needed. Maybe play Zaha or Januzaj ahead of Giggs.
Their were some good points today. Nani looked to create a spark when he came on which was nice to see as that was lacking through out the first half. I can't think of much else sadly.
Hopefully jones is not seriously injured.
Maybe this performance will push DM and Woodward into doing something in regards to transfer before its to late.

Yes Nani was good today after he came on. Hopefully he can kick on from here and perform consistently for us.

Yes Nani was good today after he came on. Hopefully he can kick on from here and perform consistently for us.

01 Sep 2013 15:31:15
Poor is my thought on Utd today, far to many mistakes and no one on the pitch with any composure, a lack of a decent left winger and central midfielder was evident, add that to Giggs and Youngs performance with no creative players on the bench cost us today, hope we get players in by transfer deadline or it will be a long hard season.
TheSpartanred

What I find very strange is how giggs was played on the right(left footed) and young on the left(right footed)! Even when Nani came on, although he drifted to the right, he started and was mainly on the left. Weird!

01 Sep 2013 15:28:55
CENTRE MIDFIELDERS PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEAAAASSSSSSEEEEE!

01 Sep 2013 14:51:31
Sorry Young isn't united quality

Nor are Wellbeck, Cleverley and Giggs (any more); Valencia not what he used to be. No wonder we are performing poorly!

Dont be sorry fella a blind man could tell ya that

Nor is Giggs, Cleverley, nani, welbeck & anderson.

It's an embarrassment

Neither is Jones as anything other than a Centre Half, his ball usage is awful. Carrick needs to other centre mids to be effective. Has RVP even been playing the past couple of games?

Leave out the most creative player we have at present due to t injury to fitness! Let alone rumours t sell him? If we lost Kagawa and Rooney we'd be lucky to qualify for the champs league! Moyes tracking Felleini all season and now seemingly wants to sell Kagawa? Shocking!! :O

Liverpool were very very poor as a attacking threat, at one point we had 7 corners to 1 for them (which they bloody scored from). I can't understand how we lost the game but i'm not saying we deserved to win it either. Cleverley is so slow and rubbish. Welbeck try's but just can't score, Young is a waste of time. We are carrying to many very average players. A lot of people asking for Giggs to retire but he's a least better than Young and Cleverley. I really think we needed to get players in quicker and then we would not have had to put such a poor team out against Liverpool away. I hope we can bring some players in before the deadline or who knows what will happen, someone needs to give some good service to Van Persie.
Sorry guys but I can't find many positive's after today's game. :(

Clevely the worst of the lot. Useless.

Absolutely clueless in the final 3rd! Everyone stands twisting and turning, no movement whatsoever and then pass it back to midfield!

When under pressure in own half no out man at all without Rooney!

Nobody wants it! Big donkey hoof up!
God I miss the days of Rooney, Ronaldo and Teves on the counter attack, don't think we'll ever see that football again!
:(

Too slow in the build up, no support when we did get into the final third. Really disappointed with the way we played.

No creative spark and after the first half display the substitutions should have been made earlier.

Where was Januzaj who has been amongst our most creative players per-season? If we need to rely on a CM of Giggs and Cleverley to start we could be in real trouble this year.

Young was woeful and having Giggs and him cutting back on each flank snuffed out any attacking purpose. Cleverley frustrates the life out of me and is not creative enough in any sense of the word.

Thought all had a bad game.

Fingers crossed this provides a catalyst for some re-modelling. If we can get Kagawa match fit with couple of additions we can hopefully kickstart our season

Absolutely clueless in the final 3rd! Everyone stands twisting and turning, no movement whatsoever and then pass it back to midfield!

When under pressure in own half no out man at all without Rooney!

Nobody wants it! Big donkey hoof up!
God I miss the days of Rooney, Ronaldo and Teves on the counter attack, don't think we'll ever see that football again!
:(

Too slow in the build up, no support when we did get into the final third. Really disappointed with the way we played.

No creative spark and after the first half display the substitutions should have been made earlier.

Where was Januzaj who has been amongst our most creative players per-season? If we need to rely on a CM of Giggs and Cleverley to start we could be in real trouble this year.

Young was woeful and having Giggs and him cutting back on each flank snuffed out any attacking purpose. Cleverley frustrates the life out of me and is not creative enough in any sense of the word.

Thought all had a bad game.

Fingers crossed this provides a catalyst for some re-modelling. If we can get Kagawa match fit with couple of additions we can hopefully kickstart our season

01 Sep 2013 14:32:42
Well said trumours he should prove how mu h he loves the club by bowing out gracefully

01 Sep 2013 14:26:47
zaha kagawa and januzaj should be invovled this season they'd provide a spark beat there men creativity is clearly lacking herrera? and felliani would provide some bite some midfield solidity
if kagawa isn't in the managers plans why not offer him to dortmund for gundogan or bender.
i think kagawa in time will be top class so hopefully he can find his best form moyes likes him as a player and he has a good utd career

01 Sep 2013 14:20:39
The lack of creativity from midfield is frightening. There is no link through the middle of the park to RVP. Giggs is probably only playing as he has the ability to pass the ball forward. We need a player who can put a foot on the ball and drive us forward. Its painful how much we miss Rooney dropping into the hole. The fact Kagawa is not even in the squad worries me.

01 Sep 2013 14:19:27
giggs passing has been terrible so far, unfortunately with the early sub of jones I can't see a change at half time

dags

01 Sep 2013 13:48:31
Think giggs should stop being selfish and retire. He is stopping young talent from playing bcos for some reason our managers suck up to him. I know he is a legend but there comes a time when he should retire. Which should of been a good few yrs back

The fact that giggs gets picked May say a lot about our young talent.
I don't think giggs has been any worse than the rest of them

We've already lost Pogba because we gave Scholes his game time, please say we're not going to loose Januzaj because we gave his to Giggs.

Sadly I agree. he gave away countless passes and is dwelling on the ball alot. Nani, Zaha, Anderson, Kagawa (Not on the bench for some strange reason) would all be better options than giggs.
He is a legend but the longer he plays the more damage he is doing to his own reputation!

Very poor ryan call it a day you have been a great servant.to all the people who have come on here with red tinted specs ie we won at a canter last year, its the same squad so we will do ok this year etc we have just been outplayed in midfield by an average team van persie getting frustrated with no service if you can't see that should of gone to spec savers:).ps why no kagawa again not even on the bench? and don't get me going about cleverley rant over hope I look daft after 90 minutes :)

Finally, Hernandez on. We will score now.

01 Sep 2013 11:43:53
Numerous papers reporting this morning that we are close to signing Fellaini & Baines. An improved offer seems to have gone in for Herrera that matches his release clause and we are now going for De Rossi on loan. All very interesting. I wonder what will come of it all tomorrow!

As for today, cannot wait for the game! Counting down the minutes! Unable to go unfortunately but it will be on the tele! I think we will have a relatively unchanged line up to the Chelsea match, hopefully Kagawa gets some involvement though. Having gone to Villa Park last week to watch Villa vs Liverpool I can honestly say I don't think we should be overly worried - without Suarez Liverpool are a very, very poor side.

01 Sep 2013 11:32:08
Herrera on bench for Bilbao against Madrid. Surely you would pick your best 11 vs a team of that caliber? Or am I looking too far into it?

31 Aug 2013 22:31:13
Hi ed I don't want to sound negative. But for a long time we just don't seem to atract the top stars is it me or do I have a point ., l also any news on any new signings. Thanks in advance. {Ed044's Note - It's you mate.}

01 Sep 2013 13:02:24
So no kagawa in the squad at all, what is going on with him! He is a class player who can unlock defences with a pass or a mazy run which is something we lack! Imo he should be starting every game quite easily.

I think Moyes doesn't fancy him, rumours of him going out on loan

01 Sep 2013 12:55:46
Giggs starts again - FFS! I would prefer to see Young/Valencia/Nani in the starting line up.

Kagawa not in the squad at all - nor is Rooney. Is the Kagawa/Gundogan swap deal on? Does Rooney really have a head wound or is there something going on re Mata?

01 Sep 2013 12:54:56
Anyone who says we don't need new signings look at today's line up 4 players who should not be starting 11 with Rooney out today would be ideal time to play kagawa

01 Sep 2013 12:49:09
Can Jeff stop asking about Rooney since we know he has a head injury, but instead ask where f*** kagawa is. Really disappointed he's not featuring

01 Sep 2013 12:44:02
Kagawa don't even make the bench and were starting with giggs again, what is going on! I can see us being beaten with giggs and cleverly offering nothing in midfield!

01 Sep 2013 12:41:53
Sinji not even on the bench!

Young and Giggs start for Tony V and Rooney.

01 Sep 2013 12:01:32
do you think these rumours of us going for de rossi have any impact on the fellaini bid? for me I would rather bring in de rossi (even if on loan for yr) as he is proven quality at that level and would not block any of the youth coming through, and has experience in europe.

i don't know why but I feel baines is more likely than fellaini, maybe because he is older and he would know if it doesn't happen soon he may never go to a bigger club (than everton that is) but saying that I don't think his age is an issue for us as we would get easily 4 yrs out of him probably more because his game is not reliant on speed (getting back) and professionals now are fitter than they were 10-15yrs ago.

out of curiosity, what do people think of playing evra and baines down the left? both are good going forward but baines is better defensively, so play evra as a winger alternating with januzaj (sp) and young with nani, valencia and zaha fighting for the right or is that too crowded?

01 Sep 2013 11:02:04
correction to my earlier post sly sports had Herrera in the starting line up but he is on the bench, so maybe we will sign him, come on woodward meet the buy out clause
BIGAL REDFOREVER

01 Sep 2013 12:47:03
And Atletic have used all their subs and Herrera hasn't made it onto the pitch. that's very interesting as he is one of their best players and they were chasing the game having gone in 2-0 down at half time.

That doesn't mean that Ander Herrera is definately on his way to us, but it will certainly add fuel to the fire.

01 Sep 2013 10:55:18
Edd, I understand if this won't get onto the page. But if there's any chance you could let it pass. It's for a fantastic cause.

People, i'm running the Birmingham half marathon. "Only a half?" I here you say! Well if I don't run it in 1:40, i'll run it again. I'm running in aid of Alzheimer's/dimentia, pretty much everyone has or will be touched by this, donate away, only if you really want and can afford too. If directly affected, all 2nd, 3rd and 4th donations will be refunded.

www.justgiving.com/andrew-sanders

Ps: I'd love to see Kags get some action today.

01 Sep 2013 10:37:56
Herrera starting todays game at real Madrid so I can't see that signing coming off, another player we've missed out on.
BIGAL REDFOREVER

He's on the bench mate.

Have second look

What? He is an unused substitute!

Really hope we get him in.

01 Sep 2013 10:33:02
herrea on bench today he is usually the first name on the team sheet fingers crossed we could be in for a crazy day tomorrow

01 Sep 2013 10:15:15
Herrera on the bench I hear!

01 Sep 2013 09:40:34
Well the window is nearly over, and i'm looking forward to it.

I certainly expect us to make at least one signing, but more than one will depend on a couple of things. One of those being departures, I think i'm right in saying we currently have 24 players who will need to be registared. So a one or two will have to leave before more than one can come in.

The one player currently available and were linked with I really wanna see us sign is Ander Herrera, even though the €36m is abit too steep for him even in this inflated market I would just pay it. In this market I would say he's worth between €25-30m but Bilbao are a special case. As they only have Basque player play for them it severely limits their ability to get a good replacement. As such they don't really care about the money making it almost impossible to deal with them. So in this special case I would back the club in just paying his release clause.

Some have questioned about the actual cost of paying his release clause as they're worried about added taxes and such. I think you'll find there are to kinds of clauses, a release clause is a figure the club will accept if bid for their player. A buy out clause is for a individual player to buy himself out of his contract effectively making himself a free agent. The problem with a buy out clause is that rarely does the player have the money required to buy out his contract, so then a club gives him the money for him to buy himself out of his contract with him signing a deal to join that club. But the problem with that is then you have to pay taxes on the money when its given to the player making it much more expensive.

With Ander Herrera his club have said to the media that his release clause is €36m. So unless it has been poorly translated then it appears to be a release clause and not a buy out so the we wouldn't have to pay such huge taxes.

The reason I want us to sign Ander Herrera is I feel he has the talent to become a key player in our midfield. He is a fantastic passer of the ball with the suberb technique you have come to expect from a spainard. His vision and reading of the game is also top notch allowing him to have a positive effect in both the creative and defensive aspects of the game. He is able to play all over the midfield, he can play deep infront of the back four or further forward between the midfield and forward lines. He would be perfect alongside Carrick for most games as he is good defensively but he likes to carry the ball out of midfield with mazy dribbles, this is something our midfield lacks. For me he would be the perfect signing, only Gundogan would be better in this role and as he is unavailable then Herrera seems like the best option.

I still feel we need a more defensive option to bring on to see out those tough games or to play from the start against certain teams. Now Fellaini seems like Moyes first choice but we can't pay more than 24m for him or we would look less than useless, personally I wouldn't pay more than 20m.

For me the best option who is available now would be Sebastian Rode, he too was excellent in the under 21's. And was part of a midfield who controlled and nullified the Spanish midfield for most of the game. Now he was supposed to be going to Bayern but when Pep joined he has seemingly put the kibosch on that. He is entering his last year of his contract and would be available for around 8m-ish.

He was one of the best midfielders in the Germany last season, he is very good defensively and can play as a holding midfielder or as a box to box midfielder. He is young at 22 but still experianced enough to be ready to take the next step. Also his price he would be a good investment and will only go up in value.

As for the left back situation, Baines looks like we are going to have to pay far too much for. Coentrao looks like another option if we are going to spend the big bucks. I think we could go for a top young prospect such as Alberto Moreno or Ricardo Rodriguez. But for me the best player we could get for this role would be Daley Blind, he is excellent on the ball and fantastic at getting forward making over two key passes a match. But is defensively sound and won't let us down. At 23/24 he is the perfect age to step in as a ready made replacement for Evra.


Now moving away from transfers we have a meaningful game to play today. Now i'm hoping this injury to Rooney will leave the door open for Kagawa to play his first game of the season. This will be a tough game as the scousers always up their game against us, and they have been playing some good football all be it without a cutting edge upfront. They will have a lot of possession especially as its at Anfield, that's why its important that we are clinical when we get a chance.

I think the team should pick itself, with Jones covering for Rafa at RB. I would maybe bring Evans in for Rio if he's ready with Vidic and Evra completing the back four infront of DDG in goal obviously. Carrick and Cleverley will continue in midfield until we get some reinforcements. Valencia and Welbeck will continue in the wider roles with RvP upfront. This should leave Kagawa in the hole, but if he still isn't ready to start a game then it will probably be Giggs hopefully to be replaced by Kagawa early in the second half.

It will be vital for our away support to be vocal and push the lads on, but I have no worries about that as our away support is probably the best in the country.

So let's get behind the lads out on the pitch today and hope for a great result. As nothing puts a smile on my face more than a crying scouser. Lol.

01 Sep 2013 09:04:31
hello lads.
important game today!

i am expecting the same line-up as chelsea, the only change I m expecting is GIGGS to start in place of injured Rooney.
Although I wanted us to be more positive and include young/kagawa on left with welback behind RVP to do necessary hard work. and I expect valencia to some good

lets hope RVP get the required Goals.

01 Sep 2013 08:57:16
reports herrera to be announced tomz, personal terms agreed at 4 mil a year, let's hope woodward pays the required fee.

Dont really know much about this lad except for the fact Barca have been interested fo a few years so he must be decent to even be considered for that midfield.An improvement I imagine.

Ander Herrara is not in the starting line up against Real Madrid today, please, please, give us something before tomorrow night.
And let's shut Rogers up.

01 Sep 2013 01:37:35
It's started already, some people will moan about anything.

If on Monday we haven't made any signings then I will more than happily say we failed in the transfer market and question the club.

If on Monday we sign 2-3 of the players we have been linked with can the same people who have been crying out for signings not come out with stuff I've just seen down the page about panic buys and plan b or c.

The same people who have complained about signings are now going to moan when we do sign players that they aren't the players they wanted. You can't have it both ways, the club knows what targets they have and will bid accordingly, maybe some of you will just moan about anything.

I am hoping for fellaini and Herrera and I really really want us to sign baines, he is the best left back in the league for me and I think he would improve our left side so much and allow us to play the wingers narrower (how they were against Swansea).

Let's smash the scousers at 1:30pm, 7 points from our first 3 games would be fantastic with palace to come before we play city.

Tbh I would be more than happy with Fellaini, Herrera and Baines.We can't sign Rvp's every transfer window.The problem is if we will eventually sign them or fail to do because of a 4-5 million difference.

Yeah you're right man! We planned to buy in the last hour to surprise our opponents!

We may get hundred, but the timing is strange! We could have them already here. We'll pay the release clause on the last day.

But it's okay, your opinion is always the brightest one, so be it!


I hope we can beat Liverpool. Let's go lads

31 Aug 2013 23:50:32
Caolan please can you go online it is zee! I can not register for the site I have a good idea

Zee {Ed007's Note - Zee you are registered.. are you cheating on us? :-/

Hi zee I will go on first thing in the morning!

01 Sep 2013 01:46:39
thank's mate, btw I could not remember the password so I could not login. but i'm trying to solve the problem :) are u ready 2 play fifa 14 mate?