22 Dec 2014 19:24:52
So we're just coming up on the halfway point of the season. I'd like to gauge people's opinions on how you think we're getting on and where we'll ultimately finish?
Last year hurt us an awful lot. The manager wasn't up to the task but I also believe some of our main players
Weren't giving 100% which was disgraceful. Last year we were going into games expecting to drop points but the turn around in belief in squad is remarkable.
I don't think LvG is a demi-god that can do no wrong, but giving the circumstances I think he's done a stellar job. All of our signings have a future at the club and the sooner we sort out the back line the better. The football isn't great and times but I think it's the results that matter this season. Get back into the champions league. Get a couple of signings in, get rid of the players that aren't up to it and we'll start challenging again.
I think the main point for LvG is the Liverpool game. His starting lineup were all available to Moyes but LvG made them a better group. I'm looking froward to the rest of season and 3 steps forward 1 step back is alright with me!
Taking into account the injuries we've had all season I think its been as good as It could be up to now.
We still (through injuries) hav'nt really got going yet, just imagine if we had a fit squad from day 1 and played with the prefered 11 most of the season, I think we would of been flying, LVG has done ok considering.
At the moment 3rd is a probability, if we can keep injury free for the rest of the season possibly 2nd.
If we don't get top 4 we want shot.
City and chelsea look good the rest is anyone guess .
The heavy weights of west ham and southampton look as good as any one .
22 Dec 2014 20:55:22
Mumbles, I'd take where we are now, come the end of the season. I'd gladly settle for top 4 considering the way we've been hit with injuries.
I'm not going to pretend LVG's not made mistakes, regarding signings (or more pertinently, lack of signings in the right areas), and some dodgy formations, but I think he's done as well as I thought he should in the circumstances.
Not great by any means, but signs here and there, that we're moving in the right direction.
C+, at this stage, for me.
99
I would prob agree with that .
Although I would love to see what a top manager could get out of this squad ;) .
22 Dec 2014 22:21:18
We have definitely improved since the start if the season and fingers crossed if the amount of injuries to key players stop then there's no reason we can't cement 3rd place at least. On paper we have one of if not the best attack and also an incredible midfield if everyone is fit, it's just a matter of getting them playing together on a regular basis. Granted the defence is still a bit shaky but hopefully that can only get better.
22 Dec 2014 23:00:11
I would say patchy, at times we have looked very good and at other very shakey.
the biggest improvement for me is the spirit, we seemed to regaining our mono and other teams are starting to get that fear back. We need to win our next two games if we can. Then B+ for me, drop any more than a point and it's a C-.
But watching us has definitely improved 10 fold.
Chris
Falcao, di Maria I'm a big fan of Herrera and Shaw as well I think we are less boring than when we won the title
We should finish 3rd unless he stick with this silly 352 or whatever formation he plays as i can't figure it out.
We have by far a better squad than everyone else except chelsea and city and only because they have a more balanced squad. If we finish lower than that we have under achieved. We have the highest payroll in the league so the manager and the players have to come up with the goods.
{Ed002's Note - The "release clause" is of zero relevance to Manchester United.}