Manchester United Banter Archive August 26 2015

 

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26 Aug 2015 23:47:16
{Ed033's Note - The first manchester united rumours podcast is now up for you to listen to. A link called 'Podcast' is on the menu at the top of the page, which will take you to the Podcast.

If you have listened to the latest Liverpool rumours podcast #4, with Ed001 as the guest, then you would have noticed a 30 second jingle at the beginning of the podcast. The manchester united rumours podcast doesn't have an intro jingle. If you would like to create a free jingle for the future man utd podcasts, please contact us.

Thanks to CTR and Red In Moscow for the Podcast. If you would like to be a guest on the manchester united rumours podcast, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

27 Aug 2015 01:05:52
Nothing says united like a southerner chatting to a Scotsman, can only imagine kloot's reaction if he's about and listening!

Great effort guys I've listened already and really enjoyed it, great putting a voice to what people type on here and will be listening to all of them and hopefully getting involved soon enough, brilliant addition to the site, well done.

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{Ed001's Note - I am so looking forward to listening to it now! I thought he was winding me up about being from London, as it was the basis of all the old jokes that used to get told. If only one of them was from Torquay it would have completed the set.}

27 Aug 2015 07:07:18
Haha, getting over a horrible cold only added to the cockney accent too :s

All jokes aside I was quite nervous as I've never done anything like this before so hopefully I will improve as confidence grows.

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{Ed001's Note - I am sure it is fine mate, I am looking forward to listening when I get a chance. I agree though, they are nerve racking to do.}

27 Aug 2015 07:28:23
CTR,

You certainly don't come across as nervous, Moscow does more than you to be honest but as you are asking him questions and he's thinking on the spot that's more understandable. Not sure whether you did this but maybe for future ones let the guest know what the questions will be beforehand so it flows slightly better, that's just me nit picking though, I'm certainly not a pro and you've done a brilliant job.

I'm from Manchester so I might not be allowed on!

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26 Aug 2015 23:12:01
Watch everyone crawl out in support of rooney

Believable2 Unbelievable2

26 Aug 2015 23:28:11
Does that include you?

Agree2 Disagree0

26 Aug 2015 23:48:13
#sigh#. Rooney has been pants, tonight he was great , there is no crawling involveds

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27 Aug 2015 00:40:40
People should be supporting Rooney anyway instead of endlessly knocking him!!!

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27 Aug 2015 01:50:35
What? He scores an effin hat trick an you still find time to hate him?

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27 Aug 2015 10:41:00
He has had 1 bad game, 1 good game and the rest were just average. You cannot judge a player either way after 3 league games and 2 CL qualifiers that were relatively easy in the end.

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26 Aug 2015 22:37:23
What a massive result! UCL nights are back. Just hoping we get a good draw tomorrow.
Herrera had a really bad first half but that was mostly due to the fact he didn't have minutes on the field. He grew into the game and we all saw what he can do. Thrusting Herrera straight into the starting XI in such a massive tie shows Van Gaal trusts him. So. I think we can get that worry out of the way.
And big welcome back to our Captain. Clinical and general great play all around. Wouldn't be surprised with a signing having qualification put to bed. Enjoy guys.

Believable3 Unbelievable0

27 Aug 2015 01:52:15
Herrera was awful tonight, don't get me wrong because I think he's a class act, but sitting deep alongside Carrick does not work for him.

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27 Aug 2015 08:17:04
I think him or Juan are our best no.10s. If one of them plays there i genuinely think we will do well this season.

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26 Aug 2015 22:03:19
Decent performance tonight against a very poor Bruge. However, if Hernandez was on trial the he failed, missed a penalty and an open goal, against a better team you cannot do that. Rooney was ok but no better. The reality is we have scored very few goals in league games this season and if we are to challenge we need a world class striker as well as a CB. Forget the nonsense about Bale, Neymar and Gundogan. Don't want to sound critical, the team has been improved but critical weaknesses remain.

Believable2 Unbelievable10

26 Aug 2015 22:45:41
This is obviously a joke ?.

Agree8 Disagree1

26 Aug 2015 22:48:31
Get thee behind me Satan. What planet are you on? We were great, Hernandez had an off day, live with it

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26 Aug 2015 23:08:14
The issue we have is that we lack the ability to cut though teams that sit back and defend against us. When teams attack us we're able to pass into the space that's left behind - but in that regard I think the smaller teams who would settle for a point have figured us out somewhat.

I think we'll do well against the big teams this season - but can see a lot of points being dropped elsewhere unless LVG can add some pace to the front line and allow the players to play with a little more freedom (they seem too scared of losing the ball to attempt th killer pass right now).

Possession is all well and good - but not if we fail to create chances. I'd rather have ten percent possession and create ten chances than have seventy percent and create nothing.

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26 Aug 2015 23:09:12
Jeez. Go and support Citeh! Lay off Rooney. Like it not football is his work, and every human being has bad days at the office. Today was a great day the office and you should get off your miserable perch and support the guy.

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26 Aug 2015 23:10:35
Rooney was 'ok' oh dear

Agree4 Disagree1

26 Aug 2015 23:11:00
Some people just aren't happy no matter what

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26 Aug 2015 23:15:22
Ermm Rooney was ok but no better? Are we talking about the European away game he just scored a hat trick in?

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26 Aug 2015 23:29:58
Yes yes, Rooney had a decent game against very poor opposition. Let's now all forget about the past 2 years that he's been poor, and get excited about having an attack to open stubborn defences in the premier league again. One good same a non existent defence proves you were all right and we don't need to strengthen. Jesus christ

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26 Aug 2015 23:39:15
Very good post, totally agree with everything! Said no one ever.

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27 Aug 2015 00:06:59
Your name says it all, you just post make believe. A striker scoring 3 goals is okay? Come off it.

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27 Aug 2015 00:39:41
Stand,

Who is saying that? Just making things up now to have a go at Rooney after a hat trick. When Rooney is good he is very good, hence why he in about to break goalscoring records domestically and internationally. We know he hasn't been great and when he is bad he can be very bad, but tonight he was bloody good, and when he gets on form he generally scores a lot, so let's give him some credit where it's due maybe??

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27 Aug 2015 01:58:39
Rooney was ok today, and the Brugge defense was absolutely horrible. Looked like a beaten team from first min. Feels sorry for there fans who were brilliant true out the match. Not once are we going to meet a defense this poor in the league. Very happy, but it was not a very good match so keep your feets on the ground.

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26 Aug 2015 21:59:45
I said it last week against Brugge and I will say it again this week, top professional performance. Steady at the back, goals to shout about and very entertaining.

My hat goes off to Wayne for kick-starting his season and again I'd like to highlight the necessity to have Ander Herrera in that midfield. I spoke about Herrera as being the No.10 to run on into the box with Shappy the other day and boy was all of us who have called for that to happen proven right tonight.

Thoroughly enjoyed the game and cannot wait for CL football to really begin when the groups are drawn. Based on tonight's performance their is most definitely a lot more to be excited about than after the Newcastle game.

Believable9 Unbelievable2

26 Aug 2015 23:39:48
I agree maze, good post mate

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26 Aug 2015 23:49:30
Top post, completely agree

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26 Aug 2015 21:50:21
The key moment in the tie was Fellaini's third at OT, it changed the momentum. Tonight it was important to get the first goal, once that went in it put Brugge totally on the back foot and meant they couldn't keep the same tactics. Once they had to push forward in the second half they left huge gaps which we used brilliantly. If you give good players that much space we will punish it and once they went two down they kept pushing and gave us loads of space to run into.

Rooney helped himself to a good hat trick and as he scores in bursts who would bet against him scoring first on Sunday. Rooney benefitted from some good football from Mata, Herrera and Memphis and in the second half the football was really smooth. So good to see Herrera and he made a real difference. Januzaj was a disappointment and the influence of his replacement Schweinsteiger was fabulous to watch, the ball to Herrera sublime. A little applause for the free contract goalkeeper who I saw someone saying nobody wanted, the one on one save in the first half was a good one and he has done well, four clean sheets.

It might seem picky but Memphis is raw, does some good things and some frustrating things, he will learn hopefully quickly. Enjoyable night but there will be bigger challenges ahead who are a lot better yet that result means we can look to improve from a position of strength.

Believable2 Unbelievable1

26 Aug 2015 23:50:49
Agreed but how good was it to see free flowing attacking football? Here's hoping we see the same on Sunday

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27 Aug 2015 08:55:59
AJH

Yes I am sure we all enjoyed the football yet it helped that Brugge had to attack and left themselves open. What was good to see was the pressing we did and Herrera looked much better when freed to make forward runs. Shaw has been outstanding with Darmian not far behind and they will be tested on Sunday. Sunday will be much more difficult but last night should have given us a confidence boost.
We have now ensured we receive the full Adidas payment by getting to the group stages and can offer Champions League football combined with a minimal net spend this summer so let's hope we can now strengthen from a position of strength.

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26 Aug 2015 21:50:19
What a difference Rooney made tonight. Constantly making runs in behind which has been lacking so far this season. Created the extra space for the midfield and gave them forward options

Believable4 Unbelievable0

26 Aug 2015 23:32:10
It's because they were open and coming out to score which they had too. It's when a team sits 10 behind the ball we don't have that exquisite player to unlock the defence

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26 Aug 2015 23:51:55
Agreed, looks like he might Be getting fully fit. If so, he will be a real danger

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27 Aug 2015 02:29:07
Don't want to be a damp squib, but one of my main beefs with Wayne over the years, is his inability to start a season fully fit.

We shouldn't have to wait x number of games for him to get his finger out.

Good result, tho :)

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26 Aug 2015 21:46:12
Great result today, Herrera makes a great difference when playing in front of schweini and Carrick.

Believable3 Unbelievable0

26 Aug 2015 22:14:37
Midfield surely has to be Carrick or Schweinsteiger / Schneiderlin / Herrera

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26 Aug 2015 22:27:56
He does make a big difference.
He looked a bit rusty in the first half but grew into the game.

I hope he starts against Swansea.

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26 Aug 2015 22:54:39
Herrera will not start against swansea and expect to see fellaini in the starting line up. Janusaj and hernandez were very poor.

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26 Aug 2015 23:53:47
Shahram, I'm not so sure. LVG tends to reward good performances and that was the best we have seen so far this season. It wouldn't surprise me to see the same team.

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27 Aug 2015 09:48:18
I agree AJH. Herrera didn't start last season either. but after he got his chance he took it and became one of the first names on the team sheet.

Still think he's not LVGs preferred type of player as he is forward thinking not safety first, but he is just what we need.

I know it means Mata on the right, but i want to see Herrera geta run in no.10 i think he will excell especially now he won't have to do so much tracking back as he's got good cover behind him now.

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26 Aug 2015 21:08:25
Who would everyone prefer to play the #10? AJ? Or AH?

Believable0 Unbelievable1

26 Aug 2015 23:39:19
Herrera all day every day

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27 Aug 2015 10:49:43
Mata!

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26 Aug 2015 21:42:30
Great performance tonight, really chuffed Herrera scored. The more games we play the more I think Blind is a good fit in the back 4. And fully expect Rooney to go on a run of games scoring goals now!

Believable4 Unbelievable0

26 Aug 2015 21:36:47
Does anybody else STILL smile like a kid at Christmas when they see bastian in a united shirt?

No need to reply a 'agree' or 'disagree' will do.

Believable5 Unbelievable0

26 Aug 2015 21:54:55
Agree

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26 Aug 2015 21:59:31
Rolls Royce midfielder. Ran the show 2nd half with carrick and herrera pushing forward.

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26 Aug 2015 22:06:17
Agree

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26 Aug 2015 22:34:36
I have to pinch myself seeing him in a united shirt!

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26 Aug 2015 21:34:53
With Lazio heading out of the Champions League I wonder would they be inclined to listen to offers for Felipe Anderson ?

Believable3 Unbelievable2

26 Aug 2015 22:26:56
Exactly my thoughts! Felipe Anderson would be a superb signing now Lazio are out? We've got to bid!

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26 Aug 2015 22:47:33
Where do you play him and how is signing him going to address our needs

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26 Aug 2015 23:10:21
Im torn? I love Felipe Anderson, but would also love Antione Greizmann as well? But also LVG is A big Bale fan but I think the other two would do better?

Guys?

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26 Aug 2015 21:28:15
1. It was only Brugge

2. Rooney's goals were tap ins my gran could have scored them.

3. I don't care we have 7 points from 9 and into the champions league easily, this team is rubbish it's not my Manchester United and I need us to sign 3 players before he deadline. You people who say otherwise are wrong.

This should save a few people posting tonight, can have a little rest lads.

Believable4 Unbelievable5

26 Aug 2015 21:54:50
Good result but let's not get too carried away against that quality of opposition. The first goal meant Brugge had to come out to play and left space. I agree with Rio and Scholes who said we need a top forward.

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26 Aug 2015 21:49:38
i doubt they'll be on, probably all imploded.

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26 Aug 2015 21:57:33
Your obviously easily pleased!
Some people are unbelievable

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26 Aug 2015 21:59:42
Totally agree rooney's touch was dreadful everytime he tried to control it the ball escaped him and ended up going in the goal ! Shocking performance. can't wait until Swansea spank us to show how desperately we need 8 forwards and 12 cb's.

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26 Aug 2015 22:05:32
Many will probably wait until the draw is made to tell us how we will fail and how poor all our players are.
To be fair some of the negative posters such as beast will come in and give praise when its due but there is a couple of others who will be down on lvg rooney mata etc no matter what. But to be honest a couple of them have their opinions but they will eat their words I have no doubt about it.

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26 Aug 2015 22:20:15
Red man,

Agreed, was just a little tongue in cheek post that's all.

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26 Aug 2015 22:31:05
Defo, Berahino is their for the taking? Make the signing!

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26 Aug 2015 22:31:51
Very average opposition but job done

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26 Aug 2015 22:32:33
Gds2

Isn't that what a striker is to do?! Get into a position to tap them in!!?
Andy Cole tapped a lot of his goals in!!!

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26 Aug 2015 22:36:56
Agee gds2,I think we lack pace in the build up play when carrick is on,carrick is fine when we need to slow things down,plus the goalkeeper situation needs sorting,and Rooney needs another top striker with him,

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26 Aug 2015 23:02:17
Defoe is not united quality Ronnie :)

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26 Aug 2015 22:49:01
Most will say we played well which we did. Another post to try and divide camps on here. Yawn.

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27 Aug 2015 00:01:12
Ken I totally agree everyone is trying to be beast but least he admits when we do well some of these United fans defo aren't United fans maybe undercover Scouse

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27 Aug 2015 00:22:22
Worrying that this post was deliberately tongue in cheek and people are agreeing with me, guess it says a lot about some of the posts on this page that this seemed genuine!

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27 Aug 2015 00:41:44
JMB,

Divide camps? It was a bit of banter mate, Jesus Christ.

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27 Aug 2015 04:56:00
Gds your eating your time the chap is a total fool imo

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26 Aug 2015 21:17:54
7-1 over in Belgium with 14 minutes to go. Rooney x3, Herrera x1 and the Dutch guy giving everyone a game tonight. I'll be up early to see what the regulars here have to say about it.

Believable2 Unbelievable0

26 Aug 2015 19:09:10
BBC reporting that Koeman has said that MANE is a doubt for Southampton in Europa league game tomorrow !! Anyone think this could be as a result of a bid from us ?

Believable0 Unbelievable5

26 Aug 2015 19:58:35
Thought he had got injured?

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26 Aug 2015 19:58:56
In June if anyone said we'd be looking at signing Mane people would have laughed at you

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26 Aug 2015 20:17:10
He was injured last game, was subbed after 20 minutes

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26 Aug 2015 20:28:07
More likely his injury sustained after 20mins last weekend as he was subbed off

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26 Aug 2015 20:52:35
Probably recovering from shock!

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26 Aug 2015 21:28:07
Love it beast

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26 Aug 2015 21:44:37
Haha give you that one Beast! :)

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26 Aug 2015 19:00:10
Hi all,
Thanks for the Eds as always for the site.
Few things.
1) Although not over, many thanks to the Eds, especially Ed001, for all the communication during the past 6-7 weeks, the transfer window must be manic. I also appreciate that you must receive some disgraceful words from the parasites of this planet but your loyalty to the majority is not overlooked, excellent job mate.
2) Everyone keep your chins up. Marvellous transfer window for us so far and who knows what else might happen. If nothing else does, at least we have established a top foundation defensively from which to build upon. Plus Depay looks like an eventual world beater to me.
3) Rooney - I've said all Summer our main priority away from CM is a CF, someone who can mix it up. Rooney's position is a No10, he has pulled it out of the bag for us before as a 9 but this year we do need something more. Fellaini may not be Ronaldo, but he can offer us something in the final third. Keep the trust in LVG, the man is a genius. We may get one more surprise this Summer.

Believable3 Unbelievable1

26 Aug 2015 18:44:57
Coming here after the days work is done is awesome,keep up the awesome post and good job on the eds to make this site possible.
I can't believe some folks can't see the usefullness of fella,best header and chest control in the world and we have him.a good option against anti football tactics.we play well against who wanna play football but not against the former.I grew up with cole and yorke and what a sight to behold it was but this fella with the wig can play a bit to.I have never seen a huge man like that fontrol a ball?so well except drogba and torre andre flo maybe

Believable3 Unbelievable0

26 Aug 2015 17:16:54
Were in serious trouble on are way to 4th again what the hells going on is there a player out there we ain't linked with its a joke were fast becoming a laughing stock and the way things are going were end up like Liverpool o glory this season again we can't seem to sign world class international players bale Ronaldo settled at Madrid muller settled at Munich and top it off man city and Chelsea buy players we should have signed as for van he's not the man he's a person please just go now mate how much Money have u spent and were still shit awful sell rvd let falcoe and welbeck leave and replace them with no one until we can buy a muller and a bale plus a decent cback were screwed

Believable1 Unbelievable7

26 Aug 2015 18:27:26
You need to buy a few full-stops and commas.

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26 Aug 2015 18:33:23
Blimey mate, have you ever heard of full stops? You're either just fishing for responses or need to get a grip. Either way, give it a rest

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26 Aug 2015 18:38:37
Lighten up mate

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26 Aug 2015 18:41:02
hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!
Honestly learn to think for yourself.

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26 Aug 2015 18:45:52
Ha this post is hilarious there so much been said i can picture you out of breath saying all this ha .

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26 Aug 2015 18:48:12
Manufan87, thanks for your post.
If nothing else, this has provided me with a good chuckle.

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26 Aug 2015 19:29:46
Would have replied earlier but had to catch my breath after reading that

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26 Aug 2015 19:50:04
I was planning in replying sooner , but I have only just regained consciousness after trying to read that post in one breath.

My daughter just looked at the colour of my face and asked if I was Papa Smurf!!!

Aaaand breath.

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26 Aug 2015 20:54:55
Hahaha wow, I never thought rvd was that good, his frog splash was immense though.

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26 Aug 2015 21:08:27
Love that this was posted the same night we routed Bruge and joined the main draw of the Champs league!

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26 Aug 2015 21:34:40
A shame I could only press disagree the once

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26 Aug 2015 22:01:18
Rvd. Is that like herpes?

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26 Aug 2015 17:12:44
Predictions for tonight?

I'm going for a 2-0 win. I reckon they'll go all out at the start, leaving them open in defence.

Can see Herrera and Hernandez starting too.

Believable1 Unbelievable1

26 Aug 2015 18:33:39
I would agree mate.

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26 Aug 2015 19:42:17
2-0.to the Belgians and out on away goals

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26 Aug 2015 20:55:14
Red since 64,

Not quite mate.

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26 Aug 2015 12:49:53
It is quite funny reading the comments lately. There really doesn't seem to be much middle ground given and it now seems a contest between those who are positive about things and those who are completely negative. I personally don't have a problem with that, but I do have a problem with posters who seem to embellish and over exaggerate the situation. According to one post I read we are now patched up with "free transfers"; while others just monotonously harp on about how bad everything is. I mean ffs, what is wrong with some of you guys?

Any United supporter with an atom of common sense knows we need forward players; but
that really is about it. We look defensively very resilient and have a formidable midfield. That alone will win us a lot points IMO.

At the end of day, I expect we all care about the club or we wouldn't waste our time posting on here; but for me, I just think that the defeatist pessimism that seems to plague a few is unwarranted at this juncture of the season; especially considering we have won two out of three and haven't conceded a goal.

Just my thoughts on the matter. I expect about 100 disagreements but hey, someone needs to say it.

Believable4 Unbelievable1

26 Aug 2015 13:23:31
They were bloody expensive free transfers ;)

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26 Aug 2015 13:30:42
What is the middle ground?

As far as I can see the main arguments are:

1: We have resolved our biggest issues from last season and are a-ok to challenge for the title.

2: We have major problems in some areas of the squad and won't be capable of challenging.

The only middle ground I can see is: we have improved our squad in some areas, but still have a few problems, but hey let's just wait and see how things pan out.

That's not a middle ground, it's not even an argument. All it is is some poor attempt to hedge your bets while dismissing the views of others.

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26 Aug 2015 13:55:22
Attack is our real weakness and will cost us this season. But a CB wouldn't go a miss would it? Trying to convert a CM into a CB really isn't good enough for a club our size. When you look at our CB's, smelling is progressing , jones and Evans are bottom half oh the PL players and Rojo is yet to inspire me. We need a CF and pacey winger, but at some point we need to sign a top CB. Our midfield will only bail out the CB deficiencies for so long

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26 Aug 2015 13:58:57
Full agreement Sam, I feel the same.
In heart of every one its good for club yet opinions coming are mind blowing

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26 Aug 2015 14:14:50
Sam as stated below the free transfer comment was in relation to the man who has replaced our MVP between the sticks. The man who got us CL football or has your memory relapsed over the past few months?

The problem is people like you want to divide posters into negative or positive when there is no such things, only different view points. I think I hold the middle ground, I praise and criticise when I see fit. Other posters may feel the same but in my opinion they're middle ground is different to mine so we will obviously but-heads while talking about the same topic.

If we play well and beat Brugge tonight I will praise the team and the performance. If we get through with a scrappy result I will praise the fact we got through but probably lambast the performaces. If (God forbid) we got eliminated from the CL tonight I would probably be calling for the managers head.

Does that make me a lesser supporter just because I have a point of view?

Come on Sam. Behave.

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26 Aug 2015 14:15:45
I do feel like there needs to be a bit of middle ground found, I can be very positive but even I have found some of the positive posts a bit too far that way, I try and see both sides but some people do love to exaggerate to make things seem worse than they are, this site has always been the same.

Imagine if we had lost one of the first 4 games mate, this is after 7 points from 3 games and a good win in Europe.

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26 Aug 2015 14:18:21
I agree sam just look at peps comments on schwieny when he left! A unfit player who won a world cup and champs league. Romero a player that got to a world cup final and copa america final. Yes we haven't signed the most desirable. I even get carried away myself, i do think sometimes lvg doesn't help himself it gives fans things to moan about. Trying to be diplomatic are we going to win the league probably not we all know were alil short. We all know the debates fellaini rooney mata ddg etc! We can complain but its lvg who can change it n he seems satisfied. Are we all probably not but then if we were would this site be any fun? I think we all hope we'd sign a muller or bale or reus before the window closes but if we don't i for one won't give up going to OT or away games n supporting the lads
Think we will win tonight and itll be a good game so let's hope there's something tomoz to moan about!!!

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26 Aug 2015 14:42:09
Danny,

You really are pig headed enough to think your opinion is the only one that is correct aren't you? You have a go at people for dismissing what you say then dismiss everything anybody else says, we get it, you want us to sign a few more players and you don't like LVG, if we don't then we get on with it.

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26 Aug 2015 14:47:01
Danny its true though. Right back was a poor area, everyone slated Valencia, we sign Darmian, Italy's right back, who's looked good so far. We had no cover for Carrick, we've now signed Germanys world cup winning captain. We lacked physical graft in midfield, we signed Morgan. This is solving issues.

Yes we need a right winger a centre back and a striker but all we can do is wait and see. That's the middle ground.

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26 Aug 2015 14:52:57
There's a lot of people on this site that just to stir and corse an argument and there's other who just come on for a good chat and some gossip about our club, coming on here ud think we r on a rival site, everyone as an opinion but some people just want to wind others up again just my opinion, but I love this site think it's great we can discuss with people all around the world so big thanks to all the eds and to all the negatives lighten up

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26 Aug 2015 15:00:08
I don't think anyone dismisses your views, Danny. Your views are valid for the most part.

The middle ground is where I sit; and I sit there because it seems the most logical place to be.

Since LVG was brought in he has transformed the club. Before he took over the team were in perpetual downfall. They had their winning mentality torn from them by the previous manager; and the manager before that allowed the seeds of our demise to grow (I have nothing but respect for SAF, but he didn't do enough to rebuild the squad in his last years).
In one year, LVG has basically built a new squad; implemented a new play style; and he has improved players whose United careers had looked to be over. He also got us back in the CL. All that in one season.

We have played 4 competitive games thus far this season. We have won three and drawn one. We have scored 5 and conceded 1 which was an own goal. Sure, we want to win every game 4.0, but that doesn't happen in reality. Thus in my mind, I see massive improvements. I see a team that is once again on the cusp of being serious contenders for major honors, although they are not quite there yet. I see a team that looks together and determined to do well.

In short: I think the middle ground has an argument of its own.

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26 Aug 2015 15:30:43
Jmb ,

you 'think you hold the middle ground ' .

Thanks for giving me a laugh there

Your starting point is you despise lvg and all his works and you consider that the middle ground ?

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26 Aug 2015 15:36:18
Stand - Blind hasn't put a foot wrong whilst being deployed in the CB role. He is a very intelligent footballer and reads the game so well. There are question marks over his physical suitability to the role, but I haven't seen him get roughed up yet.
I think Rojo - when fit - will probably alternate with Blind as the season progresses.

Maze - I apologies for not spotting your mistake.

I am not trying to divide anyone. I am just saying it how I see it.
I am not in no way shape or form insinuating that you are a lesser supporter compared to anyone else; I am just disagreeing with what you say mate.

GDS - I just add context to my opinion; and if you put the last 18 months into context, and contrast where we are now compared to where we were after Moyes' was sacked, I think anyone with an objective opinion would agree that the team is in better shape.

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26 Aug 2015 15:48:40
Fight , fight , fight.

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26 Aug 2015 16:25:18
Mascherano isn't a CB either

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26 Aug 2015 16:40:55
I'd like to think I hold the negative ground at the moment. I don't want to in all honesty but it's important that some fans hold the club and management to account. If you settle (middle ground), then you will never be truly satisfied and if you are Mr. positive all the time then you are deluding yourself and it will all come crashing down when the truth eventually hits home.

Nothing wrong in highlighting positives and there are some, but at the same time there is nothing wrong in pointing out our deficiencies (there are more imo).

I'm the flexy negative ground, when the performances and decision making start improving so will my outlook. But on the whole we are performing (off and on the pitch) below average for a club of our resources and prestige. We should be playing better and not making short term decisions with limited opportunity to rectify the problems when they inevitably emerge (CB, GK, CF and square pegs).

I don't actually think we should label people in one camp or another permanently, as most of us are intelligent enough to change our minds and understand that things change with time. At the moment we are lacking in a lot of areas, we take one step forward and 1 and a bit steps back.

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26 Aug 2015 17:20:52
I agree only with Betty

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26 Aug 2015 17:31:07
ive been critical of the squad or the last couple of years even our title winning team.
but i think this is a decent squad

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26 Aug 2015 17:47:08
I think that's exactly where we are right now, in the middle ground. Much better than we were under Moyes, looking a little better and more solid than last season. There are many positives but still a few lingering negatives like lack of quality at CB and up front.

Some posters do seem to revel in finding the negatives and banging on about them, even if they do like to remind us that they are just being 'realists'. that's a matter of opinion.

The free transfer between the posts so far has 3 clean sheets from 3 in the league, in a season where everyone thought we would leak tons of goals if Ddg wasn't playing. Its a team game and we look more solid as a unit regardless of the keeper.

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26 Aug 2015 18:08:41
Macherano plays in a team where they have 75 possession and has a top CB partner. Blind doesn't. Also Barca don't win many games by 1 goal so any defensive issues don't cost Barca like they will us.

Blind is intelligent yes. Does that lean anyone with a good footballing brain can play any position? Will you be happy with him matching up against Benteke in a few weeks??

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26 Aug 2015 18:35:12
My issue is people seem entrenched and are not prepared to debate or discuss other views. You don't have to be happy clappy or a doom monger. You can be positive but have concerns, that's not fence sitting that's just common sense.

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26 Aug 2015 20:03:44
Well said ajh

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26 Aug 2015 12:17:39
Felli up top. 'I'ts a bold move Cotton, let's see if it pays off'

Personally, i don't really understand the hate. He proved last season that he had got a lot better with his feet, and posters on here were saying how he was one of our best performers?

Now everyone hates him again!?

I'll never understand the way some people work.

On a plus we can all be happy about (Hopefully) is that there are rumours Herrera's starting tonight. Whoppie!

Believable5 Unbelievable0

26 Aug 2015 12:53:22
Herrera should start tonight along with Tony V who should be played in his natural right wing position.

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26 Aug 2015 13:24:34
Would be interesting to see Sam. I read somewhere that they have up to 8 first team players out? I'd let Toni V play RW and give Pereira a go behind the striker.

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26 Aug 2015 14:01:30
We shall see the best 11 fit to play as its do or die match.
Millions at stake via UCL qualification.
I m not expecting any experiments whatever LVG say about rotation.
Yes he may change considering last draw but not much.

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26 Aug 2015 14:42:34
Pereira not even travelled with the squad as far as I could see.

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26 Aug 2015 15:01:23
It seems to me that we are crying out for pace on the right, Harry, and Tony V has bags of it.

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26 Aug 2015 15:13:33
Toni V won't play. He didn't fly with the team.

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26 Aug 2015 15:27:01
we needed a midfield and a right back, unfortunatly this has highlighted our problems in attack, address the attack and that will highlight our issues in defence and so the ever turning cycle of continuous improvement keeps on turning.

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26 Aug 2015 15:45:10
But, but, but, i love Pereira!

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26 Aug 2015 16:27:29
I don't understand how you can say you want Valencia to play and keep a straight face.

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26 Aug 2015 12:15:14
Hi All,

Long tine reader first time poster. Great web page and actually more reliable than any red top!

Just a thought, but does anyone think we have been quieter on the transfer front as our targets are waiting to see if we officially get in to the Champions League?

Believable0 Unbelievable1

26 Aug 2015 12:52:53
More likely that United are waiting to see if we'll be in the CL.

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26 Aug 2015 12:52:38
Welcome bud!

Nice thought, that a lot of people are having. Personally i think not, i think we will have made our moves and sadly no new player until January.

P.s. There have been a lot of new posters recently. Thinking 'long time reader first time poster' should be made into LTRFTP.

Easier for everyone ;-)

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26 Aug 2015 13:27:43
No, if people are expecting 2 or 3 players to come in after tonights result they will be disappointed, 1 at most but more likely 0 I cannot wait for the window to "slam shut"!

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26 Aug 2015 13:56:27
No bearing on it IMO. I don't see us making any more signings

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26 Aug 2015 14:02:13
It looks both the way.
That's the best we can hope.

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26 Aug 2015 22:36:07
We will not be signing anyone as nothing of quality available. I really believe we have massive funds but no one available that would make a difference

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26 Aug 2015 12:10:28
It's too quiet. Do you feel the storm coming ?

Believable0 Unbelievable2

26 Aug 2015 12:53:39
I've got my transfer mac at the ready!

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26 Aug 2015 13:29:45
Ziko you are obviously desperate for transfers but it is unlikely now, expect nothing and be pleasantly surprised if there is something.

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26 Aug 2015 11:42:48
Personally I think we will make some big moves after confirmation of champions league football, I think we seem to be forgetting it's still in the balance and this will be affecting players decisions, a last minute bid for Reus would be my preferred (realistic) choice. Possibly de bruyne, ibra loan move maybe plus a CB of some sort

Believable3 Unbelievable2

26 Aug 2015 13:03:42
Apparently Zlatan was offered to us earlier in the window LVG not interested in the slightest.

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26 Aug 2015 13:32:21
This isn't fantasy football mate, I hope you are right and at least 1 player is signed because this page will go into meltdown again next Tuesday if not.

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26 Aug 2015 11:41:09
Felliani's first season he was criticised and ostracised by most of not all supporters on here. After his break out season last year a few (including myself) warmed to him as an important part of the squad who brings another dimension and diversity to our play.

Even still if you look through the posts at the start of the transfer window everyone and their dog stated he should be a plan B to throw on for the last five minutes up top when your chasing a game as you would throw John Terry up front.

Now I said from the off Felliani will be integral to LVG's plans because, in my opinion, LVG has very limited plans to win games and the big Fella is LVG's go to guy when the going gets tough. Now I am all for giving Felliani a chance, I championed him last season for his commitment to the team, but for the manager to outright tell the fans he will be utilised as a striker is a kick in the teeth.

If anyone really thinks we can challenge with a an out of sorts Rooney and a big lump like Felliani leading the line with the rest of the team being patched up with free transfers and players being asked to adapt to foreign postions you have lost your mind.

Come on LVG, Woodward and the Glazer boys do you want a title challenge or top 4 challenge? Get real or adjust your expectations.

Believable1 Unbelievable5

26 Aug 2015 12:32:43
Because everyone we signed 5 weeks were bosmans.

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26 Aug 2015 12:38:31
"If anyone really thinks we can challenge with a an out of sorts Rooney and a big lump like Felliani leading the line with the rest of the team being patched up with free transfers and players being asked to adapt to foreign postions you have lost your mind. "

What? Patched up with free transfers?

I think you're the one who has lost his mind.

What a load of rubbish.

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26 Aug 2015 12:50:59
That point was in reference to the goalkeeper that replaced our player of the year from last season.

But your comment was very witty Mort.

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26 Aug 2015 12:51:57
What the manager said is that if and when Fellaini is used it will be as a forward player , which is fair enough as its where he's most effective . What he didn't say was that Fellaini would be his first choice no. 9 or No. 10 every week , but of course this is what some people have chosen to read into it

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26 Aug 2015 12:57:30
I don't feel kicked in the teeth? Does that mean i'm not a fan?

Lumps also tend to do well upfront i'll have you know JMB.

Costa? Ibra? Mandzukic? even Lukaku and Benteke. I'm personally glad we will have a physical presence up top.

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26 Aug 2015 12:58:55
Again Samthered15 as I have explained to good old Mort above I am speaking in regards to the FREE TRANSFER WHO couldn't CUT IT at a mid table club in Serie A who has gone on to REPLACE OUR PLAYER OF THE YEAR last season who was worth at least 15 POINTS.

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26 Aug 2015 12:58:55
JMB always throws ridiculous things into his posts, it is his style, get's more of a reaction, actually agree with much of the post to be honest.

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26 Aug 2015 13:25:18
He reminds me of Katie Hopkins GDS

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26 Aug 2015 13:29:43
You said free transfers, which is a plural.

For a no mark free transfer he hasn't done to badly has he? How many goals has he let in?

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26 Aug 2015 13:30:19
I would also like to add: who are these player playing in foreign positions?

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26 Aug 2015 13:52:00
Thanks I do try.

Point is you made out like the whole squad was patched up with freebies like a league 2 save on football manager.

We signed 1. And correct me if I'm wrong but 13 months ago wasn't he playing in a world cup final?

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26 Aug 2015 13:54:00
And maybe if our player of the year 2 seasons running had signed the offer placed on front of him TWO years ago instead of shafting us to run it down and try to force a cheap move to Madrid we wouldn't be in the position of needing to replace him.

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26 Aug 2015 14:00:55
What jmb has said is very relative. If not for ddg last season we would have finished 6th. He's been replaced by a outcast on a free transfer. It's ridiculous we haven't addressed this properly. When someone like cech becomes available for £10m

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26 Aug 2015 14:01:21
Harry you did not just compare Ibrahimoivic and Costa to Felliani.

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26 Aug 2015 14:17:00
Not trying to get a reaction GDS2 just saying it as it is. But I am glad you agree and have actually read the post unlike most of the above who seen the word free transfer and got thier knickers twisted in a pretty little bunch.

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26 Aug 2015 14:44:18
Luke shaw is playing as a French left back and Chris smalling is having to play as a German centre half, it's terrible. Le juan mata is doing ok though in the norweigen right midfield position.

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26 Aug 2015 15:02:01
Many posters have said MF is a good Plan B from the bench and I don't see what LVG said as any different. Still hope we enhance Plan A!

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26 Aug 2015 15:41:35
Maze, you said: "patched up with free transfers" which sounded to me like you were referring to more than one free transfer, hence my consternation.

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26 Aug 2015 15:58:35
No mate I go commando most days.

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26 Aug 2015 17:55:59
Question is which mind has maze lost if he has lost his mind. maze jmb or rollo that is a lot to keep up with

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26 Aug 2015 11:33:17
Felliani's first season he was criticised and ostracised by most of not all supporters on here. After his break out season last year a few (including myself) warmed to him as an important part of the squad who brings another dimension and diversity to our play.

Even still if you look through the posts at the start of the transfer window everyone and their dog stated he should be a plan B to throw on for the last five minutes up top when your chasing a game as you would throw John Terry up front.

Now I said from the off Felliani will be integral to LVG's plans because, in my opinion, LVG has very limited plans to win games and the big Fella is LVG's go to guy when the going gets tough. Now I am all for giving Felliani a chance, I championed him last season for his commitment to the team, but for the manager to outright tell the fans he will be utilised as a striker is a kick in the teeth.

If anyone really thinks we can challenge with a an out of sorts Rooney and a big lump like Felliani leading the line with the rest of the team being patched up with free transfers

Believable1 Unbelievable2

26 Aug 2015 12:05:16
I personally think he could do a job up top. I would actually play him as the number 9 with Rooney behind him as the 10. This would not mean we need to lump it up to him as I actually think he has good control whather that be with his feet or chest. This would allow Rooney the freedom to influence the play more. and with Deepay and maybe Januzai (or a new buy) either side they could form a formidable front line.
Someone refrerenced RVN. no one is comparing Fellaini to him but i think he could do a similar job. Defenders would struggle with him and this would free up space for others.
All in all I would prefer a new striker. but as an option i don't think it is as bad as some would make out.

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26 Aug 2015 13:23:14
Yes Brad. Fellaini is better player than people are giving him credit for

💂

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26 Aug 2015 14:05:55
Everytime we played Everton when the Wig was up top he destroyed us single handedly not with long balls with strength .If he does that in 10-12 games this season we will win games we shouldn't 😆😆

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26 Aug 2015 10:43:23
How much did we pay for Phil Jones?

I know he hasn't reached expectation after Sir Alex's comments about him being the clubs best ever player but back when we signed him, he was in Stone's shoes.

There is no way I agree Stones is worth £40m. I know Rio cost a lot but even he was a risk at £27m. Maybe teams have to gamble but money is getting silly now.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

26 Aug 2015 11:41:55
rio was playing for england, and performed well at a world cup, and a main stay in a decent leeds side at the time of purchase, point being he had proved himself more than stones has done

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26 Aug 2015 12:33:40
Arguably the best England player at that world cup as well.

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26 Aug 2015 13:24:52
£40m!! 😰😯😯

I'm sorry but he isn't worth half that!!!

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26 Aug 2015 10:27:21
Predicted scores, I'm going for 4-0 feeling positive

Believable1 Unbelievable0

26 Aug 2015 11:32:05
I think a few people said that about Saturday, we don't need to win and it will be a different prospect to last week over there, I would go with 1-1 or 1-0.

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26 Aug 2015 11:35:07
Are you kidding? A draw will be a good result. Where do some posters get all the scores from?

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26 Aug 2015 11:42:54
1-1 think lvg will revert to giving nothing away as he does in the prem

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26 Aug 2015 11:45:49
Jesus 4-0 would be awful. I'm going for 0-4 ;)

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26 Aug 2015 12:10:54
1-0 to us, Felli - 70+ minute

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26 Aug 2015 12:26:49
Schmidfield it's a prediction predict yours and don't moan about everyone else Jesus standing on egg shells

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26 Aug 2015 12:59:22
You're not on egg shells Big poppa. Your on broken glass. My opinion is better than yours.

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26 Aug 2015 13:06:34
0-2 think Brugge will be even more adventurous as they need some goals should get plenty of chances on the break.

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26 Aug 2015 13:26:05
I'll go 1-3 again!

Depay, Rooney and Fellaini

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26 Aug 2015 14:39:53
Rooney 2 smalling and juan/Memphis

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26 Aug 2015 22:07:05
Nice call big poppa red

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26 Aug 2015 22:17:40
Big poppa red, any chance I could have the lottery numbers for the weekend?

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26 Aug 2015 22:21:45
Cough cough

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26 Aug 2015 23:02:49
Lol just a honest prediction on what I seen on last weeks game and that Brugge would of be chasing the game, should of been more let's hope we do the same Sunday

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26 Aug 2015 10:26:39
My analysis of LVG's comments are; he isn't going to say we are extremely desperate for a striker is he? So why not call their bluff so to speak, any selling club will exploit our weakness otherwise! Ultimately if we end up with big wig up top I'll embrace it and wait to see what happens. You never know it could be a good move, perhaps he will get 20-30 goals, admittedly most will be stuck on his head but still.

Believable1 Unbelievable1

26 Aug 2015 11:28:28
Or may be he is speaking what he is feeling really,

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26 Aug 2015 12:36:39
Yes because someone who's won league titles in 3 countries and a champions league (ok 20 years ago but still 1 more than some have managed) doesn't have a clue to the role a striker plays in winning things.

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26 Aug 2015 13:08:31
So he can't get things wrong, I would call playing Rooney in midfield last year a massive mistake wouldn't u.

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26 Aug 2015 09:39:05
Fellaini will play up top tonight and will score .


I think he's perfect for our system if we're not going to buy anyone .

Believable2 Unbelievable3

26 Aug 2015 10:32:07
I would try out Memphis on the right with young on the left, stick Fellaini up front with Rooney playing off him. See if that gives Wayne a little less pressure and give him something to play with. Would be nice to see Herrara play as well but LVG obviously doesn't trust him.

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26 Aug 2015 10:50:16
Hear hear!!!
I think the role of Fellaini this season is defo one of importance. It means there is a target man for crosses and set pieces. I expect him to shine this season.

☺

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26 Aug 2015 10:51:03
Well LvG wasn't lying when he said our new striker won't be the ones we all expect. Back to the days of mega signings that never quite happen?

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26 Aug 2015 12:34:22
I would 100% be playing Memphis and Young on either wing, Rooney/Mata/Herrera behind Fellaini . Then we could mix things up with crosses and through balls etc. Rooney is able to play as a lone striker and never will be.

I think we will see a lot of Fellaini this season

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26 Aug 2015 09:25:23
Some people are seemingly never happy on here. This window is a disaster? Give your head a shake!

Our problem last season was lack of quality CM and even more so teams walking through our CM. So we have bought Basti and Morgan. Does this not address that issue? I believe so.

We had no real pace in the squad, so we bought Depay. I don't see him as a replacement for Di Maria. But did it solve the issue? More so than some would think on here.

The simple fact of the matter is, whether it was LVG in charge, Moyes in charge or SAF in charge, we won't pay what we don't think a player is worth! And we won't buy players that are not already an improvement on what we have!

Not being funny as I am a big critic of Rooney but in all fairness after playing 2 even 3 seasons as a midfielder (10,8 and even 6 at times) I think you can cut the slack a bit. He was never an early starter. We all know he scores in clusters. And has rarely played the no 9 position in the past few years even at england he has been playing more of a 10 role. If in a few games time he hasn't improved then LVG will drop him.

Transfer window hasn't shut yet, stop crying over players the media say we 'lost' and dry your eyes fellas. Making it look like the Liverpool page. It's embarrassing to say the least!

Believable5 Unbelievable2

26 Aug 2015 10:35:23
Well said RedDon, a couple weeks into the window everyone was loving it and we had signed 5 players in a few weeks but now we want more? I would say maybe a striker from what I have seen but it does have to be someone of Zlatan's quality. Berahino may not be a bad player but I'm not sure we need him, I think we need someone with a good head.

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26 Aug 2015 10:41:23
Agree 100% with this. Good post.

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26 Aug 2015 10:48:09
A step by step guide on how to dismiss rational debate on the state of the squad.

1. Start by making reference to those with critical opinions being never happy or miserable. It will make their attitude look unreasonable.

2. Pretend that we have already addressed our biggest issues from last season. This will require you to ignore the fact that we were trying to sign a new cb up until a few weeks ago, our lack of natural right winger, the fact that we have three senior keepers exiled from the first team, and that we have lost two of our main strikers from last season. This might seem like a bit of a stretch, but it will reinforce the idea that any criticisms are without foundation.

3. Claim that Depay is a direct replacement for Di Maria, and effectively resolves our problems with pace and creativity. This is a difficult sell because Van Gaal stressed the need for pace and creativity after we already had signed Depay, and clearly stated that we need to replace Di Maria with a new player. It also flys in the face of our attempts to sign Pedro. However, you need to stick with your guns or it will undermine step 2.

4. Make sure that our failure to pay fee x for player y is an entirely moral issue. We just don't pay over the odds like other clubs because we are morally superior to the likes of Chelsea and City. If necessary trot out the line about Man Utd making stars, people seem to like that. Add the cavievt about only buying players that can improve the squad, bolstering the impression that our squad is actually so good that only the world's best players can improve us.

5. Add a hamfisted explanation about how Rooney will come good or we have sufficient depth to cover for him in the event he doesn't recover his form. This is a key step because the most common claim is that we need a striker and you need to counter this in every way possible. We now know that Fellaini is a striker so use this to your advantage, he could easily get 20 goals a season.

6. Finish on an insult. Let them know they are babies, glory hunters and not real supporters. If all else fails an unflattering comparison to Liverpool fans will convince them of their unbecoming behaviour.

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26 Aug 2015 10:54:55
RedDon - A major issue last year was how many times DDG had to save our bacon, not only are we losing DDG we also haven't strengthened the obvious CB problems we have. I think too many of us supporters are ignoring this because of the clean sheets and how the DM's are covering up a lot of hidden problems.

It isn't going to take much to rock the boat, I don't think we have prepared for inevitable injuries, fitness and lack of quality to come in. Romero hasn't even had a shot to save of note yet, that won't last for long.

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26 Aug 2015 11:03:19
RedDon,

You are wrong, the window has been a disaster, are you actually serious that you think we have addressed issues? We have not improved in the slightest and we will be lucky to get 7th never mind 4th or challenge for the title. LVG said he wanted to do business before the tour and I know he signed 4 players and they have all settled really well but he didn't mean them 4 players he meant a big star like we always sign and we haven't got him, I would throw 200m at Bayern for Muller as he is exactly what we need.

Sorry mate, just pre-empting the responses to this, you are maybe ever so slightly too positive, but really enjoyed reading your post, breath of fresh air after seeing some of the stuff on here.

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26 Aug 2015 11:11:06
Or Newcastle, I think we are sounding very 'Newcastley' at the moment.

Agree with the post entirely. We've addressed the major issues of last season and things on top will be a luxury.

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26 Aug 2015 11:34:38
Red Don nice to see there's a few level headed united fans out there that aren't loosing their s@#t over the last months events or lack of

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26 Aug 2015 11:35:38
Haha well they got posted before mine but I was almost right! If you are positive you are wrong because you are just ignoring the miserable people who are all right with every opinion.

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26 Aug 2015 11:46:23
Agree with Danny and Beast. Rooney and fellaini are not going to be sufficient.
Also the original poster mentioned that Rooney always starts slowly and we should accept that?! Why should we accept Rooney not being fully fit 5 matches into the new season? It is a ridiculous statement to make.
There again, if some of us are calling for standards to rise, we get called negative. Wake up and smell the rises, because while we're patting ourselves on the back, other teams like City, Chelsea and Liverpool are getting stronger.

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26 Aug 2015 11:48:14
I thought you had gone crazy the GDS2 lol!

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26 Aug 2015 12:06:40
If people want to be optimistic that's fine. But people are trying to rewrite the history of what happened this summer and last season to present their opinions as facts.

If someone were to say. Two of our biggest issues last season were cm and rb, we have solved these problems this summer, and despite not resolving our issues at cb, rw, keeper and striker, I think we have enough to challenge this season. I would disagree, but at least they wouldn't be trying to distort what happened.

It's when people pretend that we weren't after a cb and rw, are short up front, and have a very precarious keeping position that I scoff. It's also telling that these are the people who post insults instead of actual arguments.

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26 Aug 2015 12:22:29
Im not saying we don't need cover for Rooney, a CB or a RW. And I can only say fair point to the beast regarding DDG. But we're a couple of games in and most fans are already predicting a failure. I really don't understand it at all. Yes we haven't been convincing but have Chelsea? I wouldn't say so. The resurgence of city is what I think has wound most of the fans up. But again its only a few games in.

I for one will judge the window when shut, instead of "why didn't we sign him" I'd rather assume that we have alternatives in mind. Because being the huge club we are means we most likely have. 002 mentioned there will be a flurry of activity from the top clubs including ourselves, as we are looking to add.

The DDG fiasco can only be pegged down to LVG being wary of him last summer. A mistake yes, but the be all and end all? No chance! We are Manchester United, we've lost some of the best players in the world over the years but we manage to overcome it.

LVG wasn't my preferred choice but unlike some I'll happily back somebody who is clearly making changes, who is not afraid to ship the deadwood out and has already improved the squad and position from Moyes tenure. We all knew it would never be easy without Sir Alex but life goes on, as does Manchester United.

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26 Aug 2015 12:54:12
Danny Pughnited's last post is spot on. Some people need to see the bigger picture rather than spinning it the way it suits them.

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26 Aug 2015 14:18:02
JMB,

Nobody NEEDS to do anything, we are all more than capable of making up our own minds, the lectures are getting a bit silly.

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26 Aug 2015 09:06:50
Fellaini came in for some considerable criticism in his first season, similar to Luke Shaw last year. Both were injury blighted.

Players need to be in peak condition and get consistent playing time to really gel within a team, and that is even more so with a new manager. Neither of them had that luxury and consequently disappointed, but it is entirely wrong to write them off completely on the basis of such an unrepresentative sample.

Last season Fellaini scored many vital goals for us, providing a threat where we otherwise had none. He's played a few minutes this season, got the ball under control, laid it off, got himself into the penalty area, and headed in a potentially vital 3rd goal.

So now everyone is recognizing that Luke Shaw is an excellent right back and could make that position his own for a decade. Meanwhile Fellaini has won only muted praise for his contribution, without which we would more than likely not be in Europe. People keep saying he's not a United player. But in the meantime he puts on our shirt and goes out and plays for us. Like it or not, he may be precisely what many do not want to recognize, exactly that - a UNITED player - fitting into a tactical approach quite well, providing as good an aerial threat as anyone in the league. He is big, physical and has to be taken seriously, hence Mourinho last season using Matic and Zouma to counter his threat. His very presence adjusts an opponents tactical approach making potential space and opportunity for team mates. There is a reason why he's been a consistent starter for a good Belgian team.

Pretty no, effective yes. Is it the free flowing style of yesteryear? Perhaps not - but in this era, where we seem to no longer have the drawing power we once had to attract the Messis and Neymars let alone the Bales - and where any team in the league has players of sufficient quality and discipline to make themselves very difficult to beat - he is a vital weapon, far more dangerous in the box than Rooney. He deserves the manager's and our support.

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26 Aug 2015 11:07:27
shaw,

Spot on mate, the overreaction on here to everything LVG says is getting very tiresome, most of us would play Fellaini up top, he isn't going to get in the midfield and he was a massive asset when he played last year but LVG says it and he isn't 'playing the United way' and is turning us into a long ball team.

We don't just play long ball football when he plays, but it is good to have that option there if other things aren't working, we were crying out for him last 15-20 against Newcastle.

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26 Aug 2015 11:26:52
Not the player deserve but the player we need?

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26 Aug 2015 08:25:51
OK I see where lvg is going, City have Aguero, Chelsea have Costa, bayern lewandawaski, Barca shared, Real have Ronaldo. We have fellaini as our secret weapon and 20 goals a year striker.
All that movement all the athletism all the lightening pace. Great lvg, that's a masterstroke.

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26 Aug 2015 08:50:20
Its turning into quite the makeshift team. Felliani a MF by trade up top, Mata a natural AM out wide, Blind a CM playing at the heart of the defence, Depay/Januzaj wingers by trade being experimented with when the managers feels like it, Rooney a No.10/ST by trade (depending on your perspective) playing awful.

What's next Romero on the wing? John Barnes as fitness coach?

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26 Aug 2015 09:07:52
Jan Mobly as been appointed as the Club's new dietician.

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26 Aug 2015 09:17:51
Why don't we wait and see how it works before we start slagging it off?

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26 Aug 2015 09:32:03
JMB,

Fellaini played up top for Everton and was the position we all wanted him to play after 13-14. Blind played in defense all throughout his Ajax career, so if anything that is his natural position. Lastly, Januzaj has always said he thinks he belongs in the centre. Do you actually watch football and United or do you just twist reality in order to fuel your pessimism?

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26 Aug 2015 09:33:56
I am starting to worry as I agree more and more with JMB's posts

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26 Aug 2015 09:57:08
I hope you guys aren't slagging off the Belgian Ibrahimovic?!

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26 Aug 2015 10:27:10
Fellaini is useful as plan B , a substitute coming on to play off the striker as he did at Everton. His chest control is outstanding and he is a physical presence arriving at the back post. I can only hope LVG is playing the media on this one because if he really truly believes Fellaini is the answer as a main striker then he has lost my trust and failure to strengthen in that area would likely cost him his job sooner than later. I would be surprised if the United Fans as a whole would see Fellaini as the striker to make us great again so LVG can only be covering in case he can't bring the striker he wants. If he doesn't want one I feel we will be searching for a new manager at the end of the season

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26 Aug 2015 11:08:23
Nathaniel,

Hit the nail on the head, everything is twisted in order to slag off the manager or suggest United 'aren't what we used to be'.

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26 Aug 2015 11:28:13
Almost hit the nail on the head gds, you forgot the pseudo band of un-merry men to back up his points.

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26 Aug 2015 11:52:56
Totally agree with all apart from GDS obviously who has this ridiculously optimistic view despite all the FACTS put in front of him.
Of course fellaini will score the odd goal and provide a physical and alternative presence. But GDS, fellaini is not a striker, just as Blind is not a CB or Mata is not RW.
Sorry but as RedMan says, I hope lvg is bluffing. Fellaini will be excellent in games when we need his presence but he's not a striker who should be playing at a great club like United.

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26 Aug 2015 13:05:06
Schmid,

This post is about Fellaini, not about the shiny new signing, not about whether we have got adequate cover on the right wing. Every single post at the minute is coming back to the EXACT same thing, it is boring. I think Fellaini will do well as a striker, that is not me saying I don't think we need to sign anybody else, the 2 are totally separate issues.

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