Manchester United banter 5

07 Apr 2024 19:22:45
Well today was never about us getting Champions league really, we just wanted to stop them getting 3 points. I thought the young lad at CB was topclass and definitely one for next season with Martinez, fast aggressive and passion. I can see the points being made by pundits, Bruno runs everywhere leaving lots of space for the opposition and Maguire is just slow and has no position sence.

Our back line play so deep because of him there are huge gaps when try to press. Again ETH has to decide what he wants, to press or not, if the team can't do it why persist, if everyone isn't pressing together it doesn't work. Today Liverpool could have been out of sight at half time.

08 Apr 2024 05:39:42
Maybe this is me being stupid, but the lad had a very good performance against a very good attacking liverpool side.
Luis Diaz and Nunez are not easy to play against.

He should be rewarded with another start and maybe even more.

Guys like Kobbie who are a class above, and Kambwala are what will save us money in the transfer window.

I was mighty impressed with his performance. He looked very confident.

08 Apr 2024 06:12:53
I was saying that a few days ago. cb's play too deep and our mids are out of position quite often and gap between lines is sizable and easy for team to break on us.

Cas needs replacing as he does not have the pace to cover but even a faster more athletic 6 will struggle as there is too much space for any one player to cover. Was watching city do their thing against palace and their cb's are on the 40 yard line of the opposition half and they seem comfortable playing that way.

Our cb's main contribution is going long where their's are part of the attack and comfortable passing through the lines sitting in the opposition half. It might help if we had better ball possession but everyone in our team loses possession and why every team gets these breaks on us.

IMO we need to buy and spend on a couple of cb's and guys like maguire are good squad players and needed given how you are going to have injuries in this league. Not sure where to find the stats but I would think Bruno loses possession more most players in the league.

Finally. I think onana is a mint keeper and if we sort out the back 4 and some shape to our midfield and give him some protection, he will be great success at the club. enjoyed the game and watching klop moan afterwards made me laugh, shame we could not see it out for a win.

08 Apr 2024 07:00:03
I’ve been waiting to see if Kambwala had a performance like that in him, and there it was! The tackle he got booked for was a proper derby challenge, cleanly won the ball and got the crowd on our feet. He’s got into the crowd the past couple of fixtures too. The lad has personality and potential, but we need to remember he’s a decade away from his peak, so we have to be patient.

Mainoo again, wow. Asking for the ball, and then putting it in the top corner, in front of the stretford in that fixture. Leadership qualities. Some player he is going to be.

08 Apr 2024 09:42:14
Imo onana won us the point yesterday. Couple of key saves at nil all and 1 nil down.
I have been critical but he has won us some points recently. Fair play to him and the coaches he has really stepped up his form.
Mainoo will get the headings but the game could and should have been it of sight but onana saved us.
Big willy was great too he could well playing himself into the squad and save us a fortune. I'd play him over lindelof evans and maguire everyday of the week.
Mcallister is a class act best player in the pitch by a mile.
Nice to get a point and gives us a little momentum heading towards the cup semi and it keeps us a point ahead of West ham in the race for 6th and that europa league place.

08 Apr 2024 09:51:28
A couple of saves from onana today were as important as kobe's goal.
I've been fairly critical of him but he has been much improved and is clawing back his points deficit from early in the season by gaining us points at the moment. Full credit to him and coaches. His head seems to be clearer since the afcon and he is earning his stripes.

I think our 2nd half performance warranted a draw and Liverpool will feel hard done by for not converting their dominance into goals. Really sloppy in the final 3rd no where near as fluid as arsenal or City at the moment imo.
McAllister is a class act a really top player.

Big willy was excellent and may well play his way into the squad next year and save us a fortune. He is brave, very quick and comfortable on the ball I really like what I saw from him today. He played every minute like a fan expects.
Good result pity we couldn't hang on for the win but it was a rash tackle and he won the penalty well.

We have to keep some sort of momentum going into the semi final and a draw today is a good start to that.

08 Apr 2024 10:54:16
Tumble I think you're right, Kwambala could well be one of the two mooted CBs we'll be looking for. Probably Branthwaite or Todibo as the other. Guess it all depends who leaves, difficult to say but I think um big Willy has definitely elevated himself into contention to start any game.

08 Apr 2024 11:18:03
Big willy is on the rise spenno.

08 Apr 2024 11:33:08
Delighted for Big Willy. Love how he gets involved with the fans too, real confidence for a young lad. I’ve seen a couple of suggestions about his development and think worth exploring. If we could get Todibo in and loan Big Willy for the season to Nice, he would get the game time and experience he needs. We will sign a CB in the summer and you hope Martinez would be fit so game time will be limited, if we can avoid the amount of injuries. Appreciate there are lots of games to be played but a loan to Marseille really helped Saliba. Evans will go in summer I assume and Lindelof or Maguire but can’t see Evans, Maguire, Lindelof and Varane all leaving so you’d assume we’d have Martinez/ NEW CB/ Varane, Maguire or Lindelof. Which would make Big Willy 4th choice so even less game opportunity. But certainly would not be disappointed if he was one of 4 CB’s for us next season.

08 Apr 2024 12:31:00
Varane is out of contract in the summer ports
Evans is done I'd say was useful for this season I doubt he'll get another year.
Lindelof has 1 year left he might see it out or we may get an offer from somewhere for him.
Maguire likewise entering his last year but we have an option for a further year.
A loan would be great for willy but agree on saliba. Time will tell.

08 Apr 2024 14:04:55
We have a few young players who have stepped up this season and potentially have saved us millions on new players for those positions this summer.

Mainoo has been phenomenal and has been our brightest spark this season. He continues to impress and show what he's capable of. While he had a quieter game over all yesterday, the way he demanded the ball, turned and smashed it into the top corner to give us the lead shows his elite mentality at just 18 years old. Maybe it hyperbole, but I think if he steers clear of injury he will go down as one of our greatest midfielders.

Garnacho has also shown that actually, at least for the next year or two that the RW might be his best position. It has opened up his game and made him less focused on cutting in to shoot. Which has made him a far more dangerous and creative player for us. I feel that as a LW player he is still very much an impact player like last season, too one dimensional but very effective off the bench against tiring legs. But on the right he offers a treat both by going wide or by cutting in, and he plays with his head up much more, looking to create for his teammates. Yet he also sees shooting opportunities by having his head up, rather than just driving for the same part of the pitch to unleash a right footed shot towards the far post.

I actually think we could do without a RW signing this summer due to Garnacho's break out this season in that position. I'd rather look for a forward who can play across the frontline who could be a back up/ competition for Hojlund, as well as able to play wide when needed.

Finally in the short amount of time Kambwala has had he has been impressive every time. He doesn't make many mistakes, is strong, quick, has good technique. As it stands Martinez is the only CB who we can be sure will be here next season. Varane is out of contract, Evans is looking to retire, while Lindelof and Maguire could and probably should both look to leave. With neither being good enough or well suited to how we are looking to play.

With that in mind it seems like we will make at least two maybe even three CB signings this summer. Given Martinez's injury issues this season even if one of Maguire or Lindelof stay one CB signing will not be enough.

I'd be inclined to sign two CB's to compete with Martinez and keep Kambwala as the 4th choice option. I could see us signing both Branthwaite and Todibo who are the two most linked players to us. Four CB's of Brantwaite, Todibo, Martinez and Kambwala for next season look like a well balanced and progressive bunch capable of playing the style of football we ant to see at Old Trafford.

07 Apr 2024 09:02:57
I keep reading this line of defence for ETH “What’s he supposed to do? ” given the injuries. Well:

1. Drop Rashford. We have cover. Why is he sticking with the most out of form seemingly couldn’t care less player in the entire league (not just the club. )

2. Stop playing McT as a holding midfielder. He’s just not capable. He wanted Amrabat. Guy’s never had a real chance. Play him. At least he understands the role.

3. Give Bruno clear guidelines on his role. The diving, whinging headless chicken act that continually gives the ball away is pointless.

4. Tell Casemiro or Amrabat whoever is DM to stay in his own half. Give Mainoo a bit of licence to roam.

5. Stop with the bloody inverted wingers and focus on getting service to Hojlund. May help Antony too.

6. Stop playing Lindelof at LB. If need be drop down to academy to get a proper LB. Either that or swap Dalot there and play AWB at RB where he should be.

7. Now Mount is fit, rotate him with Bruno at 10. Freshen things up. Rotate more. Trust the squad.

8. If the only available defenders are incapable of playing out from back (Lindelof at home to Man City made my eyes bleed) DON’T play out from the back.

9. Coach players (assuming ETH has the ability) on training ground some game management principles. Points lost at end of games has cost us top four.

10. Get the fans back inside. Season one we had a manager who was relatively open and honest. This year he’s treating us like idiots.

11. Fall out with some press. Ban Dickhurst or somebody. Create some siege-mentality. Us against the world. Unify the squad, drop players that aren’t trying, engage the supporters and demonstrate some sense of tactical nous.

We’re awful to watch and so predictably bad that even that is boring now. Do something different man.

If he can’t do any of those things - or preferably something better with the managerial and coaching skills he’s supposed to have then what’s the point.

Everybody should remember some of the teams SAF put out that won big games. On paper they looked weak. Smalling, Jones, Cleverley, Evans, Anderson and Wellbeck. All started in the 8-2 victory of Arsenal. None of them elite players. But they knew they had to put a shift in every time they put the shirt on. If they didn’t. Dropped.

Try that Eric. Don’t need to be a tactical genius. You just need to stop being a coward and exert yourself.

{Ed025's Note - some really good points there BRD, good honest post mate..

07 Apr 2024 09:48:12
I'd like to see mount as a 10 with mainoo and casemiro ( no one else ) as the 2 holding midfielders.
Completely agree about the wingers getting a yard and putting it in the box and also the whole lindelof, wan bisaka at lb back is just mind blowing. Dalot has been the surprise of the season with his good performances he is more than capable at playing left back.
Bruno is a strange situation. At times he's our best player but others he doesn't contribute and if anything weakens the team. His passing in atrocious, gives the ball away so many times. I do wonder if he's told to play so high up the pitch and to play the way he does. If not why hasn't the management done anything to stop it.
I think your point at 9 is my biggest concern of ten hag. 2 seasons in the players haven't improved, no patterns of play. He says he hasn't the players to play how he wants to. Yet his signings have been abysmal. The spurs manager did an interview around the same time ten hag came out and said he can't play how he did at ajax. Ange said one thing that winds him up is when coaches say they haven't got the player to implement their style. His words were just coach them. I don't think ten hag can.

07 Apr 2024 11:06:51
Thanks Ed025. I’ll retire while I’m ahead ?.

{Ed025's Note - dont you dare.. :)

07 Apr 2024 11:19:07
Bad Red Devil, brilliant post. I think that sums it up perfectly. Take a bow.

07 Apr 2024 11:25:29
Good post BRD, I agree with a lot of points and your closing summary, but just to play devils advocate here and encourage some healthy debate:

1. He dropped Rashford against Chelsea. So I don't understand this point. I would like to see consistency and drop him against Liverpool.

2. Same as above, he was dropped against Chelsea with Casemiro favoured. Again would like to see him dropped against Liverpool. Although I agree about Amrabat, he hasn't really performed when played.

3. Agreed with Bruno points.

4. I don't think the issue is the DM staying in their own half, we just aren't compact enough between the DM and Defence. Teams find it easy to play through us for this reason as there is so much space. Is this potentially Maguire naturally sitting deeper due to lack of pace? If so needs addressing.

5. I agree about service to Hojlund, but Antony arguably had his best game against Chelsea, and Garnacho was POTM until the 96th minute. We need to find balance with service and cutting in. Naturally this is easier with overlapping fullbacks. But with Shaw out we have no left footed LB.

6. I agree, but I don't think we know enough about the academy to know whether players are ready for the step up. i'm sure the academy coaches will be feeding in to ETH and recommending players that are ready.

7. Agreed with Mount, needs more minutes and has looked good. Maybe Bruno needs a rest. Appreciate he hasn't missed a game but might do him good.

8. I think we can play out from the back still. But don't play out through Lindelof and use Varane, Dalot. But yes, if the option isn't there, if in doubt, get it out.

9. Having played football for 20+ years I think its easier said than done in this scenario. There are so many external factors that contribute towards your mindset and game that things can be forgotten in the heat of the moment.

10. Agreed, his biggest ally in retaining his role will be fans perception.

11. Can't really comment as I don't have an opinion, but it seems the press has been bad for all teams. The quality of sport journalism from mainstream media outlets has been really poor.

07 Apr 2024 12:36:23
Spot on BRD.

Personally, I would add that he needs to take the armband away from Bruno.

On the pitch, the captain is expected to be the leader - leading by example and displaying the earnest application of someone who actually gives a hoot.
Instead, we have a petulant halfwit throwing limbs about in fits of histrionics when he should be grafting and chasing the fight.

Don't get me wrong - he's an incredibly gifted player, but he's nothing remotely like captain material because of the vibe he impresses upon a game that's not going our way.

07 Apr 2024 13:10:32
Good post BRD.

07 Apr 2024 13:41:42
Agree whole heartedly BRD. There’s a lot that Eth isn’t guilty of but there’s a lot that he is… you don’t fancy the role yourself mate? Seems like u have a handle on what we need? ?.

07 Apr 2024 14:03:55
Ork, he's a gifted player but not a very good one. Bit like Pogba.

07 Apr 2024 14:39:13
@Kurtis so Rashford back today!

07 Apr 2024 17:30:39
Yep, fully rescind my above point.

07 Apr 2024 07:39:06
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Liverpool v Sheffield United - A Quick Liverpool Perspective

06 Apr 2024 22:35:13
Lads
I just watched the film United again on Netflix/ with a cheeky beer and cried all the way through it. I wish the current team cared as much about the club has my grandad, dad, I and my son do, I’d like to see some pride against the scousers tomorrow and I’d like that spirit back
I’m soft and sentimental but always a red
GGMU.

07 Apr 2024 08:46:49
never seen it is it new or been there for a while. they have city's last season treble on atm and good to watch, hard to stomach.

07 Apr 2024 12:01:07
Been on for a while, Ahmad. Does a very good job of capturing the essence of our club. Make sure you have a pack of Kleenex at hand, though.

08 Apr 2024 01:15:40
I love United Noucamp, but not enough to require Kleenex.

06 Apr 2024 07:39:07
{Ed's Note - DLIB has posted a new article entitled, Cool heads must prevail at Manchester United

06 Apr 2024 08:48:52
Excellent post DLIB. Agree, including the part regarding Rashford. In answer to question, "How do you solve a problem called Marcus Rashford? " Getting rid is the only option in my view. He is infecting the squad with his attitude and letting the team down with his lack of effort.

06 Apr 2024 09:04:54
Yeah, the only way for Rashford is out. There's no place for him at Utd. He's the worst kind of footballer and quite rightly the fans can't stand him.

The problem is on £375k a week the only place he could feasibly go is PSG.

If it was up to me I'd have him working in the car park.

06 Apr 2024 09:16:36
good article DLIB-
what I would say that hasn't been considered as much, is not a question of getting rid of eth, but what if he simply engineers a move or resigns his post? After all he hasn't had an easy ride during his tenure and with more than a year of uncertainty re buyout and the player issues ronaldo, sancho and rashford as well as a lot of stuff we don't fully know; he might just take time out .
Regarding rashford, this isn't his only season of mediocrity and apart from last year hasn't been the superstar since C.V. hit. last season he had a purple patch in the league 27/ 12 until the game before 7-0 to them. after that 3 in 12 games and 4 before his run . 17 league goals is not a world class return ;new challenge for him and fee and wage saving would be the best thing.

06 Apr 2024 10:20:35
Funky pigeon, as Laurie Whitwell has said, ajaz, Bayern and Barcelona will all consider him. Seen as overachieving at United given the tools at this disposal.

I really hope they stick with him.

06 Apr 2024 17:09:19
angel must admit I am leaning more towards him staying as I think he has had some crap to wade through :at least for another season but can see why the clubs you mention could consider him- after the other results today hope he conjers something up tomorrow as well as the team:)

06 Apr 2024 18:25:57
Some crap is an understatement.

We those clubs must know something about him ?

But I'm glad to read Whitwells article about the planning for next year.

I think, also, ETH is some what lucky that Ashworth and Berrada are not technically in place yet.

06 Apr 2024 19:24:13
Angel, genuine question here.

Have you watched the football on offer this season? If so what from it has made you think this manager deserves another £2/ 300 million to spend?

If this is question was 12 months ago I’d have said back him, after what I’ve saw this season, no chance.

06 Apr 2024 20:17:43
Yes I've watched Caolan, I see a team that hasn't the players capable of playing the football that ETH requires.

I used this analogy some days ago. A man has married 5 times, each time divorcing the wife. At what point does the husband look at himself and see that he is the problem.

We have had Moyes, LVG, Jose, Rangnick and ETH. Managers that have forgotten more about football than we will ever know. Each time, the same thing has happened, they have all been sacked without any deep dive into the club structure or why so many knowledgeable managers have gone and gone.

Now we have a manager that has achieved, 3rd place, and 2 cup finals (hopefully 3) in two seasons against a myriad of issues both on and off the field. Did he overachieve, is he underachieving?

Whether he is the right or wrong man for the future, he deserves the opportunity to work within a structure that should give him the platform to succeed. If, next season, more of the same issues on the field are taking place, I will be the first one to say thank and time to move on. But right now, there is so much uncertainty of what can be achieved with this man and I don't believe it's the right time to call it a day with him. Plus, Southgate or Potter, really? Because that's what we will get.

I also look to Arteta as a great example of what can happen when you back a manager and give him the time. 8th, 8th, 5th, losing 36 league games in the process. 90% of Arsenal fans wanted him gone, but the board and the powers that be believed, and trusted him. I think Erik has also earned that right. Let's get behind him, for now.

06 Apr 2024 20:34:36
I am not really so bothered with tha manager position as I am who we appoint in the DoF position.

If the route we are going is to put someone in total charge this has to be the right person and they need to get the right people in for their plan.

06 Apr 2024 23:08:41
Sorry but I’m sick of seeing this rubbish that we don’t have the players to play his style. What is his style? Last season was pragmatic, and much much better than the dross we have seen this season. We played with much more control at times and were far more secure defensively.

Now it’s all changed and the style of play has completely flipped. Did we chase Frenkie De Jong to try and play this style we have seen this season? The answer is no. Again, I’ve saw zero from him this season to suggest he deserves to be in the job. We are lucky to be in 6th and I would suggest we will be lucky to finish in Europe if we continue playing this absolutely ludicrous football.

Who does ten hag need to be able to play the system we’ve employed all season? What midfielders out there can cover 60m of space running a bleep test all game? I’ve nothing personal against ten hag, but after what was a promising first season, we’ve totally regressed and I don't think he has a clue how to fix the consistent problems we have seen in nearly every single match this season. Mainly, cut back goals and leaving huge spaces in midfield due to whatever the bloody pressing system is.

Also, the night before a Liverpool match you don’t want the managers mouthpiece (mullock from the daily mail) putting out he feels he has no support from the new regime either. Not much of a look imo.

07 Apr 2024 01:36:43
Caolan, you not been watching the games to know what he wants to do and realize that we really don't have the players in the right positions?

Near on 60 injuries too, I mean come on, what's supposed to be done?

Do you think Arsenal did the right thing in giving Arteta time, even though he lost 36 league games in 3 years?

If you can't see why he should be given the chance to stay after the last 2 years, then there's no convincing you.

Keep wishing for him to get sacked, because we will end up with Potter or Southgate. ETH will move and be a success elsewhere whilst we will be wondering how we ended up with Southgate.

07 Apr 2024 03:08:11
I’m going to put it out there that ETH will be a middle of the road manager and never really a huge success to the level of Fergie, Wenger, Klopp, Pep, Jose et al.

07 Apr 2024 09:39:31
Keefy, how many managers in the world have reached those levels?

07 Apr 2024 09:41:09
angel

You are saying we don’t have the players in the right positions. It is well reported that ETH was contractually given significant say over who was bought and loaned in. Was it £400m spent, loans on top and you say we still don’t have players in the right positions? Why. ETH must take significant blame for that. Why do we have no left back? Why only one functioning CF? Why does Rashford play? When we all knew what we needed, why buy Mount for Bruno’s position? Why Onana? Why Amrabat? Why players ETH had a connection with? There are many more questions, but we needed to see a coordinated coached team and haven’t seen anything that resembles coaching. The continued selection of Rashford, the damage that did to the team on Thursday is baffling. Said many times ETH needed to show coaching and leadership and hasn’t.

As to Potter and Southgate, I would despair at Southgate as I did with Moyes and Ole. Potter has potential in the right circumstances. I would rather have ETH for another season than Southgate. It’s a pity we can’t get Pep from City when his contract runs out, if the owners want the best, that’s what they should do. But Southgate would make me doubt the part owners immediately.

Let’s hope today is not painful, because the pressure will ramp if it is.

07 Apr 2024 10:11:28
Angel……agreed, not many.

But it was more a point that ETH is sadly never, in my very humble opinion, going to be at the level required by UTD and will go on to be an average manager.

I had hoped that he would prevail but he is way out of his depth at this level.

07 Apr 2024 11:39:02
I’d call it a day on Rashford too. He just needs a change, and his attitude doesn’t correlate with his ability/ consistency (in a good way that is) on the pitch.

Martial, Rashford, Varane, Cas, Maguire, Lindleof, AWB, Donny, Pellestri and Sancho all need to leave as a good start, and replace them with the right profile of player and personality in the summer from the transfer market and academy if suitable. I know that is a lot of change, but it’s time to rip the band aid off and do that open heart surgery we’ve been talking a lot about.

07 Apr 2024 18:25:40
It’s not wishing him sacked, because it means we are doing poorly.

But I have seen zero in his performances this season as manager to warrant more time. If he doesn’t have the players available like you keep saying, perhaps he should’ve pushed for players to do so. Or perhaps he should find a way to play with the players at his disposal.

Yet again today, we should’ve conceded 5/ 6.

06 Apr 2024 00:22:10
So, on to Liverpool this Sunday, all I ask is that we don't sit back and play defensive or it will be another goalfest for the scouser's, we have to get at them from the start.

If players can't be up for this game in front of there own fans then they need to be shown the door, as long as we have a good go and put a dent in Liverpool's title hopes.

06 Apr 2024 07:22:58
I have the opposite view actually. I would like to see us sit with 2 6's and back 4 as a unit. Watching mainoo and cas get passed through and with massive gaps between the lines because our cb's generally don't get tight or step up is a recipe for disaster. way too easy to pass through us between the lines and space to run.

Watched the chelsea game again and kobe and cas were running and chasing back too many times being out of position and way too high up the pitch and massive gaps between the two lines.

Need to be compact imo liverpool will love an open game. Their back 4 is better than ours and will handle things better in an open game than our current back 4.

06 Apr 2024 08:21:39
Yeah because playing in our own half has worked soooooo well so far this season!

06 Apr 2024 09:05:53
What would you do Keefy?

06 Apr 2024 11:53:10
Ahmad, sitting back would be a disaster, we have to be closing them down high up the pitch and winning the ball back in there half like we did in the cup game.

Rashford will start but its a case of can he be bothered, if he is on it we know he can be a difference maker but we have not seen any of that this season, If again he doesn't look bothered ETH can't be afraid to take him off even if it is before half time, it has to be made clear its not acceptable.

06 Apr 2024 13:13:38
Jim

Our cb are not good playing high up the pitch and will get caught for pace which liverpool has plenty. They will shred us to pieces if we go loosy goosey and are ill disciplined, which was the case in that 7-0 game. They have fully fit squad with a an exception of a couple of players. They love having space with their wing play and almost a bit like us. I was at the FA cup and we were very good for 30 minutes but don't have the players to do that for a whole game.

Keefy

I wish we had sat in more this season most of our horrendous results is us being too far up the pitch and midfield gets caught when we loose possession which we do all the time and teams break on us. Most of the embarrassing result We have had is because we were wide open and I am wondering where is our midfield not because teams passed their way through us when we were compact.

I recon 80 percent of goals we have conceded has been from team breaking on us.

They need to win and will push up and maybe suits us to hit them on the counter.

06 Apr 2024 14:09:40
Bring back Ole!

06 Apr 2024 14:21:15
Ahmad

I understand what you are saying but we are conceding far too many shots on our goal this season more than any team in the league and sitting back won't help that.

As long as we have a good go at them that's all I ask.

06 Apr 2024 14:47:54
Jim fair enough. BTW our under 18s beat liverpool 9-1 earlier. maybe we should just play them :) and that with lacey being out for some time now.

06 Apr 2024 22:23:32
Manc Man.

Given the cattle available?

I would apologise profusely for the FA Cup game and hope they are benevolent.

05 Apr 2024 22:00:08


DLIB has written a new article entitled, Cool heads must prevail at Manchester United

06 Apr 2024 00:31:05
Great read that DLIB

You are bang on, as much as I think ETH may not be the right man it would be foolish to make any sort of decision until CEO, DOF and TD are all in place as it is there job to come up with the right replacement.

05 Apr 2024 20:07:48
Change of pace from the manager merry-go-round discussions/ arguments, thought Mount looked good when he came on, all be it for a short period. Looking forward to seeing a fully fit Mount, hopefully starting regularly for us soon.

05 Apr 2024 20:55:41
Where does he start ports?
That's the question.
Eth said at the start of the season he wants to play him in midfield.
I assume the post was with casimero mainoo has since come into the picture.
Mainoo and mount might be a little light but it might give the option to rest mainoo and bruno a little more.
He's never really played as a box to box so it will be interesting to see how he gets on. I think he is a really good player I'd like to see him play in the position Bruno thinks he is playing.

05 Apr 2024 21:13:17
He is a very good player needs to get fit and will turn out to be a great buy imo. Even antony might turn out to be okay and looks like a late bloomer :)

05 Apr 2024 21:40:18
I’d be happy if we had a mobile, athletic defensive midfielder next to Mainoo next season with Mount making a 3. Means sacrificing Fernandes but can see that happening, might makes us a little more solid centrally.

05 Apr 2024 21:48:29
Good point Ports, thought similar myself. A fully fit Mount, hopefully all next season, may well bring an extra level of creativity.
I fully expected for today, on here, to be pretty much as is, but given the dog's abuse he has suffered on here, mostly justified, bit of praise for one of best crosses I have seen for a very long time from Antony for 3rd goal. Indeed his second half performance was good overall, more of that needed.

06 Apr 2024 08:37:20
Ports

I will be an outlier but its not so much cas but our CB's. They can't play high up the pitch and the gap between the lines is massive.

its easy to run behind both Kobe and Cas and acres of space to receive a pass with our defenders sitting so deep. If they step up given where they are, we are even in worse shape will never get there in time.

The whole thing is even more evident when we lose possession as our Mids get caught high up the pitch but defenders still sitting too deep and wide open and teams get a run at us. No athletic 6 going to solve this given the amount of space you need to cover. It will help if you had fast monster 6 but it will not go away.

Upgrade the CB's imo.

06 Apr 2024 08:58:02
Loss of possession by us is abundantly evident and mostly, and continuously via Rashford, McT and Bruno. Time and time again it happens. Then McT and Bruno constantly conceding free kicks in dangerous areas. Rashford doesn't do that but that's because he never tracks back to those areas.

06 Apr 2024 09:10:33
That's an easy one Ken, he comes in for Bruno and Utd enjoy better ball retention and less embarrassing histrionics.

06 Apr 2024 09:28:46
Ahmad, did you see Brentford’s equaliser? Did you see Gallaghers goal? Did you see the amount of chances Chelsea got by going down the wing and and cutting it back to the edge of the box?! This isn’t a CB issue, this is an issue with our CM not having a body there to cut these passes, opportunities out. I agree that our CB’s can’t play high due to pace and this will help out in other aspects of the game but, and I don’t know what’s happened to the lad because he was my hero last season but Casemiro’s drop off this season is frightening, he just looks far to slow for the Premier League now. Shame because I like him.

I Want Our Trophy Back, agree on Anthony, thought he done very well and he had Cucerella on toast all game. Showed he is capable of going on the outside, unbelievable assist, works really hard. Just need that consistency now. Think you can see there’s a player in there, just need to do it more often now. I keep hoping little moments will kick him on. Think he’ll start v Liverpool. I just wish he’d cut out his aggressive reactions to decisions not going his way. Maybe it’s the South American fiery character in him, I’m just not a fan of it, get on with the game. On that note, I’m sure Chelsea fans loved it and I’m sure if it was a United player then some United fans would love it but thought Enzo Fernandez was acting like a right wally towards Mount. He’s a good player, not sure why he needed to act like that. Moments like that I wish we had a Robson or Keane on the pitch (although I always wish we had either of them on there! )

06 Apr 2024 10:07:21
I really like Mount and have said all season that I think he will be a successful player for us. The injuries have been unfortunate, but he is a top class player.

We have a fragmented squad with gaps and weaknesses all over the place. I think Mount's versatility will see him play in several positions next season, wide on either side, in the No.10 or as a No.8 in some games.

Personally I feel he is best in the No.10 position and long term I think that is where he'll settle. Bruno turns 30 in September and while a very good player, he isn't the long term answer, we are rebuilding and that will likely take 2-3 seasons. Making Bruno 32/ 33 before we have a side ready to challenge at the highest level.

We need to keep Bruno for next season, but I'd probably be looking to move him on in the summer of 2025, with Mount being his long term replacement. It's possible that Mount might even take his place by the end of next season.

06 Apr 2024 13:30:53
Ports

All those cut backs goals are a function of our mids getting caught high up the pitch through a loss of possessions and teams breaking on us. When their mids are running onto cutbacks, where are our mids?

Chelsea's first goal, mainoo makes a loose pass gets picked off and they have two guy running down the right wing on us and then a cut back. Watch the replay. Chelsea broke on us a lot and Bruno and Mainoo are really high up the pitch.

06 Apr 2024 13:53:53
Yeah I know Ahmad, which is why we need an athletic, mobile defensive minded CM ?.

05 Apr 2024 18:53:06
Can we maybe have a poll please eds.

3 options for next season:

Southgate Manager

Potter Manager

ETH to stay.

Not sure if already been done so apologies if so.

{Ed033's Note -


Utd Manager poll

06 Apr 2024 09:00:48
At least 15 people are on a wind-up voting for Southgate. Surely!
???.

06 Apr 2024 09:49:47
I really hope those voting for Southgate are joking.

He’s actually done an abysmal job as England manager for me. A great squad at his disposal, alongside the worst Spanish, Italian and German sides in a generation and he still plays ultra defensive football and won’t ever win a thing.

I’d even take the likes of McKenna, O’Neil etc. over Southgate.

06 Apr 2024 09:59:23
So it's pretty clear that the majority would rather keep EtH than have either Potter or Southgate.

Yet the overriding narrative on here in recent weeks seems to be that people think we should replace EtH.

So the question I'm asking is which manager would you ideally like to replace EtH?

06 Apr 2024 10:22:02
I think that SJR, Brailsford and co felt the pushback from the fans when Southgate was mooted, I also feel they know that Potter wouldn't go down to well.

I think the majority have said to stick with ETH, so I believe that's what they will do.

06 Apr 2024 10:33:14
Shappy the 'overriding narrative' on here in recent weeks is from the same names and they are clearly in the minority. The poll seems to reflect that. The vociferous minority effect.

06 Apr 2024 10:37:15
Think this is a big problem Shappy, there are no, IMO any outstanding realistic managers that we could get to replace him. And any manager outside of the premier league or English football that people may suggest (Amorim) would come in with question marks and risks over them, experience etc. If ETH goes, I’d personally go for a complete reboot, no manager with any baggage or blotch on their CV, Southgate and Potter will both have huge question marks on them because of England and Chelsea. The more I think about it, McKenna might be the best option outside of keeping ETH if INEOS are looking for a coach.

06 Apr 2024 11:26:13
Shappy, ETH for me. But I wouldn't be upset if Potter was appointed. I still think he's a very good manager. I know he won't be sexy enough for some, but he seems to be a clever, thoughtful, progressive guy. I wanted him here last time, and my view wouldn't have changed because of his time at a club that are just as much of a basket case as us.

06 Apr 2024 18:28:02
Nou, agreed, potter is good and I have said so many a time. I just think, not yet. Let ETH have more time and if or when he can't turn it around, then fans will be more open to someone like Potter.

If Potter were to come in now, face similar difficulties, it could quickly turn sour and I think that would be very unfair on him as the current or next coach will need time.

05 Apr 2024 17:30:41
United V Liverpool on Sunday
The first game I went to against them at OT was November 1972. Liverpools team included Clemence, Tommy Smith, Emlyn Hughes, Keegan, Cormack, Heighway, Toshack, Callaghan. Ours Stepney, Buchan, Morgan, Best, Charlton, Storey-Moore and Ted MacDougall.
MacDougall scored and we won, somehow, 2.0.
Saw some great Liverpool players in the 70's and 80's at OT.
I am going to Old Trafford on Sunday, first time in a few years. I get the feeling we will be up against it, like then. It just shows that the underdog can win. Full commitment no less, come on United!

05 Apr 2024 17:50:08
I think we will see full commitment. How far that takes us is anybodies guess. Took us to an unlikely win last time so fingers crossed.

05 Apr 2024 17:51:59
With Evans and Maguire at the back, I fear the worst.

05 Apr 2024 22:32:58
I'll be there Redman. It's my son's 9th birthday on Sunday! What a present eh? Lol

Hoping for a win.

06 Apr 2024 09:23:03
Angel

Happy Birthday to your son tomorrow. I remember my first Liverpool game as above, hope he enjoys it.

06 Apr 2024 09:24:48
I remember McDougal’s first game at OT. Scored with a bullet header! Gone five months later when the Doc arrived. I can still see that header! BANG!

06 Apr 2024 11:27:05
Enjoy the day, Angel. Hopefully good memories are made.

06 Apr 2024 18:28:59
last time he was there, was the Sevilla game, what a terrible night that was. Some might say the start of ETHs downturn.

So I'm hoping tomorrow can be the day that it starts to turn around for him.

06 Apr 2024 20:29:44
Many thanks red man. I look forward to getting a united we stand too!