02 Nov 2013 19:07:14
Well the performance today, imo at least, was magnificent.

We were like a wolf pack, attacking it's prey, weakening it and let it succumb to it's own own rather than risking dangerous wounds by going all in for the kill.

We started the match in brilliant fashion ( well bar the first 5 minutes ) and got our goals before 30 minutes. We had a couple of injuries after that, and the team took it slow to avoid further injuries that might take their toll in the coming week.

And after the break, we introduced 3 new players at once and the team didn't gel, which is completely normal, and it seemed like we were not going all in, more like killing off the match slowly, which we did to some success.

Now for the talking points.

For one, I am not Evra' s biggest fan and his actions in the world cup dishonored us. Add to that the fact that he is a defensive catastrophe waiting to happen and has been for 2 seasons doesn't really make him more likable, but the man is a sight to behold going forward. He reminded us of the magnificent high flying left back of 2008-2009. I do not believe he will be with us for long, but the man has done a lot for the club and should be treated as such.

The second point I wanted to talk about is the way Fellaini stood up to the Januzaj. Roy Keane for Neville against Viera anyone? We need that, and we have needed that for a while. Not only do we need a commander in the centre of the park in terms of football qualities, but we also need a beast.
Someone opposing teams would fear not only because of his skills, but also because of his fiery, no bull taken kind of personality.
We need an alpha dog that would affect the whole mentality of the team and drive them forward. Vidic is on his last legs and Jones is too Young, and Fellaini might just be what we need ( I always thought Strootman would be that " leader on the pitch ", but we'll have to do )

1.) 02 Nov 2013
Good Post! I totally agree with Fellaini bit, the only thing he need is to quicken the tempo and passing more quickly. He seem to a very quiet guy specially off the pitch. He needs to stamp his authority! Hopefully with more games that will happen. After all remember how we use to play with one touch football! We have quality players. just need to gel more and play one touch football specially at opposition. Regardless after today I do more positive. We have a game before we meet Arsenal! It will be interesting game!

2.) 02 Nov 2013
Great post Mick and it was really refreshing to see Fellaini back our young lad. This is what will make him a cult favourite in time, just like he was at Everton. His performances will improve the more he plays - to do what he did shows he must have confidence and fight, which must come across in the changing room. We need that steel more than most things at the minute, couldn't imagine Carrick being that advanced to even get involved to be fair.

3.) 03 Nov 2013
Fellaini, a cult figure? He is worse than useless.

4.) 03 Nov 2013
Nomidfield, your over-exaggerations never cease to amaze me. Not content just to put that you don't rate Fellaini, you state he is, 'worse than useless'.

He's a proven international, in a very strong team fancied to do well at the World Cup, and proven in the Premier League. He had Arsenal and Chelsea sniffing round him at various points.

But, in your opinion, 'he's worse than useless'. Not 'average', not 'decent', not 'mediocre'. 'Worse than useless'. I guess you must know more about football than the Belgian manager, Arsene Wenger and Moyes then.

And you wonder why some people struggle to take your opinions seriously, when you come out with hyperbolic soundbites like this.

Good to see you're giving a new player at Utd a chance though.

5.) 03 Nov 2013
No midfield, I always enjoyed your well balanced and very informative posts.

Great analysis on Fellaini's impact both at Everton and his long term lack of impact at United