02 Feb 2014 00:55:20
I have been watching it all for the last few months and have to give my opinion on some of it.
1. Moyes - just seems to be an unlucky manager, I was happy enough when he was appointed but maybe has to to go at the end of the season. ( I'm not fully decided on that )
2, David De Gea - fanatastic keeper -needs to dominate his area and be quicker off the line.
3. Raphael - started off like he was going to be one of the best full backs in Europe - now seems to be trying too hard and looking vulnerable.
4. Phil Jones - Always getting injured, never near being like Duncan Edwards. Needs a run at centre back.
5, Chris Smalling - not United quality, can't pass the ball more than 10 metres.
6. Johnny Evans - Okay but does not dominate games like Vidic used to.
7. Vidic - legend but nearing the exit.
8. Rio - similar
9. Evra- similar
10. Carrick - has to work the midfield on his own, I feel a bit sorry for him in that regard.
11. Cleverly - Never seen him make a good tackle, doesn't offer anything.
12. Wellbeck - going backwards - used to a least work hard and hassle the defenders, doesn't seem to even do that now.
13. Young & Nani- most inconsistent United players - 1 good game 4 bad.
14. Valencia - I like his attitude but totally one footed and never drives at the defence like he used to. Keeps getting gaught napping when deployed at full back.
15. Rooney - over hyped but still one of the top players in the Premier League - needs top players around him to bring the best out of him.
16. RVP - Total class but again needs the service.
17. Mata - will be a legend
18. Januzaj - is nearly a legend already
19. Bring back Zaha and Powell
20. Kagawa - never really got a good chance in his best position - will probably be sold.
21. Chicarito - Has got a touch like an elephant - should be kept as an impact sub - but will he want to.
22. I don't like United losing but can take it better if we play attractive football and do the basics like pass the ball, tackle, close down, not hoof the ball when under pressure and look like they are enjoying playing football.
23. Need a lot of quality in the summer
24. Tired now after that going to bed and we better beat Fulham.

1.) 02 Feb 2014
Good post, agree with all of it

2.) 02 Feb 2014
Lfc supporter, I come in peace, please do not think this is meant to be inflammotary or sarcastic.
As a complete outsider, what is obvious is that united do not have any strength in depth. You have 5 good players, rooney, rvp, mata, januzaj, de gea and that's it. Look at citys strength in depth, its phenominal and so is vhelskis. Lfc strength in depth is nowhere near citys or cheslkis but ovrrall we have great players in attack supported by decent players throughout theeam, so we are slightly better than united. Suarez, sturridge, sterling, coutinhogerard, allen, lucas, henderson, agget, skrtl, johnson, mignolet etc. its a better squad.,

3.) 02 Feb 2014
Agree with most of that. Excellent post and you need the rest after all that!

{Ed004's Note - I disagree about Smalling}

4.) 02 Feb 2014
I think come the end of the season we should think about selling either or both of Welbeck and Chicharito. Neither show any signs at improving on the parts of their game that let them down.

I also disagree about Smalling I think he's a good passer, fast and strong and good in the air. We've just had a lot of bad luck with injuries at the back which means we're constantly changing our CB which is a big problem. The most important partnership you need in a team is between the two CB and the GK, there's no stability in defence if you don't have that. Clearly we're lacking that with all the stupid goals we're conceding ATM.

5.) 02 Feb 2014
Tel, it's a simple thing called "zero confidence", players playing negatively (Moyes' way) and serious injury issues.

Our squad is vastly better than Liverpool's, the difference is you are playing well and we are not.

6.) 02 Feb 2014
I agree wiv all of it, especially Smalling. I'd only keep him as a squad player. Good at times, but gives the ball away too much. He nearly gave Stoke a third yesterday too. We really missed out on Varane.
Sounds a bit desperate, but I'd have got Lescott for a short fix. I'll be amazed if we don't go all out for a LB in the summer. Evra was more a winger than defender yesterday, and to be fair to Rafael, Arnautovic is Stokes best player and is a real problem for any RB in the world when in this form.

{Ed004's Note - I disagree with everyone with Smalling. Baring in mind centre backs peak at 26 or so he has another 2 yrs of gaining experience. In the past month he was Motm against Sunderland and Cardiff IMO dominating set pieces and being fantastic under the high ball. His tackling is very good and he is very quick. As long as he's partnered with a good ball playing centre back I think he will be fine. His positioning will improve with games and his passing with confidence. He needs to work on his technical ability and he will become a fantastic defender. I reckon a centre back partnership of Smalling and Mangala would be terrific as it has pace, speed and height so we could easily play a high line}

7.) 02 Feb 2014
Agree with all except Smalling (like Ed004) - he can't pass the ball 5 yards!

8.) 02 Feb 2014
Smalling needs to play at CB regularly alongside Jones so they can build a partnership. CB's need a run of games and Smalling rarely disappoints at CB. For a player that is just shoved around in different positions or left on the bench, he does better than Evans does even when Evans gets to play where he wants every game.

9.) 02 Feb 2014
I really hope he comes good at supplying the midfield at least. I just find myself very Jeckyll and Hyde with him during games. Heaping praise then questioning myself 2 minutes later. I just worry that he hasn't kicked on yet. (To extent of mentioning Lescott. lol)

10.) 02 Feb 2014
Disagree with u Syd, Evans has been much more consistent than Smalling. I feel Evans offers more to the CB position than Smalling. I'd much rather Jones/Evans than Smalling/Evans at this time. But it's no secret we could do with a new experienced (In Europe) CB.

11.) 02 Feb 2014
The reason Evans has looked more consistent (debatable), is because he has had a long run of games at the back. All CB's need this and Smalling albeit not the best with the ball, is the better defender of the two.

12.) 02 Feb 2014
In your opinion of course, Syd :)

13.) 02 Feb 2014
Yes Stevie, in my humble opinion. Where are you from Stevie? Northern Ireland by any chance :)

14.) 02 Feb 2014
Well I'm not from and Ireland. You think that because your in agreement with Ed004 and more than likely a certain number of the brotherhood, the whole of United fans should be too.? A bit patronizing there Syd.

15.) 02 Feb 2014
Whatever led you to think that, mate? :)

But I'm totally impartial :)

16.) 02 Feb 2014
I put northern not and btw

17.) 02 Feb 2014
Patzi, my point was (and in a friendly way) Stevie is from NI and so is Evans. Many (not all) are massive fans of Evans because he's a local lad to them and they want to see a local lad succeed. I think Evans is a good defender, but I wouldn't want him first choice. In fact I don't see either of Smalling and Evans being first choice in the future. Jones plus one for me, perhaps Garay.