24 Feb 2019 15:41:35
if OGS knew Lingard was no where near match fit why bring him on after 20 or so minutes. someone from the medical team has some explaining to do.

1.) 24 Feb 2019
24 Feb 2019 16:04:27
Lack of other options. Might create chances for Chong an Gomes next few games.

2.) 24 Feb 2019
24 Feb 2019 16:28:28
IM7

OGS took a big risk bringing on Lingard, especially so early in the game. He had seen one injury needing a substitution and it was his decision so don’t blame medics. It was for me a sign of his inexperience, he was trying to be positive but it wasn’t the right moment.

The team showed real guts to hang in there, especially Rashford and that was a real positive. I am more concerned about the quality back up, McTominay and Pereira in central midfield are concerning. I hope we see a couple of the youngsters.

Feels a better point than it would have been with a full team.

3.) 24 Feb 2019
24 Feb 2019 16:49:47
He wouldn't have been in the squad if the medics thought he wasn't fit. You're passed fit to play, then you can play.

4.) 24 Feb 2019
24 Feb 2019 17:48:56
Redman - Your always banging on about Ole being inexperienced but bringing on Lingard had nothing to do with that. The man isn't stupid he'll have spoken his medical staff, the player and he was passed fit. He probably didn't start because he was lacking match sharpness having not played for a couple of weeks. Lingard is fundamental to how we want to play and suggesting Ole is somehow naive or to question his judgement is not productive on an afternoon where he squeezed every ounce of effort out of a depleted squad.

You bang on about wanting to use the academy and giving youth a chance then moan about a lack of quality. Mctominay had a fine game. He was brilliant defensively. Worked hard, tracked runners, was positionally disciplined. Yes he lacks quality on the ball at times but that's not his job. He was brave, took the ball off the CB's and used it simply and intelligently.

I thought Ole learnt from the PSG game, he ensured that our full backs didn't get isolated and it was another disciplined and well organised defensive display. Liverpool's lauded attack didn't create a single opportunity today.

Lukaku deputised admirably on the right. He worked hard and defended well. He also kept Liverpool honest and posed a threat on the counter. Unfortunately his touch can be poor at times and his movement is questionable but our two best moments were created by him.

Under the circumstances it was an organised, disciplined and very hard working display. Ole has players wanting to run through brick walls for him. We're not the finished article, everybody knows that, but with the injuries, disruptions and missing some of our best players I'm not sure we could have expected much more. Personally I'm delighted with the effort and application of every player today on a difficult afternoon.

5.) 24 Feb 2019
24 Feb 2019 19:31:49
Great post DLIB.

6.) 24 Feb 2019
24 Feb 2019 20:42:55
DLIB

I have to disagree on your point Re bringing on Lingard when he did. It was an obvious error and sending him on when we had already made one substitution plus Rashford was already struggling was illogical. It did show his lack of experience. Lingard was on the bench for a reason. Ole is very popular so saying he made a mistake is frowned upon but this was a mistake, luckily it didn’t cost us completely.

In terms of the team performance, huge plaudits for their resilience, we stayed compact and defensively didn’t lose concentration. I don’t think McTominay and Pereira, who both played well in the pattern we had to play, are good enough and we will be under extreme pressure at Palace with that combination.

7.) 24 Feb 2019
24 Feb 2019 21:05:49
Agree with a lot of what has been said but want to add a mention to Pogba, who I thought showed a lot of graft today. He wasn't at his creative best, but with the injuries he played a little deeper and without Rashford's movement there was less for him to aim for - but despite this he got back and put in tackles and supported Shaw on the left side. It's something he's often criticised for not doing, but I thought he put a shift in today and deserves recognition.

8.) 24 Feb 2019
24 Feb 2019 21:43:37
Mata signaled he wanted to come off. Who was he supposed to put on for him? Romero? Rashford was already limping and presumably he wanted to save Sanchez for if Rashford had to come off. Lingard was really the only option. It was a gamble but there wasn't much else.