08 Jan 2021 18:32:29
Reflecting on the semi final, a one off game, at home when the team are supposed to be in peak form. Ole has got it wrong three times and is now saying there are no excuses. Semi final at home, it is the easiest route.

However, we set up like any other game, nothing special, just looked at the opposition, feared what they could do and set up accordingly. We were not brave. Even Brentford gave Spurs more trouble than we gave City, why? Because you have to be brave in semis, there has to be an edge, especially if you are the underdog. That's one clear aspect, it's not just about team selection, it's mentality and we set up to edge it rather than go for it.

Secondly five substitutes available. After they scored the first a change was needed, in shape and use your subs, however he sat on his hands, let City gain in confidence and ultimately the second goal came along. Then with 3 mins to go, DVB, what on Earth is that about.?

Sadly it is just the sign of inexperience and lack of a spark and ingenuity. Three losing semis now becomes four and the latest badge of honour being four semis. It's the word loser that matters.


1.) 08 Jan 2021
08 Jan 2021 19:13:44
Red Man, I'm no fan of Ole, however, there are games where you come against a better side and I think the other night is an example of that.

I also disagree about the line up. We set up the same way as we would against a side we should be beating. More often than not when we have played very good teams under Ole, we play 3 at the back or some system which is negative, counter attack focused and in my opinion generally means we are awaiting 90 mins of shoving 10 behind the ball and hoping to counter and nick a win. Basically admitting our side are inferior. That has been both successful and unsuccessful for Ole. I'd say that's a positive despite our loss as it shows a bit more confident in our ability to go toe to toe against good sides.


2.) 08 Jan 2021
08 Jan 2021 19:18:15
Red Man - As is the case following every defeat the reaction is typical of a Club divided with many fans not convinced by Ole or many of his players. As I've been saying for some time Utd are always one defeat away from a crisis.

At the moment we are a team that can lack a cutting edge especially in the big games! Our forwards still blow hot and cold whilst at the other end we have defenders capable of making horrific individual errors or losing concentration.

Whilst I'm bitterly disappointed to go out against City the Champions League exit was the bigger failure and without wanting to make too many excuses City are still a very good team. They have better players, a better manager and more experience. This was always going to be a very difficult game!

A more meaningful measure of progress is our league form and the team mustn't let this set back effect their confidence. I could argue that the forthcoming fixtures against Burnley and Liverpool are more important and I personally would gladly exchange a League Cup Semi Final defeat for a victory in the League at the Etihad come the end of the season.

Of course it's always nice to win a trophy but a league cup victory would not save his job or criticism of his own fans if it came at the expense of a top 4 finish which probably tells us where our priorities lie.

If we are to evolve as team then we must cut out the silly individual mistakes at the back and be more clinical upfront especially in the big games where mistakes are ruthlessly punished.

I'm not concerned by Ole. I think we're doing ok and it's nice to still be near the top of the league after Christmas for the first time in nearly a decade. It gives all our games now real meaning and will hopefully help to focus minds and keep the players motivated. We've still got a lot to play for and Ole will either improve and build a team we can all be proud of or continue to be blighted by inconsistency and lose his job.

I appreciate many don't rate him but whilst he's hanging around the top of the league and certainly still in with a chance of the top 4 he's going no where so I say let's get behind the team and dare to dream. In this most unpredictable of seasons anything is possible.

{Ed025's Note - good post that DLIB mate..


3.) 08 Jan 2021
08 Jan 2021 19:50:14
DLIB. A very well balanced and sensible post, there is a huge divide in support at the moment with some fans totally unimpressed with the manager and for some he rubbishs gold. I fell the Truth is exactly where you have pointed. Great post.


4.) 08 Jan 2021
08 Jan 2021 19:50:39
Good post DLIB.


5.) 08 Jan 2021
08 Jan 2021 21:44:56
Red Man, I think we were all disappointed. I'm not sure we had the easiest route to the final. Brentford and Spurs would have been much easier than City (a team that has only lost twice in the EFL cup since Pep took over 4 and a half years ago) .

It was a tough game and it looked it before the game. As it was we lost. Which is pretty disappointing, but it is what it is.

We are the most in-form team in the league, and a win against Burnley sends us top, even a draw would.

Ole does look a little too easily out-thought in big games. Which is clearly a concern. But as DLIB states above, while the team is up around the top of the league Ole won't be going anywhere any time soon.


6.) 09 Jan 2021
09 Jan 2021 10:38:29
Berbatov: “It's now four semi-finals in a row that Mufc have failed to win and this is a bad habit that they need to break. Four times in a row is too many to be just a coincidence. ”

Too many to be just a coincidence

What is the constant?


7.) 09 Jan 2021
09 Jan 2021 15:43:57
Your posts mate, that is the constant.