09 Dec 2021 23:27:16
I don't make too many major judgments on mistakes frmo the Young Boys game, considering the completely changed lineup and the heavy rain, which led to sloppy passing by both teams.

That said, standouts were Greenwood, with the two best plays of the game, and Bailly, who was excellent. I still think Varane and Bailly would make an excellent pairing and allow us to play a high line.

Amad made a lot happen, just needs to get stronger to ride more tackles and stay on his feet. And Mengi looked very solid, quite composed and disciplined positionally.

1.) 10 Dec 2021
10 Dec 2021 09:28:51
Got to admit Mengi was very good when he came on even though he was playing at LB. Should firmly be our 5th choice CB.

2.) 10 Dec 2021
10 Dec 2021 10:00:56
When Mengi slipped and then managed to still make a tackle, that was impressive. He kept his composure and didn't allow the slip to affect him. Hopefully he gets some more game time throughout the season. If not, he needs another loan so he doesn't stagnate.

3.) 10 Dec 2021
10 Dec 2021 10:13:12
Wednesday was the first game I have been able to get to for around 3 years and it was great to see some of the youngsters given a chance.

Amad impressed me in that his first thought is to run at someone or try to make something happen, which was refreshing consider how sideways a lot of our play has been across the last few years. Mengi looked solid when he came on as well.

My opinion on Donny's performance is different from a few of the comments I've seen as I thought he played really well. He played in a way that no holding midfielder does for us as he was always available for a pass and generally looked to go forward. His game isn't simply based on us being out of possession and personally that's what I'd like from a United midfielder. Unfortunately his mistake cost a goal which is about the most Donny thing that could happen, really good first half makes a mistake that costs a goal. Others make many more mistakes but they aren't punished. He just seems to have some bad luck at times.

AWB and Lingard were shocking. I've defended AWB a lot and I don't know if his performance was just terrible and he had a massively off day or if his performances look significantly different on TV compared to in person? Lingard looked disinterested, particularly in the 2nd half.

4.) 10 Dec 2021
10 Dec 2021 11:37:43
RJ,

It is obviously all about opinions and I think sometimes confirmation bias plays a big part, if you like a player you notice all of the good things they do and if you dislike a player you notice all of the bad things they do. I must admit I didn't see Donny making many forward passes or looking to be positive, he always wants the ball but then looks like he has no confidence to do anything with it, but if I was a big fan of him I would probably notice them things a lot more.

It is the same with AWB, now people have noticed he is bad going forward every bad cross is picked up on and noticed, whereas Dalot is the man of the moment so people ignore that most of his crosses haven't been successful either. I am not saying AWB isn't playing terribly, he is, but I don't think Dalot is the answer either, people just see things in very different ways which is really what football (and this site) is about.

5.) 10 Dec 2021
10 Dec 2021 11:39:52
RJ, I appreciate your thoughts on VDB. He really does bring a lot of qualities to the game. I noticed he was switching the ball out to the right a few times to help us get out of pressure. It was a shame that his bad pass cost us immediately. If he gets more chances among the first XI, I think he will show his quick decision making and help penetration in the final third.

6.) 10 Dec 2021
10 Dec 2021 13:21:32
Totally agree GDS and Zidaniel, no doubt if Fred or Martial had made the mistake Donny did I'd probably have a different view on it since I have a different view on those players. I'd like to see him given a run in that position for a few weeks, that way we could really see if he should be playing or not.

The mistake Donny made was his entirely and watching it back he should just clear it (this isn't another dig at AWB, as I think most of our players would be exactly the same) but AWB is completely flat footed not expecting him to try to play out from there. Other sides would try to and be successful in passing out from that scenario. Hopefully that is the level we get to moving forward, where our defending isn't just get the ball away from our goal any way possible and when we have possession everyone is on their toes and expecting quick intricate play.