Manchester United Banter Archive November 29 2014

29 Nov 2014 21:58:25
yes it was hull, but we played well and I'm pleased when he came on he also played well.I'm on about Herrera for me he's our tempo man, passes 1st or 2nd touch, puts a shift in, what I would call a proper team player.In my opinion potential to become an old trafford great.

Totally agree, interesting also to see how certain players form combinations and bring out the best in one another, . I thought Herrera injected some pace into Mata's play thus allowing Rooney and RVP to fine those pockets of space or drag away defenders and not have to come deep ball hunting all the time.
Keane (and Butt) brought the best out of Scholes, Beckham and Neville, Cole and Yorke, Even Hargreaves and Anderson (albeit for about 4 games at the beginning of 2007/08 season). I think we may have seen the start of something similar.

Hull where awful but you can only beat what's in front of you and that was a good performance imo.
Always been a fan of herrera he adds to the midfield exactly what its been missing over the last few year.
Also nice to see rooney continue to make a few people look a bit silly

29 Nov 2014 19:31:58
Great performance, smalling outstanding might actually have a future at united, combination between Mata, felani, herera was outstanding but let's not get carried away we played Hull we are united we are expected to performe like this

These games are ideal for Smalling, there was nothing to think about, Hull offered nothing. When he has to be careful about his position, put under pressure when on the ball or simply having to make a 50/50 decision he always makes mistakes. Fine for cruiser games, disaster waiting to happen for tricky ones.

Would have been perfect for McNair or Blackett to get more experience for me. Young did well again, so that means no more youth for a while.

{Ed004's Note - so smalling wasn't out best defender vs Arsenal were we had to defend the whole game}

I very rarely post but I haven been reading this site for years and I have to say Beast, you belong in the hall of fame for moaners next to Kloot. I don't know what LvG has done to you. Did he bring you out for a steak dinner, have a wonderful time and then never call you again?

The fact is LvG has played youth, has given them vital minutes. If we had of had a full squad to pick from he probably wouldn't have played McNair or Blackett but he has. We've seen in the past with other managers how the used to make a makeshift back four playing Carrick, fletcher, fellani, rafael and players like that. Van Gaal has put round pegs in round holes and has to be applauded for it. McNair now has a bright future at the club so does Blackett. Januzaj isn't finding his form but he's still getting minutes. I think he's handling these players brilliantly. Wilson is making a few cameos and will do him no harm in the future.

It's almost like you have these anti LvG posts waiting to go regardless of the facts. It's a shame really. I thought today we played some fantastic football, I thought the passing was slick and apart from 15 minutes in the second half I thought the tempo was very high. If people had of taken their chances we could have won 6/7 nil. 3-0 is great result and just the tonic we need to keep ticking off each game as it comes.

Beast, LvG ain't going anywhere anything soon. Nobody says you have to love him but you can put these posts on the back burner please for awhile. I'd imagine it makes people skip your posts when infact you're a very good poster when it's anything not about LvG.

Agree with you Mumbles, he's got a right to moan but I don't think there was anything to moan about today's result.

I can see both sides of the argument here, I don't think the beast is having a go at the manager, it would have been a good game to give the younger players a run but on the other hand the manager wants 3 point and can't take chances, smalling he is hot and cold, he doesn't play that solid against top teams!

Mumbles spot on mate.

I'm not criticising the manager Mumbles. I am having a go at those people on here that lavish praise on the manager for choosing youth out of choice, he clearly hasn't done that yet as United manager - today would have been a perfect opportunity to do that. I'm not saying he wont, but to praise him for something he hasn't done and by the looks of it won't do is just plain wrong. I can't criticise him for his selection as we battered them, but I won't praise him for choosing youth, simple!

It's almost like you have a post ready for the slightest opportunity to have a go at me! I find it strange you choose this week to have a pop when I haven't said a bad word about the manager all week!

Ed 004 - Smalling played well against Arsenal agreed, how did he do against City? Are you saying Smalling is actually the answer then to our CB problems? Or are you just playing Devils Advocate like half the people on this site tend to do after a good result, or a good performance?

He is a problem waiting to happen a lot of the time, most supporters will admit he can have moments of quality when everything falls right for him and then most of the time he looks really uncomfortable, unsure of himself and makes blunder after blunder.

{Ed004's Note - I have maintained the opinion that he is our best cb all season. Also last season my preference was a partnership of Smalling and Vidic. I have been consistent with that opinion and one bad game (vs city) hasnt influenced my decision. I have always stated though that my problem with smalling is that he is a liability on the ball as he seems to panic in possession. However, yesterday showed a glimpse of what he is capable of on the ball and if he continue to improve his confidence and distribution under LvG I would be happy to see him remain as our main cb this season. However, he is due another injury sometime soon and you need to build a back four on a solid foundation. Everyone knows how much I rate Rafael, he is one of my favourite players, has not stopped me saying we need to sign a rb though due to his injuries.}

Beast pal, if he had of played youth in that team instead of our more experienced pros and we dropped points, youd have a field day about it. The fact is for the first time in well over a year we're playing with a bit of confidence and the next few weeks will define our season which in return shapes our following season.

29 Nov 2014 19:06:25
Lots of positives today but I'd like to single out Michael Carrick. He is the glue that holds us together, he makes us tick. He's had some abuse on here and he's not flash but he is integral to our fluidity. I'd love to see him and Herrera get a run together to see how they gel, I thought they looked great today. Carrick is not the future but right now, he has huge value to add and if fit, I'd have him start every game. He'll never get the credit he deserves as he is too low key and not interested I'm self promotion but I for one will always value what he has done and is likely to keep on doing for some time yet.

I agree.

His calmness is very important for us.

Our unsung hero

Carrick played very well, he is always good when under no pressure, one of the best we have and he offers that air of class back there for sure. Sadly most opponents offer a lot more these days against us, Hull were awful today and we didn't really learn too much.

A few more results like that and teams will start fearing Old Trafford again, especially the bottom half teams, so it will make games a lot easier for Carrick and we will see more quality performances.

Herrera was my man of the match, but frankly everyone aside from RVP looked very good today, even Ashley Young again.

29 Nov 2014 16:00:59
for people slating about rooney's finishing skill
any words for rooney's goal ??? placing or shooting or curling ?? true class !! hits in between two defenders which further curls out of reach of goalie . superb !

Shrestha, stop it and repeat after me "Rooney is rubbish and I am a Rooney groupie if I say otherwise". So is Di Maria yeah, how dare he rate Wazza so highly.

Deeps.

Yeah Rooney is no good

29 Nov 2014 15:51:51
I think that the first half shoeed how much herrera contributes. His energy, closing down and his eye for a quick pass were missed. He moves defenders and cm's all over the place wirh his movement. Rvp has been terrible.

29 Nov 2014 13:11:27
So we're edging closer to the January transfer window and I'm already seeing us linked with some ridiculous players.

I saw Ed002 had mentioned a couple of defenders but stated the big issue would be timing. So my question is realistically who will be available AND actually be willing to come half way through a season?

I'm guessing players who are out of the the champs league are the realistic ones, or will it be indeed like wood head said and it's unlikely we'll do any business in January.

P.s no ridiculous comments of hummels and Co. I want to see who you all actually think is attainable ? Cheers

oh and pps. I'm expecting a good 3-0 win today

{Ed004's Note - Vertonghen or Laporte (due to release clause)}

I've said and keep saying Vlarr would be the perfect player to bring this January he's clearly interested LVG knows how to use him we'll and we can bring him without spending huge amounts. Very experienced and capable of being a solid defender for united

Vlaar if we stick with the 3 at the back. Vertongen (excuse spelling!) maybe if spurs can get, a replacement or we may look at someone unexpected from Dutch/German league that Lvg knows, about but we don't.

Antonio rudiger of Stuttgart

They both sound good shouts ed004.
Laidi I'm really not convinced with vlarr but at least he's not injury prone, although I'm sure we could change that for him !
Sjf I really don't know anything about rudiger tbh, what type of player is he ?
Brad I think I'm expecting an unknown tbh.

{Ed004's Note - If Smalling could keep up the way he is playing in this first half we would only need a left sided cb but he is due an injury sometime soon}

29 Nov 2014 16:43:35
Strebor vlaar is one if the most injury prone players at villa, look at his record lover the last two years.

Also he's not good enough. i'd rather stick with what we have than go for cheap average players.

Well I'm pleased to be on song with my 3-0 prediction
Mr e I had no idea he was so injury tbh, having looked at his history there would be no point what so ever in going for him.
Ed004 I still think smelling could turn out to be a good cb, fingers crossed

{Ed004's Note - Really impressed with smalling today. There's no doubts about him defensively it's always about him being a nervous wreck on the ball. However, he was excellent on the ball today}

29 Nov 2014 17:49:29
No worries strebor.

Ed I think if we can iron out smallings issues he has a chance.

29 Nov 2014 09:10:01
Morning of the game and I look forward to going, I have to hope we show some style today and sadly I will be away on Tuesday.
Selection will be interesting, there should be a vein of confidence not just after the Arsenal result but the resilience shown in some of the recent tough games, added to which we have had a week of preparation. I also sense LvG is a little more relaxed, just a feeling I get from his demeanour.
Today we will likely change shape again, and as Shaw is out I wouldn't be surprised to see Rojo back. The key is dropping RVP, he was spectacularly awful last week but has not been up to scratch all season. If I was a central defender I would rather play against him than any of our other choices because without pace he relies on confidence of chances falling right to him, he isn't making the yard in front of a defender by himself. We should be playing in and around their penalty area today and need someone to hold the ball, make darting runs across and behind, get on the shoulder of defenders and he isn't doing that. It really is time for LvG to show that playing poorly isn't acceptable and drop him. If RVP starts I think the rest of the team may see favouritism and to an extent a weakness in LvG. I hope Falcao is fit to start but a less than match fit Falcao will contribute more than RVP, if not Wilson should start.
I read DiMaria's comments on Rooney with interest and the thing I will look for today is DiMaria, Rooney and hopefully Falcao's interaction together. That is what could make the difference in the top 4 chase. I hope we allow DiMaria to come inside rather than hug the touchline. I will be interested to see Bruce's tactics, I can't see the Warnock ultra defensive style, blocking wide areas yet I can see him doubling up on DiMaria when wide hence I woukd let him run as an inside forward/midfield player. I can't see Hull being gung-ho and likely look to hold and break.
I remain uncertain of Fellaini and would prefer to see Herrera especially in combination with Carrick but we need to dominate Huddlestone in the middle, play around him quickly with pace and make him play facing his own goal. We should do that even with our weakened team.
I hope to see Rooney, Falcao and DiMaria combine well today and that is what we pay to see.

I'm with you Red Man, would love to see ADM, Falcao & Rooney.

Falcao was just looking sharp as he got injured again, so frustrating as he can make such a massive difference.

The next three games very important and very win-able. I hope we find some form and not just scrap through to the 3 points. Falcao hopefully will find his feet.

I would prefer to see Wilson starting the game and Falcao off the bench.
He scored a double the last time he played against hull. He deserves this game.