Manchester United Banter Archive May 08 2019

08 May 2019 22:05:54
On my feet and applauding a team that fight for their shirt, their manager, their fans. Phenomenal performance.

The most Manchester United thing ever though no? Favourites for Poch, didn't go for him and then he gets an average side to the Champions League Final!

08 May 2019 22:17:53
It was amazing to see and they got a bit of fergie time lol.

Moura did well to put it away whilst ajax threw it away? . I was really hoping for ajax as i taught they would out score liverpool. That idea soon changed when i seen spurs 2nd half high tempo literally peg ajax back.

Thats football for yea and will 1st half or 2nd half spurs come out for the final.

08 May 2019 22:27:11
Well done Spurs fantastic result!

On another note Llorente showing why Daley Blind couldn't quite hack it in the Premier League he was completely bullied in that second half!

Let's not be so reactionary Potch was 60 seconds from going out football has always been about the margins I bet everyone was saying typical Spurs during a Spursy at HT!

Reaching a final is great but it's little consultation if you lose. I don't remember feeling euphoric or thinking it was a fantastic achievement when we were schooled by Barcelona in two finals. Let's see if he can win before we start eulogising.

08 May 2019 22:27:18
Get the feeling we might have missed out on something.

08 May 2019 22:34:44
Fresh, Spurs are not an average side. They're a very good side. Everyone in their team will walk into this United side.
They have spirit and passion and skill. Missing their best player.

08 May 2019 22:47:16
If Liverpool play to their potential I think they will run out comfortable winners in the Final.

08 May 2019 23:55:43
Well done Spurs.
Another fighting comeback just like Liverpool. Great to see two English sides in the final again (possibly both finals) . UEFA will be livid. European football will be worried.
Looking forward to United being back there soon.
On to next season now.

10 May 2019 04:13:39
And now all 4 English teams are in the two European finals. I wonder what UEFA will thinks of that 😂
Well done to the English clubs, good to see.
Obviously I would like United to have been there but if not us then good to see English teams doing well. Will this be the late 70’s early 80’s when English teams had a monopoly on the European Cup 👍.

08 May 2019 20:47:14
I really hope we don't sign Trippier.

08 May 2019 21:16:14
I think he peaked last summer. Had an awful season.

08 May 2019 17:40:55
As soon as Jose left, Pogba lifted the mood of self and team this resulted in tremendous run of Form. but as soon as after international break when Zidane openly praised him and he has been informed of interest from Madrid, he stopped trying because Ole was so impressed with him that he wanted to build new team around him. and he knew with that form continue, United will not sale him. so he has again came with his attitude ( guided by Raiola probably) . Stopped performing. Which has surely costed us top 4.

Although since his teen days I had been a big fan of him, his antics are putting me down. . he is the one with to much BAGGAGE. And if we want to do a rebuild and get sucess in transition, I do not want him anywhere near the team.
Martial do possess attitude problem, but I always felt that started when he is withdrawn from his centre striker role. I would give him regular central role where he was thriving in first season, and move Rashford to left because he is not a striker material. And if he still don't give a damn performing. he can go back to France.

So I will recommend this 2 changes to improve attitude at first. And attitude is everything.

08 May 2019 18:02:06
Is hitting the bar twice not trying? If those two goals had gone in, people would have been lauding him in praise.

08 May 2019 21:07:42
Pogba dows try but compare his effort to the Liverpool or City players efforts and he is miles off.

08 May 2019 21:11:14
Forgot to say about Pogba that if you compare his attitude to Aaron Ramsay you can see that he is actually disrespectful to the other players and fans. If he wants to go so be it. Better players than him have come and gone but Ramsay who is leaving Arsenal can leave with his honour and pride high. Right until his injury finished his season prematurely Ramsay never kicked up a fuss and did his best for the team. That's being professional.

09 May 2019 08:38:46
Pogba is an average player hyped up by the media he will never be world class


World class players control games every week.

He isn't even in the same breath as players like Silva

If madrod want to pay silly money then we should take it there are plenty of players better than pogba out there.

08 May 2019 10:23:57
We all have our opinions of how we can return to the top but the only way back is by good planning and patience.

The most important thing is we re-establish an identity and recognisable style of play. Tactical tweaks are fine but when your changing players and formations every week it breeds uncertainty and inconsistency. Players need to understand their role and expectations within the team. The most refreshing aspect of Ole's first few games in charge was we could all name the starting 11 and formation. Results and performances suffered when he morphed into Mourinho and started experimenting with different players and formations. He placed more importance on the result rather than performances and betrayed the principles that brought him his early success. The players looked confused and despondent and reverted back to playing as individuals rather than a team.

What we need now is decisive and robust leadership. Tough decisions must be made about the futures of Pogba and De Gea. They can't be allowed to fester and rumble on into the summer. Football decisions must be prioritised over financial reward. We can't allow ourselves to be bullied by the likes of Madrid where they will look to unsettle the players in order to drive down the price. We hold the cards, Pogba is under contract and if our valuation is not met by a specific time then he stays. If they are both on the plane come pre season then they both must be retained. It is impossible to plan for next season if you don't know the future of your two best players. It will become disruptive and the Club can ill afford another transfer saga. We must re establish control and demonstrate who is in charge.

We all know the areas of the squad that need strengthening. They must be addressed during the summer. There is little point in targeting the likes of Cavani or Dybala at the expense of other positions. This will just further exacerbate the imbalances in the squad and alienate others who in my opinion are the future of our Club.

We must find a partner for Lindelof and a RW to bring balance to the team and enable us to attack down both flanks. A RB and CM are other areas that need strengthening especially if Pogba leaves.

On the surface the re-building job looks daunting but it's amazing what a few quality additions in the rights positions can do.

08 May 2019 10:38:00
The most important thing is to bring in people who know how to run a club, as we stand nothing is going to change. We can buy and sell till the cows come home, our problems run way deeper than the we layers on the pitch.

08 May 2019 10:40:06
I’ve just posted a long post about this, it’s on the discussion page.

08 May 2019 12:21:25
Great post DLIB.

I just want to raise a point as I see it over and over again. People say we need a RW. But do we have a LW?

Sancjez needs to be sold, beyond him we have Martial who doesn't want to be a winger and doesn't work hard enough and Rashford who is a striker.

Personally I wouldn't sign a true RW, but a creative player who can score and create from either the RW or as a No.10.

I see us setting up with a front two and a versatile player playing in the No.10 role. Rather than a traditional front three with two wider players.

08 May 2019 12:37:10
We can do these posts all day long but it doesn't alter the shambolic way things are ran. For example Ole wants Sancho but we're linked with Bale and Dybala. Until this changes nothing will change.

08 May 2019 13:23:34
Mort, spot on. It doesn't matter who we sign if the club is so old. I predict we will keep Pogba (for marketing reasons) and sign Bale.

08 May 2019 14:06:10
Bale wouldn't surprise me in the slightest the way Ed Woodward goes about his business. We should sign a couple of players from Leicester and Wolves. Proper team players who will fight for the badge and know the premier league.

08 May 2019 16:03:17
Damon- what makes you think that we COULD sign players from leicester and wolves? From the outside we would be lucky to attract players from Salford and Grimsby!
Not only is it a concern how bad we are in every aspect from the infastructure and team performance' but how far we are behind the top 2 and the probability they will improve more. We really have got a mountain to climb but it has to be approached carefully and sensibly, not kneejerk or gungho and that starts with Woodward going. If he isn't gone then anything will merely be a bandaid over an amputated limb; simple.

08 May 2019 16:14:29
Why would wolves or Leicester sell? They probably see us as rivals in the battle for best of the rest. If you were Rodgers or Nuno which club would you be targeting?

08 May 2019 17:44:43
I agree Shappy and that's why we need a clear identity and vision of how we want to play.

I think Martial is a wide forward, he's at his best with the ball at his feet in that left channel within the final third where he can run at defenders.

I'm yet to be confined by the split strikers. I've not seen much evidence of any partnerships forming and I don't think Rashford is suited to playing on the right. It's no coincidence to me that his form has dipped the more time he has been deployed down that right channel. If we are to persist then we need a really good No10 to link it all together. Lingard has performed well in that role on occasions but it remains to be seen if he can cement himself in that position on a regular basis.
Another problem with the split strikers in my opinion is that it leaves our full backs exposed and isolated and requires our midfielders to get wide quickly to support them. I just feel it makes us very vulnerable defensively and easy to play through.

In my opinion the way we should line up next season depends on the future of Pogba. If he stays then I'd prefer us to play 4-3-3 and we really need a right sided forward to give balance to the attack. If Pogba is sold then I'd think we'd benefit from changing to a 4-2-3-1 with Lingard moving into a No10 position behind Rashford and our links to someone like Dybala would make more sense. In any case we'd still need a right sided forward which I view as essential if we are to progress. I think Martial and Rashford are both better from the left so far me that's not a priority.

I know it's highly unlikely but if we could somehow get Sancho out of Dortmund and line up with Lingard at 10, Martial left, Sancho right and Rashford up top I think we'd have a really mobile and dynamic attack. If we could find a really good holding midfielder to partner either Matic or Mctominay in midfield and then a commending CB to partner Lindelof I think we'd have the basis of a decent team. A new right back would also help but maybe Dalot deserves his chance so I don't see this as essential.

Like I said I think a lot depends on the future of Pogba I just hope its decided quickly one way or the other so we can move forward. My opinion is if he's determined to leave then he should be sold. He's unlikely to sign a new contract and will become a disruptive influence on the dressing room. We must set a realistic valuation on the player rather than risk it destabilise the squad before the new season has even started.

Strong and robust leadership and a clear vision of how we intend to play will go a long way in deciding what kind of season we can expect next year!

08 May 2019 18:28:52
Shappy the sort of player your describing would be ziyech at Ajax imo. Although I believe there is some baggage with him per Ed002.

08 May 2019 18:58:35
I know we all have different opinions, but I really cannot see how Lingard or Rashford are potential number 10's? Maybe my idea of a no.10 is different to others - I saw Shappy suggest the 10 role for Lingard the other day too.

But isn't the 10 role really the playmaker role, someone with intelligence and vision. The man to link play and unlock defenses, like the Zidane, Totti, and going back to people like Ronaldinho, and Maradona before that.

I know roles vary in different formations, but I just don't see Lingard as a 10, nor Rashford.

If we are to play with a 10, I still think Mata is our best option, though looks like he may be off too.

08 May 2019 19:50:33
Betty I suppose it all comes down to what your definition of a No10 is?

For me it's someone that plays just off the front in advanced positions but can also drop deeper into midfield when required. They don't necessarily have to be a "playmaker" but can influence the attack in other ways. Lingard is brilliant off the ball, he constantly makes intelligent runs and is great at pressing from the front. He had a period last winter when he was played consistently just behind the striker or in the No10 position and he excelled. It appeared he'd finally added an end product to his game but he was eventually moved back out to the right so we could accommodate Pogba in a three man midfield. By no means am I'm saying he's world class but he's vastly undervalued by a lot of our supporters.

It always amuses me when many of our supporters call for youth to be given a chance yet have no patience to allow them to succeed. Mctominay, Rashford and Lingard have all come in for unnecessary criticism yet these are the players that will run themselves into the ground and are capable of allowing us to play a more aggressive pressing style.

08 May 2019 20:25:50
Lingard is a decent enough player, but nothing special. Handles run around a lot, I'll give you that be he's no number 10 - at least not if we expect to start challenging the top teams. And I would hardly call him youth. He's 27 in a few months time.
We need to get away from this sentimental approach with players like Lingard, because he has come through the ranks.
I'm not saying get rid of him, as he is a decent enough squad player, but if we really are going to build a team to challenge, I just don't see a team with Lingard playing such an important role.
Rashford and McTomminay are completely different - they really are youth.

09 May 2019 00:45:31
Yes I agree but Leicester/ Wolves have some very good team players. Also we do have European football to offer and Leicester will not have that next season. I'd take both of their full backs in a heartbeat!

08 May 2019 08:42:45
Why can't we promote our best young talents to senior side . There is lot of risk involved, but still I believe we would have ended up in Europa league even if we played the likes ok mason, Chong, Gomes .

08 May 2019 09:02:47
We need to sort out the coaching first especially out first team. Rashford, martial, shaw, dalot, etc have shown just a slight improvement from when they broke into the first team.

Definitely there are other aspects to improving the coaching but we still haven't managed to figure it out in our set up.

I was all for giving our youth a chance but having looked at the above players who haven't really progressed i would instead send them out on loan till we sort out the mess we are in.

Btw ed 01 happy for you good result. Amazing comeback.

{Ed001's Note - cheers mate. I was quite happy myself last night, just glad I have a quiet day today and don't have to talk to anyone as I think I lost my voice on the 3rd goal, let alone the 4th!}

08 May 2019 09:48:50
Seeing as we are in the europa league next season there will be plenty of opportunities to give greenwood, gomes, garner and chong game time.

We just need to get rid of a lot of squad players who don't really add any value and create space in the squad for youngsters to come in.

Get rid of 8/ 9 and bring in 4 signings and 4 youngsters. Havent really lost anything from a squad point of view.

08 May 2019 10:26:45
I agree mate. None of our established players have been doing anything that some of our younger players couldn’t in recent weeks. Hope to see plenty of them against Cardiff.

08 May 2019 10:39:12
So we’re going to treat the Europa League like the League cup and use it blood youngsters? It’s a major trophy and one we will try and win.

08 May 2019 11:38:14
What’s wrong with giving those lads a chance with the first team AJH? No ones is saying write it off and throw the 18s at it.

08 May 2019 11:41:42
Where did harry kane get his chance, which competition has helped chelsea develop hudson odoi and loftus cheek?

In the group stage if we are playing teams like zorya luhansk or fc midjitlland i would rather pay some kids than some demotivated first teamers who think they are too good for the competition.

08 May 2019 12:41:30
Personally I would write the europa off and throw the youngsters at it. Its a distraction. The league has to be priority and Thursday night games affects the following league games. Be pragmatic and use it fir players to gain experience.

08 May 2019 02:04:28
If anything here there's a good lesson for the Board, management and players in Man Utd. I am envious of how Liverpool has brought themselves to this current position but they have done well and well done to them.
It took them a few years to build/ rebuild their team. Right board decisions, conviction and support for the manager. This formula would work well in most organizations. Best lesson from our most intense competition.

08 May 2019 05:52:43
I totally despise Liverpool but you have to agree every Utd fan at the moment wished our club was where they are at. I got slated a few weeks back when I said Barcelona were bang average bar Messi. Well looks like I was right there are less than bang average but fair play to the scousers. Just praying either Ajax or Spurs turn them over but can’t see it.

08 May 2019 06:40:09
BR credits where due even if we sometimes don’t like it. That’s being professional as a supporter and fan. As I always said it’s only football and there are more important in life.
For me I think Liverpool did themselves proud and persevered. Klopp (much as I don’t like him) did a good job but the players need to be commended as a team playing together. I’m impressed with their playing with heart and soul. We need to get back to that psychology. Well probably in 2 years time I feel.
We need to stick with the manager and support him in whichever way we can. Be it Ole or anyone. Else no point appointing him as the manager right?

08 May 2019 07:51:56
Liverpool were sensational last night. Blind loyalties aside, that was an incredible performance and win. My biggest fear is not just this season - the way both them and City are both so consistently miles ahead of the rest of us is worrying for our club for many years and those in charge of making key decisions at Utd (I genuinely don’t know who they are) ought to hang their heads in shame.

The rebuild starts now, but I fear we will be seeking another new manager in 12-18 months maximum.

08 May 2019 09:14:32
Eric we will have to wait and see.
If there is progress and the team is shaping up nicely then I don’t see why we can’t continue with Ole.
I was one of first few who feels that we should’ve waited till end of season as initial contract. But since Ole was appointed then I will just support the club.
So till then we have to see what comes up. Hopefully great support from the Board.

08 May 2019 12:06:54
Look at the effort that was put in last night, it would be nice to see some of that plus some of the targeted squat additions.

08 May 2019 12:46:04
I totally agree EiG.
I feel (stand corrected) that we can get back to glory if we put a good strategy in place, stick to it, back the manager and follow through.
On another note, sorry but EW should stay clear of football inputs and stick with the financials which he is very very strong.

07 May 2019 23:51:06
This will be our biggest summer since Sir Alex retired in my opinion. Also I believe we will see the biggest turnaround of players we've ever seen at United. We need to be shrewd in the market and need to ditch this rubbish of signing superstars and get some team players in who fight for each other on the pitch. We need to sort the defence out bigtime and a CB, LB and RB is needed. To get the team we want in one window though is unrealistic but let's get ourselves solid at the back and then build from that.

We are desperately short in attack though aswell for me as we don't have a striker who is intelligent enough to make those runs in behind to cut through teams. Mason Greenwood is only 17 so is very young and I'm not convinced by Lukaku or Rashford! We could do worse than taking a punt on Vardy for a couple of years to be honest your guaranteed 15-20 league goals with him. Solskjaer needs time though and plenty of money and the recruitment needs to be right. Let's get behind him and let the guy build his own team but it's going to take patience before we are challenging for everything again. We have a mountain to climb but we will be back 😁.

{Ed0333's Note - yes but you also have Ed Woodward that’s a massive handicap.

08 May 2019 10:28:46
Unfortunately Damon, every summer since Fergie has been gone we have been saying the same things going into it. This summer I fear that there is no plan for the recruitment and we will still be chasing all around Europe for scraps.

08 May 2019 11:24:55
Yes we have not been proactive for a number of years now mate I agree. there's no plan or strategy and even us as fans can see that. Yes Ed I believe Gary Neville hit the nail on the head when he said if he was in charge of running a football club for 6/ 7 years and it was like this he'd think he wasnt doing his job very well lol! Get football men in not businessmen its ridiculous. In terms of incomings and outgoings though Caolan this summer will be the biggest we've seen.

08 May 2019 16:57:51
100% agree Damon. Just a shame we are still having to say that after 7 years.