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14 Oct 2024 16:34:28
Hello Ed002, do you know how how much it would cost Utd to buy back Angel Gomes?
I think a midfield of Ugarte, Gomes and Mainoo would be well balanced and could grow nicely together.
{Ed002's Note - Nothing, he is a Free Agent in the summer.}
1.) 14 Oct 2024 19:07:09
Nowhere near good enough.
2.) 14 Oct 2024 20:50:58
Thanks Ed002.
Utd need a passer in midfield. A metronome who keeps the ball and starts the play.
Utd have limited funds
Gomes is young and free. He might not be top tier but he's good enough to play for England and he is only going to get better.
{Ed002's Note - Angel Gomes (CM) Newcastle will push Lille for a January deal before he can leave as a Free Agent in the summer. Spurs and Manchester United may also show an interest.}
14 Oct 2024 16:34:28
Hello Ed002, do you know how how much it would cost Utd to buy back Angel Gomes?
I think a midfield of Ugarte, Gomes and Mainoo would be well balanced and could grow nicely together.
{Ed002's Note - Nothing. He will be a Free Agent in the summer.}
10 Sep 2024 09:06:27
Ed002, if you don't mind please.
Do you know if Utd have a buy back clause for Angel Gomes?
{Ed002's Note - No, but hw is out of contract in the summer.}
1.) 10 Sep 2024 09:33:42
Hi Ed002, is he of interest to United by any chance?
{Ed002's Note - Not that I am aware.}
2.) 10 Sep 2024 18:28:04
Should be of interest as he is a very talented player and seemingly matured a lot playing abroad.
3.) 11 Sep 2024 04:13:32
Him, Ugarte, Mainoo, great depth for MF.
4.) 11 Sep 2024 09:24:17
Home grown aswell.
5.) 11 Sep 2024 13:35:23
Despite some on here claiming he isn't built for the EPL. I think he would be ideal for us. Would be a great replacement for Eriksen. Another academy graduate too, but that's just a plus. He has to be good enough, which I believe he clearly is.
6.) 11 Sep 2024 13:55:37
Depends on if he's willing to play the eriksen role, i.e cover/ the bench.
7.) 11 Sep 2024 20:16:47
One saw Gomes as am attacking midfielder. Nicky Butt, head of the academy saw him in the pivot, Butt left because he didn't feel he fitted in with the people running the show.
Games left United went to Lille who used him in the role Butt saw for him. Meanwhile United haven't been able to properly solve that position at all in the intervening years.
I haven't seen enough of Gomes to comment with any great authority on how good he eally is but he looks like he is good enough in that position to have been better than some of the players we have had playing their over the last 2 years at least.
Hindsight may well decide United made a mess of this.
8.) 12 Sep 2024 08:14:11
Oakbark, he wasn't ready at the time for any particular role. Going out and playing in a different league, playing himself into the English side was the right thing for him to do at the time.
But now he will be a free transfer. So I think it would make sense to try and re sign him.
9.) 12 Sep 2024 09:29:22
While not on the same level he has grown into a similar player to Luka Modric. Very slight, but uses that to his advantage to make space for himself in tight and congested areas in midfield. Modric needed a little time playing wide in the EPL before he moved back into the heart of midfield as he got into his mid-twenties. Gomes looks like he's needed to take a similar pathway.
He has great technical ability, vision and passing range.
Lots of hype around him atm due to his England call up and performances. Yet as a homegrown player who knows the club, plays in a position we need more depth, and has skills we need, there is a lot to like, especially available on a free transfer.
Definitely one to keep an eye on and I hope he's being scouted. On paper his skills and ability would pair really well with Ugarte in a double pivot. With the Uruguayan adding the steel to Gomes's silk.
It would also free Mainoo to roam higher up the pitch, where he can influence the game in an attacking sense. Which to me looks like the best use of Kobbie's skills. Roaming link player who can defend from the front, play those little bounce passes to release a forward, or skip past a tackle and open up space himself either for a shot or to play the killer ball.
Angel is certainly a player I'll be trying to watch a bit more over this season for Lille.
10.) 12 Sep 2024 11:19:05
He'd be a brilliant free signing, but one imagines there'll be a very long queue of the top sides in England. We might be among the more appealing with the likes of Eriksen/ Cas likely to depart sooner rather than later.
11.) 12 Sep 2024 11:56:02
We seriously lack a player that can hold onto the ball in that no 6 position. If we can get him on a free, fantastic.
12.) 12 Sep 2024 15:26:41
Shappy,
Great post mate.
13.) 12 Sep 2024 16:31:44
Very good post Shappy, agree with everything you said.
He has said, when asked about returning a while back, OT was his home, mind you, they all say thing's like that.
He is Nani's godson so maybe he will give him some good advice!
14.) 12 Sep 2024 18:24:45
He's actually cousins with or a nephew to Nani I think.
15.) 12 Sep 2024 22:39:07
I agree Angel Red. I think Carrick was the last player utd had of that type and his last game was 6 years ago.
Utd are lacking any control in Midfield so a player who can retain possession, progress the ball and dictate play is desperately needed.
If this allows Mainoo to play further forward and displace Fernandez then Utd will have even more possession and control as a result.
16.) 13 Sep 2024 00:06:09
Unruly, afraid you are wrong, Angel Gomes is the godson of Nani.
17.) 13 Sep 2024 14:59:06
You are right IWOTB. Just saw an article about it.
18.) 16 Sep 2024 13:23:51
Fair one Shappy, I actually read that post ??.
19.) 18 Sep 2024 20:19:03
I like Gomes but the PL is a different proposition than French and international football. I’m not sure he is the answer to the high press and high paced midfields dominating the league right now. I think to be successful now you need a good engine, physically, mobility and technique- Gomes has some of these traits but not all of them. I think he’s this will make replacing Casimero and Eriksen a headache for the United recruitment team.
Does anyone know the people we are targeting for next summer?
21 Aug 2024 15:38:37
Hi ed002, hope you're well.
Anything in the Sancho to Chelsea rumours?
Is it dependent on whether Sterling leaves for Juventus?
{Ed002's Note - Jadon Sancho (W) Borussia Dortmund would take the player back but will not pay more than half of what they sold him for and will step back unless the demands of the player and club are more reasonable, or a further loan is offered. Newcastle may have provided an option but signed an alternative. Agent approached Spurs but they can be discounted. Perhaps a loan to buy for Barcelona or Juventus, but they will not accept an obligation to buy. RBL may be open to a discussion.}
1.) 21 Aug 2024 16:56:12
Thanks for all these updates Ed002, it's been really insightful.
2.) 21 Aug 2024 18:09:51
I suppose sitting around on the bench for the next 2 years while making £15m a year could be appealing, but having already made more money in the last 3 years than most will make in a lifetime, I for one would be more than delighted to renegotiate my pay package for an opportunity to play regularly. IF BD were prepared to pay half of his transfer cost wouldn't that leave a small book profit?
3.) 21 Aug 2024 19:06:25
I saw the links to Chelsea over last few days, its nonsense surely, they wouldn't would they?
They really need to reduce their squad not bring in United's problem child.
4.) 21 Aug 2024 19:53:05
Thanks Ed002
Shawthing, I'm not he's bothered about playing. It didn't look like it even when he was on the pitch.
06 Jun 2024 08:12:36
Hi Ed002, do you know if PSG or any other club are showing any interest in Rashford?
{Ed002's Note - Marcus Rashford (LW/F) Much will depend on what happens in the summer regarding a new coach, but I am sure Manchester United will be regretting the new long-term contract. A third-party has spoken to clubs, including Juventus and Arsenal about him on behalf of Manchester United, but I am not aware of any serious interest and both clubs have other targets. Spurs may offer a wildcard solution to replace Richarlison. Suggestion that he could be a Mbappe replacement at PSG seem far-fetched given they have other clear targets in mind.}
1.) 06 Jun 2024 09:44:59
Speaking of Richarlison I’d take him as a replacement for Martial.
{Ed002's Note - Not an option.}
2.) 06 Jun 2024 12:04:04
Disappointing news but not surprising. Useless, lazy no-hoper for mega money is always going to be a tough sell.
Thank you Ed002.
3.) 06 Jun 2024 12:32:05
If Richarlison was any good, Spurs wouldn’t be looking to sell him. Would be a terrible signing.
4.) 06 Jun 2024 13:24:12
Some days players work out some don’t Richarlison is a fine player and would be good back up at most teams. I’d take him over Gabriel Jesus.
5.) 06 Jun 2024 15:32:29
Lazy no hoper mancman? You okay mate?
6.) 06 Jun 2024 16:26:40
I'm fine angel. I'm talking about the guy I saw strolling around the pitch for the whole of last season doing sweet FA. You remember him?
7.) 07 Jun 2024 07:17:22
Ah yeah that lazy no hoper that scored 30 goals the year before?
8.) 07 Jun 2024 07:44:39
Agree with MancMan, just because he had a spell of doing well one season doesn’t make him immune to criticism, Rash has done next to nothing not just this season but other long spells too. I can forgive anyone not playing well or having a barren run but that empathy doesn’t extend to being lazy, not running back, not working hard and giving off the impression he can’t be bothered when he’s taking home that money. Why this lad gets defended is beyond me, he’s one of the common denominators in why we have had a toxic dressing room down the managers, he isn’t world class, he’s not even starting eleven class, and I too am sick of seeing this guy take the mick out of us by pretending he cares and whining on social media, it’s fairly simple Rash, start putting a shift in and working hard and guess what the criticisms will stop, man we had Wout Weghorst who couldn’t hit a barn door but least he gave effort and got appreciated for it,
9.) 07 Jun 2024 09:57:50
I'm watching a different Rashford then all these years. Other long spells?
I don't mund criticism, but lazy no hoper? WTF is that all about.
10.) 07 Jun 2024 10:29:00
So you would have Wout instead of Rash? Interesting. And, why would you chase back when under orders not to?
11.) 07 Jun 2024 11:18:54
I never understand why people talk about Rashford like he's had one good season and been rubbish the rest of the time. He's had two bad seasons out of the last 5, last season, when the entire team was poor, and the other was when he was playing through injury for a good chunk of the season, in a team which was playing badly as a whole, and basically imploded halfway through the season after Ragnick came in.
The season before that he was also playing through injury for a chunk of the season and was still one of our better players, finishing with 21 goals in all competitions. He played pretty well the season before that too, finishing with 22 goals.
Go back further and the numbers aren't especially impressive, but he was a youngster then, and doing pretty respectably for his age.
So in reality he's only had one really exceptional season, but he's only actually had two genuinely bad seasons, both of which were when the team as a whole was particularly bad.
He may not be world class, and perhaps he's a bit too susceptible to the mood and form of the team around him, but he's still a good player, and if the team is settled, happy and playing well, he'll more than carry his weight.
It would be nice if he was the type who will turn around a season single-handedly, and carry the team through the bad patches, but he isn't, and that doesn't mean he is no good and should be got rid of. Few players can do that, after all.
He is the type who shines when the team as a whole as doing well, and that's exactly where we want to be.
12.) 07 Jun 2024 13:41:02
No what I’m saying is at least Wout worked hard, Rash doesn’t even try. Rash has had many spells like this aswell, I will forgive anyone for poor form but when you don’t try, work for your team mates or run, then no, I won’t defend it. Anyone that thinks Rash deserves to play for united still needs to have a hard think. It’s this type of accepting mediocrity only we are mediocre, can’t have passengers like Rash stinking up the squad I don’t care if he’s a local lad. Yes his numbers was impressive on a couple of occasions but a this club you mot only need to maintain levels but have more about you than being susceptible to others being poor, he’s not poor because others are poor around him, he’s poor because his attitude sucks.
13.) 07 Jun 2024 14:40:43
Angel, I used to be able to do many things I no longer can or want to.
I used to be different than I am now.
You're talking about the player Rashford used to be or was for a short while.
I'm talking about the Rashford I saw recently and he was pants.
14.) 07 Jun 2024 21:26:54
The notion that any player in the modern game is instructed not to chase back is crazy. Only one player has had that luxury in the last decade, Lionel Messi.
MancMan's banter posts with other poster's replies to MancMan's banter posts
26 Dec 2024 13:57:11
How's everyone feeling about the match later?
I'm optimistic. I'm hoping Utds players are going to be hurting after last week and will have something to prove.
That said, Wolves are at home and have a new manager bounce.
I think it will be tight.
Utd being crap is much more interesting than winning everything season after season.
1.) 26 Dec 2024 15:04:40
No, no it is not.
2.) 26 Dec 2024 15:36:54
Wolves are having their new manager purple patch, so I think they'll probably win.
I hope to be proven wrong though.
3.) 26 Dec 2024 18:51:04
I want the whole team sacked. its a shambles. We're worse. we are going down. hate every player. We're so bad its just embarrassing.
4.) 26 Dec 2024 20:55:44
Imagine if we got relegated. At least getting a ticket will be easier ?.
18 Dec 2024 08:44:38
I've got to laugh that Rashford says he is up for a new 'challenge'
I don't think he knows what one is.
1.) 18 Dec 2024 11:58:21
If he manages to get another deal at a top club he won’t get the free ride across 4 managers that he’s had.
The thing is I can’t see him going because no club is taking him on the money he’s on. Now he’s opened his mouth adding to a seemingly lack of application I can see fans getting on his back now.
2.) 18 Dec 2024 13:04:20
No of course he doesn't know. He's been at one club his whole life. Best of luck to him if he does leave.
3.) 18 Dec 2024 13:32:41
Angel, why are you wishing luck to someone who has blatantly been taking the michael out of you and every other Utd fan for two seasons?
What a bizarre sentiment.
4.) 18 Dec 2024 14:06:01
He's not taking the Michael out of me mancman. As a person, I believe him to be a decent human being and I wish him well in his future.
Think it's a bit bizarre to not think like that to be honest, whatever you think of what he has produced for the club over the years. It's the only club he has ever known and played for. I don't get all this hate against them. One club man, knocked in a fair few goals, gave us some great nights. All in an era where I think the club has been an absolute shambles top to bottom.
I presume you think Amorim is strange also wanting him to stay then?
5.) 18 Dec 2024 15:59:30
Nobody wishes Rashford harm but he has continually taken the mick by the standards he upholds.
6.) 18 Dec 2024 16:28:50
Pspence what are those?
Or is that he does not live up to our standards or the expectations that we have for him?
He has been continuously picked by every manager we have had since he got his first start.
Amorim has also come out and said he wants him to stay. So, by that alone, he is obviously living up to our managers standards, because if he hadn't been for all these years, he wouldn't have been continuously picked and he would have been sold long ago.
Amorim had the perfect opportunity to agree with him today and he chose to say how he wants him. The manager mustn't believe that he takes the Mick.
7.) 18 Dec 2024 23:34:17
Well if Rashford does care about performing to his best levels and not being immature,
He would not have dropped a big interview like that just after a derby win. We picked up some momentum and he’s now made it all about him. Selfish again.
8.) 19 Dec 2024 02:42:06
He's a piss taker and a bag of ?. Get rid and if garna don't react positively send him packing too. Far too many chancers in the squad.
9.) 19 Dec 2024 10:37:41
Dn8red never seen you post on here before. But he's far from a bag of rubbish.
13 Dec 2024 10:06:34
I'm really looking forward to the derby on Sunday. I think it's going to be the most interesting match in a long time.
How do people think Utd should approach the game? Go at City full throttle from the start and try to take advantage of their low confidence to create uncertainty. Or, try to play their way into the game, quiet the crowd and try to frustrate City?
My own thoughts are that Amorim should pick an energetic, physical team to go at City from the off. I think they are there for the taking and Utd should take advantage. I want to see Hojland, Fernandes, De Light, Martinez, Ugarte, Amad, Cassimero. I don't want to see Erikson, Rashford, Zirkzee, Yoro.
1.) 13 Dec 2024 10:30:30
I'm looking forward to it too mate, but don't think either team will have high expectations. Will leave tactics to the boss but it would be great for Hojlund to have an impact. I've been critical of his ability but recently it seems we have begun to rely on him. I hope he can become a success.
2.) 13 Dec 2024 11:12:53
What has Yoro done to deserve that.
3.) 13 Dec 2024 11:21:47
Already given up on Yoro 2 games after coming back from injury? Has looked good to me and has more energy than De Ligt imo, although I think De Ligt is quite good too.
4.) 13 Dec 2024 11:50:57
I've nothing against Yoro, in fact I'm excited about him for the long term.
However, he's inexperienced and just coming back from a long lay off with injury. Moreover, he looks quite lightweight ATM.
5.) 13 Dec 2024 11:52:54
I'd have yoro in no doubt at all as rcb and I'd be looking to play amad rwb and maz lwb.
6.) 13 Dec 2024 12:11:02
biggest concern for me is the keeper.
he has made some good saves but when he's bad its attrocious tbh. Distribution is pretty poor also.
7.) 13 Dec 2024 12:16:57
Really Ken? A 19 year old in his third game, in the derby at the emptyhad?
8.) 13 Dec 2024 12:24:13
I think we will lose even though this is as good a time to play them. We are okay/ decent on the break atm which is what has been the case for some years now but pretty poor against teams that defend well. Saving grace is city does not sit and been conceding goals against the break.
We have gone from a team that created a lot from the left hand side with not much coming from the right to the opposite. Garna and rash both been very poor imo and add dalot in there and its train wreck.
They might be going through a very bad patch but still better than us and at home. 3-1 I reckon.
9.) 13 Dec 2024 12:54:51
Yes manc man. This season is pretty much a free swing. get as much knowledge as possible.
10.) 13 Dec 2024 14:09:27
MDL is the only CB we have right now I'd fancy against Haaland, and even then it's only because the Viking like the rest of the City form is out of form. In fact there aren't going to be many players on show who are in a rich vein of form at present. If there's any saving grace for Utd it's that City are easily in their worst spell for quite a few years, and have a bit of their own injury list particularly at the back. Should be interesting, I wouldn't be surprised with any result between these two at the moment.
11.) 13 Dec 2024 17:52:34
Agree spenno it could be a nil all bore draw or a goal fest.
For me this season is all about the manager gaining knowledge about the players and about the league.
Of course winning and good performances count but imo this session we will either win or learn.
12.) 14 Dec 2024 10:17:39
Onana is terrible and should never be in the squad. I thought he was dodgy from day one!
09 Apr 2024 09:36:03
Question: why do other teams get so many shots against Utd?
1.) 09 Apr 2024 09:49:54
Because we empty the midfield and man mark.
2.) 09 Apr 2024 10:25:39
I’m not defending this as it looks damning but you need to add some context to it. Below are the shots on targets in these games compared to shots taken. You can interpret stats however you want but I think teams put question marks on Onana, know we are a team that can be got at and probably not the most resilient when we concede and therefore it’s the shoot on sight idea.
Liverpool - 28 shots, 7 on Target.
Chelsea - 28 shots, 10 on Target.
Brentford - 31 shots, 5 on Target
Everton - 23 shots, 6 on Target.
Man City - 27 shots, 8 on target.
Compared to our shots on target, there’s not a great difference in the matches bar the city game and the Chelsea game really: Everton 8 on target, Brentford 5 on target, Chelsea 5 on target, Liverpool 5 on target.
We certainly need to address this but I do think the media want to make it seem more damning that what it is. Liverpool conceded with our first attempt on goal on Sunday! But that statement makes it appear worse than actually the context of how it happened.
3.) 09 Apr 2024 10:45:30
Good post ports.
The epl is the quickest in the world particularly when moving the ball forward.
The amount of turnovers we concede is huge and allows teams into our final 3rd a lot more because of our inability to keep the ball.
Again epl nature is that most teams try to score or get a shot away as quickly as possible when is possession.
We give possession away so cheaply and consistently that it allows teams 'pot shots ' in a quick transition phase.
That's the reason in a nut shell imo.
Time and time again we lose possession and offer up half chances.
4.) 09 Apr 2024 11:01:04
So basically it's down to deliberate tactics and team selection from ETH?
5.) 09 Apr 2024 11:52:17
Ken, precisely that, we give away the ball so cheaply. Sometimes the opposition don't have to do anything.
I read that casemiro gave away the ball 16 times, I mean that's inexcusable.
Of course a different level, but I play CM in Sunday league, and I go made if I give it up once, but 16 at his level, Jesus. I don't mind giving the ball away up high as much when we are trying to do something but Case was giving the ball away do much in his own half.
Again, I know maguire had a good game defensively but on the ball, with no pressure he also was susceptible to giving the ball away. It just invites pressure. If we can cut that out, opposition chances will be less.
6.) 09 Apr 2024 13:04:37
In part its due to the tactical set up, and in part its due to a lack of personnel to play the tactics to an elite level.
The idea is that we have a in possession shape of a 3133. This should give us more passing options centrally, while also in theory making us strong defensively in central areas with the only space being wide. It allows for us to have more players further forward, which supports the implementation of a high press. Essentially football tactics is about creating numerical overloads.
Most teams in the EPL currently play in a 3223 type shape or variation of, with a box midfield made popular by De Zerbi. Essentially they have 5 players in the defensive half and 5 in the offensive half.
The 3133 should give us an extra player higher up the pitch giving us a numerical advantage and allowing us to control the game in the opposition half. This comes at a cost of having one less player in our defensive half. Which is why EtH wants to play a quick build up play out from the back with vertical passes to move the ball into the opponents half as quickly as possible where we should have the numerical advantage.
If you can get this system to work then we will be able to dominate games in this league as it would force the opposition to either change shape or to allow us to have control.
There are three reasons why this isn't working perfectly with our current team and what is leading to a lot of shots.
In the first instance our defenders lack pace and mobility so have a tendency to drop 10-15 yards deeper than they should be playing. This creates space in front of them that the midfield has to deal with.
For us the one midfielder we have shielding the defence is Casemiro, and there really isn't another player in our squad who has the skill set or understanding to play this role. Unfortunately he is in decline and no longer has the mobility, pace or stamina to cover this space on his own, especially when that space is made bigger by the defence dropping deeper.
So with a deeper defence and a declining CDM there is a lot of space for the opposition to attack in front of our defence. The more space there is to attack the more frequently the opposition can attack, which will inevitably lead to conceding more shots.
This defensive weaknesses has been exasperated by a forward line that while presses well, often makes poor decisions in possession leading to turning over the ball more often, giving the opposition the opportunity to attack that space in midfield with greater regularity.
This has been helped somewhat by playing Garnacho on the right as we are less predictable down that side now, as such we lose the ball less often down that flank. Ultimately we have too many players in attack who are looking to shoot rather than to create chances. That makes us to predictable, and when the opposition know what you will do it becomes easier to step in and win the ball back.
While Bruno is a chief culprit for losing the ball, he is also (until Garnacho started playing on the right) the only forward player who was looking to pass the ball rather than shoot all the time. Which means that if we drop him then we lose a lot of creativity and would probably score even less than we currently are.
What we are doing well though is that while we concede a lot of shots, they tend to be low chance shots either from distance or from a wide angle. While our defenders are poor at marking the space in behind them, they are very good at marking the space in front of them. Meaning that while the opposition regularly get to run at our defenders they rarely dribble past them. Meaning the shots tend to be low quality chances. which is why we might concede 26 shots in a game, but only 6 or 7 are on target. While the majority of those on target shots are ones the keeper can save without too much trouble.
The vast majority of the goals we concede actually come from set plays rather than open play. Where the chaos and decision making of our defenders is put under more scrutiny. We don't react quickly enough or we fail to pick up a player who finds a yard or so of space in a good position.
So while we concede a lot of shots from open play, they tend to be poor chances with very few goals actually conceded. If we can get better at defending set-plays then we would probably have a similar goals conceded record as the top three sides.
Our real issue this season has been less about goals conceded (only four teams have conceded less), and more about our in ability to score goals ourselves (8 sides BELOW us in the table have scored the same amount or more than us, as well as the 6 sides above us) .
Its an inability to create and score goals that is the major issue.
As to what we can do to fix it this season? Well there is nothing we can do defensively without changing shape, but then that would just create new problems.
This is the issue with our squad, there are no tactics that will negate all of our weaknesses and take advantage of our strengths. Whatever we change while negating one weakness will expose another. That is the problem with a poorly constructed squad, there are too many holes for a tactical set up to try and mitigate.
What I would look to do is drop Rashford and bring in Mount. For me Garncaho has to stay on the right hand side as that has been the only thing in attack this season that has worked. While Hojlund needs to continue at CF as he is the only option.
Bruno and Mount should be the other two as both are hard working creators who should be able to help us have more control and create better chances in the final third. This should also lead to us losing the ball as often meaning the defence gets worked less. Which should lead to less set plays conceded, which as said is how we concede the majority of our goals. I'm not sure if its better to play Mount LW and Bruno in the No.10 or the other way around. Mount has more experience playing wide, yet he is less likely to give away the ball. While Bruno losing the ball wide can actually lead to our pressing trigger to press when the opposition have the ball near the touchline. So I'd be tempted to try Bruno LW and Mount in the No.10 for a game or two and see how that works, if its not working then switch them.
For me that is the only really change we could make that might make a difference without totally changing the structure and tactics (which will only present new problems to solve) .
7.) 09 Apr 2024 15:21:07
Great explanation Shappy.
However, I'd make some different changes. I'd play Antony on the left wing and mount at no 10.
Id put Bruno on the bench and tell Rashford to find a new club.
8.) 09 Apr 2024 16:29:29
MancMan, I don't think Antony would be any good on the left unfortunately.
His problem is he is one-dimensional due to him being very one footed. On the right as a defender you know he will cut in on to his left foot. You just need to deny him that space. While on the left he will tend to try and go on the outside most of the time to also stay on his left foot. So you just deny him that space as a defender.
Also to go around the outside you need to have significantly more pace as its a longer route which you need to cover in less time than the shorter route the defender needs to take to cut you off. Antony has quick acceleration, but not great top end speed. Which makes it hard for him to sprint past defenders on the outside, as they can often catch him up.
He would be just as if not more ineffective on the left than he is on the right.
As for Bruno, while its frustrating watching him lose the ball as often as he does, I think if he had less responsibility to be the creative player due to other creative players being there to share the burden then he might give it away less. While adding a really good presser and hard worker like Mount in place of Rashford means that even when we do lose the ball in the final third we would be better able to win it back.
Like I said, its not a perfect solution, but its probably the best we have given the players we have available.
9.) 09 Apr 2024 16:55:38
Shappy, you see Anthony v Cucerella? He rinsed him on the outside every time. I think he’s quicker than you are giving him credit for. Yes it’s just one game but if the penny has dropped for him, I don’t think he’s as one dimensional as you think.
10.) 09 Apr 2024 17:28:13
Ports, by no means am I saying he's slow. But to regularly beat a fullback on the outside you have to be significantly quicker than them. Antony has great acceleration, but he doesn't have that elite top speed.
Cucurella isn't the quickest of full backs, and he kept making the same mistake of getting too tight to Antony. Which once Antony used his acceleration to get away from him he was never going to catch him.
Ultimately it doesn't really matter if Antony has or doesn't have the qualities to play on the left if he doesn't want to play there. He body language and demeanour showed he was not happy to be on the left, and unless that changes he will not be able to be successful playing in that position.
11.) 09 Apr 2024 20:11:40
But Shappy, utd need to work on getting service to Hojland and if Anthony is deprived of the option to cut inside and shoot then he has to change his focus.
Plus there's nothing to stop him coming inside and laying the ball off to a runner from midfield.
Thirdly, I'd like to see him play some games on the left just to see what it looks like
Also, if it pushes Rashford out the team then it's definitely a good idea.
Finally, it make him work on his right foot so he has the option of coming inside to take a shot.
23 Feb 2024 14:23:55
Hojlund injured for 2-3 weeks due to intensive training.
You've got to wonder whether intensive training is the right thing to be doing at this stage of the season.
1.) 23 Feb 2024 15:23:42
How do you know it’s due to intensive training?
2.) 23 Feb 2024 16:03:52
Ten hag said it.
3.) 23 Feb 2024 16:05:25
Eth said so.
4.) 23 Feb 2024 18:15:58
No problem with that. Pretty much 1 game per week for the rest of the season. A good time to improve the overall fitness of the squad for the long term. Injuries and niggles will happen while bodies adjust, it’s normal.
5.) 23 Feb 2024 19:43:57
He must be gutted. Just getting into a dream run as a striker.
It's not ideal but it gives someone else an opportunity to step up.
I'm not sure eth helps himself with some of his explanations.
6.) 24 Feb 2024 00:17:07
I can see the lad putting 100% into everything he does regardless of the training regime. He will train as he plays and that's not the coaches fault and a positive reflection on him. These things happen unfortunately.
7.) 24 Feb 2024 14:27:48
Eth said its a physical league and with training injuries happen. it happens guys. why is everyone looking to blame something. its part of football. some players are more durable some not, its their genetics dna whatever you want to call it.
Look at reece james, when healthy top top right back imo but can't seem to stay injury free. looks fit and strong but unfortunately always gets injured.
12 Dec 2024 18:32:28
Lets not forget Rashford only got his chance because of an injury crisis.
Otherwise, I don't think we'd be having this debate beacuse Rashford would have sold to Fulham at the age of 18.
14 Oct 2024 20:50:58
Thanks Ed002.
Utd need a passer in midfield. A metronome who keeps the ball and starts the play.
Utd have limited funds
Gomes is young and free. He might not be top tier but he's good enough to play for England and he is only going to get better.
{Ed002's Note - Angel Gomes (CM) Newcastle will push Lille for a January deal before he can leave as a Free Agent in the summer. Spurs and Manchester United may also show an interest.}
12 Sep 2024 22:39:07
I agree Angel Red. I think Carrick was the last player utd had of that type and his last game was 6 years ago.
Utd are lacking any control in Midfield so a player who can retain possession, progress the ball and dictate play is desperately needed.
If this allows Mainoo to play further forward and displace Fernandez then Utd will have even more possession and control as a result.
10 Sep 2024 09:04:05
His value is what an employer is prepared to pay him not what he thinks he should get. From what you say that's £170k a week although that door might now have shut if Juve have made alternative arrangements. Rabiot is running out of time and I think he needs a club more than a club needs him.
Of course he can take a big money offer from Saudi but then he has to make some serious compromises which his family might say no to.
I'm not just talking about Rabiot. What about de Gea missing a season because he thought he should get £300k a week or something stupid?
09 Sep 2024 11:10:41
Weird how these players price themselves out the market. Even if they want £200k a week surely better to accept £100k a week and play regularly rather than £0 and not get a game?
05 Jan 2025 12:21:56
The time he is spending in interviews would be better training the players.
28 Dec 2024 23:50:09
Redman, you keep banging on about the Sheikh but anything Radcliffe does is nothing compared to slavery, genocide in Yeman and oppression of human rights.
Or are these things OK with you if he's a bit more generous with supporters and employees of the football club?
{Ed001's Note - sorry but you are incorrect, what Ineos has done is in a similar vein.}
27 Dec 2024 08:40:01
Christmas outfits? Matching? Eh?
20 Dec 2024 16:42:09
The only banner I heard about said "Ta ra Marcus".
19 Dec 2024 13:52:36
You're spot on with all of that Ork.
Given everything you've just said, I really don't understand why people are wishing him well and all the best and good luck and future happiness.
I don't have any respect for him and I have contempt for how he has conducted himself. His crap is part of the cancer which has affected Manchester Utd for years. We should be delighted to see the back of him and hopefully he will be replaced with a proper player.