If you're simply going on form, Mata has proved far more effectual at RW than all of them.
If I were running the team, Mata would probably be playing RW or CAM with Lingard the other.
Manchester United
If you're simply going on form, Mata has proved far more effectual at RW than all of them.
If I were running the team, Mata would probably be playing RW or CAM with Lingard the other.
If you are going to play him RW then he will keep (like he always does) cutting inside which becomes predictable.He can't go on the outside because he has not got the pace.
As I have said before , he is a good player but not good enough to start with the players we have. That is only my opinion.
Mata, he is a joke ,
Mata, he is a joke ,
Right now he is.
Next time he plays, just watch him. Not saying he is not technically good, can pass etc, but you don' t see the big picture. He is far too slow, can't take players on and not tough enough .
Also watch how many times he gets the ball. He runs around a lot but achieves very little.
His tackling and defensive duties are weak.
Of course it really does not matter what anyone thinks on here as there is only one person that makes those decisions.
"We're the boys in red and we're on our way the Wembley"
"Lingardinho" love the username
After reading some comments on the Woolwich thread I thought I would watch the game again as I must have fallen asleep during it.
No, it was the same as I recall. Unlucky to lose was the big lol to me.
60% Utd possession. 9 corners to 0. Not saying the young blokes did not play OK but hardly unlucky.
I wonder if we can swap Lingard for anyone at Arsenal. He has gone from poor to not too bad back to poor.We needed this win as it takes us within a whisper of Champions league. Nice to see that they have not beaten us in the league at Old Trafford since 2006
Ref was only average. Young should have been booked for the 3/4 fouls- two on Miki.
After reading some comments on the Woolwich thread I thought I would watch the game again as I must have fallen asleep during it.
No, it was the same as I recall. Unlucky to lose was the big lol to me.
60% Utd possession. 9 corners to 0. Not saying the young blokes did not play OK but hardly unlucky.
I wonder if we can swap Lingard for anyone at Arsenal. He has gone from poor to not too bad back to poor.We needed this win as it takes us within a whisper of Champions league. Nice to see that they have not beaten us in the league at Old Trafford since 2006
Ref was only average. Young should have been booked for the 3/4 fouls- two on Miki.
Can't disagree, Utd were the better team - especially in the 2nd half. I think the reason Arsenal fans didn't mind is because of expectation v performance - seeing that line up, most were expecting a complete battering and we were a minute away from earning a point with a bunch of unproven youngsters.
Interesting stat from @Orbinho on twitter;
Manchester United had seven shots on target in two matches against Arsenal this season and scored five goals.
Man Utd scored from the only two situations where they had shots on target in the game.
Hope he pulls through.
Very unsettling to learn the news via the rolling banner on CNN, so used to seeing him up and about at various matches. Glad the operation has seemingly gone well.
Ferguson on the mend by the looks, no longer requires intensive care and will continue rehabilitation as an inpatient.
Ferguson on the mend by the looks, no longer requires intensive care and will continue rehabilitation as an inpatient.
Yep, good to see he's improving.
Apparently Rooney visited him yesterday. "He's improving & his speech is getting better. He can almost complete a sentence"..Fergie said.
Season just drifting along to its conclusion, although the latest contract revelations will no doubt get a few peoples panties in a twist.
Of course I always want English clubs to do well in Europe ;-) but a win treble of Brighton, Chelsea & Real Madrid to end the season would provide some chuckles if it came in!
Some interesting points from the game / Jose today:
- 81 points would have won the league many a times, so progress has been made and a FA cup will seal it.
- first season in 30 something years where no academy debuts. Understand that in the days of larger squad sizes, some of the fringe players needed a game. Especially if some are leaving.
- Faria leaving and Jose stating that there will be restructuring rather than a replacement. A point towards how Jose has changed and is looking more long term, he stated that he is not replacing because Carrick will be the assistant when he has his badges and experience.
- I hope we don't sell as many players as has been mentioned. But the mentality of some players needs to change and if that means getting rid of some then so be it.
Some interesting points from the game / Jose today:
- 81 points would have won the league many a times, so progress has been made and a FA cup will seal it.
- first season in 30 something years where no academy debuts. Understand that in the days of larger squad sizes, some of the fringe players needed a game. Especially if some are leaving.
- Faria leaving and Jose stating that there will be restructuring rather than a replacement. A point towards how Jose has changed and is looking more long term, he stated that he is not replacing because Carrick will be the assistant when he has his badges and experience.
- I hope we don't sell as many players as has been mentioned. But the mentality of some players needs to change and if that means getting rid of some then so be it.
Agree we don't need to make wholesale changes which would risk another year of bedding in a new team. Think Blind and Darmian can go and don't necessarily need to be replaced - I'd be bringing back Fosu-Mensah who is good enough to be sharing RB duties with Valencia. Think it's a case of shoring up one or two positions only and figuring out how to get the best out of all the attacking talent we've got and keeping them all happy.
Where are all you life long United fans. For a team in an FA Cup final and not one posting in 3 days??
Not much to say that hasn't already been said... game was dreary from two negative managers. Jones' tackle was stupid considering Hazard had run himself into an angle and De Gea is in goal but eh.
Paul Scholes criticises Jose Mourinho for not replacing Alexis Sanchez in FA Cup final defeat
An oddly OK season but I think Mourinho has gone as far as he can go at United. He's dug himself into a hole with a few players and can't see him turning it around.
Not much to say that hasn't already been said... game was dreary from two negative managers. Jones' tackle was stupid considering Hazard had run himself into an angle and De Gea is in goal but eh.
Paul Scholes criticises Jose Mourinho for not replacing Alexis Sanchez in FA Cup final defeat
An oddly OK season but I think Mourinho has gone as far as he can go at United. He's dug himself into a hole with a few players and can't see him turning it around.
He is certainly dividing opinion at the moment. On one hand he has just given us our best league finish (ignoring the gap in points between 1st and 2nd) since Fergie retired and won three trophies in his first season. On the other, his team is playing dour football and players that should be world class week in week out such as Pogba and Sanchez have been woefully inconsistent.
I don't see him going anytime soon but it's almost as though he hasn't diversified his style from his first Porto/first Chelsea spell/Inter days while other managers are innovating. I saw a quote this morning from him saying he doesn't like bringing in trained coaches (in response to replacing Faria) and prefers to shape new coaches to his philosophies (ie. Carrick). That's got to be a large part of the problem, in that he surrounds himself with yes-boys who aren't challenging his ideas.
I'll give it another season before I start calling for his head but think he needs to start putting round pegs in round holes and stop being so stubborn. There are some brilliant managers out there, many of whom are available. Not lease, Unai Emery who I think will be unbelievable for Arsenal.
As for ins and outs, I don't think we need to go crazy and risk another year of rebuilding with a new squad. Rather put the onus on the manager to start earning his money and get these superstars playing well week in week out. I wouldn't even buy a left-back, give Shaw a start from week one and let him do his thing. You don't make the Team of the Year at 17 if you can't play.
Ins:
2 x Central Midfielders
1 x Central Defender
Tim Fosu-Mensah - Right Back
Out:
Smalling
Fellaini
Carrick
Blind
As for ins and outs, I don't think we need to go crazy and risk another year of rebuilding with a new squad. Rather put the onus on the manager to start earning his money and get these superstars playing well week in week out. I wouldn't even buy a left-back, give Shaw a start from week one and let him do his thing. You don't make the Team of the Year at 17 if you can't play.
Ins:
2 x Central Midfielders
1 x Central Defender
Tim Fosu-Mensah - Right Back
Out:
Smalling
Fellaini
Carrick
Blind
Jones & Darmian as well.
He still has too many players that he inherited and that is the problem. Until he gets the players he thinks are good enough nothing is really going to change.
Cheers Leggy, knew I was missing one (Darmian). I don't think he'll sell both Jones and Smalling which is why I didn't include Jones. Don't know what Bailly has done to Jose - he was an absolute beast in his first season. He's been injured but should have started the Cup final.
Cheers Leggy, knew I was missing one (Darmian). I don't think he'll sell both Jones and Smalling which is why I didn't include Jones. Don't know what Bailly has done to Jose - he was an absolute beast in his first season. He's been injured but should have started the Cup final.
It was a weird comment, but Jose said that Bailly was the only CB not fighting for a world cup spot so was down the pecking order..
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/03/e...
I think Smalling has been more inconsistent than Jones, but Jones gets injured more. So not sure who to say goodbye to.
Blind, Darmian, Fellaini need to go for certain. Jones, Smalling, Shaw only need to go if we can get quality in to replace them - though i am not a fan of bringing in a 27-30yo just so we are good now. Forward thinking please.
Agree that Fosu-Mensah should be competing this season for the RB spot. Maybe Pereira can also help out the creativity issue in midfield.
Not much to say that hasn't already been said... game was dreary from two negative managers. Jones' tackle was stupid considering Hazard had run himself into an angle and De Gea is in goal but eh.
Paul Scholes criticises Jose Mourinho for not replacing Alexis Sanchez in FA Cup final defeat
An oddly OK season but I think Mourinho has gone as far as he can go at United. He's dug himself into a hole with a few players and can't see him turning it around.
He is certainly dividing opinion at the moment. On one hand he has just given us our best league finish (ignoring the gap in points between 1st and 2nd) since Fergie retired and won three trophies in his first season. On the other, his team is playing dour football and players that should be world class week in week out such as Pogba and Sanchez have been woefully inconsistent.
I don't see him going anytime soon but it's almost as though he hasn't diversified his style from his first Porto/first Chelsea spell/Inter days while other managers are innovating. I saw a quote this morning from him saying he doesn't like bringing in trained coaches (in response to replacing Faria) and prefers to shape new coaches to his philosophies (ie. Carrick). That's got to be a large part of the problem, in that he surrounds himself with yes-boys who aren't challenging his ideas.
I'll give it another season before I start calling for his head but think he needs to start putting round pegs in round holes and stop being so stubborn. There are some brilliant managers out there, many of whom are available. Not lease, Unai Emery who I think will be unbelievable for Arsenal.
Pretty spot on.
There isn't an industry on earth where refusing to diversify and adapt is a good policy.
As you pointed out, there are great players, some arguably should be world class players, that have all played better footballers under different managers other than Mourinho.
Looking increasingly likely that United are signing Diogo Dalot from Porto. 19 years old, only started 5 games for Porto this season, one being against Liverpool in the CL (finished 0-0) and all at LB. Seems like his natural position is RB. Has not made Portugal senior team but made many under 17s / 19s / 20s / 21s appearances. Clear Darmian replacement.
Also seems like Fred is on his way too. 25 years old, from Shaktar Donetsk. Started all games he was available for as a deeper CM (4-2-3-1) or a DM. In Brazil squad but 'surprisingly' doesnt get ahead of Fernandino, Paulinho, Coutinho, Casimero (probably because his name doesnt end with an o). Seems like a great signing as is the type of midfield player we need. Hopefully a Fellaini replacement.
Alongside these two, if Fosu-Mensah and Pereira can come back in and we can offload Fellaini and Blind, then I would be happy with the squad. Rojo can fill in more at LB, Dalot can cover both sides and can work way into squad. As can TFM and Pereira.
If Smalling / Jones leaves then an experienced CB can come in. Honestly wouldnt complain about Evans coming back. Keep hold of Martial and thats a win. Squad overhaul not necessary.
Wouldn't say no to a Gareth Bale either. Don't see many teams other than us or Bayern that he'd head to if his heart is set on leaving Real. We're definitely in need of a RW as well.
I read rumours that he wants a return to Spurs, and would be willing to take a paycut to do it.
That would be an unbelievable coup for them if they managed it, with their financial situation.
Bale would be a massive signing. Unlike most other world class players who like attacking, he'd probably work quite well with Mourinho.
Going to Spurs would be massive for them. But even with a massive pay cut, someone still has to be the transfer fee. He's contracted till 2022. I can't see a way Spurs can realistically get him over the pond without trading for another star. (Kane to Madrid?)
I read an interesting rumour from a Redditor that Griezmann is still on the cards and Reddit has a weird way of picking this stuff.
Bale would be a massive signing. Unlike most other world class players who like attacking, he'd probably work quite well with Mourinho.
Going to Spurs would be massive for them. But even with a massive pay cut, someone still has to be the transfer fee. He's contracted till 2022. I can't see a way Spurs can realistically get him over the pond without trading for another star. (Kane to Madrid?)
I read an interesting rumour from a Redditor that Griezmann is still on the cards and Reddit has a weird way of picking this stuff.
If Utd are serious about going for the title then we will need more than Bale. You have to look at the quality of our players compared to City. There is no comparison quite frankly. We would need 4/5 top players to get even close and Pobga playing to his capabilities. That seems unlikely as he appears to be more interested in himself and social media.
If Utd are serious about going for the title then we will need more than Bale. You have to look at the quality of our players compared to City. There is no comparison quite frankly. We would need 4/5 top players to get even close and Pobga playing to his capabilities. That seems unlikely as he appears to be more interested in himself and social media.
How does social media affect anything? You sound like Souness.
If Utd are serious about going for the title then we will need more than Bale. You have to look at the quality of our players compared to City. There is no comparison quite frankly. We would need 4/5 top players to get even close and Pobga playing to his capabilities. That seems unlikely as he appears to be more interested in himself and social media.
How does social media affect anything? You sound like Souness.
Fortunately I am not as big a prick as GS.
Eh, I hate when people say "Pogba spends all his time on social media it's distracting him" ... but I hate that just as much as "it's only social media LOL this is 2018 players can do what they want"
I'm sure social media itself isn't effecting Pogba's game, but it does give us an insight into a (potential) deeper attitude problem.
Eh, I hate when people say "Pogba spends all his time on social media it's distracting him" ... but I hate that just as much as "it's only social media LOL this is 2018 players can do what they want"
I'm sure social media itself isn't effecting Pogba's game, but it does give us an insight into a (potential) deeper attitude problem.
His problem is that he thinks that he is bigger than Utd. JM will not put up with B/S and unless he pulls his finger out will be sold.
Perhaps AF got it right way back then.
So looks like Fred is official, can't say I've seen a huge amount of him.
What's he going to shape up like?
Diogo Dalot officially signed. Should be an exciting prospect capable of playing both flanks.
Some really good first-team-ready fullbacks there now with Timbo and Dalot. Therefore, I look forward to seeing Young and Valencia starting the first game next season ...
Diogo Dalot officially signed. Should be an exciting prospect capable of playing both flanks.
Some really good first-team-ready fullbacks there now with Timbo and Dalot. Therefore, I look forward to seeing Young and Valencia starting the first game next season ...
Excited for Dalot but know nothing about him, intereesting if we've signed a 19 year old to play big minutes.
Diogo Dalot officially signed. Should be an exciting prospect capable of playing both flanks.
Some really good first-team-ready fullbacks there now with Timbo and Dalot. Therefore, I look forward to seeing Young and Valencia starting the first game next season ...
Excited for Dalot but know nothing about him, intereesting if we've signed a 19 year old to play big minutes.
Long term but I imagine he's going to have to do at least a season at fullback for United as well as his CP fullback apprenticeship. Might be wrong though. He may see minutes off the bench in midfield. Bit of a logjam of centre backs at the moment. In saying that none of them have stuck their hand up as the must-pick CB, so there may be opportunities.
You'll know when social media distracts Pogba when he pulls up in a run and tweets he's gonna race down the right hand side and then cut in....during the game.
Fred is officially a red!
On a different note, Pogba has been involved in all of France's goals so far, having a good World Cup and pulling all the strings. Must be the most over-criticised player in world football.