Red Devils 2016-2017

[Gallego99]

Does anyone still believe Daley Blind is a CD?City will not be the only club exposing Utd's weakness at the back. IMHO, methinks Mou got his tactics all wrong.

 

[jw5]

Does anyone still believe Daley Blind is a CD?City will not be the only club exposing Utd's weakness at the back. IMHO, methinks Mou got his tactics all wrong.

The role Daley Blind should be playing at a wannabe top premier league club is that of a utility player. He is versatile, has good technical ability, is a good passer and reader of the game. However, he is also relatively slow, not good in the air and relatively weak in one on one challenges. (This latter weakness he himself admitted to when he joined Man Utd). He is not a starting centre back at a top premier league and not at international level either (unless Daddy Danny says so).

 

[THE_CHANSTER]

However, he is also relatively slow, not good in the air and relatively weak in one on one challenges. (This latter weakness he himself admitted to when he joined Man Utd). He is not a starting centre back at a top premier league and not at international level either (unless Daddy Danny says so).

He was a statue yesterday when De Bruyne passed him to score the first goal.

On the subject of poor performance, is Claudio Bravo the new Bruce Grobbelaar or 'Calamity' David James?
Very lucky not to concede a penalty yesterday for a clumsy challenge on Rooney.

 

[jw5]

He was a statue yesterday when De Bruyne passed him to score the first goal.

On the subject of poor performance, is Claudio Bravo the new Bruce Grobbelaar or 'Calamity' David James?
Very lucky not to concede a penalty yesterday for a clumsy challenge on Rooney.

Claudio Bravo has been the number one keeper for the reigning Copa America champions Chile for years, so he is no slouch. And he may be better with his feet than Joe Hart. But if Pep really thinks that Bravo is a better overall goalkeeper than Hart, he must be deluded. It's obvious that Hart has not taken kindly to Pep's Pep Talk with him (similar to Zlatan and Yaya in the past) and his departure is not purely based on goalkeeping ability.

This may be the only chink in City's armour, that may allow United to surpass them this season. Had to add this comment since this is a United thread.

 

[THE_CHANSTER]

This may be the only chink in City's armour, that may allow United to surpass them this season.

Agreed. If City lose the title, it will be because Bravo is clumsy with his hands.

David de Gea, Joe Hart, Petr Cech and Thibaut Courtois are all better keepers IMHO.

 

[Gallego99]

The role Daley Blind should be playing at a wannabe top premier league club is that of a utility player. He is versatile, has good technical ability, is a good passer and reader of the game. However, he is also relatively slow, not good in the air and relatively weak in one on one challenges. (This latter weakness he himself admitted to when he joined Man Utd). He is not a starting centre back at a top premier league and not at international level either (unless Daddy Danny says so).

If LVG were in charge, he would have started with the same set of players as Mou with Blind at center back. He will play with two DM to mask the weakness in the middle. With a fortified midfield, all that City needs to do is to bypass the midfield wall by lifting the ball across the middle, use a false 9 to draw Bailly out of position and get any of the central midfielders to latch on to the opportunity which was what PSG did in a pre-season friendly in the US last season. I guess Mou didn't watch that game otherwise he would have played Smalling with Bailly or even Fosu Mensah.

IMO, the mistake the special one made was to leave out Martial, Rashford, Schneiderlin and even Mensah. these arethe players that can run and close out or disrupt City's slick passing game. You need ball winners in the middle to facilitate a quick transition game. Sigh..... I didn't see that at all.

 

[Gallego99]

This may be the only chink in City's armour, that may allow United to surpass them this season. Had to add this comment since this is a United thread.

LOL!I'm betting on United falling short on silverware this season and the frightening stats is a 35 year old player is knocking in most of the goals ....Hmm....giv'em the chequebook Ed.

 

[jw5]

If LVG were in charge, he would have started with the same set of players as Mou with Blind at center back. He will play with two DM to mask the weakness in the middle. With a fortified midfield, all that City needs to do is to bypass the midfield wall by lifting the ball across the middle, use a false 9 to draw Bailly out of position and get any of the central midfielders to latch on to the opportunity which was what PSG did in a pre-season friendly in the US last season. I guess Mou didn't watch that game otherwise he would have played Smalling with Bailly or even Fosu Mensah.

IMO, the mistake the special one made was to leave out Martial, Rashford, Schneiderlin and even Mensah. these arethe players that can run and close out or disrupt City's slick passing game. You need ball winners in the middle to facilitate a quick transition game. Sigh..... I didn't see that at all.

Mou thought that Pogba and Fellaini could control the midfield but they let him down. He also thought that Mkhitaryan and Lingard would be hungry to play after missing out on the starting lineup for the past few games and give City problems with their speed but they also let him down. Blind had a bad game individually.

One thing I would give Mou over LVG though is that the former thought through his transfers. He came into the job knowing who or what he wanted in or out whereas LVG basically flew by the seat of his pants where it came to transfers. Of course it remains to be seen whether he will be any more successful where it comes to results.

 

[THE_CHANSTER]

From what I've seen of £90m man, Paul Pogba, I'm really not impressed. Frankly, he was lazy against City.

For a (world record) transfer fee, I expected a better work rate and distribution. On the evidence so far, as a holding midfielder, I don't see the skill or talent. I hope United (and Mourinho) don't live to regret this purchase. It's a lot of money to piss down the drain.

Begining to remind me of a certain M. Balotelli.

 

[Gallego99]

From what I've seen of £90m man, Paul Pogba, I'm really not impressed. Frankly, he was lazy against City.

For a (world record) transfer fee, I expected a better work rate and distribution. On the evidence so far, as a holding midfielder, I don't see the skill or talent. I hope United (and Mourinho) don't live to regret this purchase. It's a lot of money to piss down the drain.

Begining to remind me of a certain M. Balotelli.

As long as Depay is in the club, I can't see how Pogba can remain focus on the task. They just love to party. LVG and Giggs had given up on the dutch and that says a lot about his discipline. If Mou thinks he can do spiritual wonders to that dutch brat, then I'd say good luck.

It is quite a transition going from a technically demanding league to one that is diametrically opposite. I guess it will take time and I reckon he'll come around at some point. He has played with some of the best players at Juve and Mou will have to play him that suits him.

 

[Gallego99]

Mou thought that Pogba and Fellaini could control the midfield but they let him down. He also thought that Mkhitaryan and Lingard would be hungry to play after missing out on the starting lineup for the past few games and give City problems with their speed but they also let him down. Blind had a bad game individually.

One thing I would give Mou over LVG though is that the former thought through his transfers. He came into the job knowing who or what he wanted in or out whereas LVG basically flew by the seat of his pants where it came to transfers. Of course it remains to be seen whether he will be any more successful where it comes to results.

Agreed. If Mou had watched United's games against Arsenal(the poor cousins of Barca's tiki taka football), perhaps he would have found the answer Peppy's fluid possession play.

 

[red amoeba]

away to Feyenood...i expect a slim victory.
Man U needs to get back to their feet...

 

[yinyang]

Rooney omitted from Man Utd squad

Wayne Rooney has been left out of Manchester United's 20-man squad for Thursday's Europa League tie against Feyenoord.

Striker Wayne Rooney has been left out of Manchester United's 20-man squad for Thursday's Europa League tie in Rotterdam against Dutch side Feyenoord.

Despite training on Wednesday, the 30-year-old captain will miss the club's European opener, as will Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia and Jesse Lingard.
Manager Jose Mourinho said Rooney had been rested in advance of Sunday's Premier League trip to Watford.
Phil Jones is also absent after suffering lateral knee ligament damage.
The injury could sideline the defender for up to a month.

Mourinho wants a 'fresh' Rooney
"Wayne has played every game since the start of the season," said Mourinho of his decision to leave his captain in Manchester for the Group A opener.
"He has also played 90 minutes for England and he played 90 minutes last weekend and I want him to be fresh for the next match. In the position he plays, I have lots of solutions."

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager admitted the Europa League was not a competition the club wanted to be in, but said it was one they would aim to win.
"It's not the big dream of every big player, but we are not in the Champions League," added the Portuguese.
"We have to look at it with respect. I think we want to do well in the competition and for a club of our dimension to do well is not to be out in the group phase."

Marcos Rojo will start in defence in place of England international Shaw, while Mourinho had previously stated that striker Marcus Rashford would make his first start of the season on Thursday.
"My option in the last four games in the Premier League was Luke, Luke, Luke, Luke and I think it is time for Marcos to play so it was a simple decision," he said.
"Marcos is a very good player who is working really well and hard."

Michael Carrick, Matteo Darmian, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Memphis Depay could also feature for Mourinho's side after failing to make the squad for Saturday's 2-1 Premier League home defeat by Manchester City.

Feyenoord are taking various measures for European home games this season in a bid to avoid triggering suspended punishments handed down by governing body Uefa for crowd trouble. For Thursday's match, the capacity at the De Kuip stadium will be reduced to 30,000 and additional stewards will be employed, while a 10m high net will surround the pitch.
Feyenoord have taken these measures in attempt to avoid Uefa sanctions following trouble at previous European games.

Manchester United squad: De Gea, Romero, Johnstone, Darmian, Bailly, Blind, Fosu-Mensah, Rojo, Smalling, Carrick, Fellaini, Herrera, Mata, Memphis, Pogba, Schneiderlin, Young, Ibrahimovic, Martial, Rashford

 

[red amoeba]

never understand the disdain for Europa League.
Sure, its not as lucrative as the UCL but hey, you still play in Europe and given that the BPL is going to be ultra competitive, winning the Europa League gives an entry ticket to next season's UCL.
Surely, that can be a carrot.

As for playing on Thursday, you will just need a larger squad for rotation.

 

[THE_CHANSTER]

Two defeats in less than a week.
Have the wheels come off for Jose Mourinho?

Btw, Paul Pogba is fast looking like a £89m flop whilst United 'rejects' Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao seem to be thriving for their respective clubs in Europe.

 

[Gallego99]

Two defeats in less than a week.
Have the wheels come off for Jose Mourinho? ........

Easy to fix this. Play Carrick,Pogba,Martial and Mata or Armenian in the middle with Carrick playing just behind the three. Roon or Rashford just behind Ibra with Smalling and Bailly, the core center piece. Start with a 4-4-2 and let the players get use to it for a few games. Chopping and changing at this point does no one any good especially the players. At worse,it undermines their confidence.

Mou can make gradual and calibrated tactical changes as the players gain confidence.The players may not be the best in the world but he has to make best use of their strengths.

 

[Gallego99]

never understand the disdain for Europa League.
Sure, its not as lucrative as the UCL but hey, you still play in Europe and given that the BPL is going to be ultra competitive, winning the Europa League gives an entry ticket to next season's UCL.
Surely, that can be a carrot.

As for playing on Thursday, you will just need a larger squad for rotation.

UEFA had to make those changes as they are fully aware that the top European teams are simply not interested and its a dying tournament if crowd attendance is anything to go by. Spectators pay for quality football.
As it is, I can't see how it would increase viewership by maintaining the current UCL format. Just look at the rugby scorelines and you'll know what I mean.

It's far better for United to leave the Europa league and concentrate on the domestic league to qualify for UCL through the front door. The latest amendment made by a bereft UEFA is a mockery and an insult to football spectators and enthusiast around the world.

 

[red amoeba]

Watching them play in the first half was reminiscent of LVG days. Passing, passing backwards, passing into opponents. Damian is rusty or has his brains hard wired to LVG tactics.

Marshall seem to have lost his way after his number 9 taken away. The goal was deserving.

Mourinho showed disdain for the tornament and was duly punished.

 

[THE_CHANSTER]

By showing his dislike or indifference of the Europa League sets a poor example for his players and the club.

Good players follow the mentality of their managers. Mourinho cannot pick and choose what tournaments he can play in but he needs to instill a winning mentality.
If he doesn't give a shit about winning the Europa League, why should his players? My gut feeling is that they would rather have their Thurday evenings free to focus on the EPL.

So what if it's a second tier Euro competition?, there are still some decent teams competiting and silverware is still silverware especially in Europe.

 

[yinyang]

Preview tomorrow, another lunch hour match

http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37331599

TEAM NEWS

Watford forward Stefano Okaka faces a month with a hamstring injury picked up on his club debut last weekend.

Younes Kaboul and Sebastian Prodl both face late fitness tests after picking up knocks in the same game.
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw are back in the squad after being rested for the Europa League defeat in midweek.

Eric Bailly will be assessed after getting a knock in that game. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is nursing a thigh problem.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

Steve Bower: "These two teams go into this one on the back of contrasting emotions.
"While Manchester United are digesting a derby defeat and a lacklustre Europa League loss, Watford finally created some positive headlines under Walter Mazzarri by beating West Ham.
"The new head coach is still searching for the right formula, having already used 22 players in the league this season, but the importance of his first win and the manner of it cannot be underestimated.
"He'll know his opposite number will be demanding a reaction at Vicarage Road.
"Rightly or wrongly, Jose Mourinho left nobody in any doubt of his opinions.If his desire to win the league in his first season is to be achieved, this is a fixture United have to be winning."
Twitter: @SteveBowercomm

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho: "It is a new event, it is another match. It starts minute zero at 0-0 so I think it has nothing to do with the previous two matches.
"But obviously when you lose matches, the mood, the feeling, is not the same. That's normal. But I think we are experienced players and the players are very good guys and I know they want to win and work, so that's what we have to do."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Manchester United will want to bounce back straight away from last weekend's derby defeat, and I don't think Thursday's Europa League game against Feyenoord will distract them.
Prediction: 1-2

Lawro's full predictions v Radio 1Xtra DJ Charlie Sloth

• Think you can do better than Lawro? Predict the score for this match and the rest of this round's Premier League fixtures in our Predictor game.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Watford's last win against Manchester United came on 16 September 1986, when Iwan Roberts scored his first senior goal in a 1-0 victory at Vicarage Road.
  
  

Watford

• The Hornets are vying to win successive league matches for the first time in 2016.
• They could lose three consecutive top-flight home matches for the first time since 1988. Watford have only twice lost their opening three home matches of a league season: 1990-91 and 1991-92.
• Five different players have already scored Premier League goals for Watford this season - in 2015-16, it took until 20 December to reach that mark.
• Walter Mazzarri has already used 22 players in the Premier League this season, spanning 18 nationalities.

Manchester United

• Manchester United have won all four of their previous Premier League games following a home defeat in the Manchester derby.
• The Red Devils could win their opening three Premier League away matches of a season for the first time since 1993.
• Jose Mourinho has won all three previous matches as a manager against Watford by an aggregate score of 8-0.
• Wayne Rooney needs one goal to become the Premier League's outright top scorer in away matches. He is currently level with Alan Shearer on 87 goals.

[TABLE="class: sp-story-body__table, width: 564"]
[TR]
[TH="colspan: 2"]SAM's verdict[/TH]
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[/TABLE]
[TABLE="class: sp-story-body__table, width: 564"]
[TR]
[TH="colspan: 2"][/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Most probable score: 1-1[/TD]
[TD]Probability of draw: 26.8%[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Probability of home win: 24.3%[/TD]
[TD]Probability of away win: 48.9%[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale at the University of Salford that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.