Red Devils 2016-2017

[Gallego99]

another insipid display, and a stupid error to concede a goal.
season's over guys. 1-1 against the low ranking team at home, curtains down.
David de Gea seems to have degenerated somewhat. Maybe because there is not so much for him to do, letting his guard down.

De Gea is the Bruce Grobelaar of Liverpool. Makes the most brilliant and impossible saves but makes just as much silly mistakes. Best that United look for another keeper to keep him on his toes. Jose has to built from the back when the next window opens and discard those that are taking up space and time.

 

[red amoeba]

De Gea is the Bruce Grobelaar of Liverpool. Makes the most brilliant and impossible saves but makes just as much silly mistakes. Best that United look for another keeper to keep him on his toes. Jose has to built from the back when the next window opens and discard those that are taking up space and time.

its getting nervy watching them play...its like LVG days, plenty of purpose but nothing to show for. Except that, you can see they are sending the ball forwards and not like LVG, sideways, anywhere but front. is it true that the mantra of LVG is so deeply ingrained into the mindset of the players? Cannot be, Ibrahimovic , Pogba aren't schooled under LVG.

If you compared the match Hull vs Liverpool you see the difference, they were one goal down, chasing the game, but you see in Liverpool, flashes of Man U under Fergie, they are chasing, but each move, each attacking play, you can see, something is coming up and they are able to pass the ball into the box so easily. Is it because Liverpool has better players? No.

But you see Firminho, Courtinho, Milner, Clyne all moving with speed, passing the ball with accuracy, threat. Why isn't Man U doing the same? Its really mind puzzling especially knowing Mourniho being so experienced in the BPL.
I seriously don't believe we are any worse than the Chelsea team that he has managed.

 

[yinyang]

RA, not disagree that our players' pedigree is no worse off than Pool or Chelskis (and what premium too). Still, the current crop and style sure beats LVG's negativity given the last 2 EPL outings. Also see the more promising midfield setup lately with Mata and Pogba, with no loss on that Shrek's time out.

By comparison, last season we had to rely on the noob Rashford (in between doing his GCE) at the front. Look now at Zlatan's physical quality and Pogba's promise. For sure, our results are disappointing now. But the optimist in me holds up hope by xmas, and to prove the nay sayers wrong.

 

[Gallego99]

its getting nervy watching them play...its like LVG days, plenty of purpose but nothing to show for. Except that, you can see they are sending the ball forwards and not like LVG, sideways, anywhere but front. is it true that the mantra of LVG is so deeply ingrained into the mindset of the players? Cannot be, Ibrahimovic , Pogba aren't schooled under LVG.

If you compared the match Hull vs Liverpool you see the difference, they were one goal down, chasing the game, but you see in Liverpool, flashes of Man U under Fergie, they are chasing, but each move, each attacking play, you can see, something is coming up and they are able to pass the ball into the box so easily. Is it because Liverpool has better players? No.

But you see Firminho, Courtinho, Milner, Clyne all moving with speed, passing the ball with accuracy, threat. Why isn't Man U doing the same? Its really mind puzzling especially knowing Mourniho being so experienced in the BPL.
I seriously don't believe we are any worse than the Chelsea team that he has managed.

It's the back 4 that is unsettled.It is true that it would take time for players to get accustom to new methods,managers,new colleagues and formation. We did struggle quite a bit when SAF switched from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 with a lone striker. It took the team several months to get used to it.I agree with Yinyang that there are reasons to be optimistic and that the results will come eventually.

The difference between the Chelseas,Gunners, Pool,City and United is the speed of the transition game ie. from defence to attack. We're the laggards in that area and players still aren't running into passing lanes often enough to create the opportunities. Ibra may be wasteful with a number of opportunities but he has delivered the goals where it mattered most. He holds the ball well and often look for his team mates. Put it simply, they need to support him.

I am glad that the players are getting all wound up over the stalemate. It just shows their hunger. As for Mou, I hope he turns to Fergie for assistance and advice on matters that could be troubling him. As I've said so many times, it's a BIG club and it doesn't make you less a manager but a smart and special one.

 

[yinyang]

Manchester United facing £26m Wayne Rooney dilemma as they ponder ditching him next summer

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-united-facing-26m-wayne-9033100

MLS and China are waiting for the benched Reds and England captain if Old Trafford chiefs do opt to pay up the remainder of his £300,000 a week contract

So, how do you solve a problem like Wayne Rooney?
That is the £26million conundrum facing Manchester United, as they prepare to jettison their fading captain with 20 months left on his lucrative contract.

Discarded by his club and now England this season, Rooney faces an uncertain future.
But what is becoming increasingly clear is that this is shaping up to be his last season at Old Trafford.
New United boss Jose Mourinho had the courage to do what predecessors David Moyes and Louis van Gaal were too weak to do and axed Rooney from the starting line-up, with interim England boss Gareth Southgate rapidly following suit.
Getty

United finally dropped Rooney to the bench for their game with Leicester last month...Action Images via Reuters

...and less than three weeks later he was reduced to a sub for England tooFor the past 12 years, Rooney has been largely untouchable for club and country, guaranteed his place on both teamsheets and rarely omitted from either.
But his plodding, unconvincing displays of late and diminishing impact on games have seen Rooney become surplus to requirements, with the beginning of the end now upon him.
But with him on £300,000-a-week and less than a fortnight away from turning 31, United face the prospect of having to pay up the remainder of his deal if they want to offload him.
Rex

Rooney has not started in United's last three games under new boss MourinhoRooney will not be short of offers if, as expected, United decide to let him go at the end of the season, with American and Chinese football both keen to embrace the forward — and his huge commercial clout.
While he could only earn a fraction of his current weekly salary with a move to Major League Soccer, a switch to the mega-rich Chinese Super League would see him take home significantly more.
In the States, former England skipper Steven Gerrard earns £80,000-a-week with LA Galaxy, with fellow ex-Three Lions midfielder Frank Lampard taking home around £75,000-a-week at New York City FC, according to official figures released.

In China, however, Rooney could match his current salary — Brazil striker Hulk is on a whopping £320,000-a-week with Shanghai SIPG, managed by former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson.
But the US would seem to be a more natural fit for family man Rooney, wife Coleen and their three young sons, and MLS commissioner Don Garber has already admittedthe forward would be a hit Stateside and coveted by many of his league's clubs.
Publicly, the Rooney camp insist he has no intention of leaving United before that massive deal expires and say he remains committed to the Reds and will fight to get back in their team.

Privately, however, there must be an acceptance that this marks the end of the road for him in Manchester, with the matter likely to be forced next summer if they do decide to let him go.
Rooney deserves great credit for the way he has handled his fall from grace, accepting his United predicament with dignity and humility, then insisting on fronting up to the media when Southgate informed him he was being dropped for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier with Slovenia.
The forward knows he will never again be the main man for United or England, and has been reduced to the unfamiliar role of a bit-part player.

Rooney’s pride has been bruised by these very public demotions, and while the streetfighter instinct within him will mean he is desperate to reclaim his former status and prove he is not a spent force, this would appear to be one battle he simply cannot win.
United have four games coming up in the space of 10 days that could prove a defining moment in their debut season under Mourinho.
APPEARANCES BY THEIR 31st BIRTHDAYS

[TABLE="width: 619"]
[TR]
[TD]
[/TD]
[TD]Club[/TD]
[TD]Country[/TD]
[TD]Total[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Wayne Rooney[/TD]
[TD]607[/TD]
[TD]117[/TD]
[TD]724[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Frank Lampard[/TD]
[TD]622[/TD]
[TD]71[/TD]
[TD]693[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Steven Gerrard[/TD]
[TD]556[/TD]
[TD]89[/TD]
[TD]645[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]David Beckham[/TD]
[TD]518[/TD]
[TD]87[/TD]
[TD]605[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Paul Scholes[/TD]
[TD]480[/TD]
[TD]66[/TD]
[TD]546[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
On Monday night, they are away to arch-rivals Liverpool in the Premier League, followed by Fenerbahce in the Europa League on the Thursday.
After that comes a trip to Mourinho’s former club Chelsea, then a midweek chance to avenge last month’s derby defeat to Manchester City when Pep Guardiola’s side return to Old Trafford in the EFL Cup.
READ MORE

• Brian Reade on the biggest shame of Wayne Rooney's demise with England

Rooney used to thrive on such occasions, saving his best for the big games, but it is looking increasingly likely he may only start against Fenerbahce.
That is the least significant of the four fixtures, which says everything about his demise — one from which there now seems no way back.
MODERN ENGLAND STARS' TOTAL GAMES

Frank Lampard, (38, still playing)
Club 910
Country 106
Total 1,016
Steven Gerrard (36, still playing)
Club 746
Country 114
Total 858
David Beckham (38 at retirement)
Club 719
Country 115
Total 834

 

[yinyang]

Liverpool v Manchester United: Pick the best post-war XI to play for the two clubs

http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37607021

Kenny Dalglish or Eric Cantona? Steven Gerrard or Sir Bobby Charlton?

Picking the best post-war XI to have played for Liverpool or Manchester United is never going to be easy - but now is your chance to do so.
Use our team selector to pick what you think is the best XI, then share it with your friends.

Shortlist compiled by BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty.

My all-time Liverpool-Man Utd XI

The impossible job? Probably. Use our shortlist and pick who you think would make the greatest combined post-war Liverpool-Manchester United XI. (check out inter-active board)

 

[yinyang]

Manchester United step up Antoine Griezmann chase - and want Atletico star as Wayne Rooney replacement

United have held further talks with the Spanish club and Ed Woodward has made it clear the Frenchman is wanted as the next big name at Old Trafford

Manchester United want Antoine Griezmann to replace Wayne Rooney.
Old Trafford chiefs believe the 25-year-old Atletico Madrid striker is the man to take over from the under pressure United skipper.

Sunday Mirror Sport last month revealed United’s interest in the French star , but since then more talks have been held with Old Trafford executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward making it known that they see the £80million-rated hitman as their next big signing.

A move to Old Trafford would effectively signal the end of Rooney’s time with United.
Although United boss Jose Mourinho has been supportive of Rooney, who has started the last three United games on the substitutes bench, he doesn’t see a long-term future at Old Trafford for his captain.

It’s likely that Rooney will be given the chance to make lucrative moves either to China or the USA once Griezmann is landed.

The France forward has ditched his agent and he and his family are now in charge of his footballing affairs.

Although he has a contract which runs until 2021 Atletico Madrid are aware that this is likely to be his last season with the club.

With manager Diego Simeone having given Atletico notice that he will leave next summer, the chances of holding onto Griezmann have substantially decreased.

Griezmann fancies moving to the Premier League and has knocked back overtures from Paris Saint-Germain.

United know they will face a fight with Chelsea for his signature, both clubs prepared to meet the huge asking price.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-antoine-griezmann-atletico-9055647

 

[yinyang]

The pundits have Pool as favourites. And no surprise from Danny Murphy too

Why Liverpool are favourites to beat Man Utd
- Danny Murphy

http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37647771

Liverpool have not gone into many recent games against Manchester United as favourites. They do on Monday, but only just.

United have won their past four meetings in the Premier League, but the mood feels different at Anfield at the moment.

 

[yinyang]

The BIG one tomorrow morning, how?

TEAM NEWS
A groin problem means Adam Lallana is set to miss out for Liverpool, along with Georginio Wijnaldum after he was injured playing for the Netherlands.
Defenders Nathaniel Clyne and Dejan Lovren are back in contention and fit-again Emre Can could make a first league start of the season.

Manchester United's Henrikh Mkhitaryan and defender Luke Shaw are fit for the trip to Anfield following injuries.

Phil Jones is the only player sidelined in an otherwise fully fit squad.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Guy Mowbray: "They met four times last season, but never really in the blood and thunder tradition of Liverpool v Manchester United.
"There wasn't even anyone sent off! A rare thing in the recent history of a game many consider a bigger derby than any same city rivalry.

"Jose Mourinho v Liverpool has history too - and if he thinks the Anfield fans weren't keen on him as Chelsea boss…
"Jurgen Klopp's men are flying, whilst Mourinho's feel they're owed a 'fat result' after dominating Stoke but drawing last time out.
"It could be a magic Monday.
"As for any red cards - in truth I hope ref Anthony Taylor has an efficiently quiet night after criticism of his appointment to the game."
Twitter: @Guymowbray

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp: "Apart from the table, it's a very important game. I know about the history, I like the special stories. The whole world will watch this game, it's a big honour to be part of it.
"At the end, it's up to us to perform to our best. You cannot and should not ignore the special circumstance of a game like this. You have to be ready.
"They have big quality and we have to respect this, as we do. But this is Anfield. We have to show this. We have had a few nice atmospheres but I'm open for the best atmosphere. We need everybody in a Liverpool shirt in this game."
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho on concerns over disrespectful chanting at the game: "In football we have some football tragedies, if you can say that, which is a big match that you lost, the mistake that some player did, this kind of thing, and you can make fun of it in a positive way.
"But the human tragedy is something much more serious. It's the last thing somebody should use in a football pitch because they were really big tragedies, not to forget but to respect.
"I will be really sad in such a big football match if that was a negative point."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION
"It will be interesting to see how Manchester United cope with the Reds' gegenpressing because I think Liverpool have been the best team in the league without the ball this season - they are as good when they don't have possession as they are when they do.

"I think United will struggle to deal with that. Quite often with these big games I go for a draw but on this occasion I fancy Liverpool."
Prediction: 2-0

Lawro's full predictions v Strictly Come Dancing Star Ed Balls

• 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
  
  
  
  • A defeat for Liverpool will be the first time they have lost three straight home league games to Manchester United since January 2005.
  • United have won their last four league games against Liverpool and seven of the last nine.
  • That run of four defeats for Liverpool is their worst since losing five consecutive matches to United in March 2008.
  • Liverpool have lost 67 league matches against Manchester United - more than against any other opponent.
  • There hasn't been a draw between the two sides domestically since a 1-1 league stalemate at Anfield in October 2011.
  • Steven Gerrard, with eight goals, is the top scorer in this fixture in the Premier League era. Wayne Rooney and Robbie Fowler both have six.
  Liverpool
  
  
  • Liverpool are going for a fifth league win on the trot which would be their best run since March 2015.
  • Since Jurgen Klopp was appointed as Liverpool manager in October 2015 they have scored a league high 73 goals and have the highest average possession figure of 58.8%.
  • The Reds have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine league games.
  • Klopp has lost just one of his five meetings with Jose Mourinho, winning three and drawing one.
  • James Milner has been involved in 21 Premier League goals since the start of last season - nine goals and 12 assists - more than any other Liverpool player.
  
  
• Manchester United
  
  • Jose Mourinho's men have won only once in their last four league games, conceding seven goals.
  • Wayne Rooney currently has 87 Premier League away goals, the joint-most in the competition alongside Alan Shearer.
  • Manchester United had three points more at this stage last season under Louis Van Gaal (16).
  • Marcus Rashford has scored 12 goals since his debut for Manchester United on 25 February 2016, four more than any other United player.
  [TABLE="class: sp-story-body__table, width: 564"]
  [TR]
  [TH="colspan: 2"]SAM's verdict[/TH]
  [/TR]
  [TR]
  [TD]Most probable score: 2-1[/TD]
  [TD]Probability of draw: 24%[/TD]
  [/TR]
  [TR]
  [TD]Probability of home win: 53%[/TD]
  [TD]Probability of away win: 24%[/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.
  

 

[yinyang]

This morning at Anfield

 

[yinyang]

SUN, 23 OCT 2016

PREMIER LEAGUE​

​

16:00

​

​

Venue: Stamford Bridge​

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea insist John Terry has fully recovered from an ankle injury but it remains to be seen whether he starts, having begun on the bench last weekend.
Willian and Oscar have returned to training after compassionate leave but Cesc Fabregas and Branislav Ivanovic are again out with muscle injuries.
Manchester United will assess Chris Smalling, who was forced off against Fenerbahce with a muscle problem.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has recovered from a thigh problem and may be available.


MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

Steve Wilson: "In 2004, Chelsea versus Manchester United was Jose Mourinho's first ever game in English football.
"In 2016 it may have been the first date which Mourinho scribbled into his diary when the new fixture list was unveiled.
"Mourinho in west London: it was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Two spells, seven major trophies, two sackings.
"There were players who loved him, and players who fell out of love with him. After the ugly ending 10 months ago, Chelsea's fans booed those who they felt had betrayed him - and many of those players are still at the club.
"Beating Mourinho may be the best way, perhaps the only way, for Antonio Conte to help those fans move on."
Twitter: @SteveWilson1967

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte: "I want to see progress on Sunday compared with the Liverpool and Arsenal games and I am confident I will.
"It will be a tactical game on Sunday but the fans have a big part to play and can be an advantage.
"I have great respect for [Jose] Mourinho. He deserves a good reception. He was an important man for Chelsea and wrote part of the club's story."
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho: "I don't have to analyse [Chelsea's] start to the season but, when you look at the table and you see where they are, in the middle positions, it cannot be bad.
"I knew that working in England, staying in the Premier League, I would, sooner or later, have to play against Chelsea and I would have to go to Stamford Bridge. The computer has decided that I have to go now, so we go."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Jose Mourinho did a job on Liverpool on Monday - when I looked at his team selection at Anfield I wasn't convinced, but it worked.
I would expect Mourinho to nullify Chelsea's attacking threat too, which is why I am going for another draw here - I just don't think enough of the Blues' forward players are performing well enough to break United down.
Prediction: 1-1
Lawro's full predictions v Olympic canoe slalom gold medallist Joe Clarke

• 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
  
  • Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 10 league and cup games against Manchester United (W5, D5).
  • The Red Devils' only Premier League win at Stamford Bridge since 2002 came in October 2012.
  • Victory would give Chelsea their 50th win against Manchester United in all competitions.
  • There have been four red cards shown in the last six Premier League meetings at Stamford Bridge.
  Chelsea
  
  
  • The Blues could keep three consecutive Premier League clean sheets for the first time since April 2015 under Jose Mourinho.
  • Chelsea have won three of their last four Premier League home matches, as many as in their previous 14 games at Stamford Bridge.
  • Diego Costa has had a hand in 50 Premier League goals for Chelsea (39 goals, 11 assists) in just 62 games.
  • Nemanja Matic has registered three assists in eight Premier League games this season - compared to just two in 33 matches last term.
  • The only previous competitive game between sides managed by Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte was on 13 December 2009, when Mourinho's Inter were held to a 1-1 draw by Atalanta. However, neither coach was on the bench as both were serving touchline bans.
  Manchester United
  
  
  • The Red Devils have not won a Premier League game in London since May 2015, when they beat Crystal Palace 2-1.
  • They could draw three successive top-flight games for the first time since October 2010.
  • After scoring with four of his first 15 shots in the Premier League, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has failed to find the net with any of his last 26.
  • Ibrahimovic scored in both of his appearances for Paris St-Germain against Chelsea in last season's Champions League.
  • Jose Mourinho has lost two of his first eight top-flight matches as Manchester United manager. His third defeat as Chelsea boss came in his 64th Premier League fixture.
  [TABLE="class: sp-story-body__table, width: 564"]
  [TR]
  [TH="colspan: 2"]SAM's verdict[/TH]
  [/TR]
  [TR]
  [TD]Most probable score: 1-1[/TD]
  [TD]Probability of draw: 29%[/TD]
  [/TR]
  [TR]
  [TD]Probability of home win: 42%[/TD]
  [TD]Probability of away win: 29%[/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.
  
  
  

 

[yinyang]

deleted, apologies

 

[yinyang]

Asses got whipped last night :o

 

[yinyang]

Preview of EFL Cup derby

Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne will miss Wednesday's EFL Cup fourth-round tie at local rivals Manchester United with a calf injury.

Pablo Zabaleta is also out but Vincent Kompany, who made his first league start since April on Saturday, is fit.
City are without a win in five games in all competitions and manager Pep Guardiola said he will rotate his side.
"Some are going to play. I need to see the players in training and after we will decide the team," he added.

United are also yet to win in the league this month - they lost 4-0 at Chelsea on Sunday - but Guardiola said he "always expects the best" from City's neighbours.
"They are a strong team with quality. They are six points behind - just two games," said the Spaniard, whose City side won the league meeting with United 2-1 in September.
"Derbies are always special. We are going to try to play seriously and try to win the game."
Guardiola said he wants Argentina striker Sergio Aguero, who has been linked with a move away from City, to stay at the club "for a long time". "I am so happy with Sergio. I want him to stay and play with us. He's a special player," said Guardiola.

Match facts

• Manchester United have won only two of their six previous League Cup meetings with Man City (D1 L3), although they are unbeaten in the three meetings at Old Trafford
• The last time these sides met in the League Cup was in the 2009-10 semi-final, with United winning 4-3 on aggregate thanks to a 3-1 win at Old Trafford in the second leg
• Both times Man City have eliminated their neighbours from the League Cup, they have gone on to win the trophy (1969-70 and 1975-76)
• In all competitions, Man City have won four of their past six meetings at Old Trafford (D1 L1)
• Two of Jose Mourinho's three wins against Pep Guardiola as manager have come in cup competition (one Champions League, one Copa Del Rey)
• In all competitions, Guardiola has failed to win his past three away games with Man City. He has only ever gone four away games without a win once in his managerial career (March 2009)

 

[yinyang]

Recognise footy blokes Suarez, Zlatan? :p

 

[yinyang]

 

[yinyang]

Next leg home to West Ham in EFL

 

[yinyang]

Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind face exit as Manchester United target Antonio Rudiger

• Jose Mourinho is looking to revamp his Manchester United defence
• Chris Smalling and Daley Blind face uncertain futures at Old Trafford
• Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian could be sold in January transfer window
• United are targeting Roma's Germany defender Antonio Rudiger

By SAMI MOKBEL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 21:30 GMT, 27 October 2016 | UPDATED: 09:01 GMT, 28 October 2016

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...ted-target-Antonio-Rudiger.html#ixzz4OR5nLZSV

Manchester United stars are facing the axe as Jose Mourinho plots a revamp of his defence. Chris Smalling and Daley Blind’s futures at the club are under a cloud, with Mourinho targeting a centre back and a right back in January.

Work behind the scenes has already begun identifying defensive reinforcements as the Portuguese manager plans big changes to his back four just nine games into the Premier League season.

Eric Bailly, who is out for two months with a knee injury, has impressed the United manager since arriving from Villarreal and his position at centre half appears secure.

United have conceded 12 goals in the Premier League this season, the second most of any club in the top 10. Four of those came in the humiliating loss at Chelsea last Sunday, in which Smalling and Blind were well below-par.
Smalling made a bad mistake as Pedro scored after just 30 seconds and Mourinho is said to have berated the England international after the game.

Mourinho also wants a natural right back to compete with Antonio Valencia, who is more accustomed to playing in a wide midfield role.

United will consider selling Rojo and Italy right back Matteo Darmian when the transfer window re-opens, while left back Luke Shaw is yet to fully convince Mourinho either.

Roma defender Antonio Rudiger, who can play right back or centre half, is under consideration at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old Germany international, who is also on Chelsea’s radar, is fit again after a serious knee injury and will be watched regularly by United spies between now and the winter window. Roma want to keep Rudiger, regarded as one of the best young centre backs in Europe, but an offer of £35million could tempt the Serie A club.

United are also struggling at the other end of the pitch, and several members of the squad believe Wayne Rooney should be given the chance to re-assert his position as the club’s No 1 striker.

Rooney, who has missed the last two games through injury, had been used in an attacking midfield role and then dropped by Mourinho.

But a number of his team-mates believe the 31-year-old can still have a major impact in the No 9 role. After scoring four in four at the start of his United career, striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has gone off the boil, failing to score in his last five Premier League games.

 

[yinyang]

Man Utd 0-0 Burnley

By Chris Bevan
BBC Sport at Old Trafford

Manchester United have failed to score in their last three Premier League gamesManchester United had manager Jose Mourinho and midfielder Ander Herrera sent off as they failed to break down Burnley and lost more ground on the pacesetters at the top of the Premier League.

On a fractious afternoon at Old Trafford, United were left frustrated by a series of unsuccessful penalty appeals, a string of saves by inspired Clarets keeper Tom Heaton and the woodwork.
Mourinho, who was incensed when Jon Flanagan was not punished for a challenge on Matteo Darmian inside the Burnley box, paid the price for allowing his frustration to boil over at half-time.

He sat in the main stand behind the dugout at the start of the second half but was quickly moved to the directors' box, with a go-between running up and down the stairs to pass on his instructions to his assistants.

​

Referee did fantastic work said Man Utd assistant FariaHerrera got his marching orders in the 68th minute, with referee Mark Clattenburg showing him a second yellow card for a challenge on Dean Marney, although the United player appeared to slip as he made the tackle.

That eased some of the pressure on Burnley, who had needed an inspired performance from Heaton to keep United at bay. The former United keeper made a string of spectacular stops, with the pick of them being a Peter Schmeichel-style scissor save that saw him spread himself brilliantly at the back post to keep out a Zlatan Ibrahimovic volley.

When Heaton was beaten, United's frustrations continued with Juan Mata's shot hitting the outside of a post and Ibrahimovic's looping header coming back off the bar. They had 37 efforts at goal in total but none were successful.

United have won only one of their last seven league games and are now eight points behind Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool, who all won on Saturday.


Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho sat with the fans before being moved and he ended up in the directors' box.

Zlatan still cannot find the target
Zlatan Ibrahimovic had more shots - 12 - than any other player against the Clarets but his fruitless run in front of goal continued.

Nothing summed up his current form more than the late chance he spurned when Paul Pogba found him unmarked at the back post, but he failed to find the target with the goal gaping.

The 35-year-old Swede had already had more shots than any other Premier League player this season, with 70 in 10 games, but he has not scored in this competition in six games since his goal against Manchester City on 10 September, his worst run since his time with Inter Milan in 2007.

He has managed a goal in the Europa League but his record in all competitions is not much better, with just one goal in his last 10 games. The correlation between his form and United's is surely no coincidence.


The graphic shows Manchester United's attempts at goal. Green circles are shots on target, red means off target with the yellow ones showing blocked effortsHeaton was the standout performer and he will rightly make the headlines with his saves.

But Burnley's whole team deserve credit for their defensive efforts in holding out against a siege that continued even when they faced 10 men. The Clarets rarely threatened at the other end, with Johann Berg Gudmundsson's first-half strike their only effort to bring a save out of David de Gea.

They have only managed a total of four shots in their four away league games to date, but that statistic matters a lot less when they mount a rearguard action like this.

Man of the Match - Burnley's Tom Heaton

Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton made 11 blocks or saves during the goalless drawOnly one candidate. The pocket of Clarets fans at Old Trafford chanted "England's number one" throughout the game in recognition of a brilliant performance by their goalkeeper.

The stats you need to know

Mourinho's start as United boss sits in between David Moyes and Louis van Gaal

• Manchester United had 37 shots in this match, their most in a Premier League game since 2003-04 (when Opta records began).
• Ander Herrera was shown his first red card in the Premier League, having been sent off five times in La Liga.
• The last time Manchester United were shown a red card at Old Trafford at home in the Premier League was in September 2014 (Wayne Rooney v West Ham).
• Tom Heaton made 11 saves in this game, the joint-most by a keeper in a Premier League game this season (also Heaton v Southampton).
• Zlatan Ibrahimovic has gone six league games without scoring for the first time since December 2007 with Inter Milan.
• Ibrahimovic had 12 shots in this game, the most by a player in a Premier League match since Robin van Persie for Arsenal in December 2011 (v Wolves).
• Manchester United have won just one of their last seven Premier League games (drew three, lost three).
• Burnley had lost their previous three away games this season prior to today.
• The Clarets have managed just four shots on target in four away games this season.

What next?
United travel to Turkey to take on Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday, then go to Wales to play Swansea on Sunday in their next Premier League game. Burnley are at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

• Line-ups
• Match Stats
• Live Text

Home TeamMan UtdAway TeamBurnley​

PossessionHome72%Away28%ShotsHome37Away7Shots on TargetHome11Away1CornersHome19Away1FoulsHome12Away9






[/COLOR]

 

[Gallego99]

It was just one of those games but IMHO, the Armenian should be on the bench if he's fit. He may not have adapted to the premier league but his creative and scoring ability would have made a difference. When Mou made the substitution to replace Mata and Lingaard and put on Fellaini and Depay, I knew they'd never score. In fact those two clowns did absolutely nothing. The player he should have taken off was Zlatan and he has not adapted well to the premier league.

Mou has narrowed down his options so much that it's almost impossible to settle on a stable starting eleven each week and the fact that he refuses to prioritize the cup competitions has only made it worse. You simply can't use 16-17 players and compete in all cup competitions. It's not about having a winning mentality as some would allude to but it has to do with having a sensible and practical approach with what is on hand.