Red Devils 2018-19

[red amoeba]

Good start Ollie!!!! Now that's the Man U way I'm familiar with-keeping it simple and free flowing!

Early days yet. It’s important to see whether the team will persist in chasing a game or following a defeat.

 

[Gallego99]

They will go on an unbeaten run right to the end of the season. It was just a prelude or a curtain raiser of what is to come. Jose would have made them sit back and expect players to follow instructions much like a game box console. Methinks SAF would be more willing to lend a helping hand off field.

Some players should leave and I'd expect Pogba to be top of the list as the player and his agent have been itching for a move back to Juve. Ed pondering a bid for Diego Costa was to force Juve to show hands. The list of players the
Italians put up for player swap were all past their best in their late or early 30s.

We should also see some very promising talents in the next 2 seasons.

 

[yinyang]

See the diff? Miracle recovery

Alexis Sanchez is close to recovering from a hamstring injury for Man Utd and has already got off on the right foot with Ole Gunnar Solskajer.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.c.../alexis-sanchez-ole-gunnar-solskjaer-15598626

 

[Gallego99]

Lindelof has been nothing short of outstanding the past 4 games. Let's hope his good form continue this season.

 

[Gallego99]

They brought in a clown to entertain the fans. Tahith Chong didn't disappoint. The guy plays like a kid and he's definitely not going to make it in the top league. Rubbish player!

 

[red amoeba]

They brought in a clown to entertain the fans. Tahith Chong didn't disappoint. The guy plays like a kid and he's definitely not going to make it in the top league. Rubbish player!

I thought that Chong guy was Fellaini’s twin. Poor performance overall despite the win. Sluggish and behave like waiting for Dubai sun liao.

 

[yinyang]

Thought this was an interesting piece, contrasting Ole's goal record vs JM's

How goal-crazy Solskjaer has put Mourinho's boring
Man Utd to shame
5/1/19

The Norwegian has overseen a huge change in United's fortunes, and it is fair reward for the expressive style he demands from his players

Rarely can a club have been transformed so markedly in so short a space of time. The same Manchester United squad which had won four of its previous 12 Premier League fixtures has now recorded as many victories in its last four matches.
But more than that, it is the return of that infectious Manchester United buzz which is most notable. There is a style and a swagger about their play once more, and the fans are enjoying what they are seeing again.

Were it not for the evidence of the league table, you would be forgiven for thinking that Jose Mourinho’s spell at Old Trafford was all just a bad dream for United followers who have grown up on attacking, powerful football.

With Paul Pogba going from disaffected substitute to talismanic attacking superstar in the space of a couple of weeks, United have also been boosted by the greater width offered on the ball, quicker passing and a more carefree style of offensive football.

The metamorphosis is no accident. In Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the United hierarchy went after a man whose chemistry with the club is such that he was never going to allow them to repeat the mistakes made in the Mourinho era.
And the Norwegian hopes to be judged at the end of his six-month deal on his ability to get United playing a certain style of football, rather than purely on the results which Mourinho always believed to be the real barometer.
“Pace and power. Man United, that’s what we are!” he said on Friday ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup clash with Reading.
“When you have players like we have with the pace of Paul, Anthony [Martial], Alexis [Sanchez], Romelu [Lukaku], [Marcus] Rashford… that’s how we played with Andy [Cole], Yorkie [Dwight Yorke]... With Giggsy [Ryan Giggs] and Becks [David Beckham] down the sides, you attack quickly when you can.”

Even when asked to pin himself to a specific target for the remainder of the season, Solskjaer focuses entirely on how his United will look rather than what they might achieve in the way of hardware.
“[I’d like to] get to summer, and people are talking about the way Man United are playing, the style we’re playing reminds them of Sir Alex’s team, it reminds us of successful times, because it has to start with the way we play,” he explained. “Results, you cannot control. You can control how you approach the game and how you play, though.
“I think I have a good squad. As I said, we need to work on our cohesion and the way we play, that we get used to playing that way again, with pace, with power, with counter-attacks, that we utilise what we’ve got in that respect.”

If Mourinho’s claims of being respectful to the traditions of Manchester United were often undermined by the way that his teams played football, his replacement has already begun to get his side backing up his sensible soundbites. The style which the Portuguese considered an unnecessary bonus is demanded as a pre-requisite under Solskjaer, and it shows.

Only three times in their 17 league matches under Mourinho this season did United string together 600 or more passes, whereas they have surpassed that same mark in all four of their wins since Solskjaer arrived, at an average of 165 extra passes per game.
They are also averaging 67.3 per cent possession under Solskjaer compared to 53.5% under Jose this term, while also making 17 more sprints per game and outdoing their previous marks for both total attempts and shots on target by 2.5 each.
And the goals are coming at a far more regular rate – 3.5 per game as opposed to 1.7 – as a result too.

There really is no rocket science necessary in analysing the differences between United pre- and post-Mourinho’s sacking at this stage. They are playing faster, more incisive football and the players are enjoying themselves every bit as much as the fans are watching them.
More of their play is going through Pogba in higher positions rather than asking him to work from a lower midfield base. The addition of Ander Herrera alongside Nemanja Matic and the more advanced starting spot have resulted in the Frenchman delivering his best run of form in a United shirt.

The full-backs are being encouraged to get forward, and indeed it was when skipper Antonio Valencia came in at Newcastle and underwhelmed in that capacity that United turned in their most questionable spell under Solskjaer thus far.
Higher up, there is greater interplay between the likes of Martial, Rashford and Jesse Lingard, all of them freed of the nagging doubt in the mind that comes with restrictive responsibilities related to the structural side of defending from the front.

There is a smile back on the face of the club which replicates the one that rarely appears to leave their manager’s face. Previously, United’s collective frown was every bit as discomforting as Mourinho’s scowl, but since his departure inhibitions have been released, shackles discarded.
How much United’s upturn in fortunes is down to Solskjaer and how much it is about not having Mourinho, only time will tell.
But Solskjaer’s ability to immediately get United being United again has put Mourinho to shame.

https://www.goal.com/en-sg/amp/news...-boring-man-utd-to/1wtntiyql2j1z172sd8dsugvgv

 

[Gallego99]

The rot started with Moyes. LVG killed football and Mou put in the final touches and create a mess of the club from players to support staff. They are the three Amigos.
If the FA cup display is anything to go by,Sol has a lot of work to do. I have seen 14-16 year olds performed better.
Sols will need to be tough and rid of those who are under performing or wants out of the club.
For starters Bailly, Jones and Sanchez should leave. I got the feeling Sanchez didn't want to continue playing with the kids last Saturday. It was an atrocious display with no form or shape to speak of. I guess Sols is entitled to his 9 lives and he has used one of them.
Better they make a move for a center back now and purge those that you dun need in June. There are so many other areas they need to strengthen.

 

[yinyang]

FA Cup fourth-round draw: Arsenal host Man Utd

Arsenal and Manchester United drew 2-2 when they met in the Premier League in December 2018

Arsenal have been drawn at home to Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth round.
The Gunners have won the competition a record 13 times, while United are 12-time winners.

Non-league Barnet - the lowest-ranked club left in the competition - are at home to Championship side Brentford.
League One Gillingham, who knocked out Premier League Cardiff in the third round, will face another Welsh side when they travel to Swansea City.
Premier League champions Manchester City are at home to relegation-battling Burnley, while another top-flight match-up sees Crystal Palace host Tottenham.
FA Cup holders Chelsea will take on Sheffield Wednesday or Luton Town at Stamford Bridge. Wolves, who knocked out Premier League leaders Liverpool on Monday, travel to Shrewsbury or Stoke.

 

[yinyang]

BREAKING: Manchester United open talks to beat Chelsea
to SHOCK £100million transfer
CHELSEA FC LIVERPOOL FC
Posted by Magnus Eriksen a day ago

https://www.caughtoffside.com/2019/...o-manchester-united-chelsea-transfer-rumours/

Manchester United have opened talks over a shock transfer swoop for Barcelona outcast Philippe Coutinho.
The Brazil international only joined the Catalan giants last year but is widely reported to be unsettled after a lack of impact
since his move from Liverpool.

The Reds have been linked with a move to re-sign Coutinho, but CaughtOffside understands other big clubs have been placed on alert.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are among those interested in Coutinho should he leave the Nou Camp.
However, CaughtOffside understands United have moved to steal a march on their rivals by making early contact with Barca with an enquiry over the 26-year-old.

It remains to be seen if the former Liverpool man would be prepared to make a move to a bitter rival like United, potentially destroying his reputation at Anfield forever.

Philippe Coutinho has struggled at Barcelona and is now a transfer target for Manchester United and Chelsea

 

[yinyang]

Golden Boy winner Matthijs de Ligt urged to sign for Manchester United over Juventus
Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt has been told to reject Juventus and sign for Man United by an Ajax legend.

Manchester United continue to be linked with Matthijs de Ligt (left), one of the most exciting prospects in Europe.

Ajax great John van Loen has urged defender Matthijs de Ligt to reject a move to Juventus and sign for Manchester United instead.

De Ligt is one of the most sought-after youngsters in Europe, and United have been linked with a move for him for some time.

The 19-year-old already has 13 caps for Holland and has played almost 100 senior games for Ajax, scoring nine times.
And now, van Loen says the Netherlands international would be better suited with a move to play in England over Italy.
De Loen, who played 50 times for Ajax between 1991 and 1993, told Goal: “I think Manchester United is perfect for De Ligt,” he told Goal.

“I hope De Ligt rejects Juventus’ offer – Italian football does not suit him and the Premier League is much better and stronger.”

Reports say De Ligt could cost United £50m if they were to sign him in January, with the club outsiders to land his signature after the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Juventus and Manchester City. However, the player is 1/20 to remain an Ajax player after the January transfer window according to the bookmakers.

United are in the market for a defender, and are favourites to sign Kalidou Koulibaly, Harry Maguire and Kostas Manolas with the bookies.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.c...ansfer-news/man-utd-transfer-de-ligt-15642623

 

[yinyang]

 

[red amoeba]

Siao liao Man U vs ars. Rashford to score the solo goal reminiscent of Giggs.

 

[yinyang]

Jan fixtures

Sunday 13th January 2019
PREMIER LEAGUE

• Tottenham16:30Man Utd

Saturday 19th January 2019
PREMIER LEAGUE

• Man Utd15:00Brighton

Saturday 26th January 2019
THE FA CUP - FOURTH ROUND

• Arsenal15:00Man Utd

Tuesday 29th January 2019
PREMIER LEAGUE

• Man Utd20:00Burnley

 

[yinyang]

Man of the match. 11 saves from marauding Spurs (esp 2nd half)

 

[Gallego99]

The best I've seen of De Gea. He's coming off his line regularly unlike the past. The coach did an excellent job with De Gea. Let's hope it continues.
Jones must be the luckiest player on earth. The number of times he lost his marker Kane is unreal. There was an instance when he didn't even know that he had won the tackle with the ball at his feet. Fortunately for Utd, De Gea was the last man. Martial and Lingard had a poor game.

 

[yinyang]

The numbers behind Man Utd's revival

A swift Manchester United counter attack, finished by Marcus Rashford, saw Solskjaer's men overcome title-chasing Tottenham 1-0 at Wembley.

The result ensured the Norwegian equalled Sir Matt Busby's record of winning his first five league games in charge of the club - although Solskjaer's record stands at six consecutive victories, having beaten Reading in the FA Cup third round during that run.
Here are the numbers to indicate their upturn in fortunes:

• Marcus Rashford has scored in three consecutive Premier League games for the first time in his career.
• Paul Pogba has been directly involved in 53% of United's 15 Premier League goals since Solskjaer took charge (four goals, four assists).
• David de Gea made 11 saves in Sunday's match for United - only against Arsenal in December 2017 has he made more in a Premier League match (14). This was also the most saves he's made in a top-flight league game while also keeping a clean sheet.

Questions had been raised about the level of United's opponents during Solskjaer's reign, but he passed his test at Wembley with flying colours.
United are now six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, and if they can maintain their momentum, they could even book their place in next season's Champions League despite a difficult first half of the season.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46853509

 

[yinyang]

Good riddance, to Jose's pet! Can't imagine he rotted at OT for >5 years

Marouane Fellaini closes in on Man Utd exit with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer open to January transfer
EXCLUSIVE: The Belgian only signed a new two-year deal last summer but United will let him leave this month for around £15m

Marouane Fellaini is set to become the first casualty of Ole Gunnar Solskajer's reign – with Manchester United ready to listen to offers for the midfielder.
Fellaini has made just two substitute appearances in Solskajer's six-game winning start to his United tenure, with the Belgium international out of favour under the caretaker boss.

Despite the midfielder signing a fresh two-year deal last summer, it is understood United are willing to let Fellaini leave this month - but only if the price is right.
Under Solskjaer, Fellaini has completed just 31 minutes of first-team action and was not even in the 18-man squad that beat Tottenham 1-0 at Wembley on Sunday.

Marouane Fellaini of Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)READ MORE

AC Milan, Porto and Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande have all identified Fellaini as a transfer target, with United said to want in the region of £15million for the versatile 31-year-old.

With 18 months left on his current deal, United are reluctant to let Fellaini go on the cheap and would look to reinvest funds from his sale in the first-team squad.

Fellaini was signed by former United boss David Moyes for £27million from Everton in 2013 and, despite criticism from fans, was also highly regarded by his successors, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho had a particular soft spot for Fellaini, utilising his physical and aerial threat when necessary, but Solskajer's different approach and style of play has no room for the player, whose United days are numbered.

 

[yinyang]

Manchester United transfer news: Club keen to hire director of football before next manager decision
Exclusive: While Mauricio Pochettino remains the club’s first-choice appointment, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is seen as an increasingly viable option

Manchester United would prefer to hire a director of football before the key decision of appointing their next permanent manager in the summer.
While Mauricio Pochettino remains the number-one choice to succeed Jose Mourinho, caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now enjoying growing support from all levels of the club.

The Independent understands that Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been advising Solskjaer and played a role in his hiring, would back his full-time appointment.
https://www.sammyboy.com/javascript:void(0)

Such circumstances complicate the situation, and represent one reason why they would prefer to appoint a director of football – as part of a wider technical body – before then.

Red Bull Leipzig's Paul Mitchell is admired by United, but it is expected to be very difficult to prise him from the Bundesliga club in the near future, which has meant club legend Edwin van der Sar – currently CEO at Ajax – is now attracting more interest.

An ambitious plan to transpose the former Juventus team of Giuseppe Marotta and current sporting director Fabio Paratici has faded. Marotta does not want to work in England, while Paratici wants to remain at the Turin club.

The issue of appointing a director of football became one of the most fractious issues with Mourinho, and played a part in the manager losing his job.
The Independent has been told that the Portuguese was flatly against the introduction of such a figure, but even resisted the idea of some informal positions on the board to advise the hierarchy on football.

Solskjaer is meanwhile proving hugely popular and is loved by the players, the staff and even key figures like Ferguson.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has proved a big hit (Man Utd via Getty)
It is now getting to the point where getting top four or beating Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16 are seen as potential game-changers in the process of hiring the next full-time manager.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport...r-ferguson-director-of-football-a8738551.html

 

[Gallego99]

If there is any truth in recent reports about hiring a director of football before appointing the next manager, then I'd say is long overdue. Cannot understand what took Ed so long and he is CEO of the biggest club in Britain. Sheesh!!