The Official Manchester United Thread (Vol 12)
Discussion
57Ford said:
What do we all think of Hojlund? He seems very willing and he’s clearly not getting great service or support but I looked at him challenging the centre backs again yesterday and he’s not having enough impact yet in my opinion. These CB’s aren’t world beaters so I’d expect him to win at least some duels because he’s a quick strong looking lad. The likes of Zlatan and Toney had/have an obvious flair for it but there’s many other forwards who win more. Is it just early days for him in a stronger league and we’re too reliant on him in isolation?
When I mentioned his first touch and hold up play could be improved earlier in the season I was told to "leave the poor boy alone" by some posters who didn't take kindly to my observation. I've seen nothing to change my mind, he often looks like a youth team player up against the real men now. This is a guy who said the best defender he played against last season is a 34 year old Chris Smalling due to how fast and strong he is. The reality is most PL teams have centre backs faster and stronger than a 34 year old Chris Smalling.
As of right now he can't bully other teams with strength or pace like he could at times in Serie A, but he also appears limited technically so can't rely on technique, first touch, dribbling etc to outwit his opponent.
He needs to improve significantly, which I am sure is the intention. I'd be concerned if we don't add another striker this summer though, recent games have shown the likes of Solanke, Mateta etc far better equipped to trouble opposition defences.
57Ford said:
What do we all think of Hojlund? He seems very willing and he’s clearly not getting great service or support but I looked at him challenging the centre backs again yesterday and he’s not having enough impact yet in my opinion. These CB’s aren’t world beaters so I’d expect him to win at least some duels because he’s a quick strong looking lad. The likes of Zlatan and Toney had/have an obvious flair for it but there’s many other forwards who win more. Is it just early days for him in a stronger league and we’re too reliant on him in isolation?
Early days in a very disorganised and malfunctioning team. He should have a seasoned player to learn from and be a back up too, but we are playing him pretty much constantly as there is no on else. He has the tools, mostly, but would benefit from better coaching and a team that is actually set up to create chances for him. Still time for him I think, but we do need another striker in the summer for sure.simon800 said:
57Ford said:
What do we all think of Hojlund? He seems very willing and he’s clearly not getting great service or support but I looked at him challenging the centre backs again yesterday and he’s not having enough impact yet in my opinion. These CB’s aren’t world beaters so I’d expect him to win at least some duels because he’s a quick strong looking lad. The likes of Zlatan and Toney had/have an obvious flair for it but there’s many other forwards who win more. Is it just early days for him in a stronger league and we’re too reliant on him in isolation?
When I mentioned his first touch and hold up play could be improved earlier in the season I was told to "leave the poor boy alone" by some posters who didn't take kindly to my observation. I've seen nothing to change my mind, he often looks like a youth team player up against the real men now. This is a guy who said the best defender he played against last season is a 34 year old Chris Smalling due to how fast and strong he is. The reality is most PL teams have centre backs faster and stronger than a 34 year old Chris Smalling.
As of right now he can't bully other teams with strength or pace like he could at times in Serie A, but he also appears limited technically so can't rely on technique, first touch, dribbling etc to outwit his opponent.
He needs to improve significantly, which I am sure is the intention. I'd be concerned if we don't add another striker this summer though, recent games have shown the likes of Solanke, Mateta etc far better equipped to trouble opposition defences.
Challo said:
I like him, but he has struggled this season. Not surprising being 21 and asked to lead the line in a struggling team starved of service. United have to get another striker in this summer so help him develop. He has load to learn but he will get much better.
Yeah, I can't remember the stat but it was something like he had 2 shots on target in 7 games (or along those lines) which again comes down to service. When we get a proper manager, and get rid of dross like Antony, I imagine things will improve.
Again, bought for his potential rather than his right now. Right now Martial is a better striker by far.
57Ford said:
What do we all think of Hojlund? He seems very willing and he’s clearly not getting great service or support but I looked at him challenging the centre backs again yesterday and he’s not having enough impact yet in my opinion. These CB’s aren’t world beaters so I’d expect him to win at least some duels because he’s a quick strong looking lad. The likes of Zlatan and Toney had/have an obvious flair for it but there’s many other forwards who win more. Is it just early days for him in a stronger league and we’re too reliant on him in isolation?
Seems a hard worker but nothing special.simon800 said:
Right now Martial is a better striker by far.
and there was me thinking we were having a sensible discussion! 
Martial surely can’t be called a good player on any level. I’d rather see AWB up front instead of him because at least he would put in the effort and probably last more than half a match without deciding he’s too injured to possibly carry on.
In all seriousness, I’d much prefer to keep trying with Hojlund.
I think our young CF is not being coached . He runs round non stop like a lunatic ,he gets no service at all but also his movement off the ball is not good and this can be easily resolved if coached .He doesn’t understand how to make space for himself ,so on the remote occasions he is passed the ball he always has a centre half up his backside .
57Ford said:
simon800 said:
Right now Martial is a better striker by far.
and there was me thinking we were having a sensible discussion! Martial surely can’t be called a good player on any level. I’d rather see AWB up front instead of him because at least he would put in the effort and probably last more than half a match without deciding he’s too injured to possibly carry on.
In all seriousness, I’d much prefer to keep trying with Hojlund.
Although reports are he is back in training.
Challo said:
57Ford said:
simon800 said:
Right now Martial is a better striker by far.
and there was me thinking we were having a sensible discussion! Martial surely can’t be called a good player on any level. I’d rather see AWB up front instead of him because at least he would put in the effort and probably last more than half a match without deciding he’s too injured to possibly carry on.
In all seriousness, I’d much prefer to keep trying with Hojlund.
Although reports are he is back in training.
We shouldn't have to focus on individuals. We know some players aren't good enough and/or have the wrong attitude. The thing is you could get away with injuries and below par signings to some extent if the team were well drilled, organised and played to a system they all understood.
Man Utd play like two 5 a side teams joining forces comprised of players who've never met before. There's no discernible system or evidence of a style of play. It's panic mode at all times.
That's why I've lost patience with ETH. He's had plenty enough time to drill the squad and get them all on the same page and I can't see it's any more organised now than his first game in charge. That's unacceptable.
Man Utd play like two 5 a side teams joining forces comprised of players who've never met before. There's no discernible system or evidence of a style of play. It's panic mode at all times.
That's why I've lost patience with ETH. He's had plenty enough time to drill the squad and get them all on the same page and I can't see it's any more organised now than his first game in charge. That's unacceptable.
To clarify I didn't mean right now this very second as Martial is injured.
But a fit Martial despite his decrepit state offers more to the team in the build up phase than Hojlund does I think.
Hojlund doesn't hold the ball up particularly well, nor bring others into play. Which when we play a system that isolates the striker is essential.
But a fit Martial despite his decrepit state offers more to the team in the build up phase than Hojlund does I think.
Hojlund doesn't hold the ball up particularly well, nor bring others into play. Which when we play a system that isolates the striker is essential.
Challo said:
Radec said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm not sure I've ever seen a time where Arsenals goal difference is higher than the actual points you guys have collected in a season.
Not sure. You made the claim so perhaps have a look yourself.It just amazes me, I'd have never thought of seeing a stat like this, let alone thinking of it.
Although it's old news but something seriously wrong at the club from top to bottom to allow it to get to this stage.
Even with Ineos, can't see how it gets fixed for you guys.
Not a gloat or on the wum, and you'll probably end up winning on the weekend with sods law.
Radec said:
Although it's old news but something seriously wrong at the club from top to bottom to allow it to get to this stage.
Even with Ineos, can't see how it gets fixed for you guys.
As a reminder, in the half decade before Ten Hag this same team came top 3 a total of 3 times. Even with Ineos, can't see how it gets fixed for you guys.
I dont think we are the lost cause some make out. We just need to get rid of the manager and get a refund on every single one of his signings
Radec said:
…
It just amazes me, I'd have never thought of seeing a stat like this, let alone thinking of it.
…
Stick around, we’ll be displaying further mastery of breaking unwanted records in the not too distant future. It just amazes me, I'd have never thought of seeing a stat like this, let alone thinking of it.
…
But even with all that, we’re still the 8th best team in the country so there’s some hope.
Palace were delighted with themselves yesterday and rightly so but why haven’t they done that all season?
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