The Official Manchester United Thread (Vol 9)
Discussion
Is anyone aside from me optimistic about a late season push?
We’ve got some decent players coming back into the squad over the next 4 weeks, McTominay and Pogba aren’t far off, Bailly back in against Chelsea, Rashford will be back by the end of March I’d think. Fernandes has adapted well too.
We’ve got to view Pogba almost like a loan signing for the end of this campaign, he’ll want games and form going into this summer and when he’s on song he’s as good as anyone.
I think if Matic hadn’t been sent off and we’d also had a few of the above in the side we’d have seen off City last month and if we can stay in the Europa and FA Cup until Rashford is back then we can have a go at both of them.
I’m not saying we’re there yet but I do think Ole has been unlucky with injuries this term. Pogba started off the season with the tag of being the club’s most talented player then promptly got injured. Filling the void, McTominay was lauded by all, then he too ended up crocked. After a slow start to the campaign Rashford was Europe’s in form striker, then got something of an innocuous knock and got ruled out for 8 weeks.
Having said all of this I still view Watford at the weekend with trepidation.
We’ve got some decent players coming back into the squad over the next 4 weeks, McTominay and Pogba aren’t far off, Bailly back in against Chelsea, Rashford will be back by the end of March I’d think. Fernandes has adapted well too.
We’ve got to view Pogba almost like a loan signing for the end of this campaign, he’ll want games and form going into this summer and when he’s on song he’s as good as anyone.
I think if Matic hadn’t been sent off and we’d also had a few of the above in the side we’d have seen off City last month and if we can stay in the Europa and FA Cup until Rashford is back then we can have a go at both of them.
I’m not saying we’re there yet but I do think Ole has been unlucky with injuries this term. Pogba started off the season with the tag of being the club’s most talented player then promptly got injured. Filling the void, McTominay was lauded by all, then he too ended up crocked. After a slow start to the campaign Rashford was Europe’s in form striker, then got something of an innocuous knock and got ruled out for 8 weeks.
Having said all of this I still view Watford at the weekend with trepidation.
GrandAndrew said:
Is anyone aside from me optimistic about a late season push?
We’ve got some decent players coming back into the squad over the next 4 weeks, McTominay and Pogba aren’t far off, Bailly back in against Chelsea, Rashford will be back by the end of March I’d think. Fernandes has adapted well too.
We’ve got to view Pogba almost like a loan signing for the end of this campaign, he’ll want games and form going into this summer and when he’s on song he’s as good as anyone.
I think if Matic hadn’t been sent off and we’d also had a few of the above in the side we’d have seen off City last month and if we can stay in the Europa and FA Cup until Rashford is back then we can have a go at both of them.
I’m not saying we’re there yet but I do think Ole has been unlucky with injuries this term. Pogba started off the season with the tag of being the club’s most talented player then promptly got injured. Filling the void, McTominay was lauded by all, then he too ended up crocked. After a slow start to the campaign Rashford was Europe’s in form striker, then got something of an innocuous knock and got ruled out for 8 weeks.
Having said all of this I still view Watford at the weekend with trepidation.
ole has been ridiculously unlucky with injuries,you would argue the best player at the club and the two best players this season have been out for serious amounts of time,but then again is that not just poor planning ? How could the club start the season without an actual proven centre forward ? We’ve got some decent players coming back into the squad over the next 4 weeks, McTominay and Pogba aren’t far off, Bailly back in against Chelsea, Rashford will be back by the end of March I’d think. Fernandes has adapted well too.
We’ve got to view Pogba almost like a loan signing for the end of this campaign, he’ll want games and form going into this summer and when he’s on song he’s as good as anyone.
I think if Matic hadn’t been sent off and we’d also had a few of the above in the side we’d have seen off City last month and if we can stay in the Europa and FA Cup until Rashford is back then we can have a go at both of them.
I’m not saying we’re there yet but I do think Ole has been unlucky with injuries this term. Pogba started off the season with the tag of being the club’s most talented player then promptly got injured. Filling the void, McTominay was lauded by all, then he too ended up crocked. After a slow start to the campaign Rashford was Europe’s in form striker, then got something of an innocuous knock and got ruled out for 8 weeks.
Having said all of this I still view Watford at the weekend with trepidation.
franki68 said:
ole has been ridiculously unlucky with injuries,you would argue the best player at the club and the two best players this season have been out for serious amounts of time,but then again is that not just poor planning ? How could the club start the season without an actual proven centre forward ?
The key issue is that we don't have the depth of players in the club. We have one or two at most in each position that are really top notch. You lose 2 or 3 and you're in the s
t. I remember in the past that I'd often see other sides playing as well as us early in the season but I knew that the longer the season went on the more they'd struggle with injuries whereas we seemed to just replace one top player with another from the subs bench.I would normally back Utd to come on strong at this stage of the season, but I think that tacitly assumes we have some strength in depth. We do not. We have a very thin squad, and it has been exposed this season.
I think we will see an uptick in results when McT returns. We will almost certainly see an improvement when Rashford comes back.
I can see us being there or thereabouts for 4th. It would be lovely to end the season with a run of very good performances to set us up with some optimism for next season.
I think we will see an uptick in results when McT returns. We will almost certainly see an improvement when Rashford comes back.
I can see us being there or thereabouts for 4th. It would be lovely to end the season with a run of very good performances to set us up with some optimism for next season.
Frimley111R said:
franki68 said:
ole has been ridiculously unlucky with injuries,you would argue the best player at the club and the two best players this season have been out for serious amounts of time,but then again is that not just poor planning ? How could the club start the season without an actual proven centre forward ?
The key issue is that we don't have the depth of players in the club. We have one or two at most in each position that are really top notch. You lose 2 or 3 and you're in the st. I remember in the past that I'd often see other sides playing as well as us early in the season but I knew that the longer the season went on the more they'd struggle with injuries whereas we seemed to just replace one top player with another from the subs bench.Back 5 is looking stronger and stronger. We’ve 4 quality fullbacks and probably a centre half short if bailly stays fit. No issues between the sticks at all. DDG on a long term deal and very promising back up.
We’ve added a much needed creative midfielder, Fred is looking better every game. Mct and Pogba back is going to make a huge difference and Matic has been excellent recently
We desperately need some proven width to support James and a replacement for Lukaku and Martial for the 5 out of 6 games he’s anonymous. Rashford really had stepped up prior to his injury.
I’m looking forward to the run in. We’ve As good a chance of any around us when it comes to top 4, we’ve also probably the easiest run in of the regular contenders. If Bruno settles that should help with creativity against defensive teams and our shocking performance at set pieces,
A fair few reasons to be cheerful.
We’ve added a much needed creative midfielder, Fred is looking better every game. Mct and Pogba back is going to make a huge difference and Matic has been excellent recently
We desperately need some proven width to support James and a replacement for Lukaku and Martial for the 5 out of 6 games he’s anonymous. Rashford really had stepped up prior to his injury.
I’m looking forward to the run in. We’ve As good a chance of any around us when it comes to top 4, we’ve also probably the easiest run in of the regular contenders. If Bruno settles that should help with creativity against defensive teams and our shocking performance at set pieces,
A fair few reasons to be cheerful.
Couldn’t agree more with regards to depth, I’d have even been tempted to recall Sanchez at the end of January, particularly if (for once!) Ole is true to his word and plays him next season. We’ve got good cover at left back, a new right back and centre half is needed. A central midfielder once Pogba has gone, an outside right and a striker.
There is quite a decent first eleven at the club now though, we just need someone with verve, I like the idea of Grealish more than Maddison but would take either or even both and then players to provide competition. I don’t think you can fairly judge Solksjaer until he’s got a full squad to work with though.
There is quite a decent first eleven at the club now though, we just need someone with verve, I like the idea of Grealish more than Maddison but would take either or even both and then players to provide competition. I don’t think you can fairly judge Solksjaer until he’s got a full squad to work with though.
Adam B said:
Frimley111R said:
We have one or two at most in each position that are really top notch.
really?DDG
AWB, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw
Fernandes, Pogba, Fred
James Rashford Martial.
There’s more than a few top notch players there and top notch cover not even mentioned. But it doesn’t fit the United are s
t agenda. Injury ravaged but still up there. Let’s see where we end up in May.
GrandAndrew said:
Couldn’t agree more with regards to depth, I’d have even been tempted to recall Sanchez at the end of January, particularly if (for once!) Ole is true to his word and plays him next season. We’ve got good cover at left back, a new right back and centre half is needed. A central midfielder once Pogba has gone, an outside right and a striker.
There is quite a decent first eleven at the club now though, we just need someone with verve, I like the idea of Grealish more than Maddison but would take either or even both and then players to provide competition. I don’t think you can fairly judge Solksjaer until he’s got a full squad to work with though.
We are fine at right back, Dalot is back and there’s good quality in the youth set up. There is quite a decent first eleven at the club now though, we just need someone with verve, I like the idea of Grealish more than Maddison but would take either or even both and then players to provide competition. I don’t think you can fairly judge Solksjaer until he’s got a full squad to work with though.
4 signings. Winger, Striker, Centre mid, centre half in that order of priority. Depending on exits obviously.
Gone a bit AMG said:
Adam B said:
Frimley111R said:
We have one or two at most in each position that are really top notch.
really?DDG
AWB, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw
Fernandes, Pogba, Fred
James Rashford Martial.
There’s more than a few top notch players there and top notch cover not even mentioned. But it doesn’t fit the United are s
t agenda. Injury ravaged but still up there. Let’s see where we end up in May.
...and James? Come on, he's a bystander.
selym said:
Gone a bit AMG said:
Adam B said:
Frimley111R said:
We have one or two at most in each position that are really top notch.
really?DDG
AWB, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw
Fernandes, Pogba, Fred
James Rashford Martial.
There’s more than a few top notch players there and top notch cover not even mentioned. But it doesn’t fit the United are s
t agenda. Injury ravaged but still up there. Let’s see where we end up in May.
...and James? Come on, he's a bystander.
Gone a bit AMG said:
selym said:
Gone a bit AMG said:
Adam B said:
Frimley111R said:
We have one or two at most in each position that are really top notch.
really?DDG
AWB, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw
Fernandes, Pogba, Fred
James Rashford Martial.
There’s more than a few top notch players there and top notch cover not even mentioned. But it doesn’t fit the United are s
t agenda. Injury ravaged but still up there. Let’s see where we end up in May.
...and James? Come on, he's a bystander.
There is a cycle of behaviour that occurs on this thread; lose, lose, lose and an acceptance of sorts starts to materialise. Win an uninspiring match with little positives apart from 3 points and we get the green shoots and how the same squad is up there or thereabouts. It's an affliction.
Gone a bit AMG said:
Adam B said:
Frimley111R said:
We have one or two at most in each position that are really top notch.
really?DDG
AWB, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw
Fernandes, Pogba, Fred
James Rashford Martial.
I agree you have a decent first 11 if everyone is fit but like you say, depends what is meant by top notch I guess, not many positions with 2 excellent options
Calling me selym is a bit extreme, I have said on here a few times you are not far off being good, and will recover relatively quickly
selym said:
Let's hope he actually means top 6/Europa League players.
There is a cycle of behaviour that occurs on this thread; lose, lose, lose and an acceptance of sorts starts to materialise. Win an uninspiring match with little positives apart from 3 points and we get the green shoots and how the same squad is up there or thereabouts. It's an affliction.
Despite our unparalleled success through the 90’s and 00’s this week saw our first league double over Chelsea since 1988. There is a cycle of behaviour that occurs on this thread; lose, lose, lose and an acceptance of sorts starts to materialise. Win an uninspiring match with little positives apart from 3 points and we get the green shoots and how the same squad is up there or thereabouts. It's an affliction.
With 4th so tight Monday’s was a huge win. As a couple on here said. It could be season defining. We will see.
What’s the affliction please? No one has said we are there or thereabout’s. Putting words in other folks mouths to suit yourself. Most united fans on here had long since written off this season.
Last week according to you and other united hating posters we were finished and you’ll all be enjoying our fall from grace.
Instead we’ve yet another victory against a top six club and further integrated our new superstar midfielder. I see green shoots everywhere and have all season thanks which is while we be back challenging far quicker than most would wish for.
Adam B said:
Sorry I read that as you have 1 or 2 top notch players for each position.
I agree you have a decent first 11 if everyone is fit but like you say, depends what is meant by top notch I guess, not many positions with 2 excellent options
Calling me selym is a bit extreme, I have said on here a few times you are not far off being good, and will recover relatively quickly
Sorry to be so insulting Adam, you know your insightful knowledgable posts are welcome here!!!I agree you have a decent first 11 if everyone is fit but like you say, depends what is meant by top notch I guess, not many positions with 2 excellent options
Calling me selym is a bit extreme, I have said on here a few times you are not far off being good, and will recover relatively quickly
Its encouraging to see that we have 7 clean sheets in last 10 games ?!...
Bruno is going to add some creativity and goals from midfield that has virtually been none existent.
Pogba aside, how many goals have we scored from midfield or defence in last 2 years?? serious question.
Before Bruno's corner to Maguire it had been 18 months since we scored directly from a corner!! That's just comical!
If you look at those basic facts I'm amazed we are even still in contention for a champions league place.
If Tottenham beat Chelsea then Chelsea could be 7th by Monday! (Sheffield United will win, and hopefully we beat Watford....)
Bruno is going to add some creativity and goals from midfield that has virtually been none existent.
Pogba aside, how many goals have we scored from midfield or defence in last 2 years?? serious question.
Before Bruno's corner to Maguire it had been 18 months since we scored directly from a corner!! That's just comical!
If you look at those basic facts I'm amazed we are even still in contention for a champions league place.
If Tottenham beat Chelsea then Chelsea could be 7th by Monday! (Sheffield United will win, and hopefully we beat Watford....)
Green shoots is the right phrase. No doubt we’ve been in the winter. It’s easy to gloss over quite how appalling we have been this season. Our points total is shocking.
Despite that, it’s easy to see the quality in the side, if we can get people fit. There’s much to be positive about, but it’s hard to keep the faith when we have underperformed so drastically all season.
Despite that, it’s easy to see the quality in the side, if we can get people fit. There’s much to be positive about, but it’s hard to keep the faith when we have underperformed so drastically all season.
thought I had mis-read the comment.Gassing Station | Football | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff