PJ87
Journeyman Pro
I'd give the journo a chance.. had more of a clue
I'd give the journo a chance.. had more of a clue
I lost interest in the discussion with your “working and living in London” comment.
Totally irrelevant line intended purely as a cheap shot that genuine United supporters are bored with hearing.
I’m all for banter, but you lose marks for a lack of originality.
Tashyboy
Please don’t ask to see my tatts 👍
Liam Delap: Ipswich Town forward latest Manchester City academy product to shine
Liam Delap becomes the latest Manchester City academy product to make a name for himself after starring with a Premier League double for Ipswich Town.
www.bbc.co.uk
A nice write up re Citys academy, how much it has made for City. And where the players have gone to.
Please accept my apologies for not living and working in Manchester, i will ask my boss for an immediate transfer to our Manchester office tomorrow.
You actually instigated the conversation by quoting my post. I only responded out of courtesy, im not intrested in banter. You've not taken this latest defeat very well.
On the contrary. I’ve taken this defeat in far better heart than most.
After all, I’ve had plenty of practice since 2013.
BubbaP
Occasional Player of Golf
BLTI was in Bristol a couple of years ago in a trendy cafe, not my choice. It was first thing, we were away for the weekend. I ignored the muesli, porridge, protein shakes etc and went for a bacon buttie, classic choice. It came with lettuce on the side of the plate
. What the heck? Still makes me shudder now.
Maybe ETH owns it?
Hold the T
?
It would be rude not to…
Swango1980
Well-known member
Now that I've had time to process the performance yesterday (and that I'm in the office, and want to waste a bit of time before getting started 
), my summary for what its worth is (word count alert):
Apart from Liverpool, I've been generally much more impressed with Man Utd this season. Their biggest downfall was missing many big chances (by far the most in the league this season, according to Sky stats). But, there was some good play (style of play?), and looked much more solid defensively. Then yesterday happened, it was incredible. It almost felt like the entire squad had a huge party last night, got home at 6am, and were absolutely hanging by the time the match started.
It was never a red card, every pundit seems to be in agreement. VAR was completely impotent. However, there will be no pressure on the VAR (I don't blame the ref, sometimes a challenge looks far worse than it was, or vice versa), because Utd were that bad before the sending off, it really overshadows the bad decision. Different had the game been even. My biggest disappointment with the decision wasn't that it removed pretty much any hope of Utd getting back into the contest, which sometimes happens when they wake up. But, it gives those players and manager another excuse. I'd rather see them stay with 11 players, and have zero excuses. Either get back into the game, or deal with the scathing criticism.
Of course Rashford is not the only problem at Utd, but he has become the personification of so many frustrations that fans have had pre and post ETH. To me, Bruno is definitely in that camp as well. That first goal was terrible. Rashford would have known he wasn't going to get to the ball. His instinct should have been to make a challenge on van de Ven, or somehow impede his run as he got the ball. Instead, before van de Ven had even got the ball, Rashford had given up. It was like an attack versus defence drill, where you immediately lose when possession is lost, so it is time to stop and start the drill again. Awful, Then, as VDV runs forward, Bruno starts running towards him. Of course, with zero urgency or effort. It is like he runs everywhere to show he is dynamic, yet ironically is absolutely nowhere. I suspect Bruno's run initially fooled Ugarte, De Ligt and Mazaroui as they thought he would initially engage. They realised too late, and may well have been stunned by witnessing the pace and power of VDV for the first time, first hand. Yet, even then, Dalot completely gave up on Johnson at the back post, didn't even try to get back. You'd think that would be bread and butter for a full back, and Dalot has generally improved a lot over last couple of years. Again, looked like he was about to vomit from a big night out, and was in no shape to run back.
I'll always stand by the fact that ETH deserved time to work under the different regime, and work with a largely settled and fit set of players. Before rushing in, sacking him, getting a new man in and realising that a large number of the players are still a waste of space. I don't think you can really carry one player in the PL, let along 2, 3, 4, etc. But, a few more performances like that, I can see ETH being replaced, even if the only replacement is Gerrard, Lampard, Neville, Ole or Graham Norton. And, then I see the exact same cycle continuing.
My biggest criticism of ETH right now is his continuation of playing Bruno, and never subbing him. Especially with the likes of Eriksen and Mount fit again. I know it was only Barnsley that we beat 7-0, but it is one of those games I feel we might have only won by a goal or 2 had Bruno been playing. Because he always just wanders all over the pitch, and nobody ever really knows where he'll be at any given time. He gets the ball, and Hollywood passes it so often. When it comes off, it looks great on the highlights. But, the 90% of times it doesn't come off, he just gifts possession to the opposition, and wingers are knackers having chased a lost cause. When he played the false 9 at the end of last season, he played really well. But I wonder if that is because he had no choice but to stay in that position, and so there is more structure throughout the side?
The above seems obvious, I can't for one second think an experienced manager can't see the issues with individual performances. It surely cannot be his instruction to tell players like Rashford and Bruno to pull out of every single challenge, or not bother competing in an aerial duel. It can't be his instruction to tell full backs to not bother tracking the runner, or everyone making a complete mess of the most basic pass or 1st touch. I think Utd need to start being more ruthless with players, be less patient. If it isn't working out, just try and get rid asap whilst they still might have a bit of value for a buying club. Rather than keep them at club for years and years, watch awful performaces too often, and watch their value plummet until there is no point in getting rid until their contract runs out.
Away to Porto next, then away to Villa on Sunday. I was happy to give ETH roughly until Xmas, and then happy an informed decision was made either way then about his future. However, could potentially lose both the next 2 games, and then that could easily be the final nail(s) in the coffin. In a way, although it isn't what I want, it will be a relief because then we don't have to hear about the ETH show every day, and everyone can praise the new man in charge? Although, I'm that frustrated and disappointed with several of the Utd experienced players, that I'm almost past caring what happens. Had over a decade of them continually letting us down under many different managers, and there just seems to be this lethargic attitude, or a feeling players just take it for granted that they are at a big club, on big money, and they will just win games without having to even really try. Regardless of manager, we are meant to have a much more stable and capable board now, so if that is the case it is mainly on them to ensure Utd do well in the transfer market, and on them that the youth players are developed as best as possible.
On a positive note, Utd are only 8 points behind the leaders with plenty of games to go. Still time to push for a title challenge
), my summary for what its worth is (word count alert):Apart from Liverpool, I've been generally much more impressed with Man Utd this season. Their biggest downfall was missing many big chances (by far the most in the league this season, according to Sky stats). But, there was some good play (style of play?), and looked much more solid defensively. Then yesterday happened, it was incredible. It almost felt like the entire squad had a huge party last night, got home at 6am, and were absolutely hanging by the time the match started.
It was never a red card, every pundit seems to be in agreement. VAR was completely impotent. However, there will be no pressure on the VAR (I don't blame the ref, sometimes a challenge looks far worse than it was, or vice versa), because Utd were that bad before the sending off, it really overshadows the bad decision. Different had the game been even. My biggest disappointment with the decision wasn't that it removed pretty much any hope of Utd getting back into the contest, which sometimes happens when they wake up. But, it gives those players and manager another excuse. I'd rather see them stay with 11 players, and have zero excuses. Either get back into the game, or deal with the scathing criticism.
Of course Rashford is not the only problem at Utd, but he has become the personification of so many frustrations that fans have had pre and post ETH. To me, Bruno is definitely in that camp as well. That first goal was terrible. Rashford would have known he wasn't going to get to the ball. His instinct should have been to make a challenge on van de Ven, or somehow impede his run as he got the ball. Instead, before van de Ven had even got the ball, Rashford had given up. It was like an attack versus defence drill, where you immediately lose when possession is lost, so it is time to stop and start the drill again. Awful, Then, as VDV runs forward, Bruno starts running towards him. Of course, with zero urgency or effort. It is like he runs everywhere to show he is dynamic, yet ironically is absolutely nowhere. I suspect Bruno's run initially fooled Ugarte, De Ligt and Mazaroui as they thought he would initially engage. They realised too late, and may well have been stunned by witnessing the pace and power of VDV for the first time, first hand. Yet, even then, Dalot completely gave up on Johnson at the back post, didn't even try to get back. You'd think that would be bread and butter for a full back, and Dalot has generally improved a lot over last couple of years. Again, looked like he was about to vomit from a big night out, and was in no shape to run back.
I'll always stand by the fact that ETH deserved time to work under the different regime, and work with a largely settled and fit set of players. Before rushing in, sacking him, getting a new man in and realising that a large number of the players are still a waste of space. I don't think you can really carry one player in the PL, let along 2, 3, 4, etc. But, a few more performances like that, I can see ETH being replaced, even if the only replacement is Gerrard, Lampard, Neville, Ole or Graham Norton. And, then I see the exact same cycle continuing.
My biggest criticism of ETH right now is his continuation of playing Bruno, and never subbing him. Especially with the likes of Eriksen and Mount fit again. I know it was only Barnsley that we beat 7-0, but it is one of those games I feel we might have only won by a goal or 2 had Bruno been playing. Because he always just wanders all over the pitch, and nobody ever really knows where he'll be at any given time. He gets the ball, and Hollywood passes it so often. When it comes off, it looks great on the highlights. But, the 90% of times it doesn't come off, he just gifts possession to the opposition, and wingers are knackers having chased a lost cause. When he played the false 9 at the end of last season, he played really well. But I wonder if that is because he had no choice but to stay in that position, and so there is more structure throughout the side?
The above seems obvious, I can't for one second think an experienced manager can't see the issues with individual performances. It surely cannot be his instruction to tell players like Rashford and Bruno to pull out of every single challenge, or not bother competing in an aerial duel. It can't be his instruction to tell full backs to not bother tracking the runner, or everyone making a complete mess of the most basic pass or 1st touch. I think Utd need to start being more ruthless with players, be less patient. If it isn't working out, just try and get rid asap whilst they still might have a bit of value for a buying club. Rather than keep them at club for years and years, watch awful performaces too often, and watch their value plummet until there is no point in getting rid until their contract runs out.
Away to Porto next, then away to Villa on Sunday. I was happy to give ETH roughly until Xmas, and then happy an informed decision was made either way then about his future. However, could potentially lose both the next 2 games, and then that could easily be the final nail(s) in the coffin. In a way, although it isn't what I want, it will be a relief because then we don't have to hear about the ETH show every day, and everyone can praise the new man in charge? Although, I'm that frustrated and disappointed with several of the Utd experienced players, that I'm almost past caring what happens. Had over a decade of them continually letting us down under many different managers, and there just seems to be this lethargic attitude, or a feeling players just take it for granted that they are at a big club, on big money, and they will just win games without having to even really try. Regardless of manager, we are meant to have a much more stable and capable board now, so if that is the case it is mainly on them to ensure Utd do well in the transfer market, and on them that the youth players are developed as best as possible.
On a positive note, Utd are only 8 points behind the leaders with plenty of games to go. Still time to push for a title challenge
@Swango1980 I have to say, I am fully behind your suggestion of Graham Norton for the UTD job. Can't be worse than ETH and I reckon his interviews would be much more fun 
.
.
Now that I've had time to process the performance yesterday (and that I'm in the office, and want to waste a bit of time before getting started
Apart from Liverpool, I've been generally much more impressed with Man Utd this season. Their biggest downfall was missing many big chances (by far the most in the league this season, according to Sky stats). But, there was some good play (style of play?), and looked much more solid defensively. Then yesterday happened, it was incredible. It almost felt like the entire squad had a huge party last night, got home at 6am, and were absolutely hanging by the time the match started.
It was never a red card, every pundit seems to be in agreement. VAR was completely impotent. However, there will be no pressure on the VAR (I don't blame the ref, sometimes a challenge looks far worse than it was, or vice versa), because Utd were that bad before the sending off, it really overshadows the bad decision. Different had the game been even. My biggest disappointment with the decision wasn't that it removed pretty much any hope of Utd getting back into the contest, which sometimes happens when they wake up. But, it gives those players and manager another excuse. I'd rather see them stay with 11 players, and have zero excuses. Either get back into the game, or deal with the scathing criticism.
Of course Rashford is not the only problem at Utd, but he has become the personification of so many frustrations that fans have had pre and post ETH. To me, Bruno is definitely in that camp as well. That first goal was terrible. Rashford would have known he wasn't going to get to the ball. His instinct should have been to make a challenge on van de Ven, or somehow impede his run as he got the ball. Instead, before van de Ven had even got the ball, Rashford had given up. It was like an attack versus defence drill, where you immediately lose when possession is lost, so it is time to stop and start the drill again. Awful, Then, as VDV runs forward, Bruno starts running towards him. Of course, with zero urgency or effort. It is like he runs everywhere to show he is dynamic, yet ironically is absolutely nowhere. I suspect Bruno's run initially fooled Ugarte, De Ligt and Mazaroui as they thought he would initially engage. They realised too late, and may well have been stunned by witnessing the pace and power of VDV for the first time, first hand. Yet, even then, Dalot completely gave up on Johnson at the back post, didn't even try to get back. You'd think that would be bread and butter for a full back, and Dalot has generally improved a lot over last couple of years. Again, looked like he was about to vomit from a big night out, and was in no shape to run back.
I'll always stand by the fact that ETH deserved time to work under the different regime, and work with a largely settled and fit set of players. Before rushing in, sacking him, getting a new man in and realising that a large number of the players are still a waste of space. I don't think you can really carry one player in the PL, let along 2, 3, 4, etc. But, a few more performances like that, I can see ETH being replaced, even if the only replacement is Gerrard, Lampard, Neville, Ole or Graham Norton. And, then I see the exact same cycle continuing.
My biggest criticism of ETH right now is his continuation of playing Bruno, and never subbing him. Especially with the likes of Eriksen and Mount fit again. I know it was only Barnsley that we beat 7-0, but it is one of those games I feel we might have only won by a goal or 2 had Bruno been playing. Because he always just wanders all over the pitch, and nobody ever really knows where he'll be at any given time. He gets the ball, and Hollywood passes it so often. When it comes off, it looks great on the highlights. But, the 90% of times it doesn't come off, he just gifts possession to the opposition, and wingers are knackers having chased a lost cause. When he played the false 9 at the end of last season, he played really well. But I wonder if that is because he had no choice but to stay in that position, and so there is more structure throughout the side?
The above seems obvious, I can't for one second think an experienced manager can't see the issues with individual performances. It surely cannot be his instruction to tell players like Rashford and Bruno to pull out of every single challenge, or not bother competing in an aerial duel. It can't be his instruction to tell full backs to not bother tracking the runner, or everyone making a complete mess of the most basic pass or 1st touch. I think Utd need to start being more ruthless with players, be less patient. If it isn't working out, just try and get rid asap whilst they still might have a bit of value for a buying club. Rather than keep them at club for years and years, watch awful performaces too often, and watch their value plummet until there is no point in getting rid until their contract runs out.
Away to Porto next, then away to Villa on Sunday. I was happy to give ETH roughly until Xmas, and then happy an informed decision was made either way then about his future. However, could potentially lose both the next 2 games, and then that could easily be the final nail(s) in the coffin. In a way, although it isn't what I want, it will be a relief because then we don't have to hear about the ETH show every day, and everyone can praise the new man in charge? Although, I'm that frustrated and disappointed with several of the Utd experienced players, that I'm almost past caring what happens. Had over a decade of them continually letting us down under many different managers, and there just seems to be this lethargic attitude, or a feeling players just take it for granted that they are at a big club, on big money, and they will just win games without having to even really try. Regardless of manager, we are meant to have a much more stable and capable board now, so if that is the case it is mainly on them to ensure Utd do well in the transfer market, and on them that the youth players are developed as best as possible.
On a positive note, Utd are only 8 points behind the leaders with plenty of games to go. Still time to push for a title challenge
Brilliantly put. Best post I’ve read on here in some time. And you’ve saved me the bother of saying virtually the same.
Arthur Wedge
Well-known member
Ten Hag's reign at Utd
Played 82
Won 43
Drawn 13
Lost 26
Goals for 120
Goals against 109
It’s a record that got previous managers the boot
And the players arrived this summer don’t seem to be the type that are going to make a difference
Urgate - tankers turn quicker , he looks way out of his depth
Zirkee - enthusiastic but not sure about the quality
De Ligt - can see why he hasn’t settled at a club
Can’t judge Yoro but a lot of money on him
Mazaroui looked ok
Played 82
Won 43
Drawn 13
Lost 26
Goals for 120
Goals against 109
It’s a record that got previous managers the boot
And the players arrived this summer don’t seem to be the type that are going to make a difference
Urgate - tankers turn quicker , he looks way out of his depth
Zirkee - enthusiastic but not sure about the quality
De Ligt - can see why he hasn’t settled at a club
Can’t judge Yoro but a lot of money on him
Mazaroui looked ok
HomerJSimpson
Hall of Famer
Suggest you look at win percentages since Fergie. Only Jose has a better win percentage of permanent mangers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Manchester_United_F.C._managers
I know this is a little bit open season on Utd at the moment, much of it said before, but what really stands out to me is just how bad they look at times, and have done for a good period of time. All teams lose, all teams have off days, but when Utd are bad, they are really bad. Really, really bad. Worse than any team should be, certainly one costing that much, both in transfers and wages. They still have moments of individual brilliance but they just hide the collective display.
Villa away at the weekend is not the game they need. If I was ETH I'd be doing compact drills all week. Take a dull 0-0 draw at the weekend.
Villa away at the weekend is not the game they need. If I was ETH I'd be doing compact drills all week. Take a dull 0-0 draw at the weekend.
Arthur Wedge
Well-known member
Since Ferguson left it’s very hard to remember a United side that was a stand out
They have won a few cups in that’s period but their league places
7th , 4th , 5th , 6th , 2nd , 6th , 3rd , 2nd , 6th , 3rd and 8th
It reminds me of what Liverpool were like in the 90’s never really challenging for a title but getting the odd cup
And when they have ventured into CL they haven’t been great
They have spent a lot of money - a lot , gone through a lot of managers but it seems that it’s goes backwards - it’s very hard to see any light at the end of any tunnel , INEOS - excellent at cycling and racing , football record - very average
It doesn’t help when the manager is then complaining about “financial restrictions” and then talks about him being only behind Pep etc etc
Think there is a big hole there and it seems to get bigger and going to need huge ladders to climb out
Neilds
Assistant Pro
Good write up but can I bring up one point (similar to one I raised when Southgate was getting abuse during the summer). You pick out a number of players who are under performing and also state that ETH is not instructing his payers not to run back, tackle, challenge, etc but you still want the manager out? How do you think a new manager will change the culture at Man Utd? The players have obviously got lazy and too rich and now can't be bothered so I think a lot of these need clearing out, alongside the manager.Now that I've had time to process the performance yesterday (and that I'm in the office, and want to waste a bit of time before getting started
Apart from Liverpool, I've been generally much more impressed with Man Utd this season. Their biggest downfall was missing many big chances (by far the most in the league this season, according to Sky stats). But, there was some good play (style of play?), and looked much more solid defensively. Then yesterday happened, it was incredible. It almost felt like the entire squad had a huge party last night, got home at 6am, and were absolutely hanging by the time the match started.
It was never a red card, every pundit seems to be in agreement. VAR was completely impotent. However, there will be no pressure on the VAR (I don't blame the ref, sometimes a challenge looks far worse than it was, or vice versa), because Utd were that bad before the sending off, it really overshadows the bad decision. Different had the game been even. My biggest disappointment with the decision wasn't that it removed pretty much any hope of Utd getting back into the contest, which sometimes happens when they wake up. But, it gives those players and manager another excuse. I'd rather see them stay with 11 players, and have zero excuses. Either get back into the game, or deal with the scathing criticism.
Of course Rashford is not the only problem at Utd, but he has become the personification of so many frustrations that fans have had pre and post ETH. To me, Bruno is definitely in that camp as well. That first goal was terrible. Rashford would have known he wasn't going to get to the ball. His instinct should have been to make a challenge on van de Ven, or somehow impede his run as he got the ball. Instead, before van de Ven had even got the ball, Rashford had given up. It was like an attack versus defence drill, where you immediately lose when possession is lost, so it is time to stop and start the drill again. Awful, Then, as VDV runs forward, Bruno starts running towards him. Of course, with zero urgency or effort. It is like he runs everywhere to show he is dynamic, yet ironically is absolutely nowhere. I suspect Bruno's run initially fooled Ugarte, De Ligt and Mazaroui as they thought he would initially engage. They realised too late, and may well have been stunned by witnessing the pace and power of VDV for the first time, first hand. Yet, even then, Dalot completely gave up on Johnson at the back post, didn't even try to get back. You'd think that would be bread and butter for a full back, and Dalot has generally improved a lot over last couple of years. Again, looked like he was about to vomit from a big night out, and was in no shape to run back.
I'll always stand by the fact that ETH deserved time to work under the different regime, and work with a largely settled and fit set of players. Before rushing in, sacking him, getting a new man in and realising that a large number of the players are still a waste of space. I don't think you can really carry one player in the PL, let along 2, 3, 4, etc. But, a few more performances like that, I can see ETH being replaced, even if the only replacement is Gerrard, Lampard, Neville, Ole or Graham Norton. And, then I see the exact same cycle continuing.
My biggest criticism of ETH right now is his continuation of playing Bruno, and never subbing him. Especially with the likes of Eriksen and Mount fit again. I know it was only Barnsley that we beat 7-0, but it is one of those games I feel we might have only won by a goal or 2 had Bruno been playing. Because he always just wanders all over the pitch, and nobody ever really knows where he'll be at any given time. He gets the ball, and Hollywood passes it so often. When it comes off, it looks great on the highlights. But, the 90% of times it doesn't come off, he just gifts possession to the opposition, and wingers are knackers having chased a lost cause. When he played the false 9 at the end of last season, he played really well. But I wonder if that is because he had no choice but to stay in that position, and so there is more structure throughout the side?
The above seems obvious, I can't for one second think an experienced manager can't see the issues with individual performances. It surely cannot be his instruction to tell players like Rashford and Bruno to pull out of every single challenge, or not bother competing in an aerial duel. It can't be his instruction to tell full backs to not bother tracking the runner, or everyone making a complete mess of the most basic pass or 1st touch. I think Utd need to start being more ruthless with players, be less patient. If it isn't working out, just try and get rid asap whilst they still might have a bit of value for a buying club. Rather than keep them at club for years and years, watch awful performaces too often, and watch their value plummet until there is no point in getting rid until their contract runs out.
Away to Porto next, then away to Villa on Sunday. I was happy to give ETH roughly until Xmas, and then happy an informed decision was made either way then about his future. However, could potentially lose both the next 2 games, and then that could easily be the final nail(s) in the coffin. In a way, although it isn't what I want, it will be a relief because then we don't have to hear about the ETH show every day, and everyone can praise the new man in charge? Although, I'm that frustrated and disappointed with several of the Utd experienced players, that I'm almost past caring what happens. Had over a decade of them continually letting us down under many different managers, and there just seems to be this lethargic attitude, or a feeling players just take it for granted that they are at a big club, on big money, and they will just win games without having to even really try. Regardless of manager, we are meant to have a much more stable and capable board now, so if that is the case it is mainly on them to ensure Utd do well in the transfer market, and on them that the youth players are developed as best as possible.
On a positive note, Utd are only 8 points behind the leaders with plenty of games to go. Still time to push for a title challenge
HomerJSimpson
Hall of Famer
Which was probably why Jose had such a good percentage. Always knew how to dig out a 1-0. Seems some are ignoring the evidence. EtH has statistically done better than the likes of OGS who had just shy of 3 years and spent a decent wedge of cash.
Bdill93
Undisputed King of FOMO
Now that I've had time to process the performance yesterday (and that I'm in the office, and want to waste a bit of time before getting started
Apart from Liverpool, I've been generally much more impressed with Man Utd this season. Their biggest downfall was missing many big chances (by far the most in the league this season, according to Sky stats). But, there was some good play (style of play?), and looked much more solid defensively. Then yesterday happened, it was incredible. It almost felt like the entire squad had a huge party last night, got home at 6am, and were absolutely hanging by the time the match started.
It was never a red card, every pundit seems to be in agreement. VAR was completely impotent. However, there will be no pressure on the VAR (I don't blame the ref, sometimes a challenge looks far worse than it was, or vice versa), because Utd were that bad before the sending off, it really overshadows the bad decision. Different had the game been even. My biggest disappointment with the decision wasn't that it removed pretty much any hope of Utd getting back into the contest, which sometimes happens when they wake up. But, it gives those players and manager another excuse. I'd rather see them stay with 11 players, and have zero excuses. Either get back into the game, or deal with the scathing criticism.
Of course Rashford is not the only problem at Utd, but he has become the personification of so many frustrations that fans have had pre and post ETH. To me, Bruno is definitely in that camp as well. That first goal was terrible. Rashford would have known he wasn't going to get to the ball. His instinct should have been to make a challenge on van de Ven, or somehow impede his run as he got the ball. Instead, before van de Ven had even got the ball, Rashford had given up. It was like an attack versus defence drill, where you immediately lose when possession is lost, so it is time to stop and start the drill again. Awful, Then, as VDV runs forward, Bruno starts running towards him. Of course, with zero urgency or effort. It is like he runs everywhere to show he is dynamic, yet ironically is absolutely nowhere. I suspect Bruno's run initially fooled Ugarte, De Ligt and Mazaroui as they thought he would initially engage. They realised too late, and may well have been stunned by witnessing the pace and power of VDV for the first time, first hand. Yet, even then, Dalot completely gave up on Johnson at the back post, didn't even try to get back. You'd think that would be bread and butter for a full back, and Dalot has generally improved a lot over last couple of years. Again, looked like he was about to vomit from a big night out, and was in no shape to run back.
I'll always stand by the fact that ETH deserved time to work under the different regime, and work with a largely settled and fit set of players. Before rushing in, sacking him, getting a new man in and realising that a large number of the players are still a waste of space. I don't think you can really carry one player in the PL, let along 2, 3, 4, etc. But, a few more performances like that, I can see ETH being replaced, even if the only replacement is Gerrard, Lampard, Neville, Ole or Graham Norton. And, then I see the exact same cycle continuing.
My biggest criticism of ETH right now is his continuation of playing Bruno, and never subbing him. Especially with the likes of Eriksen and Mount fit again. I know it was only Barnsley that we beat 7-0, but it is one of those games I feel we might have only won by a goal or 2 had Bruno been playing. Because he always just wanders all over the pitch, and nobody ever really knows where he'll be at any given time. He gets the ball, and Hollywood passes it so often. When it comes off, it looks great on the highlights. But, the 90% of times it doesn't come off, he just gifts possession to the opposition, and wingers are knackers having chased a lost cause. When he played the false 9 at the end of last season, he played really well. But I wonder if that is because he had no choice but to stay in that position, and so there is more structure throughout the side?
The above seems obvious, I can't for one second think an experienced manager can't see the issues with individual performances. It surely cannot be his instruction to tell players like Rashford and Bruno to pull out of every single challenge, or not bother competing in an aerial duel. It can't be his instruction to tell full backs to not bother tracking the runner, or everyone making a complete mess of the most basic pass or 1st touch. I think Utd need to start being more ruthless with players, be less patient. If it isn't working out, just try and get rid asap whilst they still might have a bit of value for a buying club. Rather than keep them at club for years and years, watch awful performaces too often, and watch their value plummet until there is no point in getting rid until their contract runs out.
Away to Porto next, then away to Villa on Sunday. I was happy to give ETH roughly until Xmas, and then happy an informed decision was made either way then about his future. However, could potentially lose both the next 2 games, and then that could easily be the final nail(s) in the coffin. In a way, although it isn't what I want, it will be a relief because then we don't have to hear about the ETH show every day, and everyone can praise the new man in charge? Although, I'm that frustrated and disappointed with several of the Utd experienced players, that I'm almost past caring what happens. Had over a decade of them continually letting us down under many different managers, and there just seems to be this lethargic attitude, or a feeling players just take it for granted that they are at a big club, on big money, and they will just win games without having to even really try. Regardless of manager, we are meant to have a much more stable and capable board now, so if that is the case it is mainly on them to ensure Utd do well in the transfer market, and on them that the youth players are developed as best as possible.
On a positive note, Utd are only 8 points behind the leaders with plenty of games to go. Still time to push for a title challenge
The up side is - you always beat us, even when you're outplayed for 90 mins, its a guarantee - and the headlines next week will be how great Ten Hag is after beating Emery's Villa...
Swango1980
Well-known member
I think you misunderstood me. I don't want ETH out, and I've repeated this quite a lot last season and this season. But, I've also said I don't necessarily think he is going to end up being one of the managing greats, but he is given more time with a more stable squad. Most managers come to the point where their day is finally up, ETH is no exception. I also said I don't believe ETH is asking the players to not run back, tackle, etc. I'm sure he wants exactly that, it is basic. But, when those players face a team that are fighting hard, too many of them switch off. mentally, it just seems they are not capable for that type of fight. They are scared of getting hurt, or whatever other reason they may have for losing out on every battle when it comes their way.
I struggle to see how any manager can ultimately get consistency out of these players. It is like there is always at least a handful of "bad eggs" in the dressing room at any given time, and they are a bad influence on new players coming in. So, over the longer term, even when bad eggs leave the club, their negative effect has rubbed off on a few others who came in, and so the cycle continues. Which is why I think the club need to be more ruthless with getting rid of players if this sort of thing is suspected. Easier said than done, especially when players are earning hundreds of thousands a week and almost impossible to sell, especially with FFP restrictions.
Swango1980
Well-known member
I wish I shared your confidence that this will happen. Fingers crossed, on my part
Bdill93
Undisputed King of FOMO
I wish I shared your confidence that this will happen. Fingers crossed, on my part
I have literally no doubt at all that you'll beat us, Rashford or Hojland will score - its always a player whos lacked form that comes on to bag the winner.
Same thing on repeat for 15+ years
