There was a play in the second half where Shaw made a mess out of a pretty easy ball that went over his head and a Chelsea player almost beat him to it near the touchline. So Maguire rammed both of them like a fucking bull, kicked the ball out almost taking out both players and the manager in the process.
I was just thinking, what would Smalling or Jones would have done there? Smalling would have probably ran back and point the other CB to cover the flank leaving the middle of the pitch completely exposed, while Jones probably would've stumbled around, missed the tackle and injured himself and Shaw in the process.
I just hope AWB and Slabhead don't get infected with whatever is ailing the rest of our squad and we will have some cracking players for the next few years.
I was just thinking, what would Smalling or Jones would have done there? Smalling would have probably ran back and point the other CB to cover the flank leaving the middle of the pitch completely exposed, while Jones probably would've stumbled around, missed the tackle and injured himself and Shaw in the process.
I just hope AWB and Slabhead don't get infected with whatever is ailing the rest of our squad and we will have some cracking players for the next few years.
So, yesterday was a strange one.
Up until the 60th minute, I thought we had imposed ourselves upon the game quite well, and some of the statistics back this up. Of course, results like this show the folly of relying too much on stats.
That being said, that first hour really was pretty good. Say what you want about United, but to go to OT on the first day of the season and play with the level of understanding we did was encouraging. It seems Lampard has the team singing from his hymn sheet already, whereas it could be argued Sarri never really managed it - or at the very least took longer do so.
Some of the play, especially in the first half, was excellent. Quick and incisive passes with good movement made for a nice change from the lethargy that often gripped the team last season. Possession felt like it had a purpose.
That being said, the execution was lacking on a fair few occasions. Barkley was especially guilty of killing attacks with a misplaced pass, to the point where the Sky commentary picked up on it. Pedro was also guilty of losing the ball in transition a few times.
In many respects, the theme of the experienced players letting the team down was a recurrent one it goes without saying that Zouma had a shocker, but Dave was culpable for the one-two punch that killed the game. Defence was our big issue in pre-season, and it looks like that will remain the case.
Not that the youngsters were perfect. Mount looked fantastic in the first half, but was often let down by his decision making. He fell away after the second goal to be sure. That will all come down to experience, but I felt an earlier comment about him being suitable for a Bournemouth start was harsh. Abraham likewise started well, but his hold up play was lacking on some occasions.
I feel we should also be mindful that a few players were missing. Kante and Rudiger will improve the defence just through presence alone, and I feel Hudson-Odoi would have started had he not been injured. That Lampard said that Reece James would be important was also a good sign. Dave is on a decline, so a replacement will soon be required.
Even so, the capitulation was concerning, and was hopefully just a one off. Hopefully we can get through Wednesday without being embarrassed too much, and kick on for Leicester. I felt it was a possibility that the first three games would not go well when looking at them during pre-season- I hope I'm wrong.
So, yeah. Fuck, this is a long post. Long story short: I think Lampard has the team playing how he wants, and I can see the potential. Individual errors and some naivety let us down, but hopefully those will be ironed out over the next few months.
Up until the 60th minute, I thought we had imposed ourselves upon the game quite well, and some of the statistics back this up. Of course, results like this show the folly of relying too much on stats.
That being said, that first hour really was pretty good. Say what you want about United, but to go to OT on the first day of the season and play with the level of understanding we did was encouraging. It seems Lampard has the team singing from his hymn sheet already, whereas it could be argued Sarri never really managed it - or at the very least took longer do so.
Some of the play, especially in the first half, was excellent. Quick and incisive passes with good movement made for a nice change from the lethargy that often gripped the team last season. Possession felt like it had a purpose.
That being said, the execution was lacking on a fair few occasions. Barkley was especially guilty of killing attacks with a misplaced pass, to the point where the Sky commentary picked up on it. Pedro was also guilty of losing the ball in transition a few times.
In many respects, the theme of the experienced players letting the team down was a recurrent one it goes without saying that Zouma had a shocker, but Dave was culpable for the one-two punch that killed the game. Defence was our big issue in pre-season, and it looks like that will remain the case.
Not that the youngsters were perfect. Mount looked fantastic in the first half, but was often let down by his decision making. He fell away after the second goal to be sure. That will all come down to experience, but I felt an earlier comment about him being suitable for a Bournemouth start was harsh. Abraham likewise started well, but his hold up play was lacking on some occasions.
I feel we should also be mindful that a few players were missing. Kante and Rudiger will improve the defence just through presence alone, and I feel Hudson-Odoi would have started had he not been injured. That Lampard said that Reece James would be important was also a good sign. Dave is on a decline, so a replacement will soon be required.
Even so, the capitulation was concerning, and was hopefully just a one off. Hopefully we can get through Wednesday without being embarrassed too much, and kick on for Leicester. I felt it was a possibility that the first three games would not go well when looking at them during pre-season- I hope I'm wrong.
So, yeah. Fuck, this is a long post. Long story short: I think Lampard has the team playing how he wants, and I can see the potential. Individual errors and some naivety let us down, but hopefully those will be ironed out over the next few months.
Fairly accurate assessment, I reckon on yesterday's display that Chowsee will be there in the mix come season's end. They were very good at exploiting spaces and doing the fancy triangles, completely removed Andreas and Jesse in the first half.
By FootbalIFan Go To PostI feel like I remember you had something like a big smiely face emoji avatar and you also hated me, welcome regardlessFairly sure it was Barcelona I hated not you haha, thanks for the Welcome though everyone its good to be back since Gaf seems to have gone batshit insane Era seems to be batshit insane in the other direction.
At the end of the first half in the match yesterday I honestly was feeling confident as it definitely seemed like we were the better team and I felt like a goal was inevitable, but just as was apparent in preseason our defense lacks any kind of organization and leadership and that third goal in particular showed it. I love Azpi but he's clearly fading so we're gonna need James to come back sooner rather than later ditto for Ruddiger as Zouma has not been the same after his injury sadly and a match fit Kante will definitely help stabilizing things at the back as well. While I'm not as down on Abaraham as a lot of Chelsea fans seem to be I do think we should have gone with Michy for his experience and finishing ability but it is what it is. I can at least take solace in the fact that in Emerson we have a leftback who can actually defend now and hope Alonso never starts again and when RLC,CHO, Rudiger, James and Kante is back we'll be much better off.
The Hunter turned 36 today. Scored two goals for us in the 20 minutes he came on last saturay. Fucking legend.
Don't want to shock you lads but Inaki Williams has signed a new *checks notes* 9 year contract extension.
Inky could you pls remove your post, thanks.
Inky could you pls remove your post, thanks.
Tomorrow football is back. I'll be at the stadium for the game against PAOK. Could either be the upset of my life time or just a fun night. We'll see.
Realised we were good last season in the first few games under Ole because Matic actually performed. We are really missing that sort of presence on the pitch.
Ole's insistence on making Pogba our fulcrum can cost us a few goals. You pretty much need a Kante there.
Ole's insistence on making Pogba our fulcrum can cost us a few goals. You pretty much need a Kante there.
By Laboured Go To PostDon't want to shock you lads but Inaki Williams has signed a new *checks notes* 9 year contract extension.Gotta be quicker on those hooves m9
Inky could you pls remove your post, thanks.
By Bold 2 in One Go To PostGonna get my JOINT-TOP OF THE LEAGUE CIGARS before it expires.Sorry to remind you but City scored one more goal than we did so.....yeah.
Woodward masterclass. We extended Darmian's contract so we could get a transfer fee for him. Now we're paying an extra years wages, just for him to leave for nothing anyway.
By inky Go To PostThat sounds like a joke. Is that a joke?Did you really expect someone to pay for Darmian?
I didn't expect anyone to announce he's signing on a free a year in advance. Especially when he's obviously not gonna play football for a second year in a row.
By Laboured Go To PostIt's not joint, Bold.
Can anyone help? I created a Fantasy team and league, but can't see my points, or where I am in the standings
By R436 Go To PostSo, yesterday was a strange one.
Up until the 60th minute, I thought we had imposed ourselves upon the game quite well, and some of the statistics back this up. Of course, results like this show the folly of relying too much on stats.
That being said, that first hour really was pretty good. Say what you want about United, but to go to OT on the first day of the season and play with the level of understanding we did was encouraging. It seems Lampard has the team singing from his hymn sheet already, whereas it could be argued Sarri never really managed it - or at the very least took longer do so.
Some of the play, especially in the first half, was excellent. Quick and incisive passes with good movement made for a nice change from the lethargy that often gripped the team last season. Possession felt like it had a purpose.
That being said, the execution was lacking on a fair few occasions. Barkley was especially guilty of killing attacks with a misplaced pass, to the point where the Sky commentary picked up on it. Pedro was also guilty of losing the ball in transition a few times.
In many respects, the theme of the experienced players letting the team down was a recurrent one it goes without saying that Zouma had a shocker, but Dave was culpable for the one-two punch that killed the game. Defence was our big issue in pre-season, and it looks like that will remain the case.
Not that the youngsters were perfect. Mount looked fantastic in the first half, but was often let down by his decision making. He fell away after the second goal to be sure. That will all come down to experience, but I felt an earlier comment about him being suitable for a Bournemouth start was harsh. Abraham likewise started well, but his hold up play was lacking on some occasions.
I feel we should also be mindful that a few players were missing. Kante and Rudiger will improve the defence just through presence alone, and I feel Hudson-Odoi would have started had he not been injured. That Lampard said that Reece James would be important was also a good sign. Dave is on a decline, so a replacement will soon be required.
Even so, the capitulation was concerning, and was hopefully just a one off. Hopefully we can get through Wednesday without being embarrassed too much, and kick on for Leicester. I felt it was a possibility that the first three games would not go well when looking at them during pre-season- I hope I'm wrong.
So, yeah. Fuck, this is a long post. Long story short: I think Lampard has the team playing how he wants, and I can see the potential. Individual errors and some naivety let us down, but hopefully those will be ironed out over the next few months.
I thought Chelsea played really well for large portions. Completely played United off the pitch in the first half and still created chances after the penalty. I can't remember what United created?
The second and third goal came in quick succession, and the game died, against the overall run of play. But it was Chelsea who looked better prepared and more threatening going forward, and I think even the most ardent United fan will realise they will need to improve if they want to finish in the Top 4.
Arsenal were pretty average. I wish we were as dynamic and fluid as Chelsea were with the ball.
It's gonna be an interesting season at least. Chelsea has an impressive midfield, United with the defense, and Arsenal with their attack.
Why the hell is Chelsea using Pulisic on the LW. Not going to work out as well as the RW.
Just get on with it Roma.
Just get on with it Roma.
By Pennywise Go To PostWhy the hell is Chelsea using Pulisic on the LW. Not going to work out as well as the RW.Probably to fit in Odoi in the future?
Just get on with it Roma.
By Flutter Go To PostProbably to fit in Odoi in the future?Not like Odoi is gonna start next week.
Just seems like a weird move.
By Pennywise Go To PostNot like Odoi is gonna start next week.Because it is Frank?
Just seems like a weird move.
By Pennywise Go To PostNot like Odoi is gonna start next week.Yeah I know, could be that Frank us thinking in the long run and want Pulisic to make that position his own.
Just seems like a weird move.
Would have been totally fine with quatro of Messi, Griezzmann, Dembele and Suarez for this season. It's not like Valverde knows what the fuck to do with all this attacking talent anyways.
But eh, Barto you do you.
Bankruptcy here we come
Some Dutch athletes were caught for dealing drugs at Sziget festival in Budapest. They found 128 grams of weed and a kilo of XTC pills. Apparently that could possibly end up in serving a life sentence in Hungary. Way to throw your career. And life. Though I expect the Dutch government to meddle in this to prevent the life sentence.
By Razor Go To Post
Would have been totally fine with quatro of Messi, Griezzmann, Dembele and Suarez for this season. It's not like Valverde knows what the fuck to do with all this attacking talent anyways.
But eh, Barto you do you.
Bankruptcy here we come
It's gonna be a fun week of denying and rumours spreading
Already being said Crespo is there for other business than Neymar, yeah right
By Cleff Go To PostRaheem is getting paid.He's got a lot of kids to support.
By Meus Renaissance Go To PostI thought Chelsea played really well for large portions. Completely played United off the pitch in the first half and still created chances after the penalty. I can't remember what United created?
The second and third goal came in quick succession, and the game died, against the overall run of play. But it was Chelsea who looked better prepared and more threatening going forward, and I think even the most ardent United fan will realise they will need to improve if they want to finish in the Top 4.
Arsenal were pretty average. I wish we were as dynamic and fluid as Chelsea were with the ball.
United's approach was strange in the first half. As the second half showed, they look tailor made to play on the counter, but they didn't play like that for the first 45. It was almost as if Ole forgot and then corrected course for the second half.
That being said, it would have been interesting to see their response had any of our shots had sneaked inside the post. United were mostly making inroads from our mistakes.
United will do okay, but I think they'll find it tougher against less cavalier sides.
Interesting analysis on MEN of yesterday's game. Shows how United got the three goals in the second half; by taking advantage of the gap between the defensive and offensive players.
By R436 Go To PostUnited's approach was strange in the first half. As the second half showed, they look tailor made to play on the counter, but they didn't play like that for the first 45. It was almost as if Ole forgot and then corrected course for the second half.I think they just didnt expect Chelsea to be that good on passing the ball forward, and overconfidence.
That being said, it would have been interesting to see their response had any of our shots had sneaked inside the post. United were mostly making inroads from our mistakes.
United will do okay, but I think they'll find it tougher against less cavalier sides.
I did wonder how Ole can react and adapt to the opposition throughout a match like that though and think he did rather well. Still unsure if he's substitutions have improved. Last season it always seemed like United made subs 10 minutes too late.
No Pogba and no VDB?
Damn.
Not being able to sell Bale fucked us hard, this is going to be one of the longest seasons, I thought last season was bad this one might just be worse.
Damn.
Not being able to sell Bale fucked us hard, this is going to be one of the longest seasons, I thought last season was bad this one might just be worse.
Because of all the transfer bullshit going on at Barca these days I was looking back at the '09 CL winning squad. The most expensive player back then was Dani Alves with a 29 million transfer fee. They had 7 XI players from La Masia, of which 6 were Spanish and the other one being Messi of course. It's crazy how much the culture at the club has changed in 10 years.
Most recent rumours thrown around are that Madrid is willing to wait a year to get VDB. Meanwhile at the stadium we just keep singing songs for Donny and Tadic dragged him along with him after the game to enjoy the singing. We're doing the best we can.
By Frustrated_me Go To PostNo Pogba and no VDB?
Damn.
Not being able to sell Bale fucked us hard, this is going to be one of the longest seasons, I thought last season was bad this one might just be worse.
Most recent rumours thrown around are that Madrid is willing to wait a year to get VDB. Meanwhile at the stadium we just keep singing songs for Donny and Tadic dragged him along with him after the game to enjoy the singing. We're doing the best we can.
It saddens me to admit that Marcelo, Modric, Carvajal, Kroos and Casemiro may be past it. The old guard is decaying and I don't think they have much hunger left in them to fight season long for trophies.
By Flutter Go To PostInteresting analysis on MEN of yesterday's game. Shows how United got the three goals in the second half; by taking advantage of the gap between the defensive and offensive players.Link?