Football 2015/16 December | Memphis and Wayne and the dying Gaal

ED WOODWARD headed into a meeting at Manchester United’s London HQ today with Louis van Gaal’s job on the line.

The executive vice-chairman went into the meeting at 1pm and it was due to finish mid-afternoon.

Jose Mourinho to Man United all but agreed - the final decision on sacking LVG is now down to the Glazers

Why Manchester United have to show they have guts by sacking Louis van Gaal

The club have been tightlipped over Van Gaal’s future since Saturday’s defeat to Norwich City.

Currently 64-year-old Van Gaal is due to conduct a press conference tomorrow at 3.30pm at Carrington ahead of the Boxing Day fixture away to Stoke City.

Having been defiant in the face of criticism in the past he has sounded like a defeated man in the last two conferences before and after the Norwich game.

He admitted his job is on the line and people at the club were starting to lose faith in him.

As revealed in Monday’s SunSport contact has already been made through an intermediary with Jose Mourinho.

Welp, only a matter of time.

Sicario was great. Can't get over how pretty a film it was as well.

By Yaya Scabrogo Go To Posthttp://gfycat.com/BoldPoliteGoldfish

holy shit

this is too much #siegementality innit

Imagine this guy against Felipinho Melo

By FlutterPuffs Go To PostThe Galactico policy can work if they realise that they can be gunning for the title if they work more than a year to integrate players and managers into a team.

Not too sure about that any more really, look at the links below. I'm including Barca's front two VS our front two as reference, our front line does not track back at all. Not sure if you watched the clasico, the reason we lost is because our front 4 (BBC + James) simply didn't track back, not once.

http://www.squawka.com/comparison-matrix#la_liga/2015/2016/neymar/176/176/5001/0/p|la_liga/2015/2016/gareth_bale/176/176/843/0/p|la_liga/2015/2016/cristiano_ronaldo/176/176/232/0/p|la_liga/2015/2016/lionel_messi/176/176/1569/0/p#defence_score#total

http://www.squawka.com/comparison-matrix#la_liga/2015/2016/luis_suárez/176/176/529/0/p|la_liga/2015/2016/karim_benzema/176/176/99/0/p#defence_score#total

Then if I look at James, it's even worse.

http://www.squawka.com/comparison-matrix#la_liga/2015/2016/james_rodríguez/176/176/5251/0/p|la_liga/2015/2016/andrés_iniesta/176/176/307/0/p|ligue_1/2015/2016/ángel_di_maría/167/167/1846/0/p#defence_score#total

Either of the two things is happening, Rafa has completely lost the payers confidence and or these players are being told where/how to play and are following instructions. I highly doubt Rafa wants them to play like this. We simply can't compete versus big teams, we struggled every time when we played a top 5 team.

By hixx Go To PostSicario was great. Can't get over how pretty a film it was as well.

I keep saying this like a broken record, my movie of the year, easy.

I loved the scene when they drive in/out of Juarez.

Have you guys read this? Pretty good read.

The long read: The devil and José Mourinho http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/dec/22/devil-and-jose-mourinho

oh my god

By Cleff Go To PostED WOODWARD headed into a meeting at Manchester United’s London HQ today with Louis van Gaal’s job on the line.

The executive vice-chairman went into the meeting at 1pm and it was due to finish mid-afternoon.

Jose Mourinho to Man United all but agreed - the final decision on sacking LVG is now down to the Glazers

Why Manchester United have to show they have guts by sacking Louis van Gaal

The club have been tightlipped over Van Gaal’s future since Saturday’s defeat to Norwich City.

Currently 64-year-old Van Gaal is due to conduct a press conference tomorrow at 3.30pm at Carrington ahead of the Boxing Day fixture away to Stoke City.

Having been defiant in the face of criticism in the past he has sounded like a defeated man in the last two conferences before and after the Norwich game.

He admitted his job is on the line and people at the club were starting to lose faith in him.

As revealed in Monday’s SunSport contact has already been made through an intermediary with Jose Mourinho.

VivaITK strikes again.

Others are saying LvG may take the Stoke game then leave. Then Giggs interim until a deal is thrashed out with Mou.

FM, there was a longer version of that article posted on the Blizzard the other day. Was gr8.

Sicario is class. Del Toro killing it.

By Laboured Go To PostVivaITK strikes again.

Others are saying LvG may take the Stoke game then leave. Then Giggs interim until a deal is thrashed out with Mou.

i really dont know how to feel

Has the Galacticos policy ever been as successful as it should be in theory?

By n8 Go To PostFM, there was a longer version of that article posted on the Blizzard the other day. Was gr8.

Sicario is class. Del Toro killing it.


i really dont know how to feel

I genuinely feel bad for LvG. I was joyous when Moyes went but I don't feel the same here. I like him and think he deserves a fair send off as he's ending an illustrious career. He's done some good things for the club but it's not quite worked out. I do think moving on is probably best for United though.

Probably, but... I dunno. I feel bad for him. I think the club are being fucking retarded, jumping from style to style with no discernible pattern. Potentially selling out our ideals just to join the rat race that every single club has. I know it sounds like such a stupid thing to say, but it really does feel like we're becoming any other club. United had an identity that we're in danger of losing even more than we already have.

This playlist is a few years old (I can't remember when) but what a batch of tunes. Perfect way to get through the day:

https://open.spotify.com/user/nme.com/playlist/4yuDi9FA9ApDkIILZYkPYL

Welcome to mediocrity, you spoiled cunts.


Was thinking yesterday about how I'd feel if Leicester were to win the league. I'd be delighted, but it'd be embarassing as well. We've spent decades throwing hundreds of millions at the league title, with squad/staff overhaul after overhaul after overhaul. And we just flounder, pretty much every season. Even when we come close, we just fall short or throw it away on a banana skin.

A lot of fans would love to finish between 2nd and 8th every season, but that's frankly shite for the amount of money we've spent trying to win it, and the number of key figures we've got through to try and get us there.

Especially the state we're in now.

:(

By n8 Go To PostProbably, but… I dunno. I feel bad for him. I think the club are being fucking retarded, jumping from style to style with no discernible pattern. Potentially selling out our ideals just to join the rat race that every single club has. I know it sounds like such a stupid thing to say, but it really does feel like we're becoming any other club. United had an identity that we're in danger of losing even more than we already have.

We had an identity because we had Busby then Fergie. I don't know what to say other than that doesn't seem to exist anymore. And pining for it or pushing for it against any realistic sense that it can be achieved feels incredibly Liverpool. And no one wants that.

Having dynasties/legacies is one of the hardest things you can do. We're a barely competent football team atm, we can't also expect another Fergie to just turn up out of nowhere and make us amazing for another 20 years. The longer we scrabble around looking for that Fergie thing and it going tits up the greater likelihood we turn into the modern day Liverpool. Success and a strong winning first team comes first, then let's think about having some long-term legacy thing.

Not a fan of Mou

Not a fan of United

Yet I feel like I want Mou United to succeed

What is this sorcery

By JT Go To PostNot a fan of Mou

Not a fan of United

Yet I feel like I want Mou United to succeed

What is this cuntery

.

Watching them fail under Mourinho would be funnier than anything for me, but I'd rather they hired someone more likely to do a shit job. You don't become a bad manager in 3 months.

I think both Man Utd and Mou deserve to die. So why not

Mourinho is an amazing tactical manager, I firmly believe the players fucked him over at Chelsea, for whatever the reason.

By JT Go To PostNot a fan of Mou

Not a fan of United

Yet I feel like I want Mou United to succeed

What is this sorcery

but youre a city fan

and you want united to suceed

i wonder if you wnt benfica and sporting to suceed as well

By Elchele Go To PostI think both Man Utd and Mou deserve to die. So why not

And I hope you die from a mango penetrating your rectum, but we can't always get what we want.

Guess I just feel like we had reasons for not picking Mou last time, and those reasons still stand while he hasn't changed. Why are we rebelling against those?

By n8 Go To PostGuess I just feel like we had reasons for not picking Mou last time, and those reasons still stand while he hasn't changed. Why are we rebelling against those?

Desperation.

Feels like with Van Gaal at the helm, you are fast approaching a cliff where losing becomes a habit.


Watching Inter-Lazio highlights. Melo is a fucking idiot, and this is before they even show the bad foul.

By n8 Go To PostGuess I just feel like we had reasons for not picking Mou last time, and those reasons still stand while he hasn't changed. Why are we rebelling against those?

Desperation.

Edit: Fuck off Hitcher8974501625

There's the foul

Disgusting cunt.

Impressive to get your foot that high without a running jump tbf

By Pelbell Go To Postbut youre a city fan

and you want united to suceed

i wonder if you wnt benfica and sporting to suceed as well

When Jesus got to Sporting I wanted them to succeed, yes. Like, second place. That's a success 🌞

For Mou United I want top 4.

Pep needs to be appointed at ManU and make Mou feel like he's been betrayed again. Then ManC needs to appoint Mou and the circle is complete.

It's poetry really.

By Frustrated_me Go To PostPep needs to be appointed at ManU and make Mou feel like he's been betrayed again. Then ManC needs to appoint Mou and the circle is complete.

It's poetry really.

City wouldn't have Mou under any circumstances. They're trying to cultivate a family-friendly, nice guys football brand as far as I can tell, as misguided as that may be.

Man U can move to the Real Madrid / Chelsea model of managerial and player pump and dump, they have the funds. But it's refreshing to see that there are some fans out there that don't want it to happen. Don't get me wrong, if you can have Pep take him; his overarching philosophy of play is similar to LvG's and he would be a good influence on your youth system. Mourinho.... That's short term.

I want Allegri at Madrid, bring back Morata and tag Pogba along too. Sell Ronaldo for Hazard and 1/2 fund the new signings. One of Bale/Benzema can also go if need be. Call back Asensio and promote another 1/2 youth team players.

I just want a fresh start, a proper one.

Anyone else find Jonathon Wilson a bit naive on yesterday's Football Weekly?

Seemed like he thought Fabregas was being sincere with that Instagram nonsense. Actions speak louder than words, and Fabregas hasn't been arsed this season.

By Hitch Go To PostAnyone else find Jonathon Wilson a bit naive on yesterday's Football Weekly.

He can be like that. That's just his nature though. Wilson just isn't one of those guys that thrives off seeing the bad in people or their ulterior motives or bad intentions - even when he takes a look at players or managers of (earned) disrepute he often seeks to identify and discuss what is good in them, or what they bring to the world of football that is positiive or memorable.

By Frustrated_me Go To PostI want Allegri at Madrid, bring back Morata and tag Pogba along too. Sell Ronaldo for Hazard and 1/2 fund the new signings. One of Bale/Benzema can also go if need be. Call back Asensio and promote another 1/2 youth team players.

I just want a fresh start, a proper one.

i'd rather not have any of the chelsea players with the attitude they showed.

Why do Madrid fans want Hazard after the sulk show thats going on right now?.

By Ashwinho Go To PostWhy do Madrid fans want Hazard after the sulk show thats going on right now?.

Its bizarre to me

Even at his best, I'm not sure he's good enough for what they expect of their players.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd-bxL64ncY

Some of our players being asked how much north-east patter they've picked up

answer: none

pls, Yedlin, how can you not have been called 'pet' yet.

Look, I'm a bit like Arnie and Klopp. I don't give that much of a fuck about the league title unless its shit like losing it in the last second like we did in 2012.

I like the moment. It's what makes you come back every week. It's what makes fans of clubs who have no hope of winning anything come back. Things like seeing Kane or Watmore or Vardy come to prominence. Things like seeing Welbz make it. Things like seeing Evra thundercunts versus the best team in the world. Things like outplaying Liverpool at Anfield on our way to a fourth place finish.

All of these moments, the fun and joy of week to week football are far more important to me than the endless thirst for a trophy under a guy I don't like who isn't about the moments. Call me a sentimental fuckwad. It's true. I preach the Arnie life.

By Frustrated_me Go To PostI want Allegri at Madrid, bring back Morata and tag Pogba along too. Sell Ronaldo for Hazard and 1/2 fund the new signings. One of Bale/Benzema can also go if need be. Call back Asensio and promote another 1/2 youth team players.

I just want a fresh start, a proper one.

so you want a fresh start by transforming into Juventus FC?

Coates saying 'nee bosh, marra' sensational

We are no longer special, and we have to come to terms with that but we can become a good side again, that comes with Change.

Wenger is the last of a Dynasty building era,

My main worry under Mou is our Youth system

Would also not want Morata at Madrid. Yes, he had a wonderful last season. Yes, he scored vital goals and even kicked Madrid out of the UCL. Still think he’s not good enough. Dybala though, is galactico grade (and would cost accordingly). On the other hand, would hate to see Madrid ruining him, James Rodriguez style. The Perez toxicity just keeps trickling down, and with him on board, it’s hard to want nice players to join the club.

By n8 Go To PostLook, I'm a bit like Arnie and Klopp. I don't give that much of a fuck about the league title unless its shit like losing it in the last second like we did in 2012.

I like the moment. It's what makes you come back every week. It's what makes fans of clubs who have no hope of winning anything come back. Things like seeing Kane or Watmore or Vardy come to prominence. Things like seeing Welbz make it. Things like seeing Evra thundercunts versus the best team in the world. Things like outplaying Liverpool at Anfield on our way to a fourth place finish.

All of these moments, the fun and joy of week to week football are far more important to me than the endless thirst for a trophy under a guy I don't like who isn't about the moments. Call me a sentimental fuckwad. It's true. I preach the Arnie life.

Are you getting any of that with LVG in charge?

Google Play are doing half of any album.

Got Ian Brown's The Greatest for like £2. So many absolute tunes on it






lads

I'm getting to see some young lads make their debuts, for one.

I don't particularly want Mou. It's selling values for short term success.

By n8 Go To PostI'm getting to see some young lads make their debuts, for one.

I don't particularly want Mou. It's selling values for short term success.

Would you say its fair to say those values were put on the market even before Ferguson retired? Squad was left to die on the vine instead of planning for the future, recruitment of exciting youngsters put on the back-burner for players who were more likely to be instant hits, decided to be replaced by a manager who placed more emphasis on defense and solidity than he did on attack.

By Hitch Go To PostWould you say its fair to say those values were put on the market even before Ferguson retired? Squad was left to die on the vine instead of planning for the future, recruitment of exciting youngsters put on the back-burner for players who were more likely to be instant hits, decided to be replaced by a manager who placed more emphasis on defense and solidity than he did on attack.

I think 2012/13 followed that vein, but I don't think it was indicative of the last couple of years as a whole.

By n8 Go To PostI'm getting to see some young lads make their debuts, for one.

I don't particularly want Mou. It's selling values for short term success.

Sometimes you need to sacrifice long term plans for short term goals.

Mou will be short term no doubt. He will implode eventually and quit or be sacked. But if we do not get the short term success we are dangerously close to becoming another Liverpool. Winning is a habit and it needs to be cultivated and stick to it. Being happy finishing 7th is not a good habit and we should not accept that.
We should not be happy with finishing in the top 4 and we should be challenging every year for the title.

Even if we sign Conte, Carlo or whoever you suggest that does not guarantee us a stable future. Mou is available. He is a world class manager. LVG is past it he has admitted it himself. Looking for a long term solution under Moyes and LVG did not work. So maybe it is now time to go for some short term success before we get lost in mediocrity.

By Zabojnik Go To PostWell, of course not. It's Star Wars. And JJ Abrams.

As long as it's as entertaining as the first Abrams Star Trek movie and has a bit more substance, I'm sure I'll enjoy it.

It's not as good as Star Trek 2009