08 Dec 2019 13:51:02
There are a few of things I want to highlight about yesterdays game.

Firstly, how good we were in that first half. We could have gone in at half time 4-0 up and not have been flattered by the score line. The second half was tougher, but that is to be expected when playing the champions on their own patch when they are managed by one of the greatest tactical minds currently coaching. But we showed fight, grit, determination and character. All things considered one of if not the best performance under Ole.

Secondly, the form of Fred over the last 5-6 weeks has been hugely encouraging. He is starting to look like the player we spent 50m on. Busy off the ball and growing confidence on the ball. Surely first choice along with McTominay now.

Thirdly, Lingard in the last couple of games has had a return to form. He has been busy, disruptive but also showing signs of end product. Most key passes against Spurs and most shots on target against City. He will never be a world beater, but he can be an important squad player especially against the top sides.

Finally, The racial abuse and general disorder from the City fans was appalling and the situation needs to be addressed. It is a sad aspect of society that is creeping back into the beautiful game. Football needs to make the stand against it with the harshest possible punishments to stamp out that behaviour that threatens to damage all we love about the game.


1.) 08 Dec 2019
08 Dec 2019 14:10:50
Shappy - I think we've seen evidence this season that a front three of Martial, Rashford and James can be devastating. If you leave the fullbacks isolated and space for them to operate they are capable of tearing anyone apart.

We were brilliant for 10-15 minutes against Sheffield Utd, outstanding in the first half against Spurs and for 20-30 minutes yesterday we made City look like a pub team.

I know he divides opinion but Jesse Lingard has been excellent recently. Many won't agree but in my opinion he is absolutely fundamental to how Ole wants to play. He initiates the press and his movement off the ball causes massive problems for the opposition. He constantly makes intelligent runs to open up space for the likes of Rashford, Martial and James. His return to form and mini revival have been a key element in our last two performances.

As I said at the start of the season Ole gambled on the progression of Martial, Rashford and James and the form of Lingard and Pogba. I think he thought that by signing Maguire and AWB it would give those players a platform to play.

Unfortunately Ole has lost both Pogba and Martial for big chunks of the season and Lingard's form has been no where near good enough.

I think we've seen in fleeting periods that this team has potential. If you add Greenwood in the mix the potential is frightening. I thought he was brilliant against Spurs. His movement is fantastic and he comes alive in the box. He can strike the ball with either foot and if he continues to work hard, surrounds himself with the right people and stays humble the kid will be deadly.

Moving forward I'd like to see Martial drop a touch deeper with Greenwood operating in front with Rashford and James either side. Martial comes to life with the ball at his feet and he likes to play quick one two's. With Greenwood occupying the CB's and Martial collecting the ball in the pockets on the half turn with Rashford and James either side it could be mouth watering. It might be a touch to offensive against the better sides but at Old Trafford against lower placed teams it's something I think could work well.

I suppose the big question is how long can we wait to see if these players can deliver more consistently? I don't think anyone is getting carried away, with each good performance comes three bad ones but we have a young team with bags of potential and maybe they deserve our support and patience for a little while longer after all.


2.) 08 Dec 2019
08 Dec 2019 15:31:54
If Lingard is that good, why are we crying out for somebody to replace him?

He's a creative forward that doesn't create or score goals. Perfect player to be part of the squad and play a handful of games in the season. He's 27 next week. He's not good enough.

Ask yourself this. If he was put on the market tomorrow, what teams in the premier league would be in for him?


3.) 08 Dec 2019
08 Dec 2019 16:01:46
Mumbles, I don't think Lingard is probably efficient enough to start most matches. But then I didn't think Park Ji Sung was effective enough in most matches either. Yet, Park played in all the big games he was available for and often played a key role even scoring often in those big games.

I think against most sides from 8th down to 20th Lingard won't have a huge impact and that is a problem. Yet against both Spurs and City he has played a key role in us getting two wins in four days. His selfless off the ball running and intelligent pressing often makes a big difference against those top sides.

He should be rightly praised when he performs well, regardless of whether you or I would want him to be first choice most weeks.


4.) 08 Dec 2019
08 Dec 2019 16:10:26
Squad player at best if you have him in the team 20 or 30 times a season starting. He won't deliver enough for a high echelon team. He can have a role like shiquari play 1 in 5. Not sure that would be great for his brand though.
He seems like a nice lad very committed to the club but not going to produce enough to win a league in a creative role because he doesn't create enough.


5.) 08 Dec 2019
08 Dec 2019 16:11:35
Park was used to nullify certain opposition players though, not be the link between midfield and attack.

I don't think lingard is good enough to be a starter but he does put a shift in to be fair to him.


6.) 08 Dec 2019
08 Dec 2019 16:25:07
Mumbles - Lingard's strengths are his work rate, movement and mobility. When he's playing well his energy, movement, pressing and running ability are vital components of this team. He was excellent during Ole's initial winning start but unfortunately his form suffered badly after a few niggling injuries.

Of course he perhaps lacks the quality and composure needed to be considered a really top top player and like a lot of Utd players he has struggled with consistency.

Lingard is actually more effective against the better teams where he is afforded a bit more space and he causes them all kind of problems with his movement and tenacity.

I think Ole was hoping Lingard would kick on this season and perform more consistently but unfortunately this hasn't happened just yet. When he's in form he's a really useful member of the squad and if he can continue to play well he'll be a really important player for us in the second half of the season.

He may have just forced his way back into the team and is one of those playing for his future at the Club. In my opinion when on form he's a much better option than Pereria or Mata. My hope is we can get everyone back fit and see if this team is capable of delivering on a more consistent basis.


7.) 08 Dec 2019
08 Dec 2019 16:27:24
Sepp, I think that is the best use of Lingard as well.