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01 Sep 2023 21:40:58
Not a bad transfer window, not probably what in an ideal world we'd all have imagined, but moved on a lot of younger players who probably wouldn't have had a chance or were not going to make it. At least we've given them a chance at a career! As a club we probably would have liked to move on maguire or mctominay or both.
Starting team, can start to see a bit of an idea, I think with a second combative midfielder, next to Casemiro, it'll give mount, on his return a chance to show a bit more, anyone can see that so far this season Casemiro has struggled doing all the work, and I'm having a striker, we can play rashford back in his best position.
Goalkeeper is obvious, defence, well if all fit, rotate Dalot and awb, depending on opponent, although I feel awb has certainly improved last season, cb varane and Martinez, although varane will miss a lot of games as usual, lb Shaw when fit, very bad timing with him and malacia both being injured, hopefully the loan will suffice, not really impressed by reguilon tho.
Amrabat and Casemiro give a solid base in front of those, Bruno and mount with Rashford and hojlund seems a fluid front line. Don't think martial will stay fit for any length of time, gives gnarcho, sancho and Antony a chance to rotate or be impact subs.
Although I think there's a player in sancho, his desire and application doesn't always seem to be there. Mainoo, such an unfortunate injury, but there's a player there for next 10 years managed correctly.
Just my opinion, and opinions will vary massively among everyone.
But I'm looking forward to this season more than I have for a long time. And I've been supporting Manchester United for over 40 years.

Ericgod

1.) 01 Sep 2023 22:24:24
Not a bad transfer window? We spent around £150m and arguably have a worse starting eleven at the end of this window than we did at the end of last season.

Onana is certainly a better ball player than De Gea, but De Gea is the better shot stopper by a country mile. Sure, being able to play out from the back more fluently will likely lead to quicker transitions and hopefully more chances, but it will also lead to us conceding a few more, either through Onana being caught off his line or making one too many risky passes. Then there are the three or four games that he’ll miss each time there’s an AFCON, which will undoubtedly make us weaker than if we’d had Dave between the sticks. its certainly not a backward step, but I don’t think you could call it a firm foot forward either.

In defense, we’re still only a couple of injuries away from having to start Maguire, who is a disaster waiting to happen, and with Varane another year older, those injuries are going to be coming even more frequently than they already were. Shaw is out for god knows how long and has been replaced by a player who has failed to establish himself at three teams, two of which (Athletico and Spurs) we are aspiring to be better than. I’ll support him on the pitch, but on paper, and based on past performances, he’s just not good enough. As a result, I think that most would agree that our defense is worse this season than it was last.

Like Varane, Casemiro and Eriksen are another year older and showing noticeable signs of slowing down. We’ve lost Sabitzer and Fred, who although not spectacular, used to guarantee a fairly consistent 6 or 7 out of ten performance each week. Their replacement Amrabat can hit 8s and 9s from time to time, but he can also put in some god awful performances as well. We’ve spent all summer trying to flog SM and Donny, so it will be interesting to see how motivated they are for the coming season, and as for Mount, he occupies the same space as Bruno - a player who is better than him and never misses a game - so why we spent the lion’s share of our budget on him lord only knows. I hope he comes good, but it’s difficult to see how him and Bruno can play in the same midfield three. We haven’t really improved much here and remain one injury away from disaster.

As for our frontline, we needed a proven goalscorer but instead signed a player for the future. Granted, he’s a step up from Weghorst so you’d have to say that our attacking options have improved, but I still see us struggling for goals this season, even if Hoijlund can stay fit.

What’s most concerning is that the two teams who finished above us last year have both gotten stronger (particularly Arsenal), as too have the four or five that finished below us. By contrast, we’ve failed to address several key issues despite spending big money again and have struggled to move on several players who appear to have no future at the club; all while selling off our youth players for peanuts.

But not a bad window, yeah?


2.) 01 Sep 2023 22:38:20
We will know in two years time who got this window right and who got it wrong.


3.) 01 Sep 2023 22:43:34
Arguably being the main word there Redseven, I’d argue we are a lot stronger now, first team and squad, looking forward to the rest of the season, although I think we will lose on Sunday and the meltdown on here will be mega.


4.) 01 Sep 2023 22:43:52
To use a phrase I hate, it is what it is. Time for ETH to work with what he has and show he's the coach that a lot of us think he is.


5.) 01 Sep 2023 22:45:09
I said months ago that if we are serious about winning the league and Champions League, then we will sign Kane and Rice.

Both were available at the right price. Had we been sold prior to window opening, I bet we would have signed them too.

EtH wanted Mount, Kane and Rice.

Instead we ended with Mount, Hojlund and Amrabat.

Let's see how it pans out.


6.) 01 Sep 2023 23:08:40
Redseven, a few points De Gea was living off his shot stopping record from years ago, last season his shot stopping was below average. I love De Gea as a loyal servant of the club but his performances have been below standard for a while now, and not to mean Tim some of the howlers he made last season that cost us. I’ve already seen Onana make some terrific saves so far this season, and the main thing is I don’t have a heart attack everytime the balls passed to him, the confidence of the defence will grow and a goal keeper you can have confidence in spreads throughout the team. It’s early days still but I’m certain we will see a much improved performance at the back, especially in possession when we’re trying to break the opposition press which was always a massive concern for a long time now.

Yes a few players are getting older now, and we have addressed those positions. Arambat although a different type of player to Casemiro offers us high energy and strong work rate, and although I’ve only ever seen him at the World Cup, he looked terrific against some alleged world class players and stood out in those games. He may not be the long term solution to the midfield but for a season he certainly offers a far better option than Fred. As for Fred offering consistent 6/ 7s, this just isn’t true. He could either be excellent and have a huge impact or just invisible and the game just passed him by. Often times I remember him being on the pitch and barely even being noticeable that he was even there. Always loved his workrate but the quality wasn’t there. Arambat offers the same energy with much better passing and ball carrying. He is an enormous upgrade on Fred in my opinion.

Yes Varane is a year older and injury prone, but he’s been like that for his career. We knew his injury record when we bought him. It’s nothing new. I don’t think you can say our defence is weaker. Shaws injury is unfortunate but can happen to brand new signings. Look at Timber for Arsenal. 50m and did his ACL in the second game. Few players are ever the same after that injury. Nothing. We can do about Shaws injury except cope with it the best we can, which we have with the signing of Reguillon.

Eriksen is a year old and his legs were gone last season imo, nothing new there, which is why we bought Mount who won't be playing Bruno’s position imo. He will be sitting deeper alongside Casemiro. I’m sure as he adapts and learns the system and the role he’s being asked to do he will be a fine signing. I don’t think he played much himself last season for one reason and another so it might take him a while to find some form, but when he does I’m sure he will prove to be an excellent signing.

The front line will look completely different this year. A new striker who, from what I’ve seen, looks like he has pace, power, height, good movement, good goal poaching skills, and overall will be a huge handful for defences will completely change our forward line. Defenders will have a different proposition now when facing us. Last season all our threat came from the wings, with very little threat from the centre. This meant defenders could easily double up on our wide players but Hojlund will draw more players to himself now leaving more space for the rest of our forwards. Rashford last season scored 30 goals, if he can push on and continue that form, if Antony can add to his promising start this season (I think he’s looked very good this season, and starting to get to grips with the league), and Bruno can give us his customary 15+ goals as well, along with a few others contributing here and there then scoring goals should not be a problem at all.

As for selling our youth players, what do you suggest? That we keep every player who’s not upto standard? How many of these so called future stars that our fans have raves about in the past have since been sold and then set the world alight after leaving? I can’t think of one.

So yes I think it’s been an extremely promising window and shows the club is moving in the right direction, and despite the fact we obviously had some budget constraints this season we have addressed all the major issues in the squad and even been able to competently deal with some curveballs thrown at us with the like of Shaws injury. Anyway the windows close now and only time will tell. Get behind the lads, and give them all our support.


7.) 01 Sep 2023 23:20:57
Scary thing is, Manchester United's best player is on loan at Getafe ?☹.


8.) 01 Sep 2023 23:36:03
RedSeven are you related to or actually the same person as Trafford? The negativity is quite draining.


9.) 02 Sep 2023 01:26:16
A travesty in itself Sydney, an absolute travesty. A sorry day for united when the snowflakes have their way.


10.) 02 Sep 2023 06:23:12
JE888. I guess the thing that bothers me most about the Onana signing is that he was available on a free 12 months ago. I think Dave’s strengths and weaknesses were pretty clear for all to see (it’s not like he used to be an excellent passer of the ball and then suddenly forgot how to pass overnight), and ETH was pretty familiar with Onana’s strengths, so if he knew that he wanted to implement a system where we played out from the back, why not bring him in last season instead of Dubravka and Butland (who reportedly cost us a few million in loan fees between them) and save us the £50m or so this season? You could say that hindsight is a beautiful thing or whatever, but I don’t think this one requires hindsight, especially not from an elite manager.

As for Shaw’s injury, do you not find it a little concerning that we have spent ourselves into a position where we can’t afford an extra million or two to replace a vital first team player? Injuries happen all the time in football and the fact that we weren’t in a position to adequately deal with the Shaw situation was a little worrying, not to mention embarrassing. It’s clear that Reguilon wasn’t our first choice replacement, yet we failed to bring in the guy we wanted because of our irresponsible spending over the past few seasons. We are supposed to be one of the biggest clubs in the world, yet are bringing second-rate players in on loan (a recurring theme from last season) .

We’ve already seen a few games where ETH tried a midfield three of Mount, Bruno, and Casemiro and our midfield got completely over run every time. These weren’t against top four teams either, so it’s not like you could argue that it will work well against weaker teams. Hopefully Mount can adapt, but from what he’s shown at Chelsea, I don’t think he has the football brain or the discipline to play a deeper role. Even if he does, his best position is clearly further up the pitch, where he is a great player. Why spend so much with a view to changing his best position rather than just signing somebody who can already fill the role we need? (which we ended up doing anyway at the end of the window) . Again, I hope Mount comes good, but he was an odd signing, imo, and not at all what was needed.

Hoijlund is the signing that I am most excited about, but in all likelihood it is going to take two or three seasons until he really starts to hit the kind of levels that his potential suggests he’s capable of, assuming he ever does, that is. What are we supposed to do until then? What happens if he never comes good like Martial? What happens if he gets injured or is constantly in and out of the team due to his back problems? We’ve taken a huge risk on an unproven talent rather than buying a proven goalscorer to address the immediate issue that the team was facing.

As for us selling youth players, I’d rather the first players out of the door be the ones who are causing the FFP issues and could bring in substantial funds with which to improve the squad. Most reports suggest that we could have gotten £65m from West Ham for SM and Maguire but blew it because we didn’t want to spend an extra few million paying off the latter and thought we’d get more for the former. Now we’re stuck with two players who clearly aren’t a part of the manager’s plans who will be worth around half that amount next summer and will cost us tens of millions in wages over the next 12 months. Getting shot of Maguire alone would probably have brought in more than all of the young players we sold combined and saved us more in wages. Selling the youth players I don’t mind (though the fees for some of them seem to be incredibly low), it’s that they’re gone and the likes of SM, HM, AM, and EB are still with us.

As you say, the window is over now and so we can focus on the football, but like last year, I really don’t subscribe to the idea that this was “not a bad window”. Maybe I’ll see things differently come the end of the season (I sure hope so), but I’d be very surprised to see us finishing in the top four with the squad we currently have.


11.) 02 Sep 2023 07:13:40
I don't blame Ten Hag over the Onana transfer to Inter in 2022.

United were paying 500 k a week to De Gea and Henderson already. Neither of those deals were the going rate for thise players.

Rather i blame the complete lack of foresight of the people running the club. We have lurched from manager to manager with each having different styles and requiring different players.

We need someone in charge of the overall football vision, so the academy is producong well versed in a certain way of playing, as are the reserves and the first team. We bring managers and coaches who play that way and the players we buy are suited to that system.

I don't believe United will return to the top until we have new owners who bring in the right person who can sort this out. In the 80s this was Ferguson but football moved on, its got bigger, ans whilst in the past the manager was in charge of everything, he can't now do thia amd run the team on a day to day basis.

Now i don't thing Ten Hag is without fault but adding another keeper last year wasnt on him in my eyes, the blame is much higher.


12.) 02 Sep 2023 12:17:12
I’m not sure I blame ETH for the Onana situation, but am also not sure that the lack of foresight is his and his alone. We probably spent more on loan fees and wages for Dubravka and Butland than we’d have paid Onana for the season and would have ended the season with an asset rather than a negative balance had we gotten him in last year. The board paid an obscene amount for Anthony at Ten Haag’s behest, so I refuse to believe that ETH couldn’t have gotten Onana last summer if he had really wanted him.


 

 

19 Sep 2021 20:10:37
This is my opinion. Just to get that out there before the expected difference of opinion
Which is what life is about. Opinions

I think today showed that no matter what, no matter who the personal are, that under the current coaching staff, and I include them collectively, there is a quite obvious lack of imagination and adventure.

Risk free is certainly not the worst way to compete. But is equally certainly not the best.

A lot of money has been spent, a lot of so called problem positions have been filled within the current leadership, and yet, in my opinion, nothing has really altered in our approach to matches.

We are pedestrian and slow in the extreme, play in patches, and tend to rely on individuals rather than a pattern of play.

Unless anyone can genuinely explain our tactics and any changes in formation to me?

I really don't care who our manager is, I've supported this club for more years than lots of you have lived. My kids had no choice but to follow them, they are adults now who grew up in the glory years, and they still have a realistic view that although troughs follow peaks that what Manchester United have at their disposal now in terms of playing squad should be achieving a lot more!

Talk of progress is relative, the investment and the quality of players should be winning. No excuses

If you don't feel privileged and proud to wear the red shirt and need to be made to feel wanted then literally just f##k off.

If you are a manager then manage!

If you are a coach then coach!

If you are a player then play when your on the pitch!

It's not rocket science

Incompetence, laziness, thoughtlessness, no place in success.

Ericgod

1.) 19 Sep 2021 21:27:23
I agree Eric, i agree with your point. I just think this was the wrong match to complain.
I think we were very good in first half, moving the ball quicker, we played with energy and dominant. Not perfect but that was one of the most convincing halfs i have seen in the last year.


2.) 19 Sep 2021 22:01:03
First half we created a lot of chances and should have had at least 2/ 3 goals for me.

Yep we were slow today, but this teams strength is countering and I think it’s down to the fact we don’t have someone top class sitting deep who can build attacks but also break up play.

I always mention him on here because I think he’s the best in the league, but look at Fabinho. When he was playing at the back last season liverpool were easier to get at, but as soon as he went into midfield he protected the 2 young lads at the back, but also enabled Liverpool to get back to their relentless attacking.

I could be wrong, but until we have a top class defensive midfielder, I think we will struggle at times, because we have to have our minds on the transition the other way.


3.) 19 Sep 2021 23:07:23
Fabinho ??.


4.) 20 Sep 2021 13:45:56
An absolutely top player caolan.


 

 

24 Jul 2021 22:15:37
Let's be honest, since SAF last few seasons we've not been a good exciting free flowing football team.

What he did do was manage to win a final league title before retiring.

Unfortunately what also happened was we had an ageing squad. Also for some reason he was allowed to choose his successor, which resulted In moyes. Despite guardiola being available before the announcement.

Since then we've won trophies under LVG and mourinho. Both getting the sack. And in interviews declaring they were not backed in the transfer market.

Now we've had a few seasons of failure under ole, who has been backed as far as I can see in transfers

I genuinely do not think we are ever going to be any sort of serial winners under his leadership. I fail to see any so called progress from winning trophies to failing to win trophies. And I'm in no way defending any other mangers .

I'll always support us, I did through docherty, sexton, Atkinson

But there was a hope and a character about everything, now it feels, to me at least, like settling

Which Manchester United should never be about.

Ericgod

1.) 25 Jul 2021 02:03:31
What feels like settling? Very strange post. We have spent wood record and ul record fees in many positions around the pitch. We have many top players and a strengthening squad. Why do you think we have settled?


2.) 25 Jul 2021 05:38:12
DodgyBanter,

Ericgod is talking about our lack of ambition to be at the top, rather we settle for anything that comes our way whether it's a 2nd place finish or ending up in the top 4.

We are probably content with reaching the semis/ finals of competitions and reward the manager with a contract who keeps failing at key moments.


3.) 25 Jul 2021 06:42:50
I know what he is saying LPU.

We came 2nd and just signed Sancho, a major up and coming star.

Does that sound like settling?

Bissaka, Harry Mac, Fernandes, now sancho. does that sound like we are settling to be also rans? No, we are trying to put together a squad that can grow together and win the league.

I don't bank on any rumours, but sounds like we are pushing for more.

We have a big squad. Our attacking line up is looking very good. Keepers too. 3/ 4 defendence are top drawer. We will be in the mix this year. I don't quite get the pessimism on here.


4.) 25 Jul 2021 08:03:16
DodgyBanter,

It's not about the player recruitment and money spent, it's our performances on the pitch and especially Ole's tactics where we never look like taking the game to the opposition even when there is an opportunity and end up settling for a favorable result.


5.) 25 Jul 2021 08:56:32
Dodgy, the pessimism is simple. Several fans have decided that they want Ole sacked, he just got a new contract so their entire world just came crashing down.

It doesn't matter that for the first time since Sir Alex we have a manager who has finished successive season's inside the top four.

It doesn't matter that we have a manager who has consistently made it to the latter stages of cup competitions.

It doesn't matter that most of the squad are playing better under him than under previous managers.

It doesn't matter that we have seen the right players moved on and the right players bought in.

They say with total irony that this is the best squad we have had since Sir Alex, but there has been no improvement. They don't see the oxymoron in that.

Apparently Ole has taken us backwards by building the best squad we have had in 10 years🤷🏻‍♂️

They've drawn their lines in the sand and they have picked their side. They can't change their minds or give an inch. They have become so entrenched in their views that Ole getting a new contract is "the worst possible news", as it goes against everything they say every day.


6.) 25 Jul 2021 09:38:01
Shappy,

So now anyone pointing a finger at Ole is a pessimist. Great.

"we have a manager who has finished successive season's inside the top four. " - that's a great ambition to have and regarding the circumstances last season that's indeed a great achievement when everyone else faltered around us.

"we have a manager who has consistently made it to the latter stages of cup competitions. " - a great achievement to consistently bottle it at the end.

"most of the squad are playing better under him than under previous managers" - probably Shaw, Fred and Rashford I can agree with. Martial, Lindelof have gone backwards. Lingard/ Perreira were sent out on loans. Whose left?

"right players moved on" - to a certain extent I will agree but we still got Jones/ Bailly, Lingard/ Perreira and so on.

Overall the recruitment has been a lot better but building the best squad doesn't make the manager better. It's the performances on the pitch that matters which has been inconsistent under Ole.

When the manager bottles a bunch of semis and a final, you don't need saying anything else.


7.) 25 Jul 2021 09:39:34
Shappy, it goes against everything "they" say and it goes absolutely in line with what you say about the owners too that they are only interested in profits and not trophies and success on the pitch. And here we are, following that trend and rewarding mediocrity. As long as the money comes in isn't that right? Back to back top 4 finishes is being celebrated. Feels like i am on the Everton page.

Bruno, Rashford, Maguire, AWB all run to the ground by Ole last season even when they were poor at best. Like Ole kept rewarding poor performances week after week, our owners have rewarded him with a new contract.

It isn't about what players are out on the pitch, its about how they are playing. What tactic, what style etc.


8.) 25 Jul 2021 09:49:35
Shappy throwing sense bombs!


9.) 25 Jul 2021 10:14:08
LPU, not quite what I said. I said those that want the manager sacked were clearly going to be pessimistic over him getting a new deal. Hardly shocking news.

As with everything context is needed. The club was in the worst state it has been in for over 30 years when Ole took over. A couple of good cup runs under LvG and Jose papered over the cracks somewhat but it was a team that in reality was a million miles away from competing at the sharp end. We had a squad of 28-30 players of which maybe only 3 or 4 would have been taken into the squad of teams truly challenging for titles, very few of those would have realistically made the first team of those sides.

We were a side like Leicester or Spurs that yoyo'd in and out of the top four. Probably with a comparable albeit far more expensively assembled squad. Slowly working our way toward Arsenal as a former top side.

Since then Ole has presided over a complete shift in direction. Now we are an established top four side, with a squad of players more able to mount a serious title challenge (although I still feel this side is a couple of season's away from winning a title) .

It's all about building a stable base, improving and moving forward. Progress.

In truth making it to semifinals and finals is a combination of skill and luck, to make it to them we have had both. With a little more of either then we would have won something. Adding players like Sancho increases the quality of the squad, and we may yet add more. While the experiences of the past season will have helped not just the players but the staff grow and improve.

With new players coming in, and the ones we have potentially being better than last season then we have a real chance to further improve on last season. More progress, that's all we can realistically ask for.


10.) 25 Jul 2021 10:23:42
Shappy for a man that was accusing others of hyperbole you are pathetic.
'Their world came crashing down' is quintessential hyperbole
Look up oxymoron so you understand what your talking about.
Who says we moved the right players on? You? A man that has no serious coaching qualifications no experience of big business no experience of playing or coaching at a high or even decent level no inside knowledge no itk contacts no experience in any role of dealing with professional football Players coaches or football clubs
You speak with authority on subjects and on people with zero knowledge yourself and come from a background of zero experience on most of what you say.
What you say is not fact its your personal opinion based on no knowledge or experience most of the time.
Ole has not even done as well as his predessor in points achieved or as his 2 predessors in terms of winning trophies despite being here longer and spending more money.

I despise the fact that clown is our manager but its not the end of the world. My golf handicapp will get to single digits as I won't have to waste my time listening to the whiney little fraud as I have no interest in him.
You say its the best squad in 10 years a few weeks ago your were slating the squad and how weak it is.
You argue and contradict yourself so often its hilarious.
You have your opinions your entitled to them you are also entitled to change them as often as you do. But you are not the oracle you have no experience of any role in professional football or business so your opinion is based on lots of supposition and no insights or knowledge. You are just a man who is a fan and writes a lot you know no better than anyone on here and in many cases know a lot less as lots on here have great legal, business and football knowledge based on them actually being involved in those fields not just being a want to be.


11.) 25 Jul 2021 10:34:39
United_addict, you are 100% right what was he doing playing Rashford, Bruno, Maguire and AWB when we had the world class James, Mata, Jones and Williams sitting on the bench ready to match or even surpass the performances of the aforementioned four players.

When we have the quality of players like we can see we have in games like the QPR match. It's quite baffling why Ole persists with the likes of Rashford, Bruno etc.


12.) 25 Jul 2021 11:13:30
Shappy, QPR played with an identity, high press. It's the coaches job to instill the identity and play-style in the team.

Yes, . We had VDB, Tuanzebe, DJ, Williams etc, . on the bench. It's the coaches job to improve the players.
Did other teams have Messi and Ronaldo on the bench?

Even in the final match of the season in Europa, the opposition manager was wise enough to make substitutions and keep the team fresh.
The main problem with Ole is he isn't learning from his mistakes and is not utilizing the squad to its full potential.


13.) 25 Jul 2021 11:55:17
Ken, you're right in that I don't really have any inside knowledge.

My use of the term hyperbole is in relation to people saying Ole getting a new deal is "the worst possible news". Which is hyperbole. Me then extending on that by saying that to these people their "world came crashing down" is a reflection of the hyperbole in their own comments.

If someone says they have received the worst possible news then it isn't out of the question to assume their world has come crashing down.

What makes it hyperbole is that the news that Ole got a new deal isn't really the worst possible news.

An oxymoron is saying two pieces of information in conjunction that contradict each other. Terms such as small crowd, or old news are oxymorons. As the first term contradicts the second.

So to say we have the best squad in 10 years under Ole, but that hasn't improved the team is oxymoronic. One one hand you are saying there has been clear improvement then directly contradicting that by saying there is no improvement. Both statements cannot be correct. Either there has been no improvement and the squad is as bad or worse than before or it has improved.

Ami also find your distain for a change of opinion rather odd. You are an intelligent man after all. This idea that you need to pick an opinion and you can't change it is ridiculous. Of course you can and you should if you become aware of a flaw in your original thinking process.

I study science, that is the essence of changing your viewpoint based on the discovery of new evidence.

People who refuse to learn from new discoveries become known as "flat earthers". People who refuse to look as new evidence that contradicts their viewpoint as that would mean they were wrong and their fragile ego cannot accept that.

It's fine, we base our opinions on the evidence in from of us. If we see new evidence it is fine to re-evaluate your original findings and change your opinion. In fact it's the only intelligent and sane option you have.

This is in my opinion the best squad we have had in 10 years, that doesn't mean it's a world class one. A lot of why I think this is the best squad we have had is based off of many players "potential" and not necessarily their current level. Which is why I feel that with a few good additions this side could peak in 2-3 years time.

It's like being Usain Bolt's dad when he was 13 years old. You could see the potential, but to expect him to win the Olympics at that moment is time is just silly.

We have players who have the potential to become all time great players at our club. But they aren't there yet, so I shouldn't expect great performances from them every week.


14.) 25 Jul 2021 11:57:47
TRD, of course the QPR first team looked like they had a clear plan and identity. It's a group of players who play and train together every week.

Are you seriously wondering why a group of finge and academy players who don't play together every week and often train in separate groups didn't look like a tight unit with a clear identity?

As for why Ole didn't bring on James, Mata and Jones in the Europa League final, surely that must be fairly obvious.


15.) 25 Jul 2021 12:45:42
Lads you can't look too much into pre season friendlies especially when half the 1st team are not there.


16.) 25 Jul 2021 13:38:57
Shappy I have shown no sustain for your constant changing of opinion. Opinions change with form for all players and coaches I've said above your entitled to change your opinion as often you like but but you post so often and on every topic your contradictions are more evident and double standards more evident than most.

I will change my opinion on ole when he does something significant to warrant a change in my opinion of him.

You run with the hares and chase with the hounds which means there is no consistency as you apply a logic to one argument and then apply the opposite logic on the next discussion as it supports your point of view on that point. That's what I mean by contradicting yourself.

Ole getting a new deal was not good news imo but not a surprise at all.
It's quite an old boys network there now and we can only see if it bares fruit.

This will be oles 4th season 3rd full one. I've seen nothing but regression on the field you can possibly argue there has been marginal improvement off the field.

I've seen a regression in our mentality.

I want ole to come out and say we are going to win the league our squad is good enough its the deepest squad the best paid and we are going to go for it. Anything other than that approach and I'll be disappointed. No more of this chap of we are on a journey. Go out and win go out to dominate and attack. Play at pace commit men forward and change it when it's not working.


17.) 25 Jul 2021 14:45:55
Thats the main problem here.

No-one doubts the ability of the players. A lot of top class players in the team. The boys upstairs seem to be doing their jobs now in terms of transfers, so now its down to Ole to do his.

After the defensive football from LVG and Jose, it shouldn't be that hard to let the reigns off and go out and take the game to teams with the players we have. Ole has taken some of the pressure off the players but he is seriously lacking in experience in crucial moments. His team selections sometimes are bizarre and his subs to impact a game are non existent. Our gameplan seems to be "keep it tight and wait for a moment of magic". There was no patterns etc. The only one you see making runs etc when pogba or bruno gets into a decent position, is Cavani. And that's just his instincts, its not coached. People point to his results against pep and psg etc. Ill point to results like Burnely and West Brom etc.

Maybe, with Sancho adding some balance dowm the right, we might see something different. Maybe. Ole has been given a 4 year deal and is being backed in the market. The pressure is on now more than ever. He misses on top 4 and I don't expect him to keep his job.

I look at teams like Chelsea and I don't think their squad is man for man better than ours. Yet, I expect them to push city more than anyone this season. Just because of Tuchel. He went in and I think they were around 8th. In half a season he had them winning in Europe and in thw top 4. That's what a top manager brings to the table. A good manager is worth another 12 points a season on his decision making alone. Manchester United is not a club where managers can cut their managerial teeth. Its like apple letting a guy who worked in an apple store take over from the ceo. Great, you know the product but what do you really know about the industry?

I don't hate Ole. But let's be realistic. he's not a top top coach and neither are his backroom staff. Unless ole is about to reveal his masterplan he's been working on for 3 seasons, i don't see much changing.


18.) 25 Jul 2021 15:01:29
Shappy you talk some amount of nonsense 😂 God loves a trier, your logic on hyperbole was fascinating haha. Too much time on the hands buddy lol.

Squad is very strong, I think the majority on here acknowledge that, with a couple of more signings this summer, we look exceptionally strong.

Ole is a poor choice of coach but it is what it is and he will either sink or swim. The fact he got a new contract means diddly squat because if he doesn't hit the ground running with this squad next season, Christmas will come a lot sooner to many of us on here.

I'm excited to see how the players get on. I'm sure there will be a couple of more faces that strengthen the spine of the team and hopefully that means dropping the tactic of 2 DMs, although I'm sure that if we have a couple of poor results, Ole will resort to his top notch defensive football.


19.) 25 Jul 2021 16:49:54
Shappy just so you know if you say the squad has improved but the team has not is not contradicting yourself and is not an oxymoron as the point is being made about 2 different entities i.e the squad and the team. Of course its possible to improve the squad but not the team.
Its not an oxymoron. Every day is a school day. 🥲🥲.


20.) 25 Jul 2021 17:28:50
Shaps, fair play to you. I don't know how you remain so civil with your replies, fella.

{Ed014's Note - simply because it gives him something else to write about. What’s the saying, like a pig in sh…


21.) 25 Jul 2021 17:34:48
Just to clarify for you Ken, an oxymoron would be something like "competent" and "ole".


22.) 25 Jul 2021 17:15:07
Ken, so what you're alluding to there is that you think the squad is stronger but the first team is as weak or weaker than before Ole took over?

If that is the case then why would you expect the team to perform better than before if it isn't any better?


23.) 25 Jul 2021 18:03:09
So Sepp, is it Oxy is competent and moron.?


24.) 25 Jul 2021 18:19:02
Very good Sepp. 🤣
We just have to wait and see what happens.
There is lots of talk about a change of approach and hopefully attitude in terms of attacking intent.
That for me is the 1st step and the first change i'd like to see. The mentality has to change. More so than sancho I believe varane could be the player to drive that change on the pitch.


25.) 25 Jul 2021 21:26:29
Shappy, it's not complicated so let me spell it out to you. The football under Solksjaer is boring so not worth watching. He has no nous as a manager and doesn't win anything. That's it.


26.) 25 Jul 2021 17:15:07
Ken, so what you're alluding to there is that you think the squad is stronger but the first team is as weak or weaker than before Ole took over?

If that is the case then why would you expect the team to perform better than before if it isn't any better?


 

 

12 Jun 2021 22:05:53
I posted other year about lukaku and his quality, many disagreed, many said he was not a good striker.

My argument was he had the ability but needed the coaching to improve, and also the team to provide for him. And that he was a proven goalscorer.

I don't think anyone can really have any doubt that he is a better striker than anyone in our squad.

I'm sure many will disagree, some vehemently, but it shows at the very least the benefits of good coaches

In this case, conte, read lukakus interview about contes coaching. And Martinez, whom he enjoyed his best premier league years working under, also he's got Henry at Belgium.

Not a dig at our coaching or manager . Just acknowledging what proper coaching can produce .

Ericgod

1.) 12 Jun 2021 23:04:09
I watch Lukaku now and I see him using his physicality, his strength and power to really bully defenders and his pace and power to attack space behind defenders. He is also a better player with his back to goal now, he has become much more rounded, Conte clearly deserves some of the credit here

I think credit must also go to Lukaku for advancing his game and remember he is still only reaching towards his peak now.

Either way the guy has proven he can score goals at international level and across multiple. teams and leagues and United was probably the most disappointing phase of his career.

Finally I don't know if he was ever a great fit stylistically for OleBall. Thus was probably for the fee they got a decision Ole got right in that Lukaku was never going to fit his system.


2.) 12 Jun 2021 23:12:36
What has made a massive difference is his diet and pbysical conditioning regimes. Lukaku himself says Inter have changed both and rhe benefit with a top coach is his improved form.


3.) 12 Jun 2021 23:32:56
All true. Would have been a weapon in this current set up.


4.) 12 Jun 2021 23:41:41
Some players fit at certain clubs and some don’t. Lukaku got pelters on here, but now he’s gone everyone wants to go back and say it was a big mistake. He’s always going to score goals, but he didn’t want to stay with us. He seems a nice lad and I’m happy for him to do well. Shame it isn’t with us but that’s football.


5.) 13 Jun 2021 01:41:28
I never rated Lukaku but he rrally improved at Inter. Konte paired him with Ranochia who is tall and stron, in training for some months and Lukaku learned how to hold the ball against him. He is fitter now and know how to use his strength. I think he has a better control too.
That show us what difference a good manager can make and what difference the workrate of a player can make because i think Lukaku worked really hard.
That said i have no problem with him leaving and i don't totally buy that he is world class striker because he scored a lot of goals at Serie A or played well against a Russian pub team tonight.


6.) 13 Jun 2021 07:11:22
I posted on here months ago about how Conte set up Lukaku and coached him, gave him individual training on his control and first touch. The sessions included a tough centre half and every time Lukaku lost the ball he had to go back to the beginning and start again, keep going for hours. That was proper coaching and why Lukaku, why Conte succeeds. It does show the merit of a proper coach and proper Manager. I said at the time we sold Lukaku, someone needed to be brought in of significant ability to replace him but we were told Martial was the one and Ighalo would suffice. Brilliant.


7.) 13 Jun 2021 07:30:42
I think people seem to forget he had a whole season under jose and wasn't amazing. The next manager came in and he didn't shine then either, we got a reasonable transfer fee for him so he moved on.

Not surprising really, he has improved himself as a player and has obviously worked on the weaker elements of his game.

In all honesty I don't think I would want to see him back, I would rather a more dynamic striker who has more instinct, I certainly would not be picking Lukaku over Cavani.


8.) 13 Jun 2021 09:33:04
His first touch still makes you wonder and last night he was bullying Russian (average) defenders.


9.) 13 Jun 2021 09:51:53
Didn't leave on the best terms. Flat track bully.


10.) 13 Jun 2021 13:10:19
Don't see him in the bracket of Kane or Haaland. He's got a good goals to game ratio. He's strong and fast but still unsure if he'll drag his team on a wet Tuesday night in Stoke.


11.) 13 Jun 2021 13:36:46
The thing with lukaku that disappoints me is the justification for his departure was that Ole was looking to move the team in a different direction with a striker who gets more involved in the build up and linking up with bruno and rashford.

Now with Cavani it seems like we've gone back to having an old fashioned number 9 who just thinks about goals and doesn't really get involved too much.

If that is the case then Lukaku very much would have been an asset.


12.) 13 Jun 2021 13:44:23
Cavani doesn't get involved to much🙈😂😂😂.


13.) 13 Jun 2021 14:59:31
DSG the opposite i think. Cavani involves too much. Lukaku tried but was let down from his bad touch.


14.) 13 Jun 2021 17:34:07
Ole he thought he'd throw the local lad up front and everything would be hunky dory. Rashford only scored a few goals playing up top during Oles first season. He alienated Lukaku far too early in my opinion.

Rashford was then back on the wing for the second season while Martial was given the strikers role. Ighalo and Cavani have since came in and even though Cavani is great, he will need replacing next season.


15.) 13 Jun 2021 17:51:08
Would it be fair to say he's a "system player"?

Play to his strengths and he will have more good days than bad.

If Utd had Beckham pinging balls on his head and passes in behind he'd have doubled his Utd numbers.


 

 

02 May 2021 21:55:49
I'm all for getting rid of the glazers, but to maim a human being under the guise of a protest is not acceptable. And won't bring any neutrals onside.

Reprehensible behaviour

We all want a change of ownership, but realistically who can actually afford to buy us?

4billion is a lot of money in any world

Protest by all means, I am completely in support of that, but in a proper manner

Support the team, costing us points and postponing matches is a pointless approach in my opinion

As and when fans are allowed back, surely a more fitting protest is to not attend, cost the Glazers money.

Stop buying season tickets, stop buying our 19th top in 5 years or whatever. These people talk money, nothing else.

Hit them in the pocket, they don't care about the emotion and sentiment, they do care about money.

It's going to take a lot more sustained protest than a few people invading the pitch and smashing a policeman to get rid of them.

Time for a sustained intelligent approach to removing them rather than this.

Ericgod

{Ed0666's Note - post of the week. Kudos


1.) 02 May 2021 22:20:37
Its not right that someone has been hurt over a football matter.

However, fans have been trying for years to oust the Glazers. But for every fan that boycotts, there's a tourist waiting for their seat. For years they have been doing every passive action possible. Now, with their football club attempting to shred their remaining ties with the community that built them, they turn to protest.

Protesting does change things. The Glazers will take notice at today's game being postponed. The attitude that people should just stay at home and sign petitions has never changed anything - not at Man Utd, not in major history. They need to Boycott, Protest and Agitate. Its the only way to get the club back.

As said though, smashing polis officers isn't the way to go. But, invading old trafford and occupying the pitch - a terrific piece of direct action.


2.) 02 May 2021 22:21:47
Can’t support criminals kicking doors in, Breaking and entering and slashing coppers. **** bags. They don’t represent me or my club. It’s football.


3.) 02 May 2021 22:48:55
Nothing right about it.


4.) 03 May 2021 07:33:46
Could it be that Man Utd get sanctioned out of the Champions League or even European competition as a result of this protest that won't achieve anything. Good move on the part of those who joined in. I'm full of admiration.


5.) 03 May 2021 08:55:16
Champions League and the European League bring revenue to the club. If we were to be sanctioned, it is a great result if you are trying to hit the Glazers pockets. Only if its done in the right manner. Violence is never an option.


6.) 03 May 2021 08:56:45
While it love to see peaceful protest oust the Glazers, the reality sadly I think is that it will make little difference.

They have never received good publicity from their ownership of both United and Tempa Bay Buccaneers. Yet they have owned both for decades unfazed.

We all know the Glazers are in it for the money pure and simple.

So why would they give up the golden ticket?

If you had a winning lottery ticket that paid you out 100m every year, would you give it up because some people are unhappy about it?

Of course not, sadly the only way to force them out is to hit them in the wallet. Money is the only thing they care about then that is the only thing that will force them to sell.

The problem is that boycotting matches and refusing to buy merchandise only goes so far as sadly there are fans around the world who'll take your seat at a game and spend their money in the megastore on their way out.

Realistically the only way United fans could financially impact the club enough to force the Glazers out would be getting the club banned from European football. However, that's a very dark path to take.

{Ed001's Note - if enough pressure is put on them, it will cost them money and then they will sell up because there is no point keeping it. This kind of thing makes sponsors back away, which is a huge part of income.}


7.) 03 May 2021 08:56:46
Good post but it is sobering to note that match day revenue from us paying supporters is dwarfed by advertising revenue. The Glazers would possibly be embarrassed by empty seats but financially it won't really hurt them so much.


8.) 03 May 2021 10:09:28
Slashing the face of police officers, only there to do their job changes the message. Breaking and entering, running riot on the pitch, stealing flags and no doubts balls, throwing flares at people is not the way to go. All for protest but it should have been outside the ground and tried to delay kick off with the numbers there would have made a point.

The way to get these leeching persons out is financial. There are rumours Adidas are concerned about falling sales, that’s where to hit the Glazers. Make them think they will not get their dividends and fees or whatever they draw out (quite legally) or that it will be dramatically reduced.

Protest has got people talking but pictures of slashed police officers is not a good look.

{Ed014's Note - Agree RM


9.) 03 May 2021 11:31:06
Absolutely spot on redman.
Money is all they know and all they care about.
Hit them in the pocket. If the cash cow dries up they will sell up. It can be done through a fans movement.


10.) 03 May 2021 12:14:04
Good post redman. Agree totally.


11.) 03 May 2021 12:15:12
I'm all for peaceful protest. Its everyones right to demonstrate and voice their grievances and protest against governments, regimes, businesses etc. It's our right as citizens of a democratic society. But it should be civilised and non violent. Totally unacceptable that someone was injured for doing their job.
With regard to possible sanctions against the club, is a points reduction or a forfeit of the match a possibility or not? Obviously I hope not but I've no idea on the rules or legal implications of yesterday's events. I was trying to think of a precedent but was a bit stumped. Does anyone have any idea about this?


 

 

 

Ericgod's rumour replies

 

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24 Jul 2021 21:09:14
I fail to see progress.

No youth players have progressed

No definitive style or tactics

Lots of expensive signings not improved

No trophies

Maybe I’m missing something.

Ericgod

 

 

 

Ericgod's banter replies

 

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02 Sep 2023 21:48:03
I’m all for choice, difference of opinion and belief.
I do sometimes struggle with complete and utter pessimism around something that people proclaim to support and want to succeed.
We are all aware that not everything is perfect, and indeed thete us room for improvement in many parts of the club.
But complete dismissal of our chances and total negativity around everything is difficult to understand!
If you’re not happy, and not enjoying being a United fan then we all have a free choice to move on.
I’m here for the long run, no I’m not happy with everything, who would be? But if everything is totally negative in your feelings towards the club then move on!
Not aimed at anyone, or any feelings in particular, just don’t understand complete negativity around something you are supposedly passionate towards!

Ericgod

 

 

Click To View This Thread

07 Aug 2022 21:54:43
I agree nothing has changed whatsoever!
If you as a manager are trying to implement a different style and an actual plan, then really why persist with players who have basically failed to grasp any style or even the basics of football?

There’s a long held psychological opinion that younger brains learn more quickly and are more adaptable to new ideas!

If this is the case then literally start to train and play the younger players into a system the manager wants to implement! It genuinely cannot get any worse.

I would personally take, yet another, season of failure if there was an obvious improvement in the performances, no matter how small that is.

Yes we don’t know how good “potential “ is, but until you try you’ll never know!

Cannot be any worse than the “proven” talent on display today!

Ericgod

 

 

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20 Nov 2021 23:05:13
DLIB yes I did describe him as useless, and said he doesn’t give a toss. If he did he’d walk away from what to everyone is a bad job being done

I agree with you that the rot starts at the top, in fact I’ve said so in past posts.

To be part of the regime that is slowly destroying the club I’ve supported for over 40 years and to proclaim to love the club as the supporters do, in my opinion, means he doesn’t understand the real feeling of the many millions of supporters who love the club, for those whom it is more than an income or a means to an end.

The people like us, everyone on this site, and the many millions who don’t take from Manchester United, but give to them.

Ericgod

 

 

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20 Nov 2021 22:14:05
Lol I never used the word horrible at all or mercenary.

And I have no expectations of him quitting, as I stated.

That’s why I said his main priority, not only priority, but main priority is to himself.

We have different opinions, I’ll try read every post properly and respond accordingly. But I will always try to ensure to understand the post I’m replying to.

Ericgod

 

 

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20 Nov 2021 21:45:17
Couldn’t give a toss about the money!

I just want him to quit because he’s useless!

End of!

Make any excuse you want. If he genuinely gave a toss he’d be on his way. Obviously his main priority is to himself.

Ericgod