24 Nov 2020 23:39:54
The enigma that is Manchester United. From brilliant to bizarre, belligerent to beguiling, stylish to styleless, consistently inconsistent and everything in between supporting Utd theses days is a roller coaster ride with more ups and downs than the Grand Old Duke of York.

For 45 minutes we were treated to some exhilarating football. The fleet footed and intelligent VdB played some delicious incisive passes into the brilliant Bruno whilst Cavani hunted with stealth and purpose linking the play beautifully at times for a rampaging Rashford and mercurial Martial.

This was Utd purring, playing with confidence and intent yet the sluggish Maguire and hesitant Lindelof were a constant reminder of Utd's fragility. There is no Jekyll without Hyde and for all Utd's attacking intent better more clinical opposition might also have found their way onto the scoresheet with more regularity.

The truth is that the CB partnership of Lindelof and Maguire cannot be trusted without the deployment of two holding lieutenants and just how Ole strikes the balance between defence and attack will almost certainly determine how long he keeps his job.

Tonight was a good night, chances were created and taken but also given up with alarming regularity.

Job done but Ole can surely not ignore the shot across his bow and how he balances attacking intent with defensive solidarity is a riddle that will define our season!

Some will argue that fortune favours the brave but there is a fine line between courage and careless and recognising the difference might just be the key to our success. More stringent tests lie just around the corner!

1.) 25 Nov 2020
25 Nov 2020 00:21:29
DLIB,

Great Post. It sums Uts up to a tee.

2.) 25 Nov 2020
25 Nov 2020 06:44:19
Good post DLIB.
We are playing 2 holding midfielders since we can't trust our CB pairing.

There is so much quality with Bruno, Cavani, VDB, Rash who can win games for us.
The RW is still a glaring weakness for us and don't remember AWB putting in a single cross.
That's something our coaches should work on.

Nice to have Greenwood back, his clinical finishing can bring a lot to the team.

3.) 25 Nov 2020
25 Nov 2020 06:49:35
Great post DLIB.

4.) 25 Nov 2020
25 Nov 2020 07:20:38
DLIB do you also write erotic novels? Lovely.

5.) 25 Nov 2020
25 Nov 2020 08:27:33
I thought Greenwood looked a little too eager to impress last night, snatching at his chances and his decision making was a little wide of the mark.

He is still the youngster I am most excited about since Rashford broke through and my ill-placed faith in Januzaj!

Let's hope he works his way back to full fitness quickly and regains that icy cold finishing he showed so often last season.

6.) 25 Nov 2020
25 Nov 2020 09:31:55
I thought I was reading Hugh McIlvanney there for a moment. Good post DLIB.

7.) 25 Nov 2020
25 Nov 2020 12:06:52
Good read that dlib.
Its very much about making the right calls for the right games and situations. That's a tough part whisky there is obvious frailties for the most part its a strong squad. Best for years. We have the players to compete.
Squad rotation us a must but when we change a couple of players the whole system and mindset seems to change which is fuelling the inconsistency.
No matter what the shape or personelle we should be intent on attacking.
It possible to play 2 holding midfielders and be attacking if the movement tempo and passing is done well.
We have good players with good attacking instincts and ability. Send them out to use their a blur not stifle them. That would be my message.

8.) 26 Nov 2020
25 Nov 2020 22:52:20
DLIB, your OP reads like a script for the comedian Ivo Graham who has been doing some mock-pundit videos during lockdown. You should check them out - they’re pretty funny.