13 Jan 2021 11:02:23
A few things from most nights game.

Ridiculous decision to disallow the Maguire goal, great jump, defence didn’t move, just shows that VAR continues to interpret things very weirdly.

Decent in game management from Ole. After a challenging first half the full backs played very high up the pitch giving us more width which helped us dominate possession and territory. It was noticeable how far forward Shaw and AWB were.

Matic was quality, almost a third CB in the second half which allowed the FBs to push on. Not playing every game is helping him, he looks fresh and he does a lot of dirty work.

Pogba, for all his faults, is in a rich vein of form. I thought he bossed that second half from start to finish, his work rate, his energy, he got stuck in, and of course scored the winner.

Bailly was immense and works well with Maguire who also had a great game. Let’s hope Ole can see that and this is the first choice CB pairing now.

Stand mentioned it down the page but the forwards are all over the place and Bruno is also having a quiet time right now. Cavani’s movement and energy were great but his finishing was a bit rusty, Rashford is popping up with assists but his general play has been sloppy, and Martial was poor again. If Martial is injured it will push Rash back to the left which might help him, and Cavani will only get sharper, but we are struggling up top right now.

Yet here we are, top of the League. Let’s be honest, City and Liverpool are not setting the pace they were and there is another gear we can go into, but you can only do what you can do, and right now, we have done it better than the others. I hope we do go to Liverpool with confidence and get at them, once again they are there for the taking.

1.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 11:43:08
Agree with a lot of that but on the forward line there is a clear solution to this problem.

January is open, sign an experienced wideman who can take on his full back 1vs1 on that right hand side.

This would mean rashford can revert back to his favoured left hand side, AWB’s lack of attacking output is less of a problem and it creates more space for bruno to operate in behind the front man.

2.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 11:44:15
Maguire's goal should have absolutely stood. Don't understand what was wrong with it.

We are at the top despite our forwards not at their best which is a very good sign.
I think it is just a matter of time they start firing.

3.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 12:02:49
It be worthwhile to play Tuanzebe at RB as defensively he is better than AWB and it might just push AWB on.

He should be better at defending crosses and set pieces, where he is often caught out. It is surprising that the coaching staff haven't worked in this and his positional awareness aswell.

4.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 12:47:55
Agree about Maguire's goal, there is no foul at all. He's just running whereas the defender is standing still.


MH, unless I've read that wrong, are you saying Tuanzebe is better at defending than AWB? AWB is widely regarded as the best 1 on 1 defender in the league, and probably the world. Shame he's Valencia mk2 going forward, if he could improve that side of the game he will be the complete full back.

5.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 13:58:27
Wazza - I actually agree with MH on this one. I think Tuanzebe is potentially a better FB than AWB!

I think he’s better in the air, positionally more astute and better on the ball. I think AWB is brilliant at slide tackling and he’s very hard to beat 1v1 but the rest of his game needs a lot improvement if he wants to be considered one of the best FB’s in the league and force his way into the England squad.

I really like Tuanzebe. I think he’s a fantastic player but he’s struggled with injury with has hampered his development. I remember him pocketing Sanchez when he played FB a few years ago when he first broke into the squad. I was very impressed when he played RB against Everton in the League Cup a few weeks ago.

Tuanzebe appears to be behind both Lindelof and Bailly in the pecking order to partner Maguire and I think his best chance at getting more minutes could be competing with AWB at RB. I’m absolutely convinced that if AWB got injured Tuanzebe would make an excellent deputy and could potentially even take his place in the team.

I think Ole has a massive decision to make at CB. In my opinion Bailly is a much better partner for Maguire and they seem to complement each other brilliantly. Bailey is strong, fast, committed, good in the air and I think he’s been fantastic on the ball. He’s played some really incisive passes into midfield and actually run forward with the ball on occasions helping to open up space. He’s made some absolutely crucial blocks by throwing his body on the line and leading by example. He can be rash at times but I think he’s a terrific CB if he can stay fit and he actually makes Maguire better as well.

6.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 14:39:11
DLIB. Tuanzebe is a centre back. Let's not get back to trying to put square pegs in round holes.

Tuanzebe has the traits to become a very good CB. He's not got the attributes of a full back. Actually the attributes you desctibe are that of a centre back.

6 weeks ago people were saying Henderson is a better keeper than DDG. Henderson got a few games and people quickly realised he's some way off DDG's level currently. And now Tuanzebe is a better full back than AWB.

7.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 15:15:36
Tony, at one time it looked like the entire refereeing team was working against us winning. As SAF said, its a Liverpool biased world.

Shaw was unlucky to be booked for a perfectly fair challenge. That was a challenge that Keane and Gattusso made all day long. It was just strong.

8.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 15:55:40
Wazza - I’m not sure what Tuanzebe is yet? He hasn’t played enough senior games at CB to warrant that label and he has been used at RB for both Villa and Utd. Sometimes in senior football you have to play where there is an opportunity in the team and take your chance. If AWB got injured I think Tuanzebe would make a very good replacement.

Loads of players play in different positions as they start their career. Is Greenwood a RW?! I’m sure AWB is a converted winger?!
I could give you countless examples pal.

I’m sure Tuanzebe can play at CB but he’s behind both Lindelof and Bailly at the moment. I’m not saying drop AWB but I’m sure if Tuanzebe got a chance to play RB he’d be very good. I wouldn’t be afraid to rest AWB on occasions and give Tuanzebe a chance.

I’m not sure Ole sees him as a RB either to be honest, I just think he could do an excellent job in that position given the chance and I’d like to see him get more minutes which I don’t think he’ll get at CB.

AWB has some obvious weaknesses in his game specifically his positional play, especially at the back post. He really struggles to defend crosses into the box and isn’t the strongest in the air. He can also be poor in possession at times. He isn’t great from an attacking perspective and constantly has to be encouraged to get forward more. I think Tuanzebe possibly has the edge in some of these areas and in my opinion could make a very solid, competent RB.

We’ll have to agree to disagree pal I suppose it just depends on
how highly you rate AWB? I certainly don’t think Tuanzebe would let anyone down at RB and could even be an asset as he has strengths that AWB doesn’t.

I respect your opinion pal and it’s a fair point I just think Tuanzebe has a lot to offer and it doesn’t necessarily have to be at CB!

9.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 15:57:30
Shan it was't a perfectly fair challenge. There was a follow through and the yellow card was justified. The way it all unfolded was a bit weird, but if the ref had stopped play at the time of the initial foul and booked Shaw there wouldn't have been any complaints.

Keane and Gattuso would be sent off 10 times a season if they played today. You have to accept that the game has changed. So don't expect to see Ole berating the 4th official or Shaw to get away with leaving one on an opponent. It's not the same game (or world) that it was 20 years ago.

10.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 16:02:38
I thought AWB was excellent last night.

11.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 16:30:31
Axel is a CB

And no better defensively at RB than AWB.

Makes no sense.

Drop Maguire and play Axel and Bailly, I'm down for that. Also sounds like a Cop Show.

12.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 16:44:34
My post about Tuanzebe being played at RB was to try and spur AWB on. I think when you compare both players, Tuanzebe is better as he is more of a complete player.

AWB is brilliant at 1v1, however his positional awareness and aerial ability are poor and need further work.

It came as no surprise that Burnley targeted him when it came to crosses.

Long term, with the correct coaching he should be world class. He has a lot to work on still. Overall if you compared Tuanzebe and AWB, Tuanzebe comes out on top for now.

Once AWB stops drifting in/ out of position, becomes better in the air and improves his attacking abilities, then he will be a top player.

13.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 16:46:18
AJH - I don’t think AWB had a bad game last night but I’m not fully convinced by him yet and there are areas of his game that need improving in my opinion. I accept that now is probably not the time for this discussion as it was a brilliant result last night and a very professional performance by everyone.

Many will view Tuanzebe as a CB and that’s fine I just think he could be a very good RB as well if given the opportunity.

Anyway it’s all about opinions mate and we are top of the league so who cares for now.

On another point I think Ole deserves credit for the way in which he has rotated the squad over the Christmas period! His team selection on Sunday will be fascinating. Who will partner Maguire? Could it be three at the back? Will Pogba play and in what position?

It feels incredible to be in this position at this stage of the season for the first time in nearly a decade when every league game really matters and we’re not depressingly 20 points behind the leaders only hoping to finish 4th!

Maybe it’s arrogant but I think the league needs a strong Utd competing with Liverpool at the top of the league again. Sunday has the feel of a real blockbuster it’s a shame there are no fans to see it which might just be to our advantage.

14.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 17:06:49
Tuanzebe is a CB but he can do a job at rb.
AWB should 100% start against the scouse his 1 on 1 defending will be vital against mane.

15.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 17:29:39
DLIB, nobody is disputing that younger players coming through are often played in several positions, nobody.

What you said is that Tuanzebe is potentially a better FB than AWB. ThatI disagree with.

I think Tuanzebe is. CB, filling in at RB on when needed. Many young centre backs earn their stripes at full back as it helps them gain experience and mistakes in that position are less punishable.

16.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 17:59:12
It will help Tuanzebe develop by playing at RB. Also AWB will need resting.

Given how well AWB has played against Sterling, Mane etc fully expect him to play against Liverpool.

Tuanzebe will need game time. Otherwise he will lack match sharpness should Maguire/ Bailly/ lindelof get injured etc. Given how well Maguire and Bailly play as a CB pairing, i find it highly unlikely that Tuanzebe will get a lot of game time.

Look at how Shaw has responded to Telles being given a chance at LB.

17.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 18:14:10
Then its no longer a man's game Wazza. Bunch of hussies playing and rolling over.

18.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 19:16:43
agree awb needs to start v liverpool. I don't think ole would consider anybody else for this one. Mane is one of the best in the epl imo.

19.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 20:00:02
Shan, then why do you watch and let yourself get wound up by it? Younger people following football now, will know the game for what we see today.

People in their 30’s will think the game is a lot softer than it was in the 90’s. People in their 50’s will think the game was a lot softer in the 90’s than it was in the 70’s.

The game has evolved for the good of the players and it will continue to do so. You also can’t go around berating people publicly like we used to see from managers 10+ years ago. It doesn’t get anyone anywhere and we are now in the snowflake generation and living in the world of social media where minor issues become headline news. The days of two footed challenges and over the top touchline rants are gone and won’t return.

20.) 13 Jan 2021
13 Jan 2021 20:39:33
Mad Hatter I get you but honestly think Axel is already ready and the main gain from play RB will be ball control and I think he's already better than most in the respect.
I think signing an attacking RB for rotation and differentiation would be worthwhile.

Equally I'd be open to giving minutes to Laird next season of his loan goes well. Great potential.

21.) 14 Jan 2021
14 Jan 2021 07:00:11
Utd Road,

I had hoped to see Bailly and Tuanzebe as a CB pairing but I can't see it happening other than an odd game here or there.

With money issues due to C.V. and Williams not really in the picture at the moment, it onku seemed logical to rotate AWB with Tuanzebe.

He has been fit for a while now, but he hasn't played many games yet. I thinknhe could become a top CB in the future.