Re: General match thread

by jibers Fri Feb 24, 2012 3:27 pm

Don't agree RED80s. We won our CL and reached finals because of our defence. Think back to our defending against Barca in 08. That is the greatest defensive performance we put in in the last decade. It's Jones and Evans. Rafael had a torrid time as well. We will not have another solid defence for the nest 2 seasons. Jones should not be a cb.

by II Capitano Fri Feb 24, 2012 4:02 pm

I wasn't expecting us to lose to a side who have been poor in 2012, if I'm right, that was Ajax's second win this year, which is shocking considering they are a big club. However, when you look at the back four, then you understand why we lost the game, it was an experienced defence. Jones just isn't a centre-back, play him as a central midfielder or a right back, but not in central defence, as he has the tendency of leaving gaps of space, similar to David Luiz. We missed Ferdinand more than ever...

by RED Fri Feb 24, 2012 8:29 pm

jibers wrote:Don't agree RED80s. We won our CL and reached finals because of our defence. Think back to our defending against Barca in 08. That is the greatest defensive performance we put in in the last decade. It's Jones and Evans. Rafael had a torrid time as well. We will not have another solid defence for the nest 2 seasons. Jones should not be a cb.

Yes ofcourse, defence played a huge part in our success in Europe, but imo, this season in Europe, complacency has cost us big time. It happens sometimes in the league too. We get a lead and then take our foot off the gas, inviting pressure which then leads to the opposition pulling a goal back to leave us hanging on for victory.

Yes I do believe playing Jones at cb is a disaster, as he has looked out of depth there this season (which is due to his age and inexperience). SAF made a mistake playing him there against Basle at OT, and judging by your post, he made another mistake playing him there v Ajax. Evans and Smalling are our future cb's. If Vidic leaves in the summer, I think these 2 will be more than capable of forming a great partnership at european level.

-----

Again, my main point is that this season in Europe, we haven't played with that hunger we have had in previous seasons. No matter what player we have had on the field, the team was too sloppy and just coasted through matches...unless we really needed to up our game ala Basle after being 2-3 down.

That is all down to the United players and SAF badly underestimating the teams in the group stages in the CL (like many fans and neutrals did) sadly. imo of course.

by II Capitano Sat Feb 25, 2012 12:58 pm

After Manchester United’s dismal weak in the Europa League against Ajax, the Red Devils head to Carrow Road, where they will face Norwich City, which could prove to be a tough fixture, on Sunday. Earlier this season, United managed to win 2-0, with Anderson and Danny Welbeck scoring the goals, but the win was not as comfortable as the score line may suggest.

Arch rivals, Manchester City, face Blackburn Rovers, which on paper looks like a relatively easy fixture. United could potentially find themselves five points away from City and, if that is the case, then you struggle to see United winning the league in that sort of position, but anything can happen in the Premier League. There is that vital fixture against Manchester City at the Etihad, which could prove to be the title decider.

Since the back-to-back defeats against Blackburn and Newcastle, United have picked up in 13 points in 5 games, which include victories against the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool respectively and one of the best comebacks United have indulged in, against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, coming back from three goals to draw the game 3-3. Despite their dip in form in Europe this season, United have performed well this year, even though the element of complacency has featured more often than not.

The biggest fear is that Tom Cleverley could be out after picking up a knock against Ajax, in the 1-2 loss, but the news is that he is waiting for a scan on his foot. It is a devastating blow for the 22-year-old because he could potentially be out for a couple of months, which would end his campaign for a spot in England’s squad for Euro 2012.

The other concern is Wayne Rooney, who had a throat infection, which subsequently led to him missing the Ajax game. He is a player who has rediscovered some of the fine form on display at the beginning of the season, with the Englishman having scored two goals in each of the last two games he has featured in, against Liverpool and Chelsea respectively. Even if he is out, Dimitar Berbatov or Javier Hernández are more than capable of filling Rooney’s boots.

David de Gea will continue in the middle of the posts. Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, and Michael Carrick are all destined to start, after being rested against Ajax. United essentially lacked experience at the back, with Phil Jones leaving a substantial amount of space for Ajax to exploit. It does leave the question: Where exactly do you play him? No doubt that we will see a better partnership in the likes of Ferdinand and Evans. Evra will replace Fabio da Silva, who successfully proved that he can perform when called upon. Meanwhile, Carrick’s return is a boost. Arguably, he has been United’s best player this season and his presence was sorely missed against Ajax. His importance to this United side cannot be emphasised fully.

This is by no means an easy game. As the game in October showed us, there are no easy games in the Premier League. It does not matter where the team is ranked. United have been vulnerable this year when dealing with set pieces, that is all it takes for Norwich to stun the Red Devils. Smalling or Jones should start to add more physicality and height, just for assurance

Latest blog post by yours truly.

by RED Sat Feb 25, 2012 9:52 pm

Great preview there Capitano (i like the new name Cool

)

I am a bit worried about the Norwich game. They are a really good team, will cause us some problems tomorrow.

Pissed that we will most likely be without Rooney and Cleverley.

by II Capitano Sun Feb 26, 2012 11:56 am

Thanks, haha.

We'll hopefully see Carrick and Scholes which is our best partnership, at the moment, anyway.

by II Capitano Sun Feb 26, 2012 12:51 pm

De Gea
Jones Ferdinand Evans Evra
Nani Carrick Scholes Giggs
Welbeck Hernandez

by II Capitano Sun Feb 26, 2012 12:53 pm

Rooney not even on the bench, it's a big blow. By the time we play Tottenham next week, it would mean that he hasn't featured in a game for two weeks, which could essentially mean rustiness creeping into his game. Replace Hernandez for Rooney and Jones for Rafael, and you have our strongest line up that we could possibly field this season.

by RED Sun Feb 26, 2012 4:37 pm

Same thing happened again, we go up early, then sit back to invite pressure. The other team then scores and equalizes, only then do we decide to step it up a few notches to go and get a winner.

Why can'r we just kill off teams 2-0, 3-0 ffs. Norwich, on evidence of play, did not deserve to get beat (not that I am complaining). A win's a win, and those 3 points could prove so vital.

DDG was absolutely brilliant and looks in fine form. Pulled off some key saves to keep us from dropping points. Top class.

No one was more befitting of getting the winner today other than Giggs. 900th appeareance...............those sort of endings are only written in Hollywood.

by II Capitano Sun Feb 26, 2012 7:10 pm

David de Gea: Man of the match. Made a fantastic save with his right leg to deny Anthony Pilkington of a goal, and also showed tremendous reflexes when he saved Grant Holt’s header – but even better, managed to hold onto it. In addition to this, the Spaniard also saved a long-range effort by Aaron Wilbraham, with a spectacular save. Kept Manchester United ahead all on his own. One of his best displays in a United shirt.

Phil Jones: After the poor game against Ajax, all eyes were on Jones. Started as a right back and was quiet throughout the game. Andrew Surman failed to attack Jones. Attacking wise, contributed in an effective way and almost assisted Giggs for a goal towards the end.

Rio Ferdinand: Experience brought back into the side. Was dominating Grant Holt in every aspect. Showed the doubters why he is still rated highly at United.

Jonny Evans: Solid performance, although struggled to deal with Simeon Jackson’s pace early on. Played much better when he shifted positions with Ferdinand, where he had to mark Holt instead.

Patrice Evra: After such a promising start to the year, signs of poor form have become more apparent over the last few weeks. Anthony Pilkington gave him a torrid time, he was just lucky that the end product was poor by Pilkington. Did not attack well either. Questions marks over his consistency levels are become a regularity.

Nani: Started off the game as one of United’s best players. Slowly took his time and guided a superb ball into the path of Paul Scholes to score United’s first goal. Although the Portuguese international faded away completely in the second half. Had one great delivery in the final minutes, but other than that – it was a poor performance.

Paul Scholes: Made a fantastic run to score the first goal with his head. Throughout the game, found himself dictating play. Not a surprise.

Michael Carrick: Performances seem to have tailed off in the past couple of weeks. By no means are we seeing “Classic Carrick”, but solidity is still present when he plays. Shielded the back four effectively, but was more conserved when attacking.

Ryan Giggs: Not the best of performances, but proved to be the match winner, as he scored the winner. Not a bad way to celebrate your 900th appearance for the club. Replaced by Smalling in the last dying seconds.

Javier Hernández: Worked effectively alongside Danny Welbeck, showing great link up play in the process. First touch still needs to be improved. Replaced by Young in the second half.

Danny Welbeck: Another industrious performance. Formed an effective performance with Hernández. However, a frustrating end to the game as he missed two fantastic opportunities to score the winner, one of which was an absolute sitter. Thankfully, Giggs scored.

Substitutes:

Chris Smalling: Did not have anything to do.

Ashley Young: Replaced Hernández in the second half. Proved to be a decent substitution, as Young’s delivery late on found Giggs unmarked, which resulted to the winner.

by RealGunner Mon Feb 27, 2012 12:08 am

Nice post

Just came here to say what a legend Giggs is. And scholes

by RED Fri Mar 02, 2012 11:51 pm

4/3/2012

Kick Off: 16:00

White Hart Lane

Huge match. A draw would be a good result for us, but if we manage to win, we will be favourites for the title imo- considering the fact that we have better fixtures in the title run in than City.

We have a good record at WHL, hopefully that will continue, but I won't be surprised if it doesn't this time considering the fact this is probably Spurs' finest team in decades. They will be wanting to put in a performance for their fans after they way they were smashed against their fiercest rivals last week.

They will be without the suspended Parker, whilst doubts remain over whether Bale or Walker will overcome their injuries. They most likely will start.

SAF has said Cleverley and Valencia are out of this fixture, and Smalling looks set to sit out after suffering from concussion against Holland. Rooney is set to come back to the squad.

by Moddaws Sat Mar 03, 2012 10:35 am

Do you guys even get excited (or even watch the game) routine 3 points. 26 games and counting

by RealGunner Sat Mar 03, 2012 11:55 am

3 points lane Razz

by urbaNRoots Sat Mar 03, 2012 12:18 pm

C'MON MAN UTD!!!!!!! Don't screw this.

by RED Sat Mar 03, 2012 4:00 pm

Moddaws wrote:Do you guys even get excited (or even watch the game) routine 3 points. 26 games and counting

Man up, pal Smile

Newcastle had a similar record v us in the league, stretching back to 2001 as well. We all know what happened at SJP this season. We were battered.

Anything can happen tomorrow.

by RealGunner Sat Mar 03, 2012 6:36 pm

u best win

by Busby Babe Sun Mar 04, 2012 5:40 pm

We definitely don't deserve to be 3-0 up. They pressed incredibly well especially onto our midfield, but my word, Ashley Young's goal was a beauty.

by B-Mac Sun Mar 04, 2012 5:48 pm

Harry for England!! Laughing

by Moddaws Sun Mar 04, 2012 6:45 pm

Shock result we didn't play bad Still a lot left in the tank cho cho the tottenham express charging to 3rd (i hope) COYS

by RED Sun Mar 04, 2012 8:41 pm

We just trolled Spurs today. We got dominated, especially in the first half when they had us pinned in our own half. Jones was struggling, our midfield was disjointed and left a big gap between them and our forwards due to Spurs' possesion, leaving Spurs' midfield to run through it. Too many misplaced passes when we were pressed as well. Was frustrating most of the time

The difference?

We are so fortunate that we have clinical players who gobble up any chance they get. Oh and a great CB pairing in Evans and Rio, who were both exceptional, and DDG too, who was excellent yet again.

Fantastic goals from Ashley Young, especially the 2nd (reminded of the goal he scored v Arsenal).

This was such a crucial away win against a top team. We now have some "favourable" fixtures compared to City's run in. I added those quotation marks because I still believe it won't be too easy for us. We just have got to remain calm and allow our quality, composure and most importantly experience to win us a 20th championship.

I am thoroughly pleased with this win...and hard luck Spurs.

by II Capitano Mon Mar 05, 2012 6:04 pm

David de Gea: Had a comfortable game. Gave away the ball cheaply in the first half, which subsequently led to the Spaniard making a brilliant save to deny Emmanuel Adebayor, making up for his error. Also made a fantastic save, after a deflected Jake Livermore shot took him by surprise, in the second half. Will be disappointed to have conceded, but it was not his fault. Anders Lindegaard’s injury was a blessing in disguise.

Phil Jones: Has looked more and more raw, since the fine start to the season, well his inexperience has become more and more apparent. Extremely off form and is in need of a rest. Was beaten easily, at times, and was unlucky that Tottenham’s first goal was ruled out for a handball, after Aaron Lennon tore him apart.

Rio Ferdinand: Man of the match. Made great interceptions throughout the game. His composure and experience really does make up for his loss of pace. Has developed a great partnership with Evans, and looks much more fit and, overall, better than he did at the start of the season, where he was heavily criticised.

Jonny Evans: Like his partner, Ferdinand, he was on top of his game and showed tremendous sharpness. Made a well-timed challenge to deny Lennon in the first half, and that set the tone for the rest of the game. Talk about Evans failing to deal with strikers, ones who bully him, has drastically gone down a few levels. Louis Saha and Adebayor, both, failed to impose themselves and bully Evans, as the latter took no prisoners. Another terrific performance.

Patrice Evra: Struggled to deal with Lennon’s burst of pace early on, but had him in his back pocket after a shaky start, resulting into Lennon having to switch positions. Offered decent support to Young constantly. A solid game for the captain, long may this continue.

Nani: After being one of Portugal’s stand-out performers against Poland, you would have thought that the Portuguese man would replicate a similar display, but it was far from convincing. After a fine start to the year, the injury he picked up against Arsenal has hindered his confidence. To his credit, he did play in some wonderful crosses, and was indirectly responsible for Young’s first goal, which was Manchester United’s second goal.

Michael Carrick: Often found himself chasing the game in the first half, as he struggled to stamp his authority. But credit to him as the complexion of his game changed. Played key passes and, overall, had a much better second half.

Paul Scholes: Like Carrick, found himself having to defend for most of the first half. Did not really have the time and space, primarily because Sandro was instructed to close him down quickly. But dictated play for United, which was not a surprise.

Ashley Young: Directly involved in all three goals scored by United. Found himself defending for the majority of the first half. But even when he received the ball, he was reluctant to attack, and relied on Evra’s overlapping runs to give him more time on the ball. Expert delivery, which found Rooney’s head, giving United the lead. Took his first goal expertly, the only place he could direct it, showing his technical side not once but twice, as he sealed the game with a well-placed top corner goal. Will be pleased with his performance, after being off form since the injury he picked up last year.

Wayne Rooney: Scored with his head just before the end of the first half, which gave United a bit of a breather, after being on a substantial end of pressure for the majority of the first half. However, failed to impose himself in a dominant manner, as he found himself picking the wrong pass on a few occasions, not at his best today, but scored nonetheless.

Danny Welbeck: Worked extremely hard in tracking back and adding excessive pressure to Tottenham’s defence. Did not really have a great chance to score, but proved what he offers other than goals – after brilliant hold up play and pass, led to Nani finding Young for the second goal.

Substitutes:

Park Ji-Sung Slowed down the tempo, but offered next to nothing.

Ryan Giggs: Added more energy to preserve United’s lead, but his careless back-pass gifted Defoe with a goal, which was merely a consolation.

by RED Mon Mar 05, 2012 8:17 pm

Great analysis as always, Capitano. I'm gonna touch on what you said with regards to Jones. I am baffled as to how he, on current form, is starting ahead of Rafael.

The guy has been struggling for form in his past few games, and I feel he needs a bit of a rest to recuperate his early season form.

Rafael on the other hand has been a revelation since he recovered from his injury, and when fit, should always start as he is our best RB by far.

Nani too has been quite since he has got back from injury, but such is his class, he can produce an assist out the bat like last week v Norwich. hopefully he is saving his best form for the last few weeks run up leading to the derby.

by Arquitecto Mon Mar 05, 2012 8:52 pm

I've gotta say; I was supporting United for the Tottenham game (although quite reluctantly) since United losing would provide 0 benefit to Liverpool along with the fact that Tottenham dropping points can provide Liverpool some hope marginally for Top 4.

I personally feel Spurs played better on the field, but then again this was there home and that United by no means shouldn't deserve there victory.

I can see United fans being happy with Young since he has been inconsistent for them and hasn't had such a performance since the 8-2.

I don't see how Jonesy started ahead of the mercurial Rafael as its clearly not his position as even the unskilled Walker rushed passed him on one occasion.

Should have been paired with Rio although Evans had a solid performance.

Modric once again was nowhere to be seen in a big game whether on the wing or not.

MOTM surely has to be Young as otherwise it would be Scholes for me despite some of his inconsistent decisions on sunday.

by II Capitano Tue Mar 06, 2012 3:00 pm

RED 80s. wrote:Great analysis as always, Capitano. I'm gonna touch on what you said with regards to Jones. I am baffled as to how he, on current form, is starting ahead of Rafael.

The guy has been struggling for form in his past few games, and I feel he needs a bit of a rest to recuperate his early season form.

Rafael on the other hand has been a revelation since he recovered from his injury, and when fit, should always start as he is our best RB by far.

Nani too has been quite since he has got back from injury, but such is his class, he can produce an assist out the bat like last week v Norwich. hopefully he is saving his best form for the last few weeks run up leading to the derby.

Thanks, again, mate, really appreciate your kind words, they give me even more of a confidence boost.

He has been struggling all this year, since the game at Manchester City, where he looked uneasy and uncomfortable. To be honest, the hype hasn't done him any favours, he probably isn't on earth at the moment, and should really be looking to steady himself down, or at least Fergie should maintain this level of calmness by dropping him, as he has played too many games, more than most of us expected. On the bench you have Rafael, who has been by far the best right back in the league this year, without a shadow of doubt, and I'm talking about 2012 and not this season, before anyone decides to start trolling.

by jibers Wed Mar 07, 2012 4:23 pm

Jones is abysmal. Not United quality, doesn'thave the positional discipline or the anticipation or patience required for a cb. Said it before and will say it again. This game was United all over, we were dominated in the first half and we still scored. This is the fighting spirit that SAFhas instilled in this club that so few clubs have. I think this is the turning point, and seeing as city have a tougher run in, we will give them hell before we relinquish our title. to #20...

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