ethicalstrategy

Not sure that I agree with that. If you are planning on playing a high line and attacking, it is helpful to have a footballing centre half who has a decent turn of pace. I'm not pretending he's perfect, indeed far from it. I think he has been very careless at times this season. However, he has shown that he can be disciplined and concentrated and we should be encouraging him back to that sort of form rather than just abandoning him.

Shaktar ended up getting what they deserved. They were all over us in the first 10 minutes of the second half and then they just sat back, happy with a draw and just hoping to catch us on the break. We kept going right to the end and got our reward. If Shaktar had gone for the win they may well have got it.

Oscar for me. This boy is the real deal. Mikel was excellent on the ball, but I am pretty sure it was he who should have been tracking Willian's runs in to the box for both goals. (It might have been Ramires' responsibility, in which case I apologise to John Obi)

No they're not. If they go out wide then they leave a gaping hole through the middle. Responsibility for providing help to the full backs is with the two wide players in the three - usually Hazard and Mata/Oscar. However, the main form of defence when playing high like we are comes from aggressive and co-ordinated pressing from the front 4 and the deeper midfield duo. Any decent player with a bit of time on the ball will kill you if you leave so much space out wide. That is where we really need to up our game against the bigger sides.

I came across this article the other day. I think it makes some valid points about Luiz. Having said that, I do think he has been a bit lackadaisical this season and would benefit from having JT next to him to keep him focused and on his toes. http://www.lifesapitch.co.uk/opinions/luizs-cultured-talents-should-be-savoured-not-criticised/

Assuming he is fit, I would expect Luiz to start ahead of Cahill. Is there not still some doubt about Mata too? I think we should, as far as possible, go for our regular line up, but Robbie may be a little more cautious and either play Ramires or Bertrand wide. Big, big game. We really need to win.

It is probably unfair, but judging on the few minutes he was on yesterday, he looks a million miles from being good enough for us. I think the Drogba comparison is very fanciful. I saw more Heskey than Didier.

It' is a tricky problem because of the history. Based on the ground now, the Shed End is the best place for them. As some has already said, the MH stand has taken over as the de facto end for the "hardcore" fans. The atmosphere in the League Cup match was fantastic and for United to bring a full compliment of 6,000 on a Wednesday evening so soon after the League match was a good effort (notwithstanding most only had to get there from Kingston!) In my youth, it was normal for there to be a home end and an away end in most grounds. That is certainly the most conducive way to create a good atmosphere.

Loz has spoken. Asked and answered. Nothing more to be said. I thank you!

Hold on to your hat Nibs, but I went for Oscar too! I think this boy is going to something very special. Sturridge was the best advert for Torres that I've seen in a long time.

I like him. He can be rash at times, but I think he does more good than bad. Having said that, I think it helps him to have JT alongside giving him some guidance. Cahill doesn't quite have the same experience and confidence that JT has. Most of the defensive problems we have had recently have been structural which in turn has led to poor play.

It's a real danger that we will start to get bad decisions going against us in big games. You know the sort of thing - players being booked for diving when they've been fouled, clear offside goals being allowed to stand. I really hope that doesn't happen. It would be a nightmare!!

The problem with the "misheard" argument is that there were two separate incidents. One might be plausible, but two seems much less likely.

I'd guess he is doing it himself. If not, the ghost is doing a fantastic job of writing like a foreigner who speaks good, but not perfect, english!

Oscar for me. Hazard and Mata both good too

Not a big fan of Hayward to be honest, but it's hard to disagree with his general point. Oops, I see I'm not the only one who feels like that!

You mean it still doesn't make any sense?! It's quite hard to edit such a long piece of work without making the odd error!!! I'll have another go.

Personally, I didn't think he had a particularly good game despite scoring. He doesn't look confident and he is so indecisive it's painful sometimes. It's as if he expects no-one to tackle him whilst he has a think about it and then, when someone does challenge him, he falls over and appeals for a foul.

Personally, I would break the bank for him in January.

He didn't look happy because he was carrying a knock. He asked to come off. Don't get wrapped up in how the press portray these things. He had a very good game on Saturday too and one goal (from open play too for those who think it matters :p) nearer to the record.

Great work Gem.

I reckon JT nicked Ash's phone and posted that! You've got to love Ash though - might have to amend the title of this thread to include him too!

I'd go for the Galaxy Nexus rather than the S3. Runs stock android 4.1 which is very nice. Not a fan of Samsung's touch wiz interface.

Care to elaborate?

Nope. Might have been different if he had been convicted in the courts, but not an FA ban.