Manchester United vs Chelsea (PL) Sun 3rd November 24 16:30 GMT

[petre ispirescu]

Small steps from the youngest squad in the league. We're top four after 10 rounds which is what we aim for, too, at the end of the season. For the moment it's all good and we're improving with each and every week.

One thing I would like to see from Maresca is maybe have some of the "B Team" play more in the PL. I think in defence we are starting to look a little bit settled now that James is back. Midfield is solid with Caicedo and Lavia. But up front I think that maybe the likes of Nkunku and Felix should get more minutes. I feel that Madueke got complacent lately and Jackson isn't really that indispensable world class striker.

IMHO in big matches I think Palmer could do the job on the right wing in the second half if Madueke does not deliver and Felix could take his role. Same goes for Jackson.

                         Nkunku

   Neto/Sancho Felix Caicedo Palmer

                    Cucurella Lavia 

This would not look bad mid/late in the 2nd half if we need a result.

[PloKoon13]

^ As long as we never need to win a header outside our own penalty box.

Watching the game back now. First half thoughts:

- Neither of these sides are very good. This is a really poor quality game.
- Lavia is good at some of the things Kovačić was good at.
- We are terrible, terrible at defending transitions. Caicedo and Lavia otherwise look like a good partnership.
- Related: both sides have given the ball away several times in dangerous areas; we dither too much when it happens whereas Man Utd seem to get a shot on goal when it happens (Sánchez MOTM so far - yes I am aware of what happens in the second half).
- Gusto is having a good game and is putting in a lung-busting amount of effort. That said he is hopeless around the penalty area unless he's attacking from wide. There must be a more effective way of positioning him, Palmer and Madueke (even if it means taking off the latter).
- I'm not sure James is yet physically capable of playing a role other than the one he is doing. Just a pleasure to see him back on the pitch.
- The supply lines to Jackson (in particular from Palmer) have been non-existent. He's had one through ball from Caicedo which was beyond him and one classic pelter to the chest-and-turn from Colwill but was fouled by Martínez. Still putting in the effort though.

[PloKoon13]

Second half:

- Van Nistelrooy looks very dapper in his turtle neck. No Jimmy Floyd though.
- Neto should shoot more. If for no other reason than it would distract Graeme Le Saux from his terrible anecdotes.
- Wasn't sure about the sub but it does seem to be freeing up Caicedo and Neto more to get forward. Cucurella not quite as adventurous an ersatz attacking mid as Gusto. Has also moved Palmer back to his recent 'classic' position on the right of centre (much like Keir Starmer).
- Enjoyed 'Are you Taylor in disguise?' from the away fans after the latest soft free-kick given to Man Utd. They have definitely been better than us at disrupting attacks with tactical fouls. Several on Jackson and Palmer right out of the Fernandinho playbook.
- I wouldn't judge any centre-back playing in this system too harshly. Lambs to the slaughter.
- Oh Sánchez... you are inevitable. No need to give that penalty away, lost his head completely. I don't think either side have deserved to score but Man Utd have had the better chances. Garnacho in particular has pissed away two or three really good shooting opportunities.
- It has been more difficult for us to get the ball out from the back three since Cucurella came on - gives Fofana more time on the ball rather than Colwill whose distribution is better.
- What a f**king hit Caicedo. Almost immediately picked up Sánchez's limply surrendered MOTM award.
- Enjoying the increasingly exaggerated despair from Caicedo each time a soft foul is given against him.
- Can imagine the fury on here that Nkunku hasn't been brought on for Jackson yet. Feel sorry for Nico, he's had nothing whatsoever to work with all game.
- Martínez you dirty bar steward. On another day that could have been given as a red.

 

Not brilliant, a draw is probably the best we could have hoped for there. Man Utd had a greater quantity and quality of chances than we did and we never looked like we were going to win it. And yet if not for that ridiculous penalty...

[Simplymo]

On 03/11/2024 at 18:36, axman2526 said:

@Simplymo

Hojlund fouled for a pen, who would have thought? Lol

Fk fk fk

So jinxing a jinx doesn't work!

I guess I have an announcement to make (and an apology too)

Ladies and gents it was my fault. I did an @axman2526 and jinxed us all. It was partially sanchez's fault too for falling for the dive tbf. If he just moved his hands away, grrrrr.

Anyway...my bad, i'm sry.

Feel free to blame ax too if you like.
Lol

[axman2526]

Extended highlights:

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=emebpPp5NhQ

For anyone who wishes to suffer.

[bluetrooper]

On 04/11/2024 at 08:53, Andy North said:

For which side? He's currently a Utd player and it could be that Amorim will take him back.

I know we have an obligation to buy but I'm unaware of Utd having one to sell. 

It will be interesting to see how this pans out if Sancho has a good season.

He needs to deliver in every game... I dont like the obligation to buy tbh... he will probably become pants, or he will be another pointless, costly addition to a squad that includes Fernandez, Disasi, Badeshiell, Mudryk, felix, Nkunku et all. I think all these players will be looking over their shoulders and or need to be moved on.