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Looking ahead to matches is becoming fairly predictable now, in the sense that we have no idea what will happen, so we just aimlessly speculate one way or another, discuss our preferences, then experience one surprise or another. One thing that we can bet on is that United will play 433 again, thanks to the lack of wingers. Nani is out for a month, and you have to wonder whether we’ll see him play for United again, and Valencia won’t be back until next week. That only leaves us with Ashley Young who has contributed nothing this season. It’s disappointing to think he is the player we’re hanging on to whilst Nani, who is far more talented, is the one being pushed out of the door. Maybe he won’t go in January, maybe he will make it to the summer, but it appears as though the manager’s mind is made up.
Anderson was knackered before the 90 minutes was up midweek, and to be fair to him, he did work hard, but maybe that will make the manager think twice about starting him again so soon. I hope not. Anderson, Carrick and Cleverley should be starting for us at the moment, with the option of bringing Scholes on to control the game once we’re hopefully in a winning position. Cleverley didn’t look too good midweek but we should persevere with him. At least his pace means we shouldn’t be overrun in midfield.
I couldn’t help but laugh when I heard Sir Alex Ferguson’s explanation for keeping Anders Lindegaard in the team ahead of David de Gea. We know that our #1 had to miss a game because of issues relating to the removal of his wisdom teeth and Ferguson said the reason why he didn’t bring DDG back in to the first team against West Ham was: “I am not happy to rotate all the time. I don’t think that creates consistency.” Ha. I mean, let’s be serious. I totally agree that rotating all the time harms consistency and I think that has been a huge cause of less than impressive form this season. We played the same team against Chelsea and Arsenal in the league, but I’m struggling to think of another occasion when we’ve started the same XI for consecutive games. If there’s anything Fergie has done this season, it’s rotate all the time. Hopefully he rotates again and puts De Gea back in goal again today though.
Wayne Rooney was off the boil against West Ham and his below performance is then reflected in the rest of the team. He makes things tick and we need him playing better. Ferguson has rattled out the old cliché of suggesting that when Rooney starts scoring, he won’t be able to stop, and that is usually how it works for him. We’re getting goals from all over the pitch but maybe if Rooney bags one or two it will improve his confidence and by default, improve his all round game.
We’re top off the league without playing well and maybe we won’t play well until we’re playing a similar formation/set of players every week. We need to make sure we’re winning games like this today though, especially with derby day around the corner.
Come on United!
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2:0 for me
Yeah, I also found it funny in that rotation thing. Cmon!
All credit due t oLidegaard, btu DDG did so well, that he needs to get back. Maybe after he plays in the CL, then he will be stucked on the goals again. Until then, SAF can’t drop lindegaard cause he’s doing well.
AFter DDG does well in the CL, he goes back, cause there’s no reason to rotate him haha.
team for today
lindegaard
rafael rio evans evra
carrick scholes cleverly
rvp rooney chicho
doubt anderson will play twice in a week..
im going for 2-1 to us.
team for today
lindegaard
rafael rio evans evra
carrick scholes cleverly
rvp rooney chicho
doubt anderson will play twice in a week..
im going for 2-1 to us.
I would ask STR.why he would hope for the goalie to be changed,I assume he is of the opinion that De Gea would have kept a better clean sheet? I expect a goalie to command his area,to come for crasses and free kicks,even if he doesn’t get there he may at least put the attacker of.I expect a goalie when clearing a ball to kick it to fuck anywhere out of his area,I dont expect outside of the boot bending passes to a winger or the like just clear it.Lindeguaard does all those things would you STR prefer our alternative keeper who doesn’t?
Cleverley can only get sharper with more games and his frustration with his own passing v West Ham said it all. I’d expect him to be well-up for today.
Fletcher could feature as well as he’s been rested, but im not so sure Ando should start with City next weekend. Maybe he should come on as a sub / be subbed early for Scholes, and use Europe to get any needed minutes before the derby. Obviously Fergie knows his Squad, but I’d be surprised if Ando is ready for 3 full EPL appearances in less than two weeks. Lets give him time, as to be fair the Club has often rushed him back in the past only to see him injured again. You could say the same for VIdic too. Theres no point risking these lads when a bit more patience would improve their recovery from serious injuries. The rest of the Squad have to pull together until then imo, and thats why games like today are huge – who gives a toss if its “only” Reading?
We’re lucky that Carrick is so reliable, he’s probably one of the best midfielders we’ve bought imo. Whatever the line up is today I hope he starts, but with no wingers it could be another tricky fixture. We need Cleverley to find those through-balls to the front so we’re not dependent on Evra running the entire length of the pitch just to get one cross in, same with Rafa. Until Nani and Tony are back we need to be more direct through the middle, and less open in defence. All that passing in midfield with no width just gets the team turned over on the break.
It will be interesting to see how Ferguson plays his hand today.
Yes once Sir Alex gets something in his head about a player…
Look at Berba was playing top quality football banging goals in for fun,then got took out of the team and barely played for a season and half,he didn’t even have contract issues and said the right things.Nani’s days looked numbered when given his chances this year has been piss poor,Sir Alex makes up his mind and gets tunnel vision one of his weaknesses I’d have to say
Utd can’t afford to drop points against teams like Reading heard and read a lot about Utd already losing 3 games,to me that’s irrelevant because the team is top and we’re not drawing games,
In regards the keeper.
Lindegaard is a solid goal keeper, not spectacular but he commands his area far better than DeGea does. So even though we may all marvel at some of DeGeas reflex saves maybe Lindegaards controlling of the box already alerted a defender to the danger and that shot needing a spectacular save was averted. Whats better one for the cameras or a clean sheet. I feel they are two very different keepers who have their own courses (horses for courses) very much like the very consistant but unspectacular Valencia and the frustrating up and down show boating Nani on the right wing.
Why do we need to have a set 11 players, why cant Sir Alex utilise an entire 25 man squad to pick the best team for the opposition we face. Why the attack by some fans for picking one player over another.
On the basis no Dutch player has ever been a bad buy for United it won’t happen but I would like to see Buttner given the left wing today.He originally was a winger and if it didn’t work out it would be relatively simple to sub him with Young,crazy idea but painless.
Any updates on Kagawa? Anyone knows when he’s going to return? Hopefully Fergie Starts Anderson and Fletcher in a more advanced role today with carrick sitting just behind. If Valencia is back he should get the start. Please do NOT start Scholes,Giggs, Young. Reading away has been a tough place to visit. We can’t afford to fuck it up this time. COME ON BOYS!!!
@Goat Peticoat You don’t rotate goalkeepers because as you said they are completely different. Lindegaard’s distribution is so poor we have to play a deeper defensive line and thus can’t counter quickly/effectively (he takes away a lot more than he gives regarding our style of play). With De Gea we can play a higher line knowing he can sweep and is quick off his line (unlike Lindegaard). As for this nonsense “maybe Lindegaards controlling of the box already alerted a defender to the danger”, we are just as bad defensively with him in goal and he didn’t exactly alert anyone to Pilkington’s threat when we played Norwich did he? He had a free header after all, no matter how difficult. Also Lindegaaard’s handling is a joke, I’ve lost count of how many times he’s parried the ball back into an opposition players path.
Ultimately, Fergie is picking an inferior/limited player over one who is special, and one that will go on to prove it at United or elsewhere. Stop trying to justify this folly.
Buttner left wing sounds good, it would be a novelty in itself to have a naturally left footed player playing wide left, Buttner and Evra could cover for each other at will.
Would also like to see Jones in midfield today as well to hurry their midfield up, if we back off Reading and invite them to play – they will play – and it will encourage them. No need to try to be sophisticated with a team like Reading, close them down quickly and they will make mistakes.
West ham are winning 3 =1 puts a game in prespective
Unbelievable stuff at Upton Park. What are the odds on Benitez being gone By January?
I go to get some food with the score 1-0 and a boring game. I come back just in time to see Diame smash one past Cech for the lead. BRILLIANT. JUST BRILLIANT. We must take advantage this time. We blew the last chance at Norwich. LOL this is too good.
Well done you Hammers
I don’t think we were ever really bothered about Chewsea were we? There’s only one team to worry about, and that’s the other sugar daddy team.
That’s why life without the FSW wasn’t the same. He’s always good for a laugh.
Fergie does have a funny definition of rotating these days. At least the goalies get to play a few consecutive games. The midfield changes from game to game and that hasn’t helped one bit.
Man chelsea are becoming a laughing stock. You win champions league and you get sacked. Fuck you Roman And Fuck you chelsea
I told you lot West Ham would win
Fucking Rent boys cunts totally collapsed,what a fucking joke bringing in FSW gotta love it
Fergies comments about rotating the goalkeepers is so confusing considering that’s what he has done all season. DDG is the better keeper, DDG is the future, why the need to fuck him around as he didn’t do anything wrong to be dropped other than go to the dentist.
Not joking here FSW could be gone next week
Watching Torres waste those chances that came his way was like taking a time travel machine and going back to Forlan’s first 6 months at United. Talk about confidence below zero..
Seems like Roman has mellowed I thought we would have seen our first mid match sacking there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY4i80q5ZVA&feature=plcp
Great video guys. Watch it.
Went outside to do some work after seeing Chelsea up one nill and a shity defensive gameplan by FSW. Come in 3-1 to the hammers. Lol.
Rafa out by January I think you lot have got it there.
I think Buttner on the left midfield with Evra overlapping would be much of a likeness of Rafael and Valencia on the opposite wing. Very defensively aware but plenty of desire to push forward Id like to see that have a chance. BUT how would that fit in with a 4-3-3
StR doesnt seem to like the 4-3-3 but I personally love it. I do miss the wing play with two orthodox wingers but always thought that when you have two specific winger types i.e a young Giggs and Kanchelskis then the man on the opposite wing of play was pretty bloody redundant as he was often too short or shit with his head to come in centrally. Then you have these stockier wingers who can play centrally as well i.e the old Giggs, Beckam, Valencia etc but often you loose pace with them or genuine ability (in Valencias case a left foot). These stockier wingers lend themselves well to a 4-3-3 where as the lighter type i.e. Nani dont fare so well. Nani may be able to play right or left center forward but isnt as good in that possition as RvP or Wellbeck.
So returning to Buttner Evra, Rafael Valencia partnerships it could leave our midfield short.
i.e
Rafael Ferdinand Vidc Evra
Valencia Carrick Buttner
Rvp Rooney Wellbeck
this to me doesnt work
for me its one or the other or neither.
i.e
Rafael Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Valencia Carrick Cleverly
RvP Rooney Wellbeck
OR
Rafael Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Fletcher Carrick Buttner
RvP Rooney Chico
Thoughts?
Touching that video thanks
Start of the Gunners game kicked off Le Arse must have had 20 3 yard passes that took them back into their own half,as soon as they ventured into Swansea”s 3rd lost the ball
Maybe in the old days when Le Arse had quality players that style of football worked now their one on the most boring teams in football.Keeping possession in 2/thirds of the field means fuck all
Lindegaard may be solid but it’s a massive myth to say he commanda the box better. The onlything he has that de gea hasn’t got is speaking/understanding the language fully but the spaniard will get there. Talent wise, de gea is ahead of him, david is also likely to pull of ridiculous saves in the biggest games, unlike lindegaars who seems to lack that extra sharpness and agility. Fergie should stick with the spaniard.
And it’s ridiculous to play someone who costs so little by comparison.
Can see a fairly tight and tough game today, Reading will be up for it, and will run their socks off in midfield. I’d like to see us play with some width today, personally I don’t like the narrow midfield, just always seems like to we try and pass through the middle and make the pitch too small. Utd success has been driven by width, counter attacking at pace, and getting loads of crosses in the box. Young has been rubbish this season, but as the only available winger I’d like to see him start form he left. Back 5 picks itself for me, same as last game. Hernandez has looked poor when starting in his last few games, I’d like to see Rooney further up the pitch.
Lindegaard
Raf, Smalling, Evans, Evra
Cleverly, Carrick, Anderson, Young
Rooney, RVP
Fluid midfield with Cleverly, Anderson and Young being given license to swap right left and through the middle.
Going for 3-1, with Rooney, RVP, Young and Le Fondre the goalscorers.
Let us get this Fellani guy. No one in our midfield come close to him.
samuel – united WE stand
You say its a myth my friend but then say Lindegaard understands and speaks the language better. Well which one is it fella.
Im not doubting DeGea but Im making my assumptions on the now not the year down the road. I also reckon Ferguson also had this thought and even though alot of you may think that DeGea is the finnished article OR he will only be if he plays every week I personally feel he will grow as a person and player if hes humbled occassionally and doesnt learn to take his place for granted.
He is being taught to be the best goal keeper out there and thats more than just standing between sticks. I honestly think the humbling of Van Der Sars time at Juve made him a much better keeper than he would have turned out to be otherwise – if they would have allowed him to play despite his settling in issues.
I dont think Fellaini would fit the way Utd, or any other top club, play football. He’s incredibly effective for Everton, and having a good season, but I don’t think he is ever going to be a world beater.
Fellani also can do that lol
he has been great for everton in all seasons.
UNITED4Life
And Berbatov has been great for Fulham.
Some players are better off with a smaller a club. Some are big fish in a small pond but get lost in a lake. Fellaini may well be the same. gerrard is, lol.
Goat Berba was great with Utd no way last season he was 4th best striker.Sir Alex fucked up by playing Danny and Hernandez ahead of him cost Utd the title
Goat
i completely agree on Berbatov but Fellani worth gambling. he won’t cost as fortunes..may be 15mill?
Sam
Sorry Sam didnt see your post mate
If you take note of boith keepers performances you will find faults. I disagree with you in regards a higher defensive line as to be fair its difficult to prove as we havent played a solid defensive partnership all season. That higher defensive line could be because of the opposition as well as the pairing let alone taking into consideration whos in goal. Too difficult to call, but if youve seen something Ill take a gander.
I still feel there is alot in a goal keeper calling plays and setting defenders and minimising shots on goal rather than relying on agility to get you out a fix. Again even if you pull out some stats to prove otherwise (shots on target per game depending on goal keeper ) its still almost impossible to call as the different oppositions have to be taken into account. Not enough games so far played in the season. Im just trying to celebrate the fact we have two very good goal keepers and why be upset at one or the other playing and just enjoy the fact we have great depth and are a joy to watch.
wayne
Id disagree with you there my friend. Not playing Berbatov didnt cost us th etitle what cost us the title was playing Rooney. Rooney as one of two strikers is a terrible option for United and the reason why this term Sir Alex is playing the 4-3-3 so often. Rooney is a workhorse that plays between the forward line and the midfield. Almost a midfielder before a forward. Unfortunately the striker paired with him found himself too often isolated and Rooneys control and short passing on the edge of the area was woeful to say the least. He can spray a ball ala Scholes but when it comes to a clinical through ball his percentage rate in that is pathetic, he is no Anderson or Kagawa thats for sure. I think the 4-3-3 is a formation we are playing solely for Rooney.
However had we have played Berbatov and one of Chico or Wellbeck then YES we would have won the league in my opinion. But that would have meant dropping Rooney in an important year for England.
UNITED4Life
I think Everton would ask for atleast 27 million for Fellaini and for me thats too much. The deal may be down as low as 22-24 million in the end but Moyes may resign over it. He has hinted as much. It isnt in the owners interest to sell Felaini if it means losing a manager that has done a very fine job and started so well this year.
A club will often buy a 30million player to take them to the next level, to climb 1 or 2 places in the league to challenge for the top two spots. If Everton sold that (arguably) 30million player they will drop more than 5 spots and thats just daft.
Shitty going to draw? I HOPE SO.
Chelski lost.
Is this oru chance to go more ahead before the derby
who’;se starting?
Lind in goal again…
Fletcher in Young behind Rooney and RVP.odd team.
What a game from Swansea. Our players should watch that game and see what passing means. Excellent game, haven’t seen one in a long time from our bunch. Congrats to Swan-s.
am seeing the city match… have to say…their stadium is more lively than what trafford’s been lately…
hope everton can hold on or find a winner??
Please Ashley Young. I beg you PLEASE attack your defender. Always look to BEAT your defender. Do not be afraid of him. You hold all the right cards in a battle with ANY of the defenders you will face tonight. Good to see fletch, anderson and Carrick in the middle. The same midfield we used in the Champions league semi against Arsenal a few years ago that clicked SO WELL.
Yes!
great result for United but so often in the past when results have gone for us on the day we have gone into the match thinking weve already won the day and we drop points.
Focus lads focus
Good job Everton. Great chance for us. No excuses.
BREAKING NEWS……….. JUST IN…………………… liverpool wins
Chelsea lose, arsenal lose and city draw due to a peno from scarface, now Please please don’t make a mistake today, make it a three point gap ahead of the derby.
Goat whichever way you want to shake it mate,my point was Berba was quality for Utd and if he had started more games Utd would be champs
orez
Swansea are a very good passing side a bloody joy to watch. Laudrup could be a decent manager too early to tell but the team is a Brendan Rodgers creation. Im just hoping he cant replicate it with Liverpool, hopefully the silly yank in a hat owner they have fire him. I mean its pretty obvious the garbage at Liverpool havent got the skill set to replicate Swanseas passing game so the time it takes for Rodgers to transform Liverpool might be too long for the owners.
This day could not have gone ANY BETTER for us. Please United. Do not fuck this up. Dispatch Reading QUICKLY and often.
wayne
I agree. I even think that had the partnership been Rooney and Berbatov like the season before then we would have done well. BUT that would have given little development for the future, Chico and Wellbeck needed time. The forward play with Rooney and Berbatov looked wrong even though it gave results it just looked slow and unentertaining. Berbatov with two men against him was very little challenge for the Bulgarian a wonderful keeper of the ball and space finder. I wish him luck, it just wasnt to be.
P.S
Reading is my Dads boyhood team, he was born there. Hows that for a bad omen. lol.
Lindegaard; Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Carrick, Fletcher, Anderson; Young, Rooney, Van Persie
Young has been very lucky to play regularly coz if kagawa or nani were fit young wouldn’t have started so many games. I think he needs to start performing. He may never get this much opportunity once Kagawa is back.
I am loving the way Sir alex has handled Fletcher’s issue. He is gradually integrating him into the team.
Anything less that 3 points would be bad as all our main rivals have dropped points.
@GoatPericoat
I have never seen Swan’s playing like this under Rodgers TBH. This was some other level. Hardly ever pass went wrong.
Fletch, Carrick, Andy and Young in mid and RVP and Roon up ahead. Well it’s a strong line up. Not happy that DDG doesn’t start.
@wayne – yep, I believe if Berba had been given enough of an opportunity last season we would would have gotten at least one more point, I have no doubt about it. He barely played and still scored 7 I think it was? But the past is the past, great player though.
@danny, this day has been coming I think. We are all playing dangerously poor at times. City looked unbelievably slow and laboured today but everyone did play on Wednesday so not a surprise. I hope we are charged up and ready to go.
Lindegaard, Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Fletcher, Anderson, Young, Rooney, van Persie
Subs: De Gea, Jones, Smalling, Cleverley, Giggs, Hernandez, Welbeck
I see this like a great line-up guys.
Anderson can roam around as much as he wants, when he has fletch and carrick by his side.
I hope Young improves today, if nto Chicha in!
3-0 for us.
BTW that Michu is looking great. WOW.
Won’t be soon when he is taken to another team.
Laudrup doing a great job!
Michu cost 2 mill. shows how inflated the price is for British players. majority of British players are rubbish hope young purchase.
Solid line up that should hold defensively. Not sure how easily chances will come by though. Hopefully we will pounce on City’s error.
“hope young is the last Brit purchase”
UNITED4Life says:
Michu cost 2 mill. shows how inflated the price is for British players. majority of British players are rubbish hope young purchase
EXACTLY,
Downing Carroll hendwerson young etc costing more than 10 mil. crazy WOW.
Was this ever in doubt? I am out of words I got to say
Anderson!!!!!!!!!!!Good goal from him.
Rooney!!!!!!!!At last a penalty scored