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LIVE BLOG: Manchester United v Arsenal

February 28, 2016

Good afternoon comrades, and welcome to Republik of Mancunia’s Live Blog coverage of Manchester United v Arsenal

Brad

Follow @bradcantona on Twitter.

CONFIRMED LINE-UP: United vs Arsenal – Rashford starts!

VIDEO: Fergie singing “Glory glory Man United!”

135 Comments

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MobiMulla February 28, 2016

@yusuf
I think we should let rojo go and sign that top physically imposing and dominating CB.. Someone like a Jones who doesn't get injured.. Otherwise I think at the back we're pretty much set for years..
Degea Romero
Varela Darmian
Smalling Jones Blind ???
Shaw CBJ
Then we have the youth players filling in when needed along with Valencia Young and Carrick
Sign that CB in the summer, another brilliant midfielder who can provide solid competition for Herrera and Schniederlin (don't really need a big name or “world class”, and just one world class forward. Be that a Winger ala bale or striker..

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Mark Reid February 28, 2016

The movement from the players today was great interchanging beautifully,Mata had a great game.

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Mark Reid February 28, 2016

Mobi yep sold center back goal scoring midfielder we would be in good shape.

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samuel_WE_stand February 28, 2016

Mike fibes - it was nail biting stuff no doubt. Mensah was doing pretty well holding onto the ball, and the back pass was the right idea but he just under cooked it. Thankfully, nothing came off it but he will learn from it. Yes I agree that the lack of physicality and height in the first team has been an issue and still is but my position on the matter is, I would rather gamble with players with quality who aren't physically up to it but will do so in time. But I agree in the sense that mensah, who does have that dominanc and strength is a welcome addition to the first team. To be honest, I think the younger players have brought added energy that the team has lacked all season.

I feel like arsenal thought they would walk the game at oldtrafford because of all the injuries but they haven't won at oldtrafford in the premier league for ten years now. Ten years. So maybe this victory isn't entirely unexpected even though they played against youth players.

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Yusuf_Israel February 28, 2016

8-3

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Yusuf_Israel February 28, 2016

Blind was awesome in defence.
My lineup next game.

Degea
Varela smalling blind fosu
Schneiderlin
Herrera
mata
Martial Rashford Depay

What a rush!

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RedOne February 28, 2016

Yusuf

Nice lineup...only thing I would change is Brothwick-Jackson instead of Mensah. Rest seems fine but Martail would need to be doing a lot of running and tracking back to efficiently replace Lingard. Might not be as gifted as our #9 but is doing a hard work out there so that we as whole can look good and entertaining.

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warrored February 28, 2016

Great result and hard to believe that only 2 weeks ago Rashford was scoiring v Stoke U18s...

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warrored February 28, 2016

So much for the failing academy.. Ok the U18s are having a poor season but lets not lose sight of the bigger picture.... There has been many successfull academy teams at lots of clubs, but very few players emerge as first team players either here or elsewhere. We do have our fair share and more than most clubs and im delighted that Simpson and Drinkwater could win the title with Leicester.. DeLaet too although we took him older.

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Gentlekez10 February 28, 2016

Dippers loosing, what a day is turning out to be. Good better best

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Yusuf_Israel February 28, 2016

If we continue like this, who can risk wanting mourinho?

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Mike Fibes February 28, 2016

Fast-tracking because of our injury problems has really upset the equilibrium at U18 level, less so at U21. But what is important is that these players have had the opportunity to burst through and give the manager a headache when the more established players come back. That's LVG's doing. He's recognised that the players we have in our youth sides, when allied to more experienced heads, are "good enough" when called upon. Worked that out last year when McNair & Blackett got their chances. Who was the last United youngster to debut and have a shocker?

We might have seen the same from Reece James & Jesse Lingard after their pre-season form in 2014 but for injury, but for me Lingard is still just about there on merit - he's working tremendously hard for the team.

There's more to come, definitely. We've hardly seen any of Pereira yet, who is arguably the most technically gifted of the bunch and would be giving Mata a run for his money had we not had so many other established players out. Januzaj could still fulfill his outrageous potential also.

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warrored February 28, 2016

Agree @mike...

We still have Tyler Reid, Tyrell Warren, AxelTuanzebe and Roshaun Williams to make the step up too and all 4 are really good defenders.

It is conceivable that along with Bo Jack we could field a whole home grown back four in a couple of years.

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Nemesis February 28, 2016

Reporter: "Rashford r u happy with the win, how will u celebrate it"

Rashford: "Iam happy, but wont celebrate bcoz i have chemistry exam tomorrow. Not only me, Varela too
XDDD

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redninja February 28, 2016

Missed the game but thanks goodness we won,hope in naer future will have a front three of MRM.

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samuel_WE_stand February 28, 2016

Mike fibes - agreed on your points about the younger players potential.. Pereira for one is unlucky not to be getting more game time. I am convinced of his quality and I think he will eventually edge out the likes of mata. Andreas is sharper, more dynamic and has more flair. Pereira will know he will get his oppprtunity to establish himself because pretty much most of the younger players are getting opportunity..

JanuZaj came on today and he looked confident too. All these players need is a platform to showcase their quality. If louis doesn't shackle the attacking impetus of the team then they will all come good.

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OpikBidin February 28, 2016

I'd like Warren Joyce to succeed LVG and not Mourinho. Mourinho isn't a good choice as he doesn't promote youth and good football.

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IrunSorace February 28, 2016

look back at December what has changed ... pace .. directness . the youngsters have thrown in so much energy . Rashford has been unbelievable but Varela deserve equal praises for his maturity . Him and Lingard kept Sanchez quiet . And he loves to cross ala G.Neville . Just keep him 1st choice . he has changed everything along with Rashford .

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Nemesis February 28, 2016

Best tweet on the L'pool City game -

For once, picking your Willy over your Hart is the correct decision! XD

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NefariousVirtuoso88 February 28, 2016

Great Result.

Rashford was incredible.
Memphis lead by example again.
Varela is getting better every game so brave.
Herrera was superb making the difference from deeper in the final third. Shocker !!!.

Varela Carrick Blind Rojo ... not too sure.

Varela McNair Rojo Blind ... better

If we would have had two central defenders we wouldn't have conceded today.

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kingshadieofafrica February 28, 2016

that's 3 down, 10 to go. Believe people, believe.

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kingshadieofafrica February 28, 2016

that's 3 down, 7 to go. Believe people, believe.

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CW February 28, 2016

Kingshadie, I'm fully on board, on course for a scouse treble, Europa, FA and fourth place? I want to believe.

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kingshadieofafrica February 28, 2016

these last two victories have shown me what the hype surrounding Memphis is all about. that guy's potential looks scary. A little but of CR 7's obsessive work ethic off the pitch I he will make defenders shit their pants at the sight of him

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NairobiRed February 28, 2016

I don't know if it was because we were playing arsenal or because of the amazing kids but this game had me at the edge of my sit. It was extremely exciting and enjoyable. A good day for united fans.

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WeAreUniteddd February 28, 2016

@trevor mate,

using your logics, forge the performances.
what are the odds that at the moment, LVG's second season points at this stage are better than moyes's?

and i'm using your counting now. at the moment in 42 games the winning % has risen to 50%, 9 games to go and we'll see how LVG's second season does with moyes first season in those 51 games Moyes had to manage.

lest not forget, that in his first LVG did better.

ps. now watch us lose to watford hahahahah

ps.2. gloating today very much. you?

;) peace

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WeAreUniteddd February 28, 2016

and i’m using your counting now**

basically using your counting, I mean, you always tend to come here and give stats when moyes has it better.

that's why I said, lets wait until it's 51 games since moyes had only 51 games, and that's accountable.
anyway, this is between me and you hahahah

good night mate

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WeAreUniteddd February 28, 2016

actually

11 PL games to go, 2 europa league and at least 1 cup game.
So in stats LVG has 9 games to get into 17 win in PL to get that AWESOME 44% winning
And at the same time 9 games to better Moyes 52. something% in 51 games.

now we are talking LVG second vs Moyes first as we know it.

because 1st season vs 1st, LVG got it better. and guys, this is between me and @trevor, it's personal, like the avengers or batman vs superman lol and yes I do like those movies

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cr February 29, 2016

WOW! Just wow! This was vintage swashbuckling United football. We completely outplayed Arsenal at times. Great performance, even though we lost composure and conceded twice. Been absolutely buzzing all day and there's so many things I want to say, I don't know where to start!

1. So, so happy for Marcus Rashford. What a player: pace, power, goals! I abolutely love the way he just takes the ball and runs with it, straight at defenders, fearlessly. Exactly the type of attacker we've needed, who stretches the opposition's defense. Well, Martial does exactly that too, and imagine them too together with the third attacking spot up for grabs. Anyway, let's not get too carried away, both of them are very young and we can't expect them to produce this kind of performances all the time. They still have much to learn and form will drop and they will frustrate etc, so we need patience with them. But still.

2. It's not just Rashford though. There are just so MANY youth prospects right now it's amazing! Too many to mention. Crazy how many are cooming through right now. Makes me think it's a bit strange that Paul McGuinness left the club - I mean, surely he must have a part in the emergence of all these players. For all the talk of City's academy, what matters most is giving the players the chance.

3. Ed Woodward and the rest of the board were right to persist with LVG and (pretty much all of) the fans, including myself, were wrong in wanting him out. I don't care what happened before or after this match, the last three matches and especially this one against Arsenal has made it all worthwile. This is what Manchester United is all about.

4. As supporters we need to start asking ourselves if we really want LVG out now, after this. Personally, *if* Mourinho has the intention of ruining all this by benching/selling the youngsters (or even loaning those among them who have already half-way cemented their place in the starting 11) then there's no way I'd want him to come in. I'd even be ok with not winning the title next season, if it meant giving most of these youngsters enough playing time. Imagine a starting eleven with Martial, Rashford, Varela and possibly also:
- Januzaj, Memphis, Lingard, Wilson or Keane as the third attacker
- Pereira or Weir as the third midfielder
- Shaw, Fosu-Mensah, Riley or Borthwick-Jackson as left back

I'm sure I'm even forgetting a few here. All we need to sign are a center back to have beside Smalling, maybe another central midfielder and possibly a more experienced striker. But even that's debatable now. Besides the emerging youngsters, we have the likes of DDG, Smalling, Schneiderlin, Mata and Herrera (who showed his class yet again today) and other more experienced players who all range from world class to very good.

5. Still sad to see Welbeck and Ramsey playing for Arsenal. Along with quite a few other players in recent years for which things didn't worked out *to 100 %* at us, for different reasons: Hargreaves, Fletcher, Pique, Morrison, Pogba, Kagawa and others.

6. Last but most importantly: For the love of God, let's not put these youngsters through some kind of a bodybuilding regime like with the likes of Phil Jones and others. Nor Rashford nor Martial need to "bulk up". Their pace, acceleration and explosiveness is their greatest asset. If they become too heavy they would lose that. If you gree with this analysis, please help spread it all the way to the club.

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WeAreUniteddd February 29, 2016

@cr

I'm pretty sure, that when and not if, mourinho comes in, he has been told that youth is what matters and blending them in but so does results. those who can cut it will stay as first 11 or squad players which is fine.

he will have the chance to build something with us, unlike in madrid where he survived 4 years which is long time for madrid, or chelski and inter where it was immediate results.

BUT this being said, mourinho comes in, we need results, that's why some experienced players added in with a blend of youth will do great for us.

those players you mentioned + at least defenders, 1-2 midfielders, since carrick will be 35 and fellaini off, and then maybe just maybe a right winger.

I have stated my ideas that we dont need an experienced striker who starts, we need to rely on Martial like tottenham does with Kane (who we rave here, and he's got his chances) and liek Lukaku who has scored plenty of goals since being 19.

so it's no that we can't rely on Martial. all we need someone who can cover him and loves to cover him, an experienced player who can come in and score. then add Rashford and Wilson into the mix.

anyway. Mourinho will do well, bring trophies, blend these guys in, he is watching our games and sees exactly what the whole world is seeing, Top notch prospects, fear factor back, CL glory back etc etc

but yeah. Mourinho definitely in. no matter what.

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cr February 29, 2016

WeAreUniteddd,

I appreciate what you're saying. I'm not saying "definitely no" to Mourinho. I'm just floating the idea of giving LVG 1-2 more years (depending on how the rest of the season goes, of course). It all depends on what Mourinho's plans for us are. If Mourinho were to play at least Martial, Rashford and a few others from of the current batch of youngsters, then I'd be less opposed to him. At the some time I'd also be curious to see what LVG could achieve with this team.

Let's say we make top four at win the Europa League or FA Cup this season. Would you still be desperate for Mourinho? I mean, changing managers is always a risk too. LVG has given the chance to so many young players and a lot of them have really taken their chance too. If, on top of that, we somehow squeeze ourselves into the CL, wouldn't it feel just wrong to him go prematurely?

Also agree that the experienced striker should not come in as a starter, but as cover. We need some experience up there with all the kids. Kind of like when he had Sheringham. Can Rooney be this player? Possibly, but the problem with Rooney is he needs many games in order to play himself into form. We need someone who can play here and there and still do a job. I like Rooney and appreciate what he's done for us through the years (despite wanting out at least once). At some point he'll leave anyway though, so would it be best for us to sell him now?

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cr February 29, 2016

*Let’s say we make top four AND win the Europa League or FA Cup this season

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United24 February 29, 2016

Cr
I still think we could do with a top central striker who can give us 2-3 years of world class quality flanked by Memphis and Martial. Rashford will still get enough games to develop if we let Rooney go. Imagine if he gets really good and we have him and Martial from age 21 forever!
We need to think both short and long term success.
We can do both.
Let's be happy with what's coming through, but we can't rely entirely on youth. If they don't progress as expected, it could become a lose-lose situation.
The future is bright though.
I want the present to be too(consistently )...

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cr February 29, 2016

United24, it makes sense what you're saying. Even the Class of 92 or Fergie's Fledglings had the likes of Eric Cantona and Peter Schmeichel as an experienced marquee kind of player to lead them.

But yeah, maybe it is time to let Rooney go now. He's past his peak and may be looking for another challenge in the States or China. I like your line of thinking of having a world class striker flanked by Memphis and Martial and then rotate him with Rashford. Would take some pressure of the youngsters. The future is indeed bright. Who'd have thought that just last week!

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Yusuf_Israel February 29, 2016

Weareunited

Mate, mourinho has never been tested by that logic of yours. If that's what we are suggesting, mourinho po poses more of a risk than even appointing giggs. I have said it before, I will scream, fight, cry for lvg getting it right than bringing mourinho to this team. Alot of things will change, the best that could happen is that we win the league in a couple of years. We all know the worst with mourinho. I'm proud I have always supported the board and lvg. I just see a pattern that many fail or choose not to see.

Lvg has selection problem (obvious) but alot of good selection headache he is about creating for himself it won't mata who plays or not.

If we get ronato and laporte, sell fellani, rooney, carrick, valencia. It won't mata who start again from all positions.

This players really seem to believe in lvg alot. If we keep going like this, the fans will be the most stupid to want a change. Anyways, most fans are already saying no to mourinho. As I have said it just takes results to get the fans back.

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