Home
Forum
Archives
Contact
- Advertise
Live
About
- Privacy
App
Shop

Home
Domestic Cups

LIVE BLOG: United 1-2 Crystal Palace FT

November 30, 2011

Scott is the editor of RoM and has a season ticket at Old Trafford. He started The Republik of Mancunia in March 2006. Follow @R_o_M on Twitter or @R_o_M7 on Instagram.

CONFIRMED LINE-UP: United vs Crystal Palace – No Pogba or Morrison

United look to return to winning ways at Villa

581 Comments

« Older Comments
Newer Comments »

torontored December 1, 2011

Caught the last ten minutes - thank fuck I had been out drinking and did not see the whole game.

Well what I saw was not good - makeshift team, so makeshift performance and consequently piss poor result.

Why not just play a team primarily made up of the youth instead of bringing them in piece meal with several "fringe" players starting - no consistency to the flow.

Should have destroyed that lot - generally do not criticise SAF but sometimes his selection(s) do need to be questioned.

So Alex smarten the fuck up - OK

UNITED20/4/12

Log in to Reply

slim December 1, 2011

Sparkz

we also Paul Scholes, Ryang Giggs, G.Nevile, RVN, Rio was a top transfer, we weren't waitng for nowt to develop .that team was ready to go places. He was the final piece . Playing 5 with ronaldo as the go to guy was our devastating best. with Roo on the left. Either way the team was better prepared to take on players of his ilk, him along with rooney and Nani. Now? not so much

Log in to Reply

slim December 1, 2011

Ryang Giggs. lol

Log in to Reply

nani4ever December 1, 2011

At this point what sign of improvement are we waiting on from Gibson and Diouf, they have no where going, Sir Alex got the team selection all wrong as I knew he would because he has to much sympathy for some of these average players such as the ones mention above. He should have went with park on the left and starterd with pogba and pettruci in the middle with morrison further in front and macheda as the lone striker an valencia on the right, and I like that u all are seeing valencia for waht he really his a one trick pony, with only one working feet

Log in to Reply

smartalex December 1, 2011

Opinionated, much?

Log in to Reply

StatesideAussie December 1, 2011

I've been struggling to come up with some positives. Willie was right (back at 23:10) when he said "How many times did Gibson look up to play the ball, and seen Kiko and Diouf standing next to each other? No movement from them. My old man noticed it before me." I was thinking that as I watched it too, so cheers to your old man!

I thought Ravel looked pretty good. I would like to see him get more time. Honestly, at this stage, unless SAF is seriously planning to spend a boat-load of money in January (which I seriously doubt), I don't think we've got much to lose by playing the youngsters. SAF is right to want to protect them, of course. But these things can't always be timed to perfection. Right now, the team has a need. Bighted by injury and denuded by retirement, there may never be a better time.

If we wait until "the problem" is fixed, then it just becomes that much harder to squeaze these guys in. And how will it become "fixed", anyway? Seems to me that any "cure" will involve either buying talent from outside, or promoting it from within. And SAF has made it pretty clear there's not a lot of talent available from outside. I can't answer for the psychological welfare of the youngsters. It might well cause them some scars. But from a team perspective, I honestly don't see what we've got to lose. I'm not suggesting they should start every match. Of course not. But the occasional start, and lots of time off the bench? Why not?

If we wait and it gets worse (in terms of our season) before we throw them in, then we are just lumping them with mission fucking impossible. No point in waiting until the season is a lost cause and then letting them have a run.

Log in to Reply

denton davey December 1, 2011

sparkz @ 1:50: " I know a lot of people think our transitional period has started only this year, but IMO it started from the moment Ronaldo left."

Actually, it started BEFORE CR7 left - he purchased Dimmy as an interim solution to the "problem" of the post-Ronaldo attack. And then he purchased Valencia (and Young) to add "sparks" to the fire-power.

However, the real work of transition has been embodied in the Da Silva twins, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, David De Gea in addition to DannyTheLad and YoungTom. Those seven guys are going to be "regulars" in the next great squad - in addition to TheWayneBoy, Nani, DarrenFletcherinho and - maybe ? - Anderson. Not all of those eleven guys will be up-to-the-mark but they had been "groomed" to be the core of a NewUTD, in addition to reinforcements from the kiddie-corps like Morrison, Pogba, Tunnicliffe, the two KeaneBoys and some others (? Zeki Fryers, Tom Thorpe, and Davide Petrucci ?). It's a work-in-progress and it's based on growing the team - not just buying and importing the latest flavours-of-the-moment.

Of course, I'd prefer to see the team composed of lads from Denton, Gorton, Longsight, Oldham, Prestwich, Bury, Middleton and so on BUT the reality is that SAF has had to adapt to a new world in which GameBoys and other electronic toys distract the local lads from their destinies to be walking out on the green lawn at Old Trafford in front of 75,000 fanatical fans - poor buggers, they're selling their souls and getting fat into-the-bargain.

Log in to Reply

samuel - united WE stand December 1, 2011

Denton - can i just ask, why do you keep saying 'DannyTheLad'? or 'TomTheBoy'? lol.

Log in to Reply

samuel - united WE stand December 1, 2011

Fergie should put all the young players at wigan and bolton on loan, they'll get enough games and gain experience. Cleverly, welbeck, wilshere, sturridge pay testament to this.

Log in to Reply

KR December 1, 2011

I've been critical for a long time (mainly since Rome) of just how bad and weak our midfield is from first team to reserves and really after tonight i don't need to say much so i'll sum up our central midfield with 2 words that should have United fans hanging their heads in shame at the state of our CM at this club: DARRON GIBSON

Good. Night.

Log in to Reply

Lovin' United December 1, 2011

My daughter was not feeling well and did not watch the game. I take it that we suck?

Log in to Reply

KingOfStretfordEnd December 1, 2011

Well, i know it's an interim period thing or something but really, all i miss is the stability that we had around the 06-08/09 seasons. When you practically knew the starting line-up by hard unless there was an injury. Some of the most scintillating stuff we've played came during that period. Of course, i thought we were playing awesome stuff at the start of this season but that's a little inconsistent. What we have to realize is that those players from 06-09 were very much senior. We were even criticized as to how we were an aging squad. Ha, would anybody say that now? So many youngsters and we do have the seniors, but it's not the same and its gonna take time. Oh and yea, i 'm talking in general about the season so far, no just the league cup game yesterday. Just look to the 3-1 away victory against arsenal in the CL 08-09 season, my favorite goal possibly-epitomizes teamwork and our vintage counter attack. Sorry, just felt like reminiscing a little. And let me rant, cos i'm annoyed, i felt the attitude with which we played with was poor. Gibbo and Macheda didn't give me the right vibes. Diouf , i dunno, hello fella foul throw? And though i like the attitude of The Twins, they're still naive in the challenges they make, and it's been a while already, you can't just dismiss this as inexperience imo. giving away fouls unnecessarily even during the newcastle game. I'm very sure our young lads will be one of the most envied senior squads soon, on the way already, but during this path there'll be inevitable discontentment that we have to deal with.

Log in to Reply

ancha December 1, 2011

Honestly

When 6 players, other than the defense, are playing together after ages there is always a very high chance of such a display, the poor movement in the final third can be attributed to the same fact . So why don't we just think it as a learning experience for our young ones.

It shouldn't be 'always' about trophies. Whatever shit is spoken tonight is completely against our tradition of supporting talented,hardworking youth players through thick and thin.

You can criticize all you want about first team players if they had such a game (they had a few in the before last week) I'm not against that but it's pathetic to throw your frustrations at the kids, true every one over here is frustrated/angry about losing in such a way to a championship struggling side but if you are not able to handle that frustration/anger about a carling cup game then something is wrong with you, simply put - Get a grip on yourself

Log in to Reply

sandeep1878 December 1, 2011

Fuck you all match day cunts who are calling for Sir Alex's head...

fucking out fo your mind eh?

and few fans even calling our own players cunts? Rubbish,

fuck off you glory hunters..

Felt so disappointed reading these pathetic comments and to make it worse reading after a home defeat to a championship club...

Sir Alex has lost the plot eh?

fucking you fans need to take a lil trip down the memory lane, he is the bloody defending manager, and fucking fans here call for his head?

its simple,

Our youngsters tried their best (Especially in the last 75 mins)..

It wasnt our day and i have to accept Crystal palace played brilliant and defended with their lives after that extra time goal..

we were good until the box, then moving the ball backwards, sideways and whatever fucking ways but we couldnt find the back of the net - because our midfielders dint create that many chances and our strikers couldnt finish clinically enough..

it is a learning curve for them,

if Sir Alex had listened to some deluded fans on ROM, thenw e wouldnt have seen the class of 92..

yet here we are, the kids have hardly played together for the first team, there you go, you dump them over 120 minutes of football...crazy eh?

I m a big fan of Rooney, to put things into perspective..

when was the last rooney scored a fucking goal?

yet i dont see no fan ranting against him, but then they will come here and rant against the inexperineced and untested youngsters and call them as cunts?

fucking bullshit,

Cunts fans like this are JUST GLORY HUNTERS and all they want is high paid flashy players top wear shirt..and then they call for Sor Alex's head..

fucking ridiculous..incredible fans...

##############

@ regular posters,

sorry for the rant, i had to get it off my chest,

I cant accept our bloody own fans coming here on match day and call for Sir Alex head and call our own players as cunts..

no, if you dont support then fine, dont call our players as cunts..

No hard feelings but some fans here are deluded..

Cheers

Log in to Reply

lordrt December 1, 2011

Didn't expect anything less given our recent form, thou I was hoping the young lads would give their best and leave a solid impression with a win, but may be next time then... however that's one trophy off the list then, and now facing Basel will make it more nervous, and being pessimistic, I can see us lose and dumped to Europa, given that they will be playing home, and have already ripped the Utd defence apart when they were at OT... unless a miracle happens...
Still time to get the shopping list out however, and I hope SAF does so and bring in some quality players in midfield in January, else it could be our own way of paving a descent to "hell" very soon

Log in to Reply

sandeep1878 December 1, 2011

Lordrt..

I understand your uneasiness mate,

but believe we going to basle with intent, determination and confidence,

all we need is a draw, but since its December, i expect us to resume the normal service..

Dont worry pal, no Europa, its Munich, we gonna be there, we gonna be there..

Log in to Reply

Anand December 1, 2011

@sandeep1878

You make a fair point friend. But SAF's team selection left much to be desired. he said in pre-match interviews that this is a good chance for the youngsters to come through, and there were almost certain predictions that Pogba, morrison would play. They've been training with the premiership first team too. Also consider the fact that people are dreaming of a future midfield of Cleverley and Morrison. Add all these facts up and SAF's team selection is fuckin' baffling! If this isn't where the likes of first team materials get a chance, where will they?

People criticize the likes of Berba for not playing well. How are they supposed to if the playmakers in the team (read midfield) are not upto it?

'The United Religion' made a fair point when it noted that our main problem is not so much as the lack of a world class midfielder but lengthy injuries. Cleverley is proving to be too injury prone. The injury to Anderson is also serious enough for him to be off for 2 months. Vidic was on and off, so was Rio. All these factors means that we cannot find a team of 11 that can stick together. When you have to make 5-6 changes for every match, it affects the team dynamics and chemistry.
I think SAF was devastated when he apologized to the fans after the match.

United have the responsibility to live up to a legacy of greatness. City, Chelsea don't have any. Liverpool have forgotten theirs.

SAF knows that the way the players are playing, and all the other factors added up, we are falling way short.

Log in to Reply

falsafa December 1, 2011

The performance last night was not all too bad. My main disappointment was with the more experienced players (read Valencia and Park) not providing enough leadership on the pitch. Add to that the fact that Diouf and Macheda possess awful first touches of the football and no movement at all. How many times did Morrison have the ball on the edge of the area only to lack a striker to pass to, forced to play it backwards to Gibbo.

In my opinion, Gibsonplayed an alright game considering this was his first appearance since Schalke in the UCL semi final. And Ravel needs to be given more first team opportunities. Which brings me to another point. First team players are the ones who can unlock chances for the youngsters. When you are beating a team 3-0, Fergie will definitely be more willing to bring in a young sub. That will never happen at 1-0, which is the more familiar scoreline these days.

We should go back to the days of killing teams early. These days our first halves play witness to very dour performances and we only pick up in the second half. Half time is not the best time to visit ROM as many of you can attest.

UNITED FOREVER!!

Log in to Reply

sandeep1878 December 1, 2011

Anand,

I understand your point mate,

even i m hurt because of the defeat,

but i m nagry coz deluded fans are calling for Sir Alex'z head and calling our own players as cunts?

For ysterday's game i still think it was strikers problem..because we had plenty of crosses and supplies from our traditional wings..but clinical finshing was lacking..

Having said that, it was amazing to see our every attack ended with the ball on Crystal palace player's feet or body,

Well played Palace..

we goot give time to our youngsters..

Patience is always key with youngsters..

Imagine had the winning goal been given offside rightly, then the face of the game could have changed..

Its really harsh on the youngsters..but thats football and thats how the kids will learn..

This is Manchester United blog,

mate i dont give a fuck if the members call rivals cunts or whatever they want,

but verbally abusing our own players and calling Sir Alex whetevr they wish is not acceptable, not by any means..

The team will continue to play like this, its a transition, all the more important that we back the team now..

Cheers mate

Log in to Reply

Tgan December 1, 2011

Wow the future looks bleak for us, If that was anything to go by. We have a poor squad and Crystal Palace made 5 changes for the game and embarrassed us.....................time for Fregie to move on and a younger manager coming in!!!

Log in to Reply

T. December 1, 2011

Epic fail!

Log in to Reply

Costas December 1, 2011

Sometimes I wonder if fans truly watch games or they just have the excuse made up in their head. Gibson was the least of our problems last night. I guess I can see where the critisism for Diouf comes from, but for Kiko? Nope. Ask yourself. Who played worse this week? Hernandez against Newcastle or Kiko against Palace?

Like willie, I'd like to see Old Trafford a fortress again, but that's not only up to the players. When the going gets tough, we need the fans. People say we lost at home. Really? Because all I heard for most of the game was Palace fans. Where's Keane to tear the prawn sandwich brigade a new one?

Log in to Reply

shakshamboo December 1, 2011

Bad result, but i do not understand SAF's apology to fans. We have seen much worse performances before. Maybe he was hinting at the lack of determination and desire of some lads. These are qualities which make us different.

I noted 2 problems

1. Only one out and out winger and our wing backs going out injured. We did not have enough width to create space for attackers. We used Diouf as left winger for some time but he is not built for that role. After Rapha was substituted Valencia didnt have the support he needed for wing play and kept cutting in and crowding the middle.

2. With our wingers cutting in and crowding the middle, we needed some one who could cut open tight defenses with his passing (like Xavi), but alas! we do not have that luxury either.

The kids did well i think. Zeki and Ravel were good. Even Pogba showed glimpses of his potential. They will need some more game time to improve, but i have high hopes.

Even Gibson had a good game keeping in mind his strengths and weaknesses.

Although I dont like singling out a player but I am worried about Evans. A central defender should have a certain level of composure and calm to perform well. But Evans just doesnt seem to have that calmness and composure. He tends to make at least one serious mistake almost every game. I have seen him play left back in a couple of games. Maybe he is better suited there.

On to the next. Come on United!

Log in to Reply

sandeep1878 December 1, 2011

Costas,

hello pal,

I have become sick of few comments here...

the way they are writing off these youngtsers is sickening...

and last night i saw you mentioning about bad decisions,

thats 2 in 2 now and we cant help it as it will put added pressure in knock out games..

I feel for this youngsters, they gave their best, lets hope we have brighter days ahead..

but some comments here are extreme, fucking pathetic..

Log in to Reply

SirKaos December 1, 2011

I think its time everyone related to United stops the "we have the best young talents" propaganda. Its all talk. there is nothing being transferred on the field and this is the worst football I've seen this season. Looks like Fergie keeps quite about the club financial crisis, but surely United have lost the edge and I wonder when did players give away division 5 like passes

c'mon

WAKE UP!

Log in to Reply

Anand December 1, 2011

@Sandeep1878

Read Tgan's comment, and I know why you had to rant the way you did.

@Tgan

Seriously buddy?! 25 years of unprecedented success at a club and you want a change at the helm after a 'CARLING CUP' defeat?! WOW. just WOW!

@Costas

Fair comment buddy. I speak for myself in the following reply -

There's this friend of mine who's an Arsenal supporter. I always take his case on how Arsenal are living in denial and even though they boast of playing beautiful football (which they do) they're unable to win anything. He has a feeble argument saying that they're a team in transition and that things will change (he's been saying this for 3 years now :D ).

The point I'm trying to make is, winning is winning. We scrap by 1 - 0 wins playing uninspiring football, but it's crucial. Then we play brilliant games like the ones against Newcastle and still can't take away anything from it. When we're a team like United, when we play rubbish, you still win 1 - 0. But when you play good games, we HAVE TO WIN.

Simply put, the players owe to not to themselves or the fans, but to the colours and the badge on their hearts and the greats that preceded them.

Log in to Reply

Tgan December 1, 2011

We are deluded Utd fans sticking to the party line, look at the facts???. We have average players while other squads are a lot stronger, Basle will put us out of the CL defo, then the truth will come flooding out!!!!

Log in to Reply

Utd4life December 1, 2011

@Tgan.. Getting dumped out of the CL is a possibility but we have always pulled through in such must win situations. There have been rare cases like the bayern Munich QF game or the blackburn game where we failed to win but we have always and I mean always come through in such matches. Nonetheless, the game against Basel will be a cracker and I'm confident that we will win.

The MF debate will continue to rage on irrespective of our results but I would love to see Morrison getting more playing time with the first team. The lad is seriously talented and deserves more opportunities.

Log in to Reply

Entropy187 December 1, 2011

you know what, I'm at a stage where I don't mind when Man Utd lose sometimes. Even when sometimes they don't deserve to. Because we always come up on top. After the loss today, I was bothered too much by it and was quite surprised tbh hahaha. Usually I'd be raging for days and even affect those around me, but fuck it. I still love the club. Id rather fill my heart with love towards the club than increasing hate after every bad outcome or performance.

Log in to Reply

ancha December 1, 2011

Peter Schmeichel -
A lot of bad results has paved the way for great achievements. York, Galataseray and Rotor Volgograd springs to mind. Keep your spirits up

Log in to Reply

Utd4life December 1, 2011

I would also like to add that Gibbo had a good game considering he played a competitive game after quite a long time. I really don't understand why some people get riled up at the mere mention of his name. The lad is not Xavi or Scholes but he is a decent player.

Log in to Reply

United4ever December 1, 2011

SAF,stop apologizing and do something about it!

Log in to Reply

smartalex December 1, 2011

Gnat - you're one mixed up bug. Fair weather fans is the only flood that plagues us.

Log in to Reply

Lovin' United December 1, 2011

Here's some transfer wishes I would like on the next transfer window.

De Rossi and Pablo Aimar.

Both can go for free on January.

And yes, would like fries with that as well... :)

Log in to Reply

smartalex December 1, 2011

Condemning United4ever,

do you mean to rudely rebuke Sir Alex? Or am I misreading your tone?

Log in to Reply

Utd4life December 1, 2011

Just like everyone else, I'm surprised that SAF apologized to the fans considering I have seen performances worse than last night. His apology could have a negative impact on the youngsters. I remember the time when we lost to Besiktas about 2 years ago when he fielded a very young team similar to the one last night. After that match, he praised the youngsters for their effort and attitude though they had lost. The next week they responded by beating the spurs in the CC match. I wish he had done the same even after this match.

Log in to Reply

SirKaos December 1, 2011

United are not playing attractive football....

25 years is an achievement but you know times change the football change as well . I hope we wont become like Liverpool fans living the past.

Log in to Reply

Entropy187 December 1, 2011

Wasnt*

Log in to Reply

smartalex December 1, 2011

SirKaos.

I beat you weren't even born yet, when Sir Alex was appointed. Your opinion that '25 years is an achievement' is as worthless as your puerile attempt to malign Sir Alex with your user name.
You don't hope for United at all, you selfish wum. You are likely a 13 year old city fan.

Log in to Reply

Balaji Sivaraman December 1, 2011

Manchester United have sacked Sir Alex Ferguson and announced the appointment of the Collective of Manchester United fans as the new manager. They are hoping that the wisdom of a billion voices caring for United is going to be greater than that of the wily old fox who had been in-charge of the club for a quarter of a century.

Log in to Reply

tom c December 1, 2011

@rohan you meant basel bro?

@sandeep you're my hero, thank you.

Log in to Reply

Costas December 1, 2011

Well obviously something about last night got to Fergie more than we imagine. I don't remember him apologising after the West Ham game either. The performance in the first half was a bad one. But we played a lot better after that imo. Palace didn't deserve to be ahead either time for me. What Ferguson needs to address is this team's naive defending. Because no matter how well we play up front, it keeps letting us down. The Benfica, Newcastle and Palace games aren't that different in context.

@Anand

We are not Arsenal. Not yet anyway. :P Don't get me wrong. I am troubled by a lot of things right now too. I said it after the Newcastle game. Fergie has to be scratching his head wondering what problem he needs to address first. Whether it's bad defending, bad finishing or injury problems, he has a lot on his plate right now. Also we are not clicking as a team at the moment. And I am not just talking about yesterday's team. We've seen some very good individual performances from the likes of Gibson and Carrick over the last 10 days, yet the team still seems unable to get a hold of games in midfield. I feel that if we start playing a settled side the team will gradually improve. Too much tinkering going on at the moment.

But at the end of the day, it's just the Carling Cup and I won't miss it. If we are going to make a run for a cup, let it be the FA cup this season.

@Sandeep

Hi mate. I had a look at previous Carling cup exits and truth be told, they did spell the end of some youngsters. For example, the Coventry game was the last time Bardsley and Dong played for us. And it was basically the end for Lee Martin (even though he played for us one last time at Hull). The Southend game spelled the end of David Jones. Not everyone's going to make it and that's a fact. Nor will we ever see another class like the 92 one imo. But looking at last night's game, other than Diouf, I don't think any other player came closer to the exit door. A lot of good individual performances, but not a good team performance. And I don't want to be harsh on Diouf, but I just feel that he reached his glass ceiling. Things might have been different if he got a good run in the side, but he's basically 7th choice and that's not going to happen.

Log in to Reply

dasilvatwins December 1, 2011

@costas arguably west ham last year was obertans last real chance?

Log in to Reply

voice of reason December 1, 2011

Here an analysis from Chrisjn_ at redcafe

To be fair:

We lost that game because the team was so out of Balance.

Amos in net: Ok fair do's, blood in a young keeper.

Rafael AND Fabio: These guys need to knock their heads together. The amount of times they could have got booked tonight is ridiculous. They play the game way to Gung-ho, and whilst I realise this is their style, they still need to mature.

As well as this, these two are the most injury prone players in our team. Playing them both tonight should have taught us a lesson. The two substitutions lost us the game as we were unable to bring on potential match winners as a Plan B. They really need to tone down there games as they appear to be overdoing it constantly.

Evans and Smalling: Smalling was brilliant. He looked like a father figure in that defence. Evans did a job, but for me was not a patch on this talent. Smalling and Jones are the future. All in all, the defence was O.K, Evans is prone to mistakes, and playing Rafael and Fabio too, was always going to give Smalling a job. Still, this is the Carling cup, and we do take risks in this competition.

But...

Diouf: He is not a Manchester United player. I've seen people refer to the team tonight as a 'Shop window' sale, and for Diouf it appears this must be the case.
Plays it's safe, but has no imagination. Not a match winner, not able to beat top defences, not a Manchester United player. For me, a lower half of the table player.
He will put in a shift, he will work hard, he will try to avoid mistakes, but he has little killer instinct. We don't really need these players.

Park: Was stuck in the team to provide energy to help gibson and our midfield. Unfortionatley this didn't work. He wasn't magnificent, mainly because I feel he works well with the more clever attacking players. Gibson couldn't work off him well at all. I would say his average game was more down to being put into a team to provide an external impetus, i.e the complete opposite of a team being built around you.

Gibson: was alright. He did a job. Playing plenty and plenty of safe passes. And whilst people say Carrick plays to many sideways passes, he actually does this as he sees oppurtunities in that direction, Gibson for me, sometimes seems to pass for the sake of passing. Still, in a team incapable of keeping the ball, he actually didn't do to badly tonight, but offered VERY little in breaking down the other team, something he maybe should have felt he could have stepped up to. It's not as if he were playing a Premiership club. To safe a performance for me tonight.

Valencia: Felt sorry for him really. Started off on the wing, firing crosses in left right and centre, before realising no-one was capable of getting anywhere near them. Some may have been off, but if I were him I would have been a little frustrated. Came more centrally in the later stages as his frustration became more apparent, driving forward with the ball looking for link ups. Fast, safe, efficient but sometimes not agile enough in the turn. Another Carrier.

Macheda: Can carve out chances and will improve with time. Not a dribbler or a person to beat or take on a man. For me he is a player who will receive the ball, make a fast pass, and get into an attacking position. A player who is best at making his space and a getting of a shot where ever possible, could be come a great goalscorer.

berbatov: class player, sometimes a little self indulgent. As people have said, would be great in Italy, and is not great on the counter attack, as he excels at holding onto the ball and fooling defenders to gain space. Easy on the eye, and floats on the ball, however works off other attacks making the runs. Again, there wasn't enough of this tonight.

Pogba, Fryers and Morrison: Fryers needs to calm down a bit, way to gung ho going forward. Kicking the ball 5 yards for himself to run onto only for an opposition player to take it off him. To willing to burst forward and to willing to fire in a cross. Could be a good, tidy player, but at the moment seems a bit to eager to prove himself and at times looked nervous making sloppy touches, silly errors and ambitious moves, which weren't really on.

Pogba was O.K. admittedly looked a little lost at times, but I put that down to the fact he looked surprised at the severe lack of movement. Gets around, but positionally was a little out. Has the some of the required tools to be a good player.

Morrison: The most exciting player on the pitch. Looking for one-twos and quick plays more often than not. A couple of excited shots but always in the position to receive a pass, even if his players were unable to make them. Quick, clever, arrogant. Will be a handful of a player.

Some good players tonight, but very few fantastic. Mostly drab, unenthusiastic and simply unintelligent play. An excess of passengers, throw in some nervous minds, excited legs and overall lack of balance and that is why we lost.

Log in to Reply

Costas December 1, 2011

@dasilvatwins

Not exactly. There were a few more twists on that front. He played well at Southampton, but was quite poor against Crawley in the FA cup. And I believe that's where it ended for him. That game for me was our worst performance against opposition from a lower division.

Log in to Reply

Tgan December 1, 2011

We are talking about right now, not the past. Are we flush with real class, the answer is NO!!!!. Open your eyes lads and see the future???, It does not look very appealing to me and SAF may damage himself if we go down hill fast!!!!!!...............................If we lose to Basle you will be saying the same as me!!!!!

Log in to Reply

voice of reason December 1, 2011

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Nov/rene-meulensteen-inside-united-interview.aspx

Good read. Makes u wonder of the possibilities in near future.

Log in to Reply

voice of reason December 1, 2011

@King Eric

Ravel Morrison is something isn't he? A rough diamond he maybe but I think he is ready for the first team.

Log in to Reply

sandeep1878 December 1, 2011

Tgan

when u dont want to consider the past? why are u worried about future?

No, dont mistake us for you,

we wont tell that shit even if we suffere defeat at Basel...no second thought about it..

are we flush with real class?

class is not a day's work..one need to work their asses to become class..

however if you want ready made class- not far, just cross the road and you have Might City oooooozing with real class...

@ Costas,

Agreed with your point mate,

and yeah sometimes how hard the life is? you get one chance, make it or break it, all the more difficult when you are inexprienced...

I think they will take this learning in their stride and come out on top...

@ Tom C,

You are my hero? mate is it sarcastic? I dont know with what reference you are saying that, sorry if i said anythign wrong..

@ Anand,

Yeah mate, we have seen worse fans here, cant help but every now and then i will rant to just get it off my chest...

Log in to Reply

unitedtilidie December 1, 2011

The only thing worse than the performance on the pitch was the performance in the stands.

People waiting, sitting on their hands waiting to be entertained. Outsung by a few thousand Palace fans. Shocking.

If people want to be entertained, go to the cinema or a music concert.