20 Aug 2018 12:11:29
I don't want to add too much fuel to the fire and I will confess to being among those who looked forward to his arrival.
I can agree with Jose re lack of recruitment and ultimately that is on the doorstep of Woodie, the Glazers and the board. However, three years without change of tactics or improvement of players speaks volumes about Jose and his ability (or inability? ) as a coach.
Discuss.


1.) 20 Aug 2018
20 Aug 2018 12:20:54
Forgot to say (many will think me foolhardy) but could this be a good time to put a cohesive group of youngsters out there? I don't think they could do worse than what we are enduring. A few older heads among them. And for those talking about our much vaunted defensive record much of that is down to DDG.


2.) 20 Aug 2018
20 Aug 2018 12:58:30
i wouldn't expect him to last beyond this season with the same negative football being played.

we can all slate how bad lvg was but at least you could see a way of playing.

we literally look like we have no clue on what type of football we want to play.

as soon as the wig came on "hoof" ball was plan a, b and c.

we are slow, lack any desire and the players have to take the blame as well.

it is going to be a very long season playing the way we are.

top 4 challenge at most.


3.) 20 Aug 2018
20 Aug 2018 13:39:39
Yesterday's performance needs no dissection. We've seen it before and we'll continue to see it unless the attitude of both the players and the manager changes.

Yesterday's performance had nothing to do with ability and everything to do with attitude. It was lazy, lethargic, sluggish. We didn't match their commitment or desire. We didn't look focused and lacked concentration. We didn't show the required hunger or application. The manager sets the tone and we are still complaining three years on that we are unable to raise our game against bottom of the table teams especially away from home.

Our team is crying out for an injection of intensity and purpose. Perhaps Mourinho's biggest problem is his insistence that we sit deep behind the ball and allow the opposing team easy possession of the football. Perhaps his mantra is safety in numbers but this provides a false sense of security. When we sit deep behind the ball, it allows players to hide, to pass on responsibility, to lose concentration, social loafing is the correct expression I believe. When we start slow it's difficult to pick up the pace. The players are being sent out in the wrong frame of mind. We must at least show a desire to press, to close down, to stop crosses, to win the ball back. When will we learn that passive, defensive tactics are not required at the likes of Brighton, Huddersfield or Cardiff. Put inferior players under pressure, don't let them settle with easy possession of the ball, don't let them grow in confidence and allow them a foothold in the game. This is no longer a question of ability but of hunger and desire. The managers tactics don't set the correct tone.

Our best performances under Mourinho have come against Chelsea, Arsenal and the first half against L'pool when we've set the tone, pressed high and closed down with speed and aggression. In two of those games we've played with three at the back. A change of emphasis and formation is required.


4.) 20 Aug 2018
20 Aug 2018 18:47:08
40 years ago Sexton had just taken over from the Doc. That was worse than this.


5.) 20 Aug 2018
20 Aug 2018 19:34:46
DW20 I have mentioned on here before my wish to see some of the dead wood removed such as Darmian, Rojo, Blind etc and for the gaps to be filled by the younger players as back up.

However once TFM and Tuanzebe went out on loan such an idea went out the window.

The whole team was useless yesterday but Perreira ends up being one of the players taking the hit.

Jose doesn’t seem to have the skills to really bring on youth.

I believe that a manager such as Fergie could give players such as Rashford and Martial a rocket to get a response as he would balance that with a gentle arm around them when needed.
His man management skills were second to none and you only realise how good he was now he has gone.

Moyes, LVG and Mourinho have all struggled in that area. Under Fergie where would Zaha be now?