24 Oct 2018 09:08:36
Men against boys, outclassed, simply too good all words I've heard uttered from the apologists and experts but I I'm not buying any of it.

How many times do we have to take our seats at OT and watch in disbelief as Utd just stand and watch the opposition play. Where is the urgency, where is the pressure, where is the hunger, the desire, the intensity, the pride?!

It's easy to give plaudits to Juventus they are a quality team, but I've seen us stand off Derby, Wolves and even Newcastle in recent weeks and they've all out classed us for large periods of the game as we've just stood, watched and admired.

This is not football or not as I recognise it anyway. I don't know what that was last night but a 1-0 defeat actually feels like a decent result and perhaps that's the saddest part of this saga.

That was a cowardly, lazy display and in all honesty I wasn't that impressed with Juventus. They were afforded the freedom of OT, we didn't lay a finger on them never mind a tackle. Inferior teams have come to OT this season and left us thinking we'd been playing Brazil. The truth is we made them look good by allowing them to play. If they can move the ball and create space under real pressure, when you press the ball quickly and aggressively, when the crowd can react to the desire and intensity of the team and create an atmosphere worthy of a true European occasion then we can afford Juventus the plaudits they deserve. A really good team would have given us exactly what we deserved last night, a real humbling not just a token one.

The scary thing is we could have nicked a draw from that car crash almost proving the ends justify the means.

The only thing missing was hoof ball tactics to Fellaini to fully complete the embarrassment. Ironically we never looked like scoring any other way.

Jose will no doubt fall asleep dreaming of a Saudi Prince but before he laments a gulf in class and lauds their superstars he should be reminded that Pjanic and Matuidi (combined) cost less than the unused Fred. I'm sick of being told our players aren't good enough maybe he should look closer to home before making contemptuous remarks about his own players. These are just excuses and smoke screens.

We can forgive a lack of class what we can't forgive is a lack of effort. I don't know if it's the players or the tactics but we've waited patiently over the last few years for a European heavyweight to come to OT and the occasion just passed us all by. We didn't even compete and I'm left with the feeling this morning is there any point in us actually being in the competition if we're just there to make up the numbers and take advantage of the huge financial incentives on offer.

I'm becoming despondent and came away from the game last night with the feeling I'm being mugged off. Why should I part with my hard earned cash to watch a team that can't even be bothered to press the ball never mind muster a shot or create a chance. You won't win any game of football against any opposition playing like that. Have we not learnt anything from the Derby and Wolves horror shows. It suits the narrative to praise Juventus to cover up for our own self inflicted inadequacies and I hate that. Last night had nothing to do with ability and everything to do with spirit, desire, attitude, commitment, hunger, intensity, energy, intensity and pride. Once we get those aspects of the game right then we can talk about ability. Even the very best teams can't win without the requisite hard work and endeavour. I can hardly wait for our next game. No doubt Everton will outclass us if they are afforded the same time and space on the ball. What will the next excuse be then?


1.) 24 Oct 2018
24 Oct 2018 10:12:38
That’s what happens when a plc comes up against a football club. One team has invested in infrastructure and is following a plan. The other is throwing money around thinking that they can buy their way out of the mire it’s in. As Ed002 has said, we did seem to have a plan which was ruined. I’m not going into that because I do think LVG’s position was untenable and a change had to be made.

We were schooled last night. Second half so us go for it but we just did not have the quality to take advantage. Or is it a case of our manager not utilising the quality we have? I don’t know. Juve hardly got out of first gear. They have young so much space on the right during the second half as they knew he couldn’t deliver a ball to hurt them. Why on earth did we not go after cancelo? He was arguably the best player on the pitch. We lack direction and are currently ambling in no mans land.

Yesterday showed how far behind we are europe’s Elite. This is not a money issue as we have bags of it. It’s how we are spending it. This is also an identity crisis. We need to return to our roots and traditions. Pacy wingers, two strikers up top and a solid defence. Teams should fear coming to old Trafford as they know they will be under the cosh from the minute go. Yesterday Juve will never get an easier away game at a ‘top’ European side. It’s embarrassing. We have shown that we can play. The second half against Chelsea has shown that. We are so inconsistent it’s infuriating. I don’t think Jose can improve is anymore. If we aren’t going to back him then we need to shake hands and let him go. No point keeping him if we do not buy into what he wants to do.

A last note on allegri - I can't see how anybody would not want to have him as manager of united. Yes his side isn’t as free flowing as a sarri side or a pep side. But he is a damn good manager and tactically one of the best, if not the best. No guarantee he would have done wonders for us, but I’m sure we would have an identity and style 3 years down the line. And that’s the issue with Jose. 3 years down the line and he still doesn’t know his best side, the style of play we are trying to enforce.

Our football is so reactionary. We never take initiative and pressurise the opposition. Too much respect. We are too timid. We had a dynamic front three yesterday. We should have been pressing the two centre halves last night. They are both world class but they are aging. They will never have an easier night. Bitterly disappointed tbh. But can hardly say I am surprised.


2.) 24 Oct 2018
24 Oct 2018 10:23:16
Forgot to say great post DLIB. We are simply just making up the numbers in the competition. I came away feeling that we did not deserve to be in the comp. sure we qualified for it last year. But both arsenal and Chelsea would have given a far better account of themselves last night had they been in our position. At least they would have gone for it and posed a threat. I feel so detached from the club at the moment.


3.) 24 Oct 2018
24 Oct 2018 16:36:00
DLIB and Park, totally agree particularly about feeling despondent. There doesn't seem to be a plan on the pitch, a style, a way of playing. As a result, the players look hesitant and uncertain of what they should be doing. Then they stop doing anything. I think they are despondent as well.


4.) 25 Oct 2018
25 Oct 2018 15:21:55
DLIB
Said it all in your first three words.