14 Aug 2021 20:58:10
Observations from across the pond .

Pogba looked very interested today. Four assists on the day, he had 3 total all last season. If he's going to play like that then get him to sign extension.

Bruno was Bruno. We ran him into the ground last season and there was no reason to keep him on the pitch all 90 minutes today.

Other than his goal Fred didn't do anything. I would give McDon a look.

Let's pray McTom is going to push forward like that all season.

James has shown he's not quite good enough. Sancho will start and I'd prefer a youngster as backup.

Greenwood look like a Cavani mini me with his movement today. Guess he's paying attention in practice.

Good for us plan A worked today, since Ole has shown he has no plan B.

Great start. I'll enjoy it.

1.) 14 Aug 2021
14 Aug 2021 21:31:42
Dont need a plan b if plan A works.

2.) 14 Aug 2021
14 Aug 2021 21:53:09
There are very few if any negatives from today.

If I'm being hypercritical I thought Pogba lost his man for Leeds goal.

DDG showed several times a real hesitancy to come off his line even to the 6 yard line. Especially evident at crosses but also an issue if we play a high line as he sits too deep.

No Donny was a shame, I thought he deserves a run out. But then it's hard to question the subs or team selection when you win 5-1.

James and Fred were poor for the most part. Fred maybe slightly better than James due to his well taken goal.

3.) 14 Aug 2021
14 Aug 2021 22:36:27
There was one glaring failure to come out and sweep up a long ball that just about any modern goalkeeper would have taken care of. His reluctance or inability to engage, and thereby become an extra player field player when appropriate, holds United back and makes it harder to apply team pressure on the opponents. This side of his game has always been his weakness. Since the coaches are surely working with him to improve this aspect of his play, one must conclude he doesn't have the ability. For this reason I don't think anyone would put him in contention for the best goalie in the EPL any more. maybe not even at United.

Overall though it was an excellent performance, even if we shouldn't get carried away. Just like last season we took advantage of a team not set up to deal with our qualities. Bielsa's approach didn't work then and it didn't work today. Maybe the plan b folks should jump on him rather than Ole. It's all very well to stick with your game when you're better than the opponents, but when you aren't it's madness.

Most encouraging of all was the energy, enthusiasm, desire and team spirit. Having fans back in the stadium must surely be a factor and maybe the transfers have instilled a belief amongst the players that between them they have the ability to take on anyone.

4.) 14 Aug 2021
14 Aug 2021 22:43:42
Agree on Fred, totally absent from their goal, which left lots of space and was at fault for both their other two good chances. Had a kind of Pippo Inzaghi game, absent but pops up for a goal, but that assist was perfect, so most payers would be expected to score in that situation.

Mctominay was solid, would love to see alongside DVdB.

James was poor too, but other than that, the rest all looked good and fit, which is nice considering last season. Greenwood has the potential to be quite a player.

5.) 15 Aug 2021
15 Aug 2021 02:15:50
Fred and dan james were the odd ones out as per usual, with the possibility of de gea once again another weak link. This is the current situation unfortuantly, I believe all three would/ should not be in a starting eleven for a premiership winning side (James possibly not even a championship side) .

I do wonder wtf happens when Rashford is fit again, do we then shoehorn him in on the left with pogba in the centre? All seems a bit of a mess to me. Regardless, fantastic to have crowds back, and i can hope that the McFred partnership was specific to this one off game, :/.

6.) 15 Aug 2021
14 Aug 2021 22:58:54
I don't think Leeds was the game to try McTom and Donny. He clearly has a strategy of matching energy with his big energy guys to avoid being run over. And it worked, so can't really fault him.

He had Pogba in the floating/ find space role as well as Fernandes playing as an old fashioned 10 of the ilk of king Eric himself.

I hope donny can make that "8" role his own, and that McTom develops a more disciplined dcm style if we don't invest there.

Matic is too old, legs have long gone for a first team mainstay role in the epl.

I was impressed with mctom at CB for Scotland and feel he could develop into the dcm we need who can cover the ground and feed the ball into others quickly.

If donny is to get into this team it will be as an 8 OR coming in due to long term injury to Fernandes. Otherwise he will always be a bridesmaid.

7.) 15 Aug 2021
14 Aug 2021 22:58:54
I don't think Leeds was the game to try McTom and Donny. He clearly has a strategy of matching energy with his big energy guys to avoid being run over. And it worked, so can't really fault him.

He had Pogba in the floating/ find space role as well as Fernandes playing as an old fashioned 10 of the ilk of king Eric himself.

I hope donny can make that "8" role his own, and that McTom develops a more disciplined dcm style if we don't invest there.

Matic is too old, legs have long gone for a first team mainstay role in the epl.

I was impressed with mctom at CB for Scotland and feel he could develop into the dcm we need who can cover the ground and feed the ball into others quickly.

If donny is to get into this team it will be as an 8 OR coming in due to long term injury to Fernandes. Otherwise he will always be a bridesmaid.