07 Nov 2016 15:37:51
Just want to say I back the managers comments regarding certain players and their commitment. He is spot on IMO.
Just also want to mention Rooney. It was like watching a young Rooney yesterday. He was electric. He looked quicker, sharper; and his touch was excellent. His link up play with Ibra was a Joy to watch.
I hope Wayne can maintain that kind of form. He can be a massive player for us this season playing like that.
07 Nov 2016 15:52:32
Was Rooney really that good? I thought he played better than he usually does (which has been pretty awful) but he still wasn't offering enough in my opinion. I thought we would have played much better if somebody quicker was in his position, Rashford or Martial for example.
07 Nov 2016 16:36:19
I disagree mate. I think Rooney can play that left side role very well. It encourages him to face the goal as opposed to having his back to goal. I also think the way he was supporting Ibra, lays the foundations for a very promising dynamic between the two players, which could pay off dividends for us going forward, especially when you add Pogba to that dynamic.
Just my opinion of course.
07 Nov 2016 17:33:58
I think a 3-1 win against the worst team I've seen this year, might be sending us a little hyper. I thought Wayne was decent. I don't think his first touch was anything special, and electric might be pushing it a bit, Tuor, mate. Certainly an improvement on his previous form, but let's not get carried away either.
As for the players Jose has called out. I'd be interested to know what his view would have been, if they'd declared themselves fit, then aggravated an underlying injury, which caused them to spend another spell on the sidelines. My guess is, he'd have called them out for being selfish and irresponsible. Sometimes, as some of the players are learning, you just can't win with Jose.
I know we like the idea of our players being warriors, fighting through the pain barrier, especially at a time when that attitude seems to be lacking throughout the team, but Shaw in particular is a young lad coming back from a horrendous injury, and he probably does have a lot of self-doubt at the minute regarding his fitness. I think he's a bit of an easy target to be honest.
07 Nov 2016 18:49:22
If Shaw has concerns about his injury and it is effecting his confidence as a consequence, then surely playing and getting stuck in would help repair that confidence? Telling the manager in the morning of an important game that he doesn't feel up for it because he isn't feeling right, elucidates a very weak mind IMO. Thus he should be put in the reserves until he regains that confidence, because he is no good to us at the moment. Either that or sell him.
The manager has highlighted a key flaw in the collective team psyche that does need fixing. You say that we like the idea of our players being warriors, which is true; but I for one think that any team that wishes to have long term success at the highest level does need characters that are mentally tough, and who are willing to play through a bit of pain and discomfort. Players who are aware that they are playing for one of the greatest sporting organisation on the planet - not to mention the money they are paid - and act in a manner befitting. That is what we have all been used to over the years; that is what the old boss installed in this club, which has been eviscerated over the past few years. Now, our new manager wants to install that mentality back into the club; and that won't be achieved without upsetting the apple cart.
Just my thoughts, Mate.
07 Nov 2016 19:10:26
We have our backs against the wall.
And players refuse to play, Smalling and Shaw.
If the manager comes and says that to the media, there is something seriously wrong with them.
Jones plays 90 minutes, Phil Jones! He's been out for double the time Shaw has been. He makes a mistake in the freekick in which they score.
Then the manager praises him for playing through pain.
Pogba, I was surprised to see him start.
Heard he was limping on friday and sunday he played full 90 and then he'll play 2-3 more with France.
I remember Drogba play 45 mins through a really bad injury when Ancelotti used all his substitutes at half time.
If the players fear they'll get hurt or injured again, then what one abovr poster said, they are not fir for us.
I can't see a Vidic or Ferdy or Evra or Rafael or Rooney refusing to play.
Jose had a wrong spell at Chelsea, doesn't mean he's become the stupidest manager on earth.
If he feels they can play a part, he knows what he's doing.
Swansea barely put an attacking show.
Could not have been an easier game for us.
We either have talented players that are pus***s or average players that are warriors (some literal like Fellaini) :P.
07 Nov 2016 23:54:51
Weggy. I rate Rashford and Martial but they have both been poor in recent weeks.
The fact is that yesterday Rooney played better than either of them have recently.
They both need a break as they look stale. Rashford is overcomplicating his game and Martials confidence is shot.
The real problem is that all three of those players are centre forwards and not wide players.
I am not a big Rooney fan anymore as although he is a good footballer he is neither a centre forward or a midfielder anymore. However he played well yesterday and was involved in all 3 goals.
07 Nov 2016 23:58:27
Can you imagine Bryan Robson refusing to play? No, of course not. That says it all.
I've been saying for some time that Shaw is not a United player. Get rid.
Smalling is simply not good enough.
08 Nov 2016 04:15:48
To be fair both Martial and Rashford have been hopeless for quite sometime now and both lack the vision that Rooney has.
On players making themselves unavailable, what are the Physios and doctors there for. Let them take that call. We need to have warriors, and that's why manager after manager is playing Fellaini. Jones was a brace brave boy going directly into a game without even playing for reserves.
I remember Rooney played an entire half with a broken leg against Bayern. We need more of such characters.
08 Nov 2016 05:20:11
Same old worry with Rooney and Carrick etc, they are quality players who can still shine against poor opposition but there have been considerably more instances where they have been ineffective against better quality over the last couple of years.