02 Dec 2016 08:48:44
As a few have said, sometimes it's fine lines. This is reminiscent of the early 90s. Some great players, a lot of inconsistency, but look like we can beat anybody when it clicks. I don't care it was "only" West Ham. Miki and Martial were great, Carrick continues to ooze class, Herrera is everywhere, Rooney looks hungry and sharp and Jones looks solid.
THis is a good squad that only need s a couple of tweaks, if what we have plays well we will give most teams a run for their money.
Ibra is a funny one. His goals to game ratio is very good but he is still a bit leaden. There were a few neat balls played that caught him on the back foot.
02 Dec 2016 09:02:00
Oops, pressed send too soon. I guess if he keeps scoring then he keeps playing, part of me really wants to see Rashford back the team but right now he's not getting a look in.
Anyway, I'm sure thee will be more ups and downs but I think we will do well in all the cups.
02 Dec 2016 09:44:41
I feel some time in bench would do Rashford good.
Its time Martial to step up. But I always seem to forget Martial is too young too :P.
02 Dec 2016 10:25:56
I agree with most other f what you posted AJH.
I feel we should not be trying to. It big names at this moment as we will be paying extreme premium for them. Also we can't guarantee that they "really want" to play for us.
I am of the opinion that we should focus on specific buys like CB and maybe a wing back. These purchases will not make us accommodate too much changes and hope they settle down fast. They could strengthen us for our next season's challenge. Once we show the strength to challenge and become a solid team I am sure we can attract talents with lesser or no premium.
E. g. I do not agree spending over the top just to buy Neymar unless it is something Addidas insists or plays a part in the deal. Too much money to take a change in if the person will be able to adapt to the team let alone the PL's high standards these days. We have seen Di Maria and yes he is good but doesn't mean he can handle the physicality and stress.
So I hope in Jan we could just make very key purchases to strengthen the defense. Period.
02 Dec 2016 10:43:37
Sorry meant to say I agree with most of what you posted AJH ☺ï¸.
02 Dec 2016 10:57:54
We have a good squad on paper, its just translating that out onto the pitch.
We have played much better this season, confidence is lacking. Its obvious whem you consider on two or three teams have had more shots than us yet we are in the bottom three for chance conversion.
With a bit more confidence we will start putting those chances away.
I still think the team needs some serious work on the defence. Valencia and Bailly are the only ones who can say they have played well all season so far. And Valencia is in his 30's now and won't be the long or even medium term answer. I have high hopes for Shaw, but many players never fully recover from such a bad injury, getting your head in the right place is so important in this regard. Unfornunately question marks have been put over Shaw's mentality before. I hope he is able to get back, and he should be given the chance to, but we have to be prepared to accept that he might not turn out how we all hoped.
Even if he does we are still short at least one CB and a long term RB, plus squad dpeth at CB would be nice.
Carrick has proven how influencial he is, a long term replacement for him also needs to be found. So there are still areas moving forward that need improving, but we can't sign them now. So Jose needs to work on getting the mentality right and the confidence restored.
02 Dec 2016 12:05:20
Agree Shappy. Shaw will need to build strong mental as when he tackles he might have some doubts to fully commit since it broke his leg before. I can really understand that. So his recovery will need more mental support for such a outstanding young man. If he can't come back then his career will be really at stake.
Also agree on Carrick's replacement as we need somebody calm and have a certain leadership in that space. I will support the purchase of such if we can identify that replacement even if at premium pricing.
02 Dec 2016 18:50:45
Shaw put in a crunching tackle in a 50-50 on Wednesday night. I think he'll be alright.
02 Dec 2016 21:20:24
Sure he wasn't hiding a Crunchie with his tackle?
I think he'll be fine, bit of puppy fat will fall off once he gets back into it. If there is a professional attitude around the club then he will fall in line with his diet.