30 Jul 2018 19:39:35
Sharppy - all I meant was I think many fans would benefit from some Acceptance and Commitment approaches. That is the notion that complaining, moaning, trying to change things or people (e. g. the board/ Mourinho/ style of play) - that realistically can't changed - means we run the risk of ending up neglecting our values. That leaves people feeling miserable and generally leads to suffering. Or worst case scenario fosters a toxic environment amongst fans. We all know now the impact that can have in the long term!
By trying to reconnect with our values we can live a happier life. Yes, it's normal to complain about the style of football at the moment, more so amongst Utd fans given our history. But ultimately, where does that get us if we keep going on and on about it?
Whereas I bet one of majority of fans' values is simply supporting Utd through thick and thin. If we can get back to focussing on that and the results (regardless of style of play and personel) then I'm betting people would be a lot happier overall.
But that's just my opinion and what I'll be trying to do. As I've said previously it looks like Mourinho is here for the next two seasons. After that I'd guess he will move on anyway. But I intend on focussing on enjoying our results, the new signings and any youth players getting a chance this season.
30 Jul 2018 20:17:02
Doctor
Would you say the same about the players?
Almost support the team, players manager through thick and thin.
30 Jul 2018 20:58:10
Support man utd whatever that entails. It's our club afterall.
31 Jul 2018 09:12:27
Doc, I get what your saying but I totally disagree.
That's like saying I'm English so I should you support every action our government takes even if I believe it's wrong.
I support the club, I watch every game, I cheer them on, I buy merchandise and I subscribe to MUTV.
When those players cross the white line and enter the pitch I support them, even the the ones I don't like or I don't think are good enough. I'm not a fan of Jose at United, I don't think he is the right fit for our club. But I hope he gets the result every game.
However, you say about the clubs values and staying true to them.
Well here are a few of the clubs values that are most important to me.
Playing youth and giving them a real chance. The Busby babes and Fergie's fledglings are examples of several youth players coming through together. Now I don't expect that, it's pretty rare after all. But not many clubs world wide can proclaim to have had two great generations of players come through like that. Barcelona of ten years ago, and Ajax of the mid nineties had one generation each.
I think it's important to note we have only really had real success under two managers, both brought though young players and based their sides around that youth.
We have a value of playing exciting cavalier football, yes that means we run the risk of losing games, but it's entertaining. 90 minutes of boring football where we win 1-0 to a set piece goal means I'm happy we got three points, but if I haven't enjoyed the match and I know the next game will be the same and the game after that and the game after that then I will lose enthusiasm for watching my side. As I'm not expecting good football just a result.
It's also a dangerous game to play as a manager. Klopp has far more leeway with the fans as even when Liverpool lose their fans feel like they have been entertained. They still got something out of the match as it wasn't all on the result.
I enjoy a good gloat after an important win, it's not as much fun when we have little to gloat about other than scoring a lucky goal and defending for our lives for 90 minutes. I want games where we play teams off the park, with nearly 500m spent in just over 2 years I think I'm entitled to see us play at least four or five teams off the park a season.
These are key values of the club I love, and if I see them being disregarded and pushed to the side then I feel it important to stand up and say something. As you said if we ignore the clubs true values then we lose what is important about the club.
You ask anyone from around the world to name three things about Manchester United I would expect, Give young players a chance, playing exciting cavalier football and winning trophies.
If we aren't doing those things then we aren't Manchester United anymore, just a name and a brand.
31 Jul 2018 12:23:48
Where we man United playing attacking football when we won the league souring 68 goals in 2008 with a swash buckling attacking style?
31 Jul 2018 13:35:16
There was a lot of missed chances that season ken. We might not have scored bucket loads, but there was always a sense that we could. We could be 2-0 down at half time and still feel we were in the game. If were 2-0 down at half time now all we know is we will throw Fellaini on and hope he can drag us back into the game ala Sam Allerdyce long ball style.