19 Jun 2020 23:26:14
Spurs there for the taking its was obvious to everyone that spurs would not set up to win the game but contain and sit deep yet ole still played dan james whose main asset is pace in behind the defence but he knew there would be no space yet he still played him.

Fred and mctominay all the passion and energy in the world and desire but you can not substitute that for quality and as soon as pogba came on you see the difference he is more than a level above the others. I get he wanted to ease pogba in but spurs like I said are there for the taking and he was worth the risk.

Shaws positionioning was a bit suspect at times but that can be put down to rustyness. One thing I did notice is the movement upfront is not the best, against a low block it has to be much better so many times bruno has it and no one is making the runs.

I am not blaming victor for the goal but we really do need a quick centre back next to Maguire.


1.) 19 Jun 2020
19 Jun 2020 23:37:22
It’s nice to see that Dave didn’t lose his inconsistency during the lockdown. Poor keeping for the goal and then an amazing save from Son a few minutes later. If things keep going this way, Hendo has to be in with a shout for our number 1 spot next season.

Pogba was a class above anyone else on the pitch today, but I think given the way that we played, a point is probably more than deserved. I’m now somewhat regretting my decision to wake up at 4AM to watch.


2.) 20 Jun 2020
20 Jun 2020 07:58:25
Well football is back!

I think tonight was a missed opportunity.

Spurs were predictably passive and dropped deep and we fell into the trap of playing lateral football devoid of any real imagination or penetration.

Their goal beautifully exposed all our flaws. Whilst Maguire has undoubtedly improved our defence he clearly lacks mobility and pace. If left isolated he can be horribly exposed. Playing a high line will always be a risky tactic and Lindelof perhaps lacks the raw pace to adequately cover. Maybe Bailly would have got across quicker and been able to block the shot or make a tackle?! De Gea's form continues to plummet and with Henderson enjoying a great season at Sheffield Utd some tough decisions may have to be made sooner rather than later.

In midfield Fred and Mctominay were typically energetic and industrious but lack the flair and creativity to break down stubborn defences!

James struggles without space to exploit whilst Martial and Rashford were on the periphery of the game.

I think Ole probably waited too long to introduce Pogba and Greenwood and both should have come on at HT in my opinion. From an attacking perspective the difference Pogba made when he came on was immeasurable.

I suppose it was always going to be a tricky opening fixture and whilst I'm happy we got the equaliser I can't help feeling a touch disappointed.

If we want to improve we must find a way of breaking down stubborn defences whilst remaining secure at the back. If we are going to play a high line I think we need a defensive partner for Maguire with pace and acceleration.


3.) 20 Jun 2020
20 Jun 2020 08:46:12
Think that United’s performance captures where we are in the rebuild perfectly.

Prior to Fernandes arriving, we would have struggled to create any chances against a hard working and well coached Spurs side (they looked knackered at the end! )

Also shows our need for better quality players if we’re going to challenge at the highest level (ie more players of Bruno and Pogba quality) Perhaps Grealish? Not sure. Definitely Saul.

Also highlighted the right wing problem again. James was anonymous and completely lost against well drilled defence. Sancho be ideal but recent media reports (and what Ed002 has been saying about him wanting elsewhere and his agent who ants to make lots of money out of him) have left a sour taste so maybe Chiesa fits the bill now.

Defence: Maguire turned slower than an oil tanker. Needs a whippet next to him, maybe Bailly of Axel.

De Gea hopefully rusty but bring in Romero for a few games to keep him on his toes. Henderson number 1 after another season on loan.

However, we are slowly building and, with a few decent QUALITY signings, we can maybe start challenging next year. That’s what Liverpool did: have mad a decent team that made the top 4 then purchased on signing real quality to get the brilliant team they have now.

Thought draw a fair result. Looks like United could step up a gear while Spurs at the top of their game given players they have.


4.) 20 Jun 2020
20 Jun 2020 10:53:04
Why do we need a quick centre back to partner Maguire, if you're not blaming Lindelof for the goal?

Are we expecting Maguire to constantly get caught out positionally or turned inside out (literally) by average wingers?

That was one of the worst pieces of defending I've seen from a centre back at this level.


5.) 20 Jun 2020
20 Jun 2020 10:54:06
Or we needed a quick CB next to Lindelof but instead bought Maguire who has plenty of quality but, as many pointed out, doesn't have the pace to play a high line necessary for attacking football.


6.) 20 Jun 2020
20 Jun 2020 13:51:14
Sepp Blogger - Probably because all things considered Maguire has more strengths than weaknesses. He won't get caught out every week but it's hard to compensate for a lack of pace if you want to play a high line.

I like Maguire, he defends the box brilliantly, he's strong, dominate in the air and composed on the ball. He has an obvious weakness in that he lacks pace and mobility. He can be vulnerable when exposed 1v1 especially when there is a lot of space in behind.

Football is a team game, it's about finding balance, blending players together that compliment each other thus making the team stronger.

In my opinion Lindelof is an average CB. He's not particularly quick, he's poor in the air, he lacks physicality and he is often out muscled and out manoeuvred. I don't think he's particularly good at reading the game and he can often be found wanting positionally. He's supposed to be good on the ball but I'm not convinced he excels in that department either.

I think Maguire's weaknesses can be compensated more readily than Lindelof's. I think Maguire needs a partner with pace, acceleration and anticipation in order to cover on occasions Maguire may be left exposed. I also think the goalkeeper can help by having a higher starting position and being prepared to come out and cut the space left in behind.

I agree Maguire's defending was woeful. He got caught square and flat footed and it's definitely something he needs to work on.

Without wanting to make excuses I'm not sure the drinks breaks helped. I totally understand why they were introduced but I think we struggled to find our rhythm and concentration again for 5-10 minutes after each stoppage. Their goal came shortly after the stoppage on the first goals and think it helped Spurs regroup and reorganise whilst talking the momentum out of our game.