Manchester United Banter

14 May 2024 09:25:51
36 games into the season and Ten Hag finally changed the tactics to be more compact and solid at the back. It nearly got us a point on Sunday, but I'd imagine arsenal had another couple of gears.

My major issues with ten hag has been his persistence with the rubbish we had seen in every other game this season. Basketball matches, no control and just allowing teams to walk through midfield and have shots on our goal. A high press with a deep defence. If he had changed up in say November/ December, I reckon we could easily have another 10-15 points on the board.

I don't know if it was arrogance or naivety that the previous system would work. Constantly talking about injuries being the reason we are having such poor results, yet with a fully fit team we saw the same issues. Against arsenal, I think if we had Martinez, shaw, rashford and Bruno in that system we would've had a better chance.

Sorry if this is a ramble, but I'm just baffled at why he's finally made a change in the bloody 36th game of the season.

13 May 2024 21:48:13
Oh dear, Donny Van de Beek has finished his loan spell early and returned to the Netherlands following an Achilles injury.
That guy can not get a break, not sure we will be able to effect any sale this summer.
Think it may be best to grant a free transfer, no doubt some form of severance payment will be required.
This guy has had more luck than anybody I know, trouble is every bit has been bad.

13 May 2024 22:27:45
Why would he want a free transfer and give up his salary when injured?

13 May 2024 23:47:04
Danny, as I said a severance payment would be needed, it would then give him an opportunity to attempt making some sort of deal with another club.

13 May 2024 14:41:27
Just my tuppenceworth and maybe a bit outside the box but Mark Robins has done so very well with Coventry that I think he cannot be ignored of EtH gets the chop. He took a team which was facing relegation and has had promotions without going berserk in the transfer market - His team nearly put Man U to the sword in the FA Cup. Teuchal seems to ruffle feathers where ever he goes - Potter would need at least two seasons to build a squad - Southgate has a style of play so non-Man U that I fall asleep just thinking about it. There are no really top name managers available at the moment and how many would want to come to Old Trafford just now?

13 May 2024 14:51:58
He did a good job In previous posts too scotmoose.
The suspense is killing me on who they give the job to.

13 May 2024 16:46:53
Giving it to Erik ten hag is what I'm hearing.

14 May 2024 09:45:20
Credit to younger upcoming Championship managers like Robins / Carrick etc. They would definitely be a breath of fresh air and will come good, but I feel tactically there would be a massive gulf when coming up against the best sides and that needs to be learnt with experience rather than be thrown in at a much higher level.

13 May 2024 10:52:12
Said on here a couple of weeks ago that I notice Hojlund slips a lot when he's about to strike the ball. Right in front of goal on Sunday on his left foot and I thought just hit the target and once again, slipped. Someone needs to sort his boots out or technique!

13 May 2024 11:23:15
We need an experienced striker or 3! No point in wasting money on CB's if we can't score goals, most important players in a team and generally the most skillful.

Hojlund is a prospect and after recent displays, he should be benched but we can't, as one of the biggest clubs in world football, we do not have a viable alternative to shake things up.

13 May 2024 12:36:48
Yep, he seems to slip at the vital time too often.

There was also a time where he had his centre back pinned, but rather than turn to and get his shot away, he moved away from goal and lost the ball.

I’m reluctant to criticise him as he’s a kid working u set very difficult circumstances. But I do think he lacks that mean streak the likes of Ruud had. He was the master of pinning defenders and scoring with a hard and low shot into the corner. This is where Hojlund needs to improve quickly.

13 May 2024 12:49:45
Don’t disagree but until we give him plenty of chances per game he will struggle to improve. He is feeding off very meagre scraps so it’s hard to refine those skills.

Hopefully we improve that as we provide very little with a full squad and is an area to be addressed, amongst others!

13 May 2024 13:16:47
Wazza

I think he lacks that bit of spite and edge that the very best strikers have.

I remember during the Palace game, Mateta was marking him at corners and was full on bullying him - shoving his elbows into him and just swatting him away, but Hojlund was giving next to nothing back.

He needs to get in the grills of his opponents more, hopefully that will come.

13 May 2024 13:49:05
Ork, I noticed that against Palace too. I still think there's still room for a bit of personary such as the likes of Costa had, and I think that's a god trait of elite level strikers.

13 May 2024 18:34:06
He is a young kid being asked to play like an experienced pro and without decent support and service. Honestly Kane would struggle in this side. Give Hoijlund a break.

He needs an experienced older front player alongside him and wingers prepared to cross with accuracy.

If and when we fix the defence and midfield will be the time byto judge him.

13 May 2024 19:52:22
He is a bit clumsy and his first touch is not great. Makes runs into areas that there is no passing lane and better coming short in the box. Work in progress and first season in the pl for a new young striker always difficult.

Can't be looking to bang in it from 3 or 4 yards in and that where he usually runs to. Too many defenders and goalie for a pass to finds its way.

14 May 2024 09:27:29
I personally think that Hojlund has done well when you consider what he has been surrounded with, his age and inexperience and probably was not ready to be the number 1 striker.

He has a lot to work on and I think we will see a far improved player next year, especially if the team around him is buit better and provide him with supply.

If you look back at most strikers at his age, they all had flaws and developmental bits to work on. He is one of the brighter bits this year, let's not be too hard on him just yet.

13 May 2024 07:39:07
{Ed's Note - Shappy has posted a new article entitled, Hidden Gem Players Manchester United Could Sign