04 Jan 2022 13:56:30
I see we're back to the usual part of the united post fergie cycle where the players are getting stick for their attitude, work rate, passion and desire which may have its validity.
But i must admit i was disappointed in Ralfs management yesterday for two main reasons:
1.) For someone who professes to want to play a distinct style of football with player playing in their best positions, it was very odd to see us switch to a back 5 with wing backs of sancho and wan bissaka when we had actual wing backs on the bench. Also having cavani play in a wierd number 10 role behind ronaldo made little sense to me.
2.) For someone who professes to prefer working with younger players as they are more mouldable to his methods, it has been odd watching cavani, matic and ronaldo all play 180 mins in the span of 3 days.
Im not blaming Ralf for any of this as he's only been here a short period of time but he does need to be braver and start making some tough decisions even if it means burning some bridges.
Contrast this with Spurs under Conte who have a defined system, way of playing and undisputed first 11 of players the manager trust in a similar amount of time. Its time for Ragnick to walk a good game after talking a good game.
04 Jan 2022 15:50:08
I understand what you say DSG and i agree to some extent. But he can't just burn bridges because he is not our long term manager. I think it's difficult because of that and futhermore because of the reputation and wages some players have. He can't burn bridges with Ronaldo for examples. If he is to leave he will leave at the end of the season rather on good terms.
04 Jan 2022 17:32:28
I liked that we changed formation in the second half because the first 45 minutes weren't working, but it's a little worrying that we changed out of this system he's trying to implement.
I know the oldies like Matic, CR7 and Cavani hardly fit into his ethos of preferring to work with younger players as they are more likely to take new systems/ tactics onboard - but he can only work with what he has.
I think McT just about edges Fred but I'd personally prefer Metic in there too, and even though we have younger strikers I've been hoping to see Ronaldo and Cavani in the same team. Rashford/ Martial are not playing well enough!
04 Jan 2022 22:06:56
This is the issue appointing an interim. He’s not going to be our manager next season. He knows this, the club know this-
So he can’t exactly get rid of everyone. I’m sure we’re having conversations behind the scenes securing our next manager - maybe Ed can shed some light on that, but either way Ralf is moving to his consultancy role in the summer.
04 Jan 2022 22:17:47
I didn't think it was set in stone that Ralf is moving anywhere in six months. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he were to stay on if he were a success, which he alluded to himself. Of course, right now he has some serious work to do to convince anyone.
05 Jan 2022 18:15:49
Biggest problem with getting rid of players on high wages is who will want them. Presume the club can terminate their contracts, but will the Glazers sanction such moves? Don't think so. We do need a clear out, but I'm not sure our owners have the appetite for this as it could cost them tens of millions.
So, the circus will carry on, new managers will come and go as the players will revolt, and the club will carry on, until new owners and a manager come in with the same vision and ambition.
{Ed025's Note - i think you already have a few players who are revolting AAA.. :)