18 Mar 2024 06:51:26
Guys, Liverpool fan in peace
Tell ya what, that was a proper Cup tie that! Great game, for the neutrals and Utd fans lol, gutted to have lost as we had chances but hey, that's a Cup tie isn't it.
One thing I'll say is that kid Mainoo looks a cracker for you, had a great game to his credit
Spurs and Villa too look like they are actually trying to give up points in the places above you too, and you get Coventry then in the draw - good weekend for Utd in in all!
Serious question lads, would you keep ETH next season? I mean, say you win the FA Cup and finish 4th, would that be a successful enough season? Especially given the ownership issues you have had?
18 Mar 2024 07:33:31
I would like to see him given a chance to see what he can do without all the chaos above him and with people upstairs who actually know what they are doing regarding player recruitment.
Less injuries would help too as you know yourselves.
18 Mar 2024 08:28:28
Morning Bill! Great game, I think this has been the best quarter finals in FA Cup History. Last minute winner for us, the Coventry game was a great and Chelsea also snatched it in the last.
Being from Coventry and following their games, they aren't a team I am taking for granted. They can score goals and we don't look the best at the back. Their following is also unbelievable so fully expect their fans to be the 12th man at Wembley!
As for ETH, I personally want to see him given another year or two with the correct structure in place. I think he is a good coach and his record at Ajax and with us last season proved that, its not been down to luck. He has the highest win percentage of any previous manager since Ferguson and had a good first season. If he struggles to improve the team under a clear play style and the right recruitment then I would agree to move him on. It seems like we are going to be pushing towards younger players in the transfer market and I think ETH has shown his ability to coach and progress younger players. Mainoo, Garnacho and Hojlund all being prime examples of players who have improved under him .
There have been posters question his leadership capabilities which I personally haven't seen any issues with. He has made big decisions when needed too. Looking at the Ronaldo, Sancho and various Rashford situations, he has handled them well. There are issues at the club that run deeper than the manager and he is handling them the best he can.
Its always the same fans throwing the manager under the bus when the going gets a little tough. They want results here and now and don't look at the bigger picture. I liken our situation to Klopp and Arteta. Both took 2-3 years to settle in the Premier League and build a team - both had worst starts than ETH. They were given time and look at what they are achieving.
There is a lot of noise on this page about how ETH should be replaced, but I am yet to see a valid argument by the same fans on who is realistically available to replace him and would be an improvement. There are circa 11 players I would move on before I even looked to move ETH on.
All the best for the rest of the season. It will be interesting to see who Liverpool replace Klopp with.
18 Mar 2024 09:08:05
I've always said ETH needs 1 more season under a better regime and still think that. But I'm even more convinced after yesterday because players at United since SAF left have been guilty of downing tools, not playing for the manager, yesterday they did not look like a team that weren't prepared to play for the manager.
18 Mar 2024 09:12:09
Good man Bill. Great game and you are right, the youngster Mainoo is something.
For obvious reasons I hope you lose all your remaining games till end of the season though lol.
18 Mar 2024 09:19:58
Morning Bill
I’d keep him for another season and see what he can do under a proper management structure.
There’s a few interesting people available but all unproven.
I’m not sure there’s a better choice out there.
18 Mar 2024 11:16:39
Hi Bill.
No I wouldn't.
Great game yesterday and a great victory. Eth did well yesterday buy 1 game and a good run in would not change my opinion.
I don't want to take anything from yesterday and mention any negative today as it would be churlish imo.
Everybody united wise should just be enjoying the win and thankfully our season is still alive.
18 Mar 2024 11:29:17
I think the opening 15 mins was the best I've seen all season from Utd, at least in terms of a style. You can see what the boss is trying to do and wonder at the possibility of how it could be with a couple of upgrades in the first XI.
Slowly lost control throughout the first half and duly punished, and probably should have gone further behind in the second half.
But what resilience to end up winning and nice to have a smile on my face after watching them. Too often our wins this season have felt a little flat or 'lucky' but could definitely see some shoots of growth.
18 Mar 2024 12:54:22
lol Unruly, I get that - my whole family are Utd and it was tough from the 90s onwards haha
With ETH, I get the 2 sides of the argument -
1. not sure what style he has implemented so far / have players genuinely improved? / has he spent well? He has spent quite a bit
2. lot of uncertainty around the club / owners are toxic - I remember Hicks and Gillette for us, pure awful / dressing room issues with a couple of players?
Think you got to ask though how would he do now the ownership looks better etc - perhaps give him next season and see how he does? Although does a good result against your rivals gloss over other performances? Honestly tough to judge the guy, be interesting if you make (or even win) the final and perhaps make top 4 though.
For the match, you started really well - we were poor and not sure why Bradley didn't start but credit you started well. Rest of the match was a typical Cup tie though wasn't it, cheers and groans from both sets of fans but a cracking game for neutrals.
18 Mar 2024 16:28:45
Good post Bill, fair summary.
On ETH, I think he's already done enough to earn a season under a better structure, but it's become clear he won't get that.
As I keep saying, people easily forget where we were when he took over, and the dire off-field issues he's had to work through.
Season 1: League cup win, FA cup final, Europa semi-final, CL qualification
Season 2: FA cup final (likely)? CL qualification (hopeful)?
This after finishing 6th and standards dropping to levels not seen for 30+ years.