31 Aug 2026 09:37:14
5 games between now and 20th Sep
3 league games then we have a 2 week intl break
Everton (a) City (h) and Fulham (a)
And midweek cup ties in CL Sabah at home and Brighton in League Cup at home.
1st really big test for Carrick with 2 games a week.
Can we win all 5?
I don't expect City to beat us at home but we do need to improve away from home 2 big league games away that we need to win.
31 Aug 2026 10:03:51
Big few weeks coming up, Ken. That defence really does worry me though. Dalot and Shaw as number1 full backs is shocking, and the cbs don't fill me with confidence either. The midfield will improve as we go, and I think will be very good.
In forward positions, we have lots of options, so I'm happy enough there. Hope we do some business at least a lb b4 the deadline, but it doesn't look likely.
31 Aug 2026 10:53:49
You do know that back 4 and team have more points than City, Arsenal and everybody else since Jan.
I agree, we need to improve, of course we do, but don't worry, Tim, it's only a game.
We are not as bad as some people worry about; the results, in the main, say something very different.
We do need more, given the fixture schedule ahead and in order to keep improving.
The defence is poor for the higher level we aspire to, but the results have been good in the main.
31 Aug 2026 12:40:10
I actually feel more confident with our defence against teams that will have more possession and will be more methodical when in possession. When we attack and commit players forward, we look vulnerable on the counter. I hope that is where Baleba will come in and make a difference. We absolutely need to strengthen defence, though.
I must admit, I'm not his biggest fan, and I've been vocal in my criticism of him, but we certainly look better when Dalot plays at rb. Would love to see a lb come in now, and then Shaw's role becoming more a cb until we can move him on. I'm not saying Shaw starting as a cb, just that's where he'll compete for.
31 Aug 2026 13:35:42
I get that, Ken. I just feel that Shaw, especially, is a weak link back there, and teams deliberately target his side. Also, can't rely on his fitness. I'm not stressing, believe me, I just think we could improve further with someone else in that position. Just my opinion, though.
31 Aug 2026 14:21:53
I'd be of the same opinion, I think everyone is, but as someone said above, in the medium term, the wrong signing is worse than no signing. Especially at United, as we have made a lot of wrong signings in the past, and they live with you longer now than before, because it's harder to get rid of them if they don't work out, and very expensive.
31 Aug 2026 15:41:43
Agree totally with that.