24 Oct 2026 21:55:47
I watched all our pre-season games, and while it was quite underwhelming, there were some very good passages of play, where our players were beating the press, one-touch stuff getting us out of some tricky positions, good first touches and accurate passing.
It was clear we were trying to hold on to the ball more, and a lot of the time, especially with Mount and Santos in the middle, we succeeded in doing that.
Fast forward, and the same group of players look like startled rabbits in the headlights, once any sort of pressure is on them. Miscontrols, wayward passing, panicking when pressed for the ball.
Which is down to mentality. I obviously don't know the players individually, but as a collective, for years now, we've shown such a weak mentality when the pressure cranks up a bit. The shirt weighs heavily on a lot of players. Always has. Some very good players never made it here because of that expectation.
One of Fergie's many strengths was putting as much emphasis on a player's character when he was thinking of signing a player. We need to get back to that. Looking for players who'll stride onto OT for their first game, and know they belong.
I don't see that in any of our players. Maybe Cunha, and there's obviously something up there.
Sorry for the long post. Just retired yesterday, so I've a lot of time on my hands just now.
24 Oct 2026 22:51:49
Or it could be they're simply not good enough.
Pre season has zero correlation to playing in competitive matches where there is less time, better and fitter opposition and the result means something.
24 Oct 2026 23:19:17
They might not be good enough to play for Utd, Eric, but they're professional footballers. They obviously have ability or they wouldn't have made a career out of it, either at United or somewhere else before.
25 Oct 2026 00:17:22
Don't apologise. Retirement is awesome!
25 Oct 2026 01:33:30
If we are really honest how many of our players would get into the first teams of City Arsenal Villa Chelsea Liverpool? The answer is none or just a few. Why do we get so little back in player sales? Because they aren't good enough
Then add that to a patently wrong way of operating in the transfer market and we end up with a mess.
In terms of character I think Martinez Cunha Mbwuemo Amad Mainoo Lammens Baleba Bruno and Sesko all have good character in terms of wanting to do well and fight. Shaw and Maguire too but those two are past their best. Mount is just too fragile. Mazraoui not good enough and Dalot too.
It's too early for me to comment on Santos and Heaven and Yoro are youngsters who shouldn't be relied on in such critical positions and wpukd benefit from a proper experienced centre half alongside them.
We will only start to see sustained progress when the defence is sorted and we get a striker to aid Sesko.
Interesting rumour that Rashford might be of interest to Everton. Talking on Talksport this week an exbCity and England defender said he is a friend of Rashford and that Rashford really does love the club and wants to do well with Utd. If that's the case and I know it's not his fav position but why not play him in the number 9 role whilst Sesko is out.
25 Oct 2026 07:40:50
Salford
I would be looking at Left Back for Rashford, Left Back at Carrington
Nou
Happy Retirement
Pre season games do not have intensity and are nothing really to judge on. I agree on Character in players, but that throws shade on Carrick for the way he has treated Cunha, who you picked out. For me we are being coached as if this was the 1990's and can't get away from that. World football has developed and individual skill in beating players has diminished. Movement, pressing and off the ball running is vital, look at the best team PSG. Carrick is out of his depth with no clear vision, no modern approach.
25 Oct 2026 08:23:26
Good post and on the money Noucamp. TJF. Welcome to retirement and the 6th OTM club. ;)
25 Oct 2026 08:29:36
There needs to be a massive reaction from the team after the midweek debacle. If not, then this bunch of bluffers should be sacked for failing to comply with their contracts in terms of effort and caring for the club, badge and supporters.
25 Oct 2026 09:29:39
Happy retirement Noucamp, i've got another 25 years to go. I thought United looked really good pre-season until they played AC Milan, then it went down hill after then.
The Leeds pre season game was a warning as well. The first game of the season against Hull, showed exactly why you can't play a high line with Maguire in defence. He is a hinderence.
Today, will either see Carrick sacked or in charge for at least another game. Regardless of my feelings on Carricks reign, I'd like him to grow a pair and assert his authority on the teqm, and drop the likes of Dalot, Maz Bruno and Martinez.
25 Oct 2026 09:44:28
Sounds daft to say but he's got nothing to lose by doing this and dropping Bruno today.
Going form game to game surviving is no way for a manager or a club to operate. If he wants to make a long term success
If this he has to control the dressing room now. And that has to start today. He's a dead man walking, so why not make a stand and see where it gets him. A 2-1 win or whatever doing the same things is not going to make any difference to his future. A defeat and he's gone.
But a defeat showing some character might save him.
25 Oct 2026 09:58:42
Happy retirement Nou.
25 Oct 2026 10:13:16
Suspect the club are trying to get to the International break in terms of the manager situation.
25 Oct 2026 10:25:28
To go through this endless cycle of sacking managers, only to eventually arrive at Eddie Howe as Wilcox's preferred choice, would be an extraordinary admission of just how little direction there is at Manchester United.
25 Oct 2026 10:47:08
Congrats, bud. Now you can really put the time into being frustrated by United.
25 Oct 2026 12:35:45
Fizz,
Howe is a decent manager but how is he best in class? Looks more like who would accept restrictions from above.
25 Oct 2026 12:59:37
Red Man,
'Decent' is about the best one can say about him. He won't have the nuts to call the anchors in the squad to heel.
25 Oct 2026 13:05:54
Congrats on the retirement, use all the time you will have as foolishly and self indulgently as possible.
As regards to the mentality side, you are quite right in that it is a hugely important aspect that needs to be a part of the recruitment process.
In fairness, a policy was introduced in summer 2025 whereby all potential signings were assessed on:
a) Personality
b) Mentality
c) Character
There also had to be a clear and stated desire by the player to play for Man Utd. No more of players like Pogba, Sancho and Sanchez whose motives were highly questionable. ££££s?
That desire was certainly shown with Mbuemo and Cunha when they made it very clear they had no wish to go anywhere else, even when they were offered higher wages. The same applied to Sesko later that window when other offers came to him. Again, he made his wishes clear.
This summer, well Baleba could not of been more obvious. As to Santos, Chelsea did say that they did not wish to lose him, but agreed to the sale only when he made it very clear he wanted to leave.
I am not sure these recent buys are the problem, it does seem to be more the old lags who are causing the problems.
Finally, don't get an allotment Stevie, there's always a pub somewhere nearby!
25 Oct 2026 10:06:44
Cheers, lads. I thought I might get a few weeks to put my feet up, but the wife already has one of her lists made. Women love a list, don't they?
Fizz, it well and truly is.
Mad Hatter, if you're in the same line of work as I was, good luck! It could be 30 more years the way things are going! ?
Anyway, it'll be interesting to see the line up, today.
I'd love to see a few changes, but I suspect it'll be more of the same.