Manchester United banter 5

06 Sep 2026 16:28:56
I thought some of our players today was very good. Shaw was good and battling performance. The ref today was very poor, real home town guy, gave up nothing. Could have blown up on the 5 mins too and he let Everton start the attack again and they scored from it.

06 Sep 2026 16:38:55
Mainoo was good, and I will admit, despite my wanting Rashford gone, he was our best player. Not sure any others played well.

06 Sep 2026 16:42:34
And what exactly is Santos good at? No idea why we spunked 50 mil on him.

All he had to do is kick the ball into the stand at the end, and the ref would have blown it up.

06 Sep 2026 17:29:42
Santos is good at a lot of things. Is he the new scapegoat?

06 Sep 2026 17:57:07
Santos, who came on in the 84th min, hmm, not sure what he is supposed to do with a few mins at the end of games, although we've probably had our pants pulled down once more!!! Re his price.

Cunha through the middle up top is not happening. That cross Rashford (who again played well) curled into the box in the 1st half. It should be a dream for any striker, but not one red shirt was anywhere near getting onto it.



Defence, Carrick has to somehow sort and sort very quickly. I thought Shaw had a decent game and offered a bit going forward, but the rest, including the keeper, were dog s***.

Can't really blame anyone for their 2nd, no one was stopping that, although I would like to point out we seem to concede quite a lot of them throughout the season.

06 Sep 2026 19:21:53
Jred3,

Utd are slow to come out and close the opposition down. There is a distinct lack of intensity and real desire to be in control of the game.

06 Sep 2026 20:26:18
MH, I do agree about the lack of intensity, mate. Long way to go, but somehow we have to improve defensively or another manager will be gone and we'll start all over again, which I certainly don't want, and probably most others don't either.

06 Sep 2026 21:17:44
Need, let's not forget we cleared the corner to Santos, who, instead of keeping the play, decided to hoof the ball.

We then didn't get out, and sat all 11 back, to concede to a shot on the edge with no one close to closing the ball down.



Every week is the same problems, and we concede easy chances.

It's no coincidence it's the same back 4 that's still here after years and years and years of shocking performances.

06 Sep 2026 16:11:56
Another dodgy performance from United. At least it wasn’t a loss!

Average of 2 goals conceded a game so far, won’t get far doing that.

So many of the players are bang average. No idea how Dalot keeps getting picked, shocking. Nice cross from Shaw. But both full backs drive me made, they never want to rush out to a winger and stop a shot or cross. And with how our back line and keeper deal with crossed they should maybe try and stop a few.

Playing with no striker and instea Cunha floating about doesn’t work. Cunha is usually everywhere apart from inside the box.

The keeper wasn’t great today. Clueless as to why he punched that easy shot away instead of catching. I was never on the band wagon of him being the answer in goal. He gets away with a lot due to being fairly cheap and not a complete idiot like Onana.

But if you’re honest, he’s not a top level keeper. You rarely win anything without a world class keeper, and he’s not that. Maybe he will be in 4-5 years, but not yet. However, he’s not helped by the headless chickens playing right in front of him. Conceding 18 shots to Everton is a disgrace.

No kind of any plan. Slow, slow and slow just like all the other games. The only time you see any kind of urgency from United is when they are behind, which we are likely to see quite often this season based on the first 3 games.

They need to get it together, and soon, or some of the better teams will have a field day against them.

Fingers crossed they put in a better performance in mid week.

06 Sep 2026 16:30:32
Was screaming all game for fullbacks to overlap. Shaw did a handful of times, and got a really good assist. Dalot is pure s****! Didn't do anything all game, as usual. Poor management after taking the lead twice, did not take control and kill the game at all. Cunha was poor today too. Very disappointing result.

06 Sep 2026 16:31:43
You can add how the full backs don't make overlapping runs to support our wingers.

I think 4-3-3 would work better. One thing that is concerning is a lack of plan B. It's like watching Southgate's England team today.

06 Sep 2026 16:32:17
That's another game where we have failed to hold on to a lead... It's happened a lot over the past few years, so it's no surprise. The common theme is that back 4! Just no composure, and they just look panicked at the end of games.

But, hey ho, the board don't think it's a necessity to invest in that area. Lots of work to do. PS Sesko has to start now, Cunha doesn't work upfront.

06 Sep 2026 16:33:33
Conceding 2 a game is a big worry for the season ahead. We're so poor out of possession. Teams harass us, get in our face... we just stand off relative to the effort the opposition show.

Subs were poor, just hold onto possession rather than defending deep and lumping it long.


Thought the whole point of our midfield rebuild was so we could control games with press resistant pass masters. So far 3 dross teams have scored 2 against us, and we've failed to control the game. Ipswich was a deceiving scoreline.

City up next, which I'm really not looking forward to.

06 Sep 2026 16:36:13
Lose to City next week, and we are 8 points off the pace after 4 games, but it's ok. Shappy says we are over reacting.

06 Sep 2026 17:18:41
The results and performances need to get better. And soon. Watching the Arsenal and Chelsea game, when United play these, it could be a cricket score.

06 Sep 2026 17:21:52
Agree, Fallguy, I'm genuinely worried about playing the big teams.

06 Sep 2026 17:32:48
Well, we won at the Emirates last season, so not sure why it would be a cricket score this season. This Arsenal game is manic because there was an early goal and Chelsea are good this season. We will get better. We were pretty unlucky today.

06 Sep 2026 21:20:11
Maybe because we look worse than last season so far, GDS2.

06 Sep 2026 23:07:03
Damn, now we are blaming Lammens. ? This fan base gives me the ick.

06 Sep 2026 13:22:39
Same back four today as Ten Hag’s first league game as manager.

06 Sep 2026 16:02:35
Utd are cheap nowadays.

06 Sep 2026 10:13:39
I may not get to see the game today, hey ho.

This is a game we should be winning. Mainoo is restored, we had a confidence building win last week creating a lot of chances, Everton had a horrible window and we need to go and dominate.

Our continuing issue is our away form, at home we have been very strong.

I am hoping Hull was a freak result and today will help us see where we are, everyone back, hopefully all fit and sharp now, I want to see energy and desire.

Predictions? I'm saying 3-1 to United.

06 Sep 2026 11:56:32
1-1. Hope I'm wrong.

06 Sep 2026 12:03:46
2-2

Everton away is always tough, no matter what they are going through. The crowd will be up for it, and Moyes will get them fighting.

United will create chances, but United's shaky back line will give up chances.

06 Sep 2026 12:09:19
Shame you can't get to see the game, hope you have a letter of excuse, Tony!

This is the type of game that can be worrisome, I think Everton will be mega pumped simply because of what happened on the last day of the transfer window.

Also, because they are playing us! It always gets them going.

You mention Kobbie, interesting numbers here. Since the start of 25/26 season we have played 40 league games.

Results are as follows:

With Kobbie starting-----Without Kobbie starting

Games 17 23.



Won 13 8.

Drawn 3 8.

Lost 1 7.

Goals for 37 37.

Goals per game 2.17 1.6.

Goals against 18 36.

Goals against per game 1.05 1.56.

Points per game 2.47 1.39.

Win % 76.4% 34.7%.

Loss% 5.8% 30.4%.

You could well say the figures speak for themselves!

Don't think it will be easy, but I do expect a win. Happily take a 1 goal margin.

06 Sep 2026 12:22:21
I think Barry's speed could be an issue for us today against our CBs. I'm hoping last week was a blip from Shaw, but he's going to have a tough day if Johnson starts, as he's in the top ten fastest recorded speeds. I think, if we play well, 2-2.

06 Sep 2026 12:38:47
Everton away is never easy, and Moyes will have them tough to break down. What we really need is an early goal. The longer that Everton can keep us out, the harder it will get for us to score.

Going forward, Everton have lost both Beto and Ndiaye late in the window and they weren't able to replace them properly.

The threats will come from Grealish, Johnson, Barry and Dewsbury-Hall. Johnson and Barry have pace in behind, and Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall are dangerous with their delivery from set-pieces, crosses and through balls.

For us, rather than trying to keep pace with Barry or Johnson, we might be better suited to looking to cut the ball in behind out at source. Ultimately, it doesn't matter if they can outpace us if the ball never gets through for them to chase.



It'll be a tough game, and we'll need to play with concentration and real attacking intent.

As with all our games this season, I am fairly confident that we will score, but less so that we will not concede.

Unless we have a mare, I don't see Everton scoring more than 1 or 2 goals at most, they are lacking strength and depth in the forward areas. So it'll come down to whether we can score 2 or 3 goals at least to take the win, and to score 3 or more goals against a David Moyes Everton side I would think we will likely need an early goal in the first 15 minutes or so to disrupt their game plan and force them to come out a little bit more and give us the space to punish them and get a couple more goals.

06 Sep 2026 13:02:41
AJH,

Good post. Unfortunately, Everton have been a bit of a bogey team for Utd. They always seem to save a performance for a Utd Everton match.

Would I be surprised for Everton to win? No.

06 Sep 2026 13:32:58
They will probably park the bus. It would help if we could score early, but even then, we're not renowned for our solid defense.

06 Sep 2026 13:34:33
2-0 Everton.

06 Sep 2026 13:56:18
Mad Hatter, not sure that's tru3, I read somewhere they rarely win against us.

06 Sep 2026 16:12:55
Well called, Fallguy.

06 Sep 2026 17:34:01
I don't think we've lost against Everton away for about 6 years.

06 Sep 2026 07:39:02
{Ed's Note - EHL2020 has posted a new article entitled, SFA Youth Minutes Plan Feels Like a Quick Fix

05 Sep 2026 21:07:40
It seems Louie Bradbury got his Stoke career off to an interesting beginning (see below).

He made his debut for Stoke's U18s this morning against Man City, a very strong start for him by scoring a debut hat trick.

Only problem was City scored eight! Stoke lost the game 3-8. What a way to start!

05 Sep 2026 07:39:02
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Liverpool v Nottingham Forest - A Quick Liverpool Perspective

04 Sep 2026 21:09:05
If there was a competion where players represented the league, would the Premier League win?

What would everyone's PL team be?

Only 2 players allowed from any one club.

Here's mine: 433.

Allison
R. James, Van Dyke, Gabriel, L Hall
Rice, B. Fernandes, Tonali
Doku, Haaland, M Rogers

(I really struggled for a LB once I ruled out Calafiori.)

04 Sep 2026 23:14:16
VVD is no longer an elite player.

05 Sep 2026 08:05:29
Raya
Porro, Saliba, Vvd, Hall
Caicedo, Anderson
Palmer, Cherki, Bruno
Haaland.

05 Sep 2026 14:57:34
Several close calls, like Anderson, Mbeumo, and others I didn't include, but this is what I ended up with.
Raya
Timber, Saliba, Murillo, Hall
Caicedo, Szoboszlai
Cherki, Bruno, Gibbs-White
Haaland.

05 Sep 2026 15:03:23
Donred, 3 Arsenal players?

05 Sep 2026 18:49:59
He's always at it, Dodgy! Bit of a cheat, is old Don. I'd say he goes out with 6 lads, has 5 pints and disappears off home when it's his round. ?

05 Sep 2026 20:47:39
Don't know why my responses weren't posted! I was looking to swap Allison in for Raya. Should have had him in there from the off, in fairness. Important to get whatever edge you can, though, Ken!!

06 Sep 2026 01:49:03
I was lazy and asked AI:

David Raya, Arsenal - 2 Clean Sheets.

Nobel Mendy, Hull City - 23.4 DA, 15.4 Clearances.

Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal - 1 Clean Sheet, 2 Assists from progressive overlaps.

Jacob Greaves, Ipswich Town - 9.6 Clearances, Blocks, Interceptions, & Tackles per 90.


Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United - 3 Goals, 1 Assist (Joint-Top Scorer).

Cole Palmer, Chelsea - Top projected FPL xG, xPts for midfielders (36.5 xPts).

Phil Foden, Manchester City - 2 Assists & high shot-creation actions.



Rayan Cherki, Manchester City - 2 Assists, elite final-third chance creation.

Erling Haaland, Manchester City - League leader in Expected Points (40.1 xPts), Golden Boot favorite.

Alexander Isak, Liverpool - 3 Goals (Joint-Top Scorer).

Cody Gakpo, Liverpool - 3 Assists, 1 Goal (League Assist Leader).

I would never have put two Liverpool players in there, but maybe the unemotional machine knows better than we do.

06 Sep 2026 10:47:38
3 City players, DB.

06 Sep 2026 12:14:59
Assuming everyone is fit.

Raya.

Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Califori.

Caicedo, Rice.

Bruno.

Semenyo. Haaland, Cherki.

Or you could just put Bruno and Haaland in the Arsenal team and be done.

06 Sep 2026 13:45:28
Lol, and that is why you can't trust AI.

I would play Mainoo in place of forensic. Because I recognize you actually need midfielders to compete, even though attacking midfielders might have better stat padding potential.

06 Sep 2026 20:34:57
I don't think you understood the mission, Fallguy.

04 Sep 2026 13:16:47
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Liverpool v Nottingham Forest - A Quick Liverpool Perspective

04 Sep 2026 21:16:58
Reading this i was thinking about the brilliance (as you say) of Gibbs White. I too agree he is a very goodz or potentially top player. Ed001 and posters, do you think he can be the long term replacement for Bruno ; I think he was supporting us when he was a child

{Ed001's Note - he is probably the best possible option as of now to do so. That is a good shout that.}

05 Sep 2026 07:36:22
His contract expires 2028. I think he will move next summer. I'm not sure whether Utd will try and develop Lacey this season, with a view that he could replace Bruno long term.

I was surprised MGW didn't go to the WC.

05 Sep 2026 13:10:02
Thanks Ed001. Do you think he would be a good addiction Mad Hatter ;

05 Sep 2026 18:52:20
I think he is a super player, Heaven. Great attitude too. His delivery from wife areas is top class. Very underrated imo by many.

05 Sep 2026 19:48:10
I think we'd all like to see his wife areas.

05 Sep 2026 19:56:04
I agree, Ken, although he must make the next step, I think, if he is to be the Bruno successor.

06 Sep 2026 06:42:35
Heaven,

He would definitely be up there as a choice to replace Bruno, especially if he doesn't sign a new contract. I've always been impressed with his work ethic and eye for goal.

03 Sep 2026 20:37:04
Talking of signing free agents, what about Carvajal? Obviously 34 now, but experienced and arguably still an upgrade on our right back options.

04 Sep 2026 01:39:19
Hasn't got the pace to live with flying Premier League attackers.

04 Sep 2026 10:07:57
And the rest of our back line do?

04 Sep 2026 10:37:51
JD, Maybe not, but adding another player lacking pace into a league that is faster and more physical than what he has previously played in is probably not the best idea, especially when that player is 34 and doesn't have the time on his side to adapt.