The Football Thread

[victor meldrew]

Let the euphoria commence.

Pundits coming out of the woodwork quicker than an infestation, but remember its just one result, a good one and a fine display to boot, but then so was the 5-1 thrashing of Germany.

A good result and hopefully something to build on.

[pierrelm]

Talking of odd results: keeping an eye on the France - Germany match this evening as 'Can't Buy A Win' Germany are 1-0 up on the not at all modest World Champions at half time....

[pierrelm]

Originally Posted by victor meldrew

Let the euphoria commence.

Pundits coming out of the woodwork quicker than an infestation, but remember its just one result, a good one and a fine display to boot, but then so was the 5-1 thrashing of Germany.

A good result and hopefully something to build on.

Pickford's still a potential liability though; a different ref might have sent him off for that stupid dribble-lose posession-clumsy challenge which he was fortunate to get away with; he really struggled to get remotely near the first goal and his general pratting about at times gives me the willies. Yes, his distribution is improving, but frankly, the sooner Nick Pope gets fit and challenges, the better England's chances of keeping a clean sheet.

[djangoed]

Originally Posted by pierrelm

Talking of odd results: keeping an eye on the France - Germany match this evening as 'Can't Buy A Win' Germany are 1-0 up on the not at all modest World Champions at half time....

It isn't called a game of two halves for nothing

[Old Jud]

Originally Posted by pierrelm

At least Welbeck scores in internationals, given chance. Which under gormless Gareth, he isn't.

That's not saying a lot, Welbeck has 3 goals from his last 10 England appearances, Rashford has 4 goals from 14 games.

As for Utd, you have damn near a whole squad who struggle to be good enough to be in your first team but someone has to be. De Gea is excellent but limited - no use beyond the six yard box, but that's a MU tradition, as you've always had two steadfast, reliable central defenders who command the area. You may be able to detect a snag already?

We lack 'world-class' quality (apart from De Gea) in the team, but we have some very good players who just don't fire on all cylinders.
You imply that it is a 'tradition' our goalkeepers are no good outside the 6 yard box? Did you ever see Peter Schmeichel play for us?

You have Pogba, undoubtedly a world class something, but what, precisely, is debatable. Jose is spot on in his assessment of Lukaku, but frankly the remainder of the first team squad veer between just about competent, through to downright lucky to be there. And at Old Trafford, that ain't ever going to be good enough.

I really don't rate Pogba, an immature over-grown kid who needs to get his head out of his own anus.
Lukaku is a good to very good premier league level player who we paid world-class money for.

Regardless of whether JM stops at OT or he moves on, the future of the present squad lies with the likes of Lingard/Mata/Martial/Shaw. And if they can get him to perform, Sánchez.

[pierrelm]

We lack 'world-class' quality (apart from De Gea) in the team, but we have some very good players who just don't fire on all cylinders.
You imply that it is a 'tradition' our goalkeepers are no good outside the 6 yard box? Did you ever see Peter Schmeichel play for us?

(quote box not working btw)
Saw him throughout his career at Elland Rd and OT, as well as on the telly - brilliant shot stopper but benefitted hugely with the likes of Bruce and Pallister in front of him, he was well protected, but he still wasn't the best coming to claim crosses - Chapman used to get hammered all over the place by Pallister to protect Schmeichel, safe in the knowledge that penalties weren't an option for the opposition at OT.

Regardless of whether JM stops at OT or he moves on, the future of the present squad lies with the likes of Lingard/Mata/Martial/Shaw. And if they can get him to perform, Sánchez.

Mata's quality, I've always liked Shaw and I'm pleased he's finally getting the chance to prove himself. Lingard and Martial have the quality but don't look consistent enough to be reliable first choice players...and going back to the start, you've got about half a dozen supposed central defenders including JM signings, without any two looking like a definite first choice partnership.

[Old Jud]

Originally Posted by pierrelm

Saw him throughout his career at Elland Rd and OT, as well as on the telly - brilliant shot stopper but benefitted hugely with the likes of Bruce and Pallister in front of him, he was well protected, but he still wasn't the best coming to claim crosses - Chapman used to get hammered all over the place by Pallister to protect Schmeichel, safe in the knowledge that penalties weren't an option for the opposition at OT. [/COLOR]
[/COLOR]
Regardless of whether JM stops at OT or he moves on, the future of the present squad lies with the likes of Lingard/Mata/Martial/Shaw. And if they can get him to perform, Sánchez.

Mata's quality, I've always liked Shaw and I'm pleased he's finally getting the chance to prove himself. Lingard and Martial have the quality but don't look consistent enough to be reliable first choice players...and going back to the start, you've got about half a dozen supposed central defenders including JM signings, without any two looking like a definite first choice partnership.

Schmeichel was actually pretty good at claiming crosses, this coming from someone who used to watch him week after week. And when the central defenders failed to do their job he could tackle as well!

You are correct, the so-called central defence is woeful. We need at least two quality central defenders and a good holding midfielder.
The obvious solution is a mass clear out at OT, and if JM is to stay on then Sanchez has to go, £500,000 a week in wages for an underperformer is a joke.
A new manager might get Sanchez performing again, but something needs to be done quickly.

Lingard and Martial need more match time, they both ooze quality, they don't get the opportunities to show it often enough. As I've said previously, Rashford is a one trick pony. He might be good enough for England, he sure as hell isn't good enough for United, a shame really, he's a decent lad.

[Blue126]

I did say Man City would win the prem ?




And to all you with dirty minds...look at my name

[Meini Again]

I've always said that Gareth Southgate is a tactical and innovative football genius. He will be a Lion of the Legends as England Manager.

.............................

{So I can quote meself in the years ahead }

................................

Just going back to an old Judd post a few months ago....

During the US pre-season, Jose said (roughly) that he wouldn't expect Man U supporters to be pleased with them or attend the US Tour.
I can't remember the names of his Defenders, but my comment was that they were bloomin' awful. Obviously he toured without his WC first choices, but.... ... was that deliberate, "embarrass players to make a point about lack of transfers"

I haven't recognised the names of any of the pre-season stand-ins turning up so far. OJ's comments IIRC were that their defenders had been cr@p for years.If this is a 'political' war that Jose is fighting to get his transfer wish-list on board... I don't think he'll win against Woodward.
For a man like Jose, Defending is in his DNA.
BFS could do a better job, clean sheets alongside quality 'flair players' he's never had would have got them higher with their easy start. I'm not serious, just a sideways comment about Man Utd's defence.

[Old Jud]

Originally Posted by Meini Again

...If this is a 'political' war that Jose is fighting to get his transfer wish-list on board... I don't think he'll win against Woodward.

Nail on proverbial head Sir.

JM cannot win against Woodward, that is why Woodward has to go and a so-called director of football appointed in his place.

Woodward knows sweet FA (see what I did there? ) about football, he is an accountant by profession who thinks he knows better than one of the best managers in the business, even if JM may be past his sell-by date.