[Fully Fledged]

There's definite contact but it's made with the sole of his foot, hard to believe that would have been enough to bring him down, but I'd need someone to do it to me while I'm sprinting to know for sure.

Also it's easy for Howard to say penalty from his armchair but it's another one to give it when all eyes in OT are on you, he would know that himself, often saw him decide to make no decision during his career.

Stupid of Rojo to slide there, but even worse from Fellaini to get beaten by man and ball so, so easily.

The fact that it was the sole of his boot shows that he was on the way down before contact was made.

 

[Fully Fledged]

I was surprised for a while I thought that we were going to finish a match without the obligatory fullback substitution.
I should have known better.

 

[Floyd]

I'm really starting to get nervous now every time we get a corner. We are so ridiculous open that teams just counter attack the shit out of us, this has happened time and time again this season.

Something must be wrong with the way we set up for corners but I haven't had the time (and will) to analyze it further.

 

[ManUchosenbosslvg]

The fact that it was the sole of his boot shows that he was on the way down before contact was made.

Don't know if it's just the way you phrased that but it sounds normal to me that the sole of your back foot kicks up behind you when sprinting. You have to almost keep your legs completely stiff to avoid that.

 

[KGBhoy]

On Skysport Ref watch today the verdict is that Payet should have had a penalty. What's wrong with them. They are also saying that BFS fouled the goalkeeper for the equalizer. While you can clearly see him blocking the goalkeeper, I swear it looks like he's just pushed into him. I could be wrong here, but the whole "penalty" discussion is amusing.

You can read it here: http://www.skysports.com/football/n...-at-old-trafford-gabriel-should-have-seen-red

 

[Lash]

I can see an argument with the BFS one, but it looks too much like an accident and he doesn't have to get out the way of the keeper.

The peno is difficult, I don't think it's ever a pen, as no one runs like that. Who is running at full pelt, knocks the ball past somone and then suddenly slows down. Someone looking for contact. Not a dive as he did make slight contact, probably right decision by Atkinson (not sure I thought i'd ever say that) as he can't bee 100% sure it's a pen or a dive, so can't give anything.

 

[Stretford End Phil]

The non-pens and the general humdrum of the game aside, we were crap and deserved nothing. We got a draw by the skin of our teeth in yet another awful performance. Away against WBA was bad, against the Scousers even worse, but at home against WHU in such a crucial match the level of our play was actually embarrassing. I really hope our goal wasn't a Mark Robbins moment that saves this manager. We are now so excruciatingly poor to watch that it must change in the summer to break the mould that is fast becoming our normal style of football.

 

[KeaneSixteen]

What purpose does Fellaini serve beyond being an aerial threat? Ponderous, with the first touch and passing ability of a mole.

 

[Spock]

Agree with everything but the Januzaj point. He had plenty of chances last season and all he did was waste them with stupid decision making and sloppy play. By ALL accounts he has a poor attitude and seems to think he is a star already.

Drop him and get rid.

To be fair, that was last season. I recall only seeing Januzaj once this season and while it was a mediocre performance on his part every single player squad except De Gea has put in at least 2 or 3 performances.

As far as we know, ALL those accounts derive from ONE account, LVG's. LVG is within his right to punish players as he sees fit and maybe we don't know what a horrific attitude Januzaj has shown of late, but I think can all understand Januzaj's frustration. He scored an important goal early in the season (can't recall the opponent now) and then got sent to Germany on loan, where he rotted. He's come back but hasn't been used yet.

I'm just saying give Januzaj a chance, not a guaranteed role. If he disgraces himself on the pitch, back to the hellhole he goes. But this club is in serious trouble of even dropping out of the Europa League and we need to use every tool possible to prevent that happening. AN FA Cup appearance against West Ham was a perfect occasion to give him a start over Lingard, who's not exactly stellar of late.

 

[Spock]

Watch it again, he drags his back foot looking for it. Therefore = dive

Obvious, isn't it? Incredible that for some there's even a doubt about the dive.

 

[RaptorSlo]

Some people here would even advocate the famous Pedersen's dive as a foul and penalty.

 

[Reducation]

Not a dive as he did make slight contact...

Contact or no contact, he dived blatantly.

 

[Slevs]

What purpose does Fellaini serve beyond being an aerial threat? Ponderous, with the first touch and passing ability of a mole.

Aerial threat? He's terrible in the air most of the time.

 

[Im red2]

What purpose does Fellaini serve beyond being an aerial threat? Ponderous, with the first touch and passing ability of a mole.

Aerial threat? the mole you mentioned would be more of an aerial threat than him.

 

[Spock]

About the Blind point - I agree that we should move Blind back to mid. Problem is that LVG obviously does not trust Rojo at CB. It's not entirely wrong because Rojo is an atrocious passer. He cannot be counted on to ping balls forward quickly and that's why Blind is back there. Rojo and Smalling would definitely succumb to the high press.

Re Adnan and Pereira - just goes to show LVG is complete BS about youth. Depay has been generally poor this season and Adnan should at least be given a chance. Honestly he can't do much worse than Depay. Same with Pereira. All this BS about a small squad due to youth policy is completely wank.

As for Rojo and Blind, I'd much rather have a defender who can defend than a defender who cannot defend. Rojo is a bit of a liability for us, but he's a natural defender whereas Blind is simply not. Rojo could pass the ball to Blind, who could then ping balls quickly.

One can easily understand why Januzaj has a bad attitude now and I doubt Pereira will be far behind. None of us could blame them if either decided to pull a Pogba on us.

 

[KeaneSixteen]

Aerial threat? He's terrible in the air most of the time.

Aerial threat? the mole you mentioned would be more of an aerial threat than him.

When I wrote it, I was trying hard to find some point to him. I was giving him and whoever keeps picking him the benefit of the doubt. Someone that big should pose a threat in the air, right? There's got to be more to it than 'he's horrible to play against.' Literally flummoxed as to why he's still sweating up the shirt. Just lay rakes on the pitch for the opposing team to comically run on to, if you're looking for something to break up attacks.