[LouisDanGaal]

That would be true, but why didn't it stop Mourinho playing the likes of Fellaini after he was serving up useless performance after useless performance and hampering the whole team?

I think he just saw a weakness in Miki's game and it grew in his head without a base in reality. It wouldn't be the first time.

As for Miki himself, it's hardly surprising the Bundesliga's top assist provider might be quite good in this league too. His movement and running, even off the ball, is exactly what we need.

I think you treat some of the good players who aren't playing well differently. If you drop an average player for playing average that doesn't really mean anything, it doesn't send a message out and by playing out of form superior players ahead of them doesn't create competition for places. The minutes players like Lingard and Fellaini have been getting not only give them confidence but also has put that fire in the likes of martial mkhi and earlier in the season Herrera before he secured his place. If the players rise to the challenge they get their place, but now they know they won't keep them if they don't perform. Its pretty straightforward management but looking on from a fan it can be frustrating when its so obvious players such as martial and mkhi are two of the most talented players in the squad.

Having said that Pogba and Ibra seem exempt from that rule and I can only conclude it is because they have very different more ego driven attitudes than others in the squad, They are very talented, very special players and I think Mourinhos attitude to these is ' I trust you, go do what I've brought you in here for' I don't have a problem with that as different players need different management, Cantona for instance never received any criticism from fergie. Mourinho gets the psychology more than anyone else and I can only assume he is doing the right thing.

 

[goin4glory]

How Mourinho still puts Lingard out ahead of him I'll never know. Guy just oozes class.

 

[Man of Leisure]

He's the key to where we'll finish in the table. Ultimate playmaker. Love the bloke and can't wait until he finally scores his first goal.

 

[criticalanalysis]

I just had an exciting thought.

Imagine all those triangles and inter-plays with Pogba and Zlatan

Technique, one touch, pace and power

 

[Wooly Red]

I don't think it's a coincidence that the number of goals come when Mkhitaryan is playing. I've always wondered why the heck he's not been playing! I do hope he gets dropped when you all face us again.

 

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

I don't think it's a coincidence that the number of goals come when Mkhitaryan is playing. I've always wondered why the heck he's not been playing! I do hope he gets dropped when you all face us again.

Yeah, when you see performances like that. Really makes you wonder what the hell he was doing to be so unfavourable.

 

[Borden]

Hopefully Mourinho now stops taking the Mkhi out of his team selections.

 

[Loublaze]

Should start against Everton, that will be a good test for him and he's earned it. Brilliant game against West Ham

 

[prath92]

Like Pogba sometimes you feel that he will definitely lose possession due to pressing but it's like the ball is glued to his leg or something.

 

[kouroux]

Hopefully Mourinho now stops taking the Mkhi out of his team selections.

I'm sure it won't be long enough before he is a starter in the league too. Mourinho is pragmatic, if he sees a player deserves to start for his performances, he will give it to him.

 

[kafta]

In his last game, i felt he was too eager to impress. Today, he seemed more relaxed and focused on his game. Always looks like creating something. Needs to start.

 

[AgentP]

Everyone here is going to go mad when he is dropped for Lingard or Rashford again this weekend. In his current form, he should be starting all games. He wouldn't be having any fatigue either because he has barely played this season.

 

[Fracture90]

I imagine Mourinho won't get any plaudits for how hes managed him. He's played him in the right games and eased him in properly, now we have the real Micky firing on all cylinders. He's done the same with Martial and Rooney, gave them some time on the sidelines and they've come back with some fire on their bellies.

So we just gonna pretend that the City game never happened? Game where he was thrown into fire coming off from an injury.

 

[ivaldo]

So we just gonna pretend that the City game never happened? Game where he was thrown into fire coming off from an injury.

We bought a 27Mil pound player, I think we can forgive Mourinho for thinking he wouldn't die on his arse don't you? He evaluated the situation and has managed him brilliantly from there on out.

 

[Fracture90]

Just seen the highlights and the way this guy oozes footballing intelligence is something special. That backheel for Zlatan's goal was pure brilliance.

He hit the ball the inside part of the left heel so that the ball would be going away from Zlatan and make it easier for him to pick it up and control.

Pure genius move.

We bought a 27Mil pound player, I think we can forgive Mourinho for thinking he wouldn't die on his arse don't you? He evaluated the situation and has managed him brilliantly from there on out.

It's confusing, so you want us to overlook that bad judgment now?

You said Mourinho should be getting praise for easing him to play but he feked up with his judgment for Citeh match.

Mikhi was sharp as fek against Hull too when he completley changer the game in 15 mins he was on

 

[Lyricist]

We bought a 27Mil pound player, I think we can forgive Mourinho for thinking he wouldn't die on his arse don't you? He evaluated the situation and has managed him brilliantly from there on out.

"Brilliantly"?? Sorry but I think that's laughable. Watch his response from last night where the reporter asked him if he feels like the time out has helped him to get up to the pace of English football.

Imagine Ibra or Pogba being bought and being in the stands and not even on the bench with people like Memphis for 3 months. When they come back after having had 0 chances previously, and suddenly show you that they have great talent, would that be down to "brilliant" man management by Jose? Or would that be due to the fact that outstanding players tend to give you outstanding performances every now and then?
Mkhitaryan was one of the best players in Europe last season. It's highly quenstionable if the choice to leave him out of the squad so far this season actually led to better games and more points, then had he been allowed to play at least every once in a while. With the other wingers' performances so far, do you really think Mkhitaryan would've been much worse, even in bad form??

Can't believe Jose is getting a free pass on this. Was it brilliant man management with De Bruyne back at Chelsea?

 

[VanGaalEra]

 

[Adam-Utd]

His turning circle, little steps and acceleration are so hard to stop. I love the way he stops defenders, then suddenly runs around the corner with the ball and plays a 1-2 and slips away. So hard to stop if you aren't prepared for it.

The best thing is he's still got some improving to do also, could have released the ball to Rooney/Ibra much earlier in an attack in the 2nd half.

He's been great in the last 2 games he's started. With Rooney out on Sunday it has to be Martial/Mata/Mkhi/Ibra IMO.

 

[MadDogg]

"Brilliantly"?? Sorry but I think that's laughable. Watch his response from last night where the reporter asked him if he feels like the time out has helped him to get up to the pace of English football.

Imagine Ibra or Pogba being bought and being in the stands and not even on the bench with people like Memphis for 3 months. When they come back after having had 0 chances previously, and suddenly show you that they have great talent, would that be down to "brilliant" man management by Jose? Or would that be due to the fact that outstanding players tend to give you outstanding performances every now and then?
Mkhitaryan was one of the best players in Europe last season. It's highly quenstionable if the choice to leave him out of the squad so far this season actually led to better games and more points, then had he been allowed to play at least every once in a while. With the other wingers' performances so far, do you really think Mkhitaryan would've been much worse, even in bad form??

Can't believe Jose is getting a free pass on this. Was it brilliant man management with De Bruyne back at Chelsea?

It wasn't 'brilliant' man management from Jose. But it wasn't anywhere near as bad as some are going on about.

He was injured, and when he came back we were in the middle of facing the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and City again. Would it really have been good management to throw him in against them, considering how badly he wilted against City the first time? What if, coming back from injury, he struggled against the hard pressing top quality teams again? Wouldn't that have increased the pressure on him further, potentially doing more damage to his confidence than not playing in the first place? And of course, everybody on here would have been saying Jose made the same mistake again and hadn't learnt from the first time.

Now as I said, I don't think Jose has been 'brilliant' with him. I don't think he should have been thrown in against City in the first place (and I'm not just saying that with hindsight), and I do think he should have started getting games immediately after that tough run of games was finished. But it's not like that was ages ago. It was literally only four games and a few weeks before he started getting his chance.

 

[MadDogg]

That would be true, but why didn't it stop Mourinho playing the likes of Fellaini after he was serving up useless performance after useless performance and hampering the whole team?

Fellaini started the season well and was playing in most of the matches. Since his form dropped he's barely started either. Only one start in the last 8 matches.

 

[PlayerOne]

He links up with Valencia well too, which is a big bonus. Surely starts the next game now

 

[Carlsen19]

He HAS to start against Everton. Got a feeling he won't though and this place, including me, will go into meltdown. There's only so long Jose can keep overlooking him for infinitely sub-standard alternatives.

 

[Lyricist]

It wasn't 'brilliant' man management from Jose. But it wasn't anywhere near as bad as some are going on about.

He was injured, and when he came back we were in the middle of facing the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and City again. Would it really have been good management to throw him in against them, considering how badly he wilted against City the first time? What if, coming back from injury, he struggled against the hard pressing top quality teams again? Wouldn't that have increased the pressure on him further, potentially doing more damage to his confidence than not playing in the first place? And of course, everybody on here would have been saying Jose made the same mistake again and hadn't learnt from the first time.

Now as I said, I don't think Jose has been 'brilliant' with him. I don't think he should have been thrown in against City in the first place (and I'm not just saying that with hindsight), and I do think he should have started getting games immediately after that tough run of games was finished. But it's not like that was ages ago. It was literally only four games and a few weeks before he started getting his chance.

Fair enough, I can understand this opinion.

 

[RedEM10]

A joy to watch this man play, it really is. I think Phil Neville said the perfect thing last night regarding his performance. Not only does he bring energy and creativity to the team himself but his style/energy is infectious on the rest of the team. It brought out the best in the players around him. Looked very fluid in attack last night and could have been an ever bigger scoreline

 

[Eckers99]

Our play around the box is much quicker when he's involved. His movement and touch are really good and he always seems to release the right pass at the right time. He's a really good, intelligent footballer. Really promising.

 

[Sparky10Legend]

I'm still angry it's taking this long for him to be properly involved

This.

 

[11101]

Fellaini started the season well and was playing in most of the matches. Since his form dropped he's barely started either. Only one start in the last 8 matches.

I wouldn't say well. He was ok, and definitely looked like a square peg, but Mourinho kept playing him.

 

[Pexbo]

A joy to watch this man play, it really is. I think Phil Neville said the perfect thing last night regarding his performance. Not only does he bring energy and creativity to the team himself but his style/energy is infectious on the rest of the team. It brought out the best in the players around him. Looked very fluid in attack last night and could have been an ever bigger scoreline

Reminds me a little of Park in that respect. There's an urgency and pace to his game that forces a bit of haste out of others. Those counter attacks with him, Martial and Rooney reminded me of how Park, Nani and Rooney used to break.

 

[Stacks]

That would be true, but why didn't it stop Mourinho playing the likes of Fellaini after he was serving up useless performance after useless performance and hampering the whole team?

I think he just saw a weakness in Miki's game and it grew in his head without a base in reality. It wouldn't be the first time.

As for Miki himself, it's hardly surprising the Bundesliga's top assist provider might be quite good in this league too. His movement and running, even off the ball, is exactly what we need.

I feel this too. He paid far too high a price for a freak 45 mins which could happen to anyone.

Turns out the 2016 Bundesliga PPOTY is acutally good. Shock

 

[PlayerOne]

Reminds me a little of Park in that respect. There's an urgency and pace to his game that forces a bit of haste out of others. Those counter attacks with him, Martial and Rooney reminded me of how Park, Nani and Rooney used to break.

Agreed. He sets the tempo, makes everyone around play quicker

 

[itso 7]

I feel like when we are in good form and dominating he will be one of our best players. However when the going gets tough I can't see him being a good option. I hope I am wrong though because I am desperate for him to excel at United, he is a very likable chap and looks to me like he is desperate himself to succeed here.

Which is a whole lot better than fielding players who are shite even when we are on top and contribute nothing.

 

[Hernandez - BFA]

Great game from him. Popped up everywhere. Was happy to see him subbed too - surely means he's starting on Sunday.

 

[NoLogo]

I feel this too. He paid far too high a price for a freak 45 mins which could happen to anyone.

Turns out the 2016 Bundesliga PPOTY is acutally good. Shock

For me Kevin De Bruyne (also a Bundesliga POTY) always comes to mind. Mou seems to take offense about certain aspects in players and they are pretty fast on his shitlist. He then goes public about concerns about these players attitudes and if they are willing to fight and work hard for their starting spot they'll eventually will get it if they just want to move to another club instead Mou is willing to let them go without a second thought. I said this before but I think it's Mou's tactic to weed out the players he doesn't see as tough enough or with the necessary desire to succeed.

But for some reason I feel Mkhi won't give up and just move back to Dortmund or another club but fight for a starting spot with us and in the long run Mou will probably honor his commitment.

 

[RedChip]

I really like him. Pleasantly surprised by his passing ability. Fingers crossed: Could eventually be fantastic for us.

 

[RedEM10]

Reminds me a little of Park in that respect. There's an urgency and pace to his game that forces a bit of haste out of others. Those counter attacks with him, Martial and Rooney reminded me of how Park, Nani and Rooney used to break.

Yeah, there are certain players who just have that effect on players around them. Think he has got to start Sunday now after how he has performed lately. Can't see Carrick starting again based on how he has used him so far, so Pogba in for Carrick and Mata in for Rooney. Would be delighted to see it done as simple as that

 

[Adam-Utd]

For me Kevin De Bruyne (also a Bundesliga POTY) always comes to mind. Mou seems to take offense about certain aspects in players and they are pretty fast on his shitlist. He then goes public about concerns about these players attitudes and is they are willing to fight and work hard for their starting spot they'll eventually will get it if they just want to move to another club instead Mou is willing to let them go without a second thought. I said this before but I think it's Mou's tactic to weed out the players he doesn't see as tough enough or with the necessary desire to succeed.

But for some reason I feel Mkhi won't give up and just move back to Dortmund or another club but fight for a starting spot with us and in the long run Mou will probably honor his commitment.

Arguably he did the same with Rooney. He felt they lacked effort and heart, he dropped them to the wilderness and they've come back fighting. That's a good sign.

Other's like Memphis haven't shown that and he's going to be shown the door.

 

[BringNaniBack]

Superb player. He is a chance creating machine. Always picks the right pass. As many others have already said, he simply HAS to start against Everton.

 

[dwd]

Does anyone know the lyrics to that chant we've started singing for him? It sort of sounds like something about him being a pescatarian but I could be wrong.

 

[sunama]

Yeah, when you see performances like that. Really makes you wonder what the hell he was doing to be so unfavourable.

If rumours are to be believed, after the MCFC game, he said to Jose to transfer list him.
Maybe Miki got pissed off at Jose for subbing him at half time. Who knows. But something definitely happened behind the scenes.

 

[Ole90+3]

Does anyone know the lyrics to that chant we've started singing for him? It sort of sounds like something about him being a pescatarian but I could be wrong.

Oh oh Mkhitaryan
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
He's our midfield Armenian