[RedChip]

So judging by your logic we should have the advantage in the second leg on a good pitch,because that's our pitch?

Like my dad used to say, 'Everyone can drive a brand new car, but it takes skill to drive an old banger'.

 

[SqueakyWeasel]

But doesn't that mean they are used to playing on a surface with uneven bounce and what not. Which kind of proves what we are saying...a bad surface would suit their style more than ours.

Sorry, hands up! I got it completely wrong, was embarrassingly looking at a pre-match announcement from the club about away fan safety for Ukraine trip to Zorya Luhansk (or someone) back in November. The match is in Russia and this is their home ground so yes, you are completely right.

 

[SqueakyWeasel]

It's in Russia.

Copy of standard retraction

Sorry, hands up! I got it completely wrong, was embarrassingly looking at a pre-match announcement from the club about away fan safety report for Ukraine trip to Zorya Luhansk (or someone) back in November. The match is in Russia as you say!

oooops!

Although in my defence … it seems like there's a pattern here somewhere!

 

[Schmiznurf]

Copy of standard retraction

Sorry, hands up! I got it completely wrong, was embarrassingly looking at a pre-match announcement from the club about away fan safety report for Ukraine trip to Zorya Luhansk (or someone) back in November. The match is in Russia as you say!

oooops!

Haha, no worries man, we all make mistakes.

 

[ROFLUTION]

On a rough pitch like this.. Fellaini.. might.. be a good solution?

Let all hell break lose

 

[Damien]

I'd be comfortable playing our "usual" & strongest lineup, starting with DDG in net

Back four will be routine, Bailly is out, so Tony, Chris, Marcos & Daley

with Michael in the "cover" position

and Herrera & Pogba will both start as play-makers with a "cautious" approach, depending on how rough the pitch really is;

I'm thinking Mkhi will start regardless of pitch or weather conditions & play the number 10 role behind Ibra while

Juan will slide out to the right (and back in to the middle on a regular basis) and then it's a toss up as to whether its

Marcus or Anthony to fill the left-sided role?

... although I'd be okay including Ashley from the start, he will be willing to go forward when he can, and by playng really wide (compare to the kids)!

He's simply the best best defensive left-sided wide man we have, so including him would not be the biggest surprise to me.

You've got 12 names.

 

[PaulRich]

I've got no qualms with us turning this into a dull boring non-event - Fellaini is the option I would go with too.

 

[top1whoisman]

Who is the danger man for this lot?

Dmitri Poloz, 25-year old Russian forward (2nd striker, can play left wing as well) is one. In Europe this season (incl. qualifiers): 12 matches, 7 goals, 3 assists. Scored in both legs against Sparta Prague in the last round.

And yeah, the ”Iranian Messi”, Sardar Azmoun is another one. 5 goals in Europe (incl. Bayern and Atlético matches) this season, scored two and assisted one last weekend. 16 goals in 22 international appearances, 46 goals in 50 caps in all age groups.

 

[Mihai]

I've got no qualms with us turning this into a dull boring non-event - Fellaini is the option I would go with too.

Absolutely, we've come to a stage where results are more important than the excitement from the game.

 

[Giant Midget]

Because of the appalling pitch, I expect this to be a game of head tennis.

Fellaini at 4-4-2 with Fellaini and Ibra up top and Herrera / Pogba in the middle.

 

[SqueakyWeasel]

Since it was announced that the pitch could put someone out for the rest of the season – the amount of people on here begging for Fellaini to play

 

[Ramshock]

that pitch though

 

[Ramshock]

Since it was announced that the pitch could put someone out for the rest of the season – the amount of people on here begging for Fellaini to play

Well yes we have an unnatural hatred for the man on here.

 

[Ramshock]

Dmitri Poloz, 25-year old Russian forward (2nd striker, can play left wing as well) is one. In Europe this season (incl. qualifiers): 12 matches, 7 goals, 3 assists. Scored in both legs against Sparta Prague in the last round.

And yeah, the ”Iranian Messi”, Sardar Azmoun is another one. 5 goals in Europe (incl. Bayern and Atlético matches) this season, scored two and assisted one last weekend. 16 goals in 22 international appearances, 46 goals in 50 caps in all age groups.

Noted

 

[Ludens the Red]

Think this will be an ugly game. More and more this looks like a nightmare draw. I think we'd do well to get out of here with a draw.

 

[Yorkeontop]

These guys beat Bayern earlier this season in the CL. Give me the scoring draw already.

 

[OohAahMartial]

Think we will lose here for sure, but as long as we only lose 1-0 or 2-1 then its no problem, we can play real football back at Old Trafford. Expect/hope Jose will go full defensive and try to park the bus and get a 0-0.
Romero
Young Smalling Rojo Blind
Carrick
Fellaini Pogba
Lingard Ibra Rashford

 

[Chaky_Best]

I wouldn't play our strongest team as I think that we shouldn't play a weaker team at Chelsea or we can be destroyed once again. So use the team and I hope for a good performance tonight but I can't see anything more than a draw.

Thinking about the pitch it would be wise from Mourinho to change one or two players, including De Gea. Keepers can easily get injury with this surface.
I don't think that we'll defend much during the game so probably Young can be a good option for Valencia.
It's also a big risk but I'd play Jones in these condition.
I'd keep De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Bailly, Carrick, Herrera, Mkhi and Martial for the Chelsea game, and the return leg newt week, tonight we need warriors more than athletes

-----------------------------------Romero-----------------------------------
Young---------------------Jones------------Rojo----------------------Blind
---------------------------Fellaini----------Pogba---------------------------
Lingard----------------------------Rooney-------------------------Rashford
-------------------------------------Ibra--------------------------------------

 

[Leftback99]

Play our best team. This is far more important than the Chelsea game.

 

[FreakyJim]

At least we have the excuses ready. So nothing to worry about.

 

[klayton88]

If we win the toss we should choose to bat. Set a target early as I think the wicket will deteriorate later in the innings.

 

[Oyibo]

If we win the toss we should choose to bat. Set a target early as I think the wicket will deteriorate later in the innings.

classic, I'd give you a like if I had the access

 

[mitchmouse]

classic, I'd give you a like if I had the access

glad to know someone doesn't have a "like" icon. thought it was just me being old and stupid (someone put sixpence in the telly please)

 

[mitchmouse]

does anyone know which radio station is doing the commentary? please don't let it be TalkShite

 

[Oyibo]

glad to know someone doesn't have a "like" icon. thought it was just me being old and stupid (someone put sixpence in the telly please)

I don't even have full smily options anymore

 

[MDFC Manager]

Play our best team. This is far more important than the Chelsea game.

Yes. Winning this trophy will serve us very well for next season IMO.

 

[Mciahel Goodman]

Have a feeling we might see Fellaini in this one.

 

[Virgil]

If we win the toss we should choose to bat. Set a target early as I think the wicket will deteriorate later in the innings.

I reckon you are spot on. Mind you we will still need to win the lineouts and hold our own in the scrums.

 

[RedPed]

Play our best team. This is far more important than the Chelsea game.

Yes. Winning this trophy will serve us very well for next season IMO.

Agreed, would be gutting to go out at this stage especially with the other matchups and potential eliminations. EFL Cup and Europa League trophy this season would be perfectly fine by me.

 

[Catt]

With all the snow coming down here and the pitch in that condition I can only see a loss tonight.
Rostov - United 2-0.

 

[Wednesday at Stoke]

Going to Copenhagen vs Ajax so I'm gonna miss this one. I wouldn't complain if we come out with a draw and no injuries considering the state of the pitch.

 

[top1whoisman]

With all the snow coming down here and the pitch in that condition I can only see a loss tonight.
Rostov - United 2-0.

Snow in Norway? It’s +13-14’C in Rostov, bright and sunny!

 

[Adebesi]

Have a feeling we might see Fellaini in this one.

Ill be seriously surprised if Fellaini doesnt feature tonight, I reckon he'll start.

 

[Catt]

Snow in Norway? It’s +13-14’C in Rostov, bright and sunny!

It's affecting my mood as I can't get home from work so United will lose.

 

[sammsky1]

You've got 12 names.

after all the effort

 

[No Idea For Nickname]

Which game is Jose taking more serious? This one or Chelsea one? My line up depends on that answer. I have no idea what team to put, it's driving me crazy.

 

[top1whoisman]

It's affecting my mood as I can't get home from work so United will lose.

Ah, makes sense! Hopefully you’ll be in a better mood next week

 

[MadMike]

Which game is Jose taking more serious? This one or Chelsea one? My line up depends on that answer. I have no idea what team to put, it's driving me crazy.

I'm pretty sure Jose thinks this game is more important than the Chelsea game, even if it's easier. Europa League is a potential route to the Champions League, the FA CUP isn't.

 

[Ban]

I'm nervous the whole day cause of this game. Is that normal?

 

[Adebesi]

Which game is Jose taking more serious? This one or Chelsea one? My line up depends on that answer. I have no idea what team to put, it's driving me crazy.

Not sure about which he takes more seriously, but this is half a game in effect, being a two legged affair, so I think he will see tonight as a damage limitation exercise and play for a draw. The Chelsea game is a completely different situation and yes, I think he will have half an eye on that - for example by NOT playing Miki.

I wouldnt characterise it as him taking the Chelsea game more seriously though. If he could only go through in one I would imagine he would choose the EL.