[Ronaldo's Mum Eh?]

Can anyone see Jones starting over Smalling?

 

[ManuMou]

Although last season Jose prefer to play 4-2-3-1 against small team, 4-3-3 against big team, things could change this season.

Last season, Jose didn't really have his strongest starting XI, and I think that was one of the main reasons that he tactically switched between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3.

This season, things could change. He could find both of his strongest starting XI and system/formation (not to say he won't change them). I think one of the main reasons is that Matic-Herrera-Pogba looks really good on paper. To fully utilize our midfield trio, and given that 3-5-2 is not "fully developed", Jose could start with 4-3-3, and switch to 4-2-3-1 if we need more goal threat by swapping one of the midfielder to attacker.


-------------------DDG-----------------------
Valencia----Bailly----Smalling----Darmian
------------------Matic-----------------------
---------Herrera-------Pogba----------------
Mkhi----------------------------------Martial
-----------------Lukaku----------------------

If we start with 4-3-3, I'm pretty sure this is our strongest XI, except "red highlight".

It could be Smalling/Lindelof/Jones, Martial/Rashford, Darmian/Blind

 

[ManuMou]

Can anyone see Jones starting over Smalling?

Hmm don't think so. Jose clearly prefer Smalling. One of the best evidence (altho only 1 example here) is that Jose started Smalling-Blind in EL final. (Blind was because he did good and had the momentum to play when Jones/Rojo/Bailly was injured/banned and Jones wasn't that match fit, otherwise Jose would play Smalling-Jones)

 

[Fingeredmouse]

Guaranteed Chicharito goal, so I reckon 2:1.

 

[sunama]

It would be so wonderful and weird to start with a convincing win with three or more goals. Will not happen though. Expect a slow 1:0 or 0:0 with "It's just the first match of the season, we aren't in full match modus" comments.

If the game goes wrong for us, then you are right. We will have the "it's only the first game of the season".
During preseason we had the "It's only preseason", so I fully expect that to continue as the season begins.
So, here's hoping we get off to a win.

 

[Godfather]

Herrera and Pogba need to step up big time.

 

[ManuMou]

Herrera and Pogba need to step up big time.

Herrera (together with Valencia) was our outperformer last season. I mean, he is expected t

Those that really need to step up......

Pogba
Mkhi
Martial
Rashford
Lingard ?? I hate to write his name !

These are the players who really need to step up, big time ! Otherwise, dejavu of last season......

 

[Godfather]

Herrera (together with Valencia) was our outperformer last season. I mean, he is expected t

Those that really need to step up......

Pogba
Mkhi
Martial
Rashford
Lingard ?? I hate to write his name !

These are the players who really need to step up, big time ! Otherwise, dejavu of last season......

Was more thinking of the Madrid game. I realise Herrera was very good for us last season but he looked a bit wank against Madrid.

 

[ManuMou]

Was more thinking of the Madrid game. I realise Herrera was very good for us last season but he looked a bit wank against Madrid.

That was only one game, not to mention Casemiro-Kroos-Modric is the best midfield trio right now, same level with the peak of Busquest-Xavi-Iniesta

 

[WoodysWallet]

Is their white text missing?
Let us remind ourselves of the "plenty" of goals which were scored by:
Mata - 6
Rashford - 5
Martial - 4
Miki - 4

Those are the sort of goal counts, which I'd expect of attackers in a team near the bottom of the league.
As a comparison, Lallana was Liverpools lowest goal scoring attacker. He finished on 8.

So what you're basically doing is writing off the biggest names in our squad, before we've kicked a ball in a competitive game?

 

[haram]

In EITHER position, Martial is a way better player and should be starting over Rashford

Good thing Mourinho thinks otherwise.

 

[Ramshock]

If we can keep Chicharito in check we shouldnt have much bother from West Ham.

 

[buckooo1978]

Lukaku, Mhiki and Martial to score in a three nil win

Pogba to hit the crossbar

 

[WhoDaGOAT]

Lukaku

Rashford Pogba Mkhitaryan

Matić Herrera

Darmian Smalling Bailly Valencia

De Gea

Subs: Romero, Lindelöf, Jones, Blind, Fellaini, Mata, Martial

I'd start Martial wide left, but Mourinho won't. 2-1 win.​

 

[sunama]

Lukaku, Mhiki and Martial to score in a three nil win

What logic is this based on? The same logic as "Rooney/Falcao to score a hatrick?"
Miki and Martial don't have a good record of scoring league goals.
I'll be happy to see MM (Martial, Miki) score, but I somehow doubt it.

Pogba to hit the crossbar

Now this, I do agree with.
Either that, or he will shoot straight at the keeper.

 

[Craig Ward]

Hope we keep it tight and the back and dominate the midfield.

Have to be wary, albeit only west ham but chicarito has goals and arnautivic is a good player. Keep them in check and we should be fine.

Would like to see an early goal from us

 

[Møllemanden]

It's somewhat concerning that selecting the starting 11 has to be this hard. We have very good depth in the squad but, there are too many positions still not owned by a specific player.

I would like Mourinho to field this side on sunday:

DDG
Valencia - Bailly - Lindelöf - Darmian
Pogba - Matic - Herrera
Mata - Lukaku - Martial
​

However, a Lindelöf - Bailly partnership is not realistic right now.

Come on United! We have every possibility to get a strong start in the league.

 

[AndyJ1985]

We'll start as we mean to go on...1-1 draw at home.

 

[buckooo1978]

What logic is this based on? The same logic as "Rooney/Falcao to score a hatrick?"
Miki and Martial don't have a good record of scoring league goals.
I'll be happy to see MM (Martial, Miki) score, but I somehow doubt it.



Now this, I do agree with.
Either that, or he will shoot straight at the keeper.

where does logic come into it?

my gut never lies

just hope Jose gives them the chance

 

[iKnowNothing]

Lukaku
Martial ...................... Mata
Pogba ...... Herrera
Matić
Darmian Lindelöf Bailly Valencia
De Gea

Subs: Romero, Smalling, Jones, Blind, Fellaini, Lingard, Rashford​

 

[WoodysWallet]

Can anyone see Jones starting over Smalling?

Hmm don't think so. Jose clearly prefer Smalling. One of the best evidence (altho only 1 example here) is that Jose started Smalling-Blind in EL final. (Blind was because he did good and had the momentum to play when Jones/Rojo/Bailly was injured/banned and Jones wasn't that match fit, otherwise Jose would play Smalling-Jones)

I've gone for Jones over Smalling, based on the hope that Mourinho chooses the better player of the two.

 

[Full bodied red]

We'll start as we mean to go on...1-1 draw at home.

Agree......

 

[Shark]

There definitely is a feeling that we're trying a failed formula going into this season with some of these players. Not sure Lukaku and Matic are enough to turn games like these from draws to convincing wins, but I really really hope I'm wrong.

 

[Antisocial]

We'll start as we mean to go on...1-1 draw at home.

This; the only question is who will be one to cancel-out Chicharito's inevitable goal - Lukaku seems the only option given what the other likely starters contributed last season.

 

[santeria13]

I've gone for Jones over Smalling, based on the hope that Mourinho chooses the better player of the two.

Smalling has generally been a lot more consistent and less injury prone than Jones who seems to be out of action 1/3 of the season on average. Furthermore, smallings best performances for us outshine Jones memorable performances by a country mile. Although I would agree, on his day Jones is the superior and more talented defender but he has far too many brainfarts. I simply do not feel secure when he is playing at the back.

 

[Jacky Quacky]

De Gea
Lindelof Smalling Bailly
Valencia Pogba Matic Lingard
Mkhitaryan
Martial Lukaku

Would like to see that team if Mourinho plans to continue with 3 at the back. IMO its got everything you want. But when Shaw comes back i would put him in instead of Lingard for sure.

 

[Offside]

There definitely is a feeling that we're trying a failed formula going into this season with some of these players. Not sure Lukaku and Matic are enough to turn games like these from draws to convincing wins, but I really really hope I'm wrong.

Getting a settled attack and not shuffling the attack every game will help to do that. Hopefully it happens as Jose is in his 2nd season now so can settle on an XI and we don't have those endless Europa League Thursday games to juggle.

 

[Adisa]

Martial should start.
That is all.

 

[BluesJr]

There definitely is a feeling that we're trying a failed formula going into this season with some of these players. Not sure Lukaku and Matic are enough to turn games like these from draws to convincing wins, but I really really hope I'm wrong.

This game will tell us a lot, looking forward to seeing how we handle it.

 

[ManuMou]

I've gone for Jones over Smalling, based on the hope that Mourinho chooses the better player of the two.

About this Jose "chooses the better player", really hope Jose would do so. If that's true, that means Martial would start over Rashford (many here debating whether to start Martial/Rash). Can't wait for Martial to regain his form.

If Lingard starts again.......................speechless

 

[BluesJr]

If Lingard starts this game... not a good vibe to start the season.

 

[Jaybomb]

Hernandez is a cert to score. Sadly I'm predicting a 1-1 draw. Chicharito and Lukaku with the goals.

De Gea
Valencia Bailly Lindelof Darmian
Matic Herrera
Mata Pogba Mkhi
Lukaku

 

[Eddy_JukeZ]

Must win and get off to a good start.

Our schedule is relatively easy for the first few games. Need to win them all honestly.

 

[MrSingh2002]

Want to see...

De Gea
Valencia Bailly Jones Darmian
Matic
Fellaini Pogba
Mkhitaryan Lukaku Martial

​

We'd win 3-0

 

[Mr Smith]

Controversial?

Formations' successes or failures have more to do with the players involved in the system rather than the formations themselves. Each and every formation have strengths and weaknesses, there is no one true way.

Adapt formations to fit the players, not the other way around. Of course formations and tactics are a crucial factor, but they are also different things. For example, you can play a high press with a 4-3-3 or a 3-5-2, or sit deep and go on the counter with the exact same formations. Or tiki-taka your way out of it, or play aerial/long balls… or whatever style of play prefer to play.

And yes, I'm aware that the use of space is what makes football truly tick. Alongside Carl Sagan, there is another God (ironic statement, I know) I admire, and that's his genius football counterpart, Johan Cruyff: "If you have the ball you must make the field as big as possible, and if you don’t have the ball you must make it as small as possible." – the man was much more defensive-minded than perceived.

Thanks for the links, interesting stuff! I'll go ahead and share this then too:

I agree with most of what you've said in this post, which makes your initial statement in the previous one all the more perplexing (in fact they almost read as though written by two different people). But its refreshing to know that you do understand formations are important, including the fact that you need particular players to make particular systems work. Which incidentally, was the point being made in that video explaining the advantages of using 3 at the back for United.

Cheers for the Cruyff link, was a great watch.

 

[11101]

What i hope to see:

DDG
Valencia - Bailly - Lindelof - Darmian
Herrera - Matic - Pogba
Miki - Lukaku - Martial

Fully expect to see Lingard and Fellaini stinking the place up though

 

[peridigm]

Who did West Ham

DDG
Valencia Bailly Lindelof Darmian
Matic
Herrera Pogba
Mkhitaryan Lukaku Rashford

I had to go back to Wednesday post to find someone with the same prediction. It will be a good match to give the new lads a taste of OT.

 

[cjg-888]

The Game

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

 

[Gerald G]

De Gea
Valencia--Bailly--Jones--Darmian
Matic--Pogba
Rashford--Mkhitaryan--Martial
Lukaku​

 

[horsechoker]

Hopefully Lingard starts, currently our best wide player.