[moodyred]

Theatre of Dreams. Loved it!

Matic - Midfield maestro. Totally control of midfield and was releasing dangerous passes forward.
Lukaku - Such powerful runs, header, shot! Monster!
Rashford - Boy has talent! Almost like a giggsy without the twists and turns. He continues to develop like that and he can be one of the best winger soon, perhaps even this season.
Mata - He was everywhere. He is so unpredictable and creates alot of confusion for the opponents.
Pogba - He really enjoyed himself. So confident and comfortable on the ball. With Matic, they are such a terrifying pair for any opposition.
Miki - Started slow, excellent for most parts after. More consistency and he will bring us up yet another level.

At 1-0, there was a part just before the half that I had concerns we would revert back to the defensive self. West Ham almost did some damage. Glad we stepped it up instead of playing it safe.

 

[Sunny Jim]

enjoyed that. Jones is very eloquent and precise with his use of language.

First time i 've seen interview with Jones. He reminds me of GNev a bit in the way he talks.

 

[chb23]

I'm going to be a bit more realist and be more like mourinho.

I think the team played well but not to the wank worthy standards everyone is saying in this thread. I can still see the same issues that plagued us last season in the game today and that was

1) movement off the ball severely lacking in the front third

2) our striker dropping deep and not staying on the shoulder looking to make runs( did a few times but more played deep). You could see sometimes when mata or miki looked forward there was no one to thread a through ball to.

3) our forward players not attacking enough. Too many times miki/mata just back passed instead of trying to turn and drive/pass forward. IMO matic was far more positive in his play than them. This is a big worry. If a DM can do it then our attacking players should be able to.

4) slow build up from the back and waiting for the opponent defence to regroup (usually they can just walk back, that's how slow it can be)


Having said that, the 2 goals really helped us where last season we would have just drawn. The last 2 goals only happened because of the 2 goals before it. With some skill from martial/pogba.

Anyway, great game. Hoping we thrash more teams in the future

 

[Shez]

I'm going to be a bit more realist and be more like mourinho.

I think the team played well but not to the wank worthy standards everyone is saying in this thread. I can still see the same issues that plagued us last season in the game today and that was

1) movement off the ball severely lacking in the front third

2) our striker dropping deep and not staying on the shoulder looking to make runs( did a few times but more played deep). You could see sometimes when mata or miki looked forward there was no one to thread a through ball to.

3) our forward players not attacking enough. Too many times miki/mata just back passed instead of trying to turn and drive/pass forward. IMO matic was far more positive in his play than them. This is a big worry. If a DM can do it then our attacking players should be able to.

4) slow build up from the back and waiting for the opponent defence to regroup (usually they can just walk back, that's how slow it can be)


Having said that, the 2 goals really helped us where last season we would have just drawn. The last 2 goals only happened because of the 2 goals before it. With some skill from martial/pogba.

Anyway, great game. Hoping we thrash more teams in the future

How did it feel when you stole Christmas

 

[chb23]

Everyone's always extreme in redcafe... I like to be around the middle

 

[Lentwood]

Most of us said it last year though, our performances especially at home were mostly good, just couldn't finish simple chances!

6th was clearly a false postion in many ways but it didn't stop the media and plenty on here getting carried away and totally writing us off. The additions of Lukaku and Matic should at least see us in a comfortable top 4 stop, if they stay fit

 

[ManuMou]

I'm going to be a bit more realist and be more like mourinho.

I think the team played well but not to the wank worthy standards everyone is saying in this thread. I can still see the same issues that plagued us last season in the game today and that was

1) movement off the ball severely lacking in the front third

2) our striker dropping deep and not staying on the shoulder looking to make runs( did a few times but more played deep). You could see sometimes when mata or miki looked forward there was no one to thread a through ball to.

3) our forward players not attacking enough. Too many times miki/mata just back passed instead of trying to turn and drive/pass forward. IMO matic was far more positive in his play than them. This is a big worry. If a DM can do it then our attacking players should be able to.

4) slow build up from the back and waiting for the opponent defence to regroup (usually they can just walk back, that's how slow it can be)


Having said that, the 2 goals really helped us where last season we would have just drawn. The last 2 goals only happened because of the 2 goals before it. With some skill from martial/pogba.

Anyway, great game. Hoping we thrash more teams in the future

It's okay.........after 4 years.......you know.......it's a long wait.......do not spoil the party for once......shhhh...

 

[Coops73]

Great game, I honestly thought this would of been a lot tougher but Matic, Pogba and Lukaku were exceptional, the whole team played well I thought and with the likes of Rashford and Martial tearing defenders new arsholes like they did I don't really see the need for this Perisic fella or anyone else for that matter and the team spirit seems really high which is great to see.

 

[Obiorahking_]

I don't think anyone had a bad game today.

 

[Robbie Boy]

http://www.football365.com/news/intelligence-pace-power-dynamism-man-united

 

[Tincanalley]

Everyone's always extreme in redcafe... I like to be around the middle

Good luck with that! Sensible and Caf, oil and water...

 

[r0663664]

Wonderful game, I thought Martial should start ahead of Rushford. I hope a few more performance like that from Martial can convince Jose that he is the man for the job. I like Mata's movement over Herrera, I would take Mata over Herrera in our home game. Herrera will provide a safeguard to the back 4 with Matic but Mata will make these clever runs that create havoc opposing back line. Great game, Martial in! Rushford out!

 

[Escobar]

I don't think anyone had a bad game today.

I loved how everyone grew into the game. We got into the flow and played very good football attacking wise whilst being very solid at the back

 

[Will Singh]

Hungover in bed watching highlights with a massive smile. Can't remember when I last did that so who ever wants to spoil the party feck you and C U Next Tuesday

 

[Treble]

My two cents.

The performance, especially in the second half when Wham gave up on their defensive tactics was excellent. Our attackers were sharp, Pogba was very good and Matic great. Overall we were good in defence. Lukaku made a difference compared to last season by being clinical: 2 goals from the first two clear cut chances.

Now, Wham didn't look particularly sharp. We are (far) more advanced in our preparation for the new season. Things will get clearer when we play better teams. I didn't quite like the performance vs Madrid but they are a fantastic team: on another level to most big clubs in Europe now.

 

[Wumminator]

My two cents.

The performance, especially in the second half when Wham gave up on their defensive tactics was excellent. Our attackers were sharp, Pogba was very good and Matic great. Overall we were good in defence. Lukaku made a difference compared to last season by being clinical: 2 goals from the first two clear cut chances.

Now, Wham didn't look particularly sharp. We are (far) more advanced in our preparation for the new season. Things will get clearer when we play better teams. I didn't quite like the performance vs Madrid but they are a fantastic team: on another level to most big clubs in Europe now.

Lukaku was more than just clinical. He's a forward in his pomp. He was quick, strong and constantly moving and adding a presence up front. He's singlehandedly gonna win us games.

 

[Treble]

Lukaku was more than just clinical. He's a forward in his pomp. He was quick, strong and constantly moving and adding a presence up front. He's singlehandedly gonna win us games.

I'd agree that his movement and pace are superior to Zlatan's. The difference wasn't only about finishing.

 

[Red Devil Rising]

Anyone else hate those ridiculous moody player cut outs Sky have started using when showing the line ups? They're utterly shit.

 

[Obiorahking_]

I loved how everyone grew into the game. We got into the flow and played very good football attacking wise whilst being very solid at the back

Likewise. I just hope everyone stays fit and We continue on this form

 

[chb23]

It's okay.........after 4 years.......you know.......it's a long wait.......do not spoil the party for once......shhhh...

Wank away! )

Good luck with that! Sensible and Caf, oil and water...

Gotta at least try... No matter how futile

 

[anothermix]

Best performance that united has shown in a long time

 

[Verbalkint]

Great start to the campaign! One good winger who can cross well and we'll be really set. Would you guys take Mahrez if he's available?

Cannot wait for Marcus Rojo to be back. If he can perform like he did last year we'll have another good defensive option.

 

[GJNJ]

Only the first proper game but a few things I took from the game.

Pogba can play in a midfield 2 with the right partner.

Matic better then most people thought in terms of going forward, passing, touch and speed along with his well known qualities in defence. He has set himself a high bench mark now.

Lukaku all round play is very good, not just the goals. Lukaku and Matic are not donkey's or anti-football.

Great attacking flair football once the team got going, lots of flicks and skill along with meaningful fast paced attacks. very entertaining.

 

[Robbie Boy]

Souness was hilarious yesterday: He couldn't say anything other than we were brilliant so kept banging on about how it's only the first match of the season, all teams are at different fitness levels etc, teams have often started well and faded, blah, blah, blah

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Souness was hilarious yesterday: He couldn't say anything other than we were brilliant so kept banging on about how it's only the first match of the season, all teams are at different fitness levels etc, teams have often started well and faded, blah, blah, blah

I have to agree with him there. Who would have thought Chelsea would go on and win the league after their first game of the season. The good thing is that for once we put a lesser team to the sword, I want to see us being capable of beating the best, especially away from home.

 

[DazT]

Great team performance. Everyone did their job and our movement was fluid across the pitch.

I honestly didn't appreciate how good Matic is. What a good player he really is. All those Chelsea fans saying we had bought a waster who was passed it. Who's laughing now! Ha Ha.

Also, to get praise from Graeme Souness on Sky was unbelievable!

 

[Robbie Boy]

I have to agree with him there. Who would have thought Chelsea would go on and win the league after their first game of the season. The good thing is that for once we put a lesser team to the sword, I want to see us being capable of beating the best, especially away from home.

I mean yeah, obviously if you think we will definitely win the league after yesterdays performance, then you might need to relax a little. But he kept on saying it and it was only because he had to have some sort of negative to say about us.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

I mean yeah, obviously if you think we will definitely win the league after yesterdays performance, then you might need to relax a little. But he kept on saying it and it was only because he had to have some sort of negative to say about us.

Think he would be hard pushed to criticise that performance. I want United to be feared again. The old 'Lost the game in the tunnel' syndrome. The squad is so strong now. If he is going to use Shaw, then surely Darmian or Blind is under threat? You can only put seven on the bench and that bench yesterday was pretty strong. Can only see Carrick/Young, when fit, being used in the cups or if we have injuries.

 

[Klopp_De_Klown]

Everyone's always extreme in redcafe... I like to be around the middle

midtable mediocrity, Ahhh so you are Stoke City

He's a forward in his pomp

Mate he is 24, his pomp is not for another 4 seasons i would say

 

[Robbie Boy]

Think he would be hard pushed to criticise that performance. I want United to be feared again. The old 'Lost the game in the tunnel' syndrome. The squad is so strong now. If he is going to use Shaw, then surely Darmian or Blind is under threat? You can only put seven on the bench and that bench yesterday was pretty strong. Can only see Carrick/Young, when fit, being used in the cups or if we have injuries.

Yeah we badly need that fear factor back. Teams used to absolutely dread coming to OT, but that went out the window when SAF retired. On paper, we have a really good squad and players like Young will definitely find it a-lot harder to get much game time this season. Darmian is handy enough to have as he can fill in at either LB or RB. Blind is also a decent player to have and he can cover a good few positions if needs be. All the talk does seem like Shaw will get the LB spot once he's back but form and injuries will dictate whether he can nail it down. I really hope he can as I like him and believe that he can become a very good player.

 

[Robertd0803]

Having said that, the 2 goals really helped us where last season we would have just drawn. The last 2 goals only happened because of the 2 goals before it. With some skill from martial/pogba.

Anyway, great game. Hoping we thrash more teams in the future

Yup, much easier to put teams to the sword once we are already in a good position instead of trying to break them down and trying to score one.

Anyone else hate those ridiculous moody player cut outs Sky have started using when showing the line ups? They're utterly shit.

They are so bad they are good, I thought they were hilarious, Matics one where hes cracking his knuckles looks like hes going to kill you Slaven Bilics one looks like he is something out of the Adams family with the weird grey tone they have added to them.

Anyway:

• 4-0-take that West Ham you horrible football club.
• Matic. Enough said.
• Lukaku scoring 2 goals was pretty satisfying. He did lose the ball a few times towards the end but thankfully didn't make much impact.
• Good to see Pogba get on the score sheet, games like this are where he should be scoring more.
• Rashfords starting to worry me with the amount of one v ones he misses.
• West Hams away jersey looks shite and like a training kit.
• More of the same next week please.
• We looked like we had the benefit of a proper pre-season, West Ham still looked like there were on their summer holidays at times. Hernandez was the only one trying it seemed.
• A nice marker to put down day 1.

 

[Adebesi]

United today: Like watching a Boa Constrictor slowly strangle the life out of its prey.

Beautiful.

 

[The Brown Bull]

Matic Masterclass.Best we have had since Keane.

 

[Ramshock]

I enjoyed yesterdays win but lets calm down. Swansea away is always a bit tricky no matter how poor they are so lets see if we can boss that game too. I suspect Herrera will come in for Mata and Pogba will be pushed up to AM.

 

[stygg]

I enjoyed yesterdays win but lets calm down. Swansea away is always a bit tricky no matter how poor they are so lets see if we can boss that game too. I suspect Herrera will come in for Mata and Pogba will be pushed up to AM.

The performance Swansea put in againt us in this fixture last year is the worst that I've ever seen in the Premier League. We'll steamroll them.

 

[Annihilate Now!]

Can see Fellaini coming in for this one for some reason.

 

[Shark]

The performance Swansea put in againt us in this fixture last year is the worst that I've ever seen in the Premier League. We'll steamroll them.

Yep. Ibra scored a beauty in that game, if I remember correctly.

 

[stygg]

Yep. Ibra scored a beauty in that game, if I remember correctly.

Correctly. And Pogba scored that magnificent volley which without a doubt is his best goal since the screamers he scored at Juve.

 

[Pass and Move]

Wow, I actually enjoyed watching us play for once.

As many others have said here, very good performances all over the pitch, although West Ham offered very little.

Extremely pleasantly surprised by Matic's use of the ball.

I'd love to see Martial on the left, with Rashford on the right and then either Miki or Mata as 10. Should Lukaku get injured then I'd even play Martial left, Rashford right, with both Mata and Miki as rotating 10s/false nines.

 

[Ramshock]

The performance Swansea put in againt us in this fixture last year is the worst that I've ever seen in the Premier League. We'll steamroll them.

Last year is every season? Hope we steam them