Kag
Full Member
I don't disagree either. Which is why I said we deserve no criticism for yesterday - we got it absolutely spot on. But I've gone to lengths to explain why I think we'll receive criticism in the future if we have performances like yesterday's second half and don't come out with the win. Nature of the beast, I suppose.Of course any tactics isn't 100% proof to work all the time but this one does, I am sure you must have read a stat as to United haven't lost a PL game after being 2-0 up at HT. In fact we have only lost 3 out of 350 odd games in PL at home where we have scored first. What do you deduce from that? It's okay to drop back and protect your lead if it's needed. I mean Mourinho went 8 years without losing a home game at 1 point, even during his time here only 1 team has beaten us at home and most will agree they're just a superior side to us.
You talk about our history and tradition, how many times did this place have a moan in SAF's last few seasons where we started to sit deep and play 'zombie football' whenever in lead? It's not a concept exclusive to the current regime.
I'm sorry but that just doesn't make any sense to me, there will always be 'ifs' and 'buts' from media and the fans if results don't come. That's how football works, it's always perfect in hindsight.
And both of them are utter idiots for it, getting dumped out of competition because of some self-righteous belief to not betray the principles to earn some brownie points is not smart. In fact it's polar opposite of it, it's extremely stupid. You play the hand you're dealt with, in all tight games/cup ties they're often decided by few mistakes and if you capitalize on it. You wait for your opponent to commit another which you try and exploit again, it's game management and Spurs failed to do that.
Also, I'm willing to bet good amount if we hire a hipster total football manager after Jose who'd play good football but lose big games/cup ties he'd get absolutely no leverage from media or the fans for 'sticking with United principles'. We fans have been spoiled for so long, we want success as well as great football. Either one in isolation and we'll continue to maon.
On the whole, I would like us to be the side with the lions share of possession in bigger games and I have big issues with how we currently play football (which we all know about). It's why I can relate to what Sam Wallace (not the other plonkers) is saying when he argues that yesterday we won the battle, however, long term it may be an issue.
But that's personal preference. I remember when we went to Anfield a couple of season's back and battered them at their own ground. It's probably why I had more patience with Van Gaal than others, because it was this sort of display that I wanted to see across the board - unfortunately a lot of the rest of it was shite.