Our squad is NOT sh*t

wolvored

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Why not try Lukaku from the right. He loves a ball in front of him to run onto. He can cut in and shoot as hes mainly L footed. He can also cross well.
Sanchez Rashford and Martial can vie for the left and up front positions.
 

OldPop

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It's half the team exchanged and it probably doesn't happen in a single year. I also think there may be a risk that the club feeling in the player squad can be damaged if so many are changed at the same time.

Two or three new players feel more realistic, they are probably not that easy to get either, and probably very expensive. Which positions we can strengthen depends on what's available on the market, but the ones you pointed out are probably where they are most needed.

Then of course we don't know what happens before the season ends with DDG, Martiall and maybe someone else, or if someone would be long-term damaged. The needs can change quickly.
 

M4nu4Life

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All need replacing
Mata
Jones or Smalling
Young
Valencia

Matic is past it, I am not sure Herrera is good enough .
Fellaini is not good enough .

We are still a few years away from challenging for the title .
 

Kag

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Our squad is very good. Not perfect, but packed full of talent with attackers that can score goals.

Parasites on here argued otherwise in defence of a scumbag. Those of us that argued otherwise were right all along.
 

Greck

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Squad isn't perfect but Ole has given us a template and made it easy to see what needs improvement. Under Jose everything was so dysfunctional we would diagnose a new area of the pitch every week as being the problem
 

Rob

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Well, doh. It was Mourinho’s greatest achievement convincing some of you that you can’t play decent football with guys like Martial, Rashford, Lingard, Pogba etc
 

NLunited

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It was painfully obvious it was the coaching stifling the players, we have a very good squad with at least six absolute top players and a lot of good squad players. They can play football and are encouraged to do so now.

Now we have to get the right manager, someone like Allegri would not be a good fit.
 

sunama

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We have been a CB and RW away from challenging since last season, but the resident caftards believed that nothing could stop the coaching god Guardiola.

Our squad is top 4 quality, with a few signings making us title challengers. But there are many people that think we could challenge for the league now which is simply false!
Agreed on all accounts.
Against lesser teams, it is now obvious that our team can win with ease. Under Jose, this was not the case.
Under Solkjaer, we have not yet come up against a top 6 side. When we do, it will be interesting to see how our team does.
 

BaneIsPain

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We still need top top CB which is not wrong since our last manager requested for that position
 

Slik

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...but they played like it for many games, and then forced their manager out and now it's all better.

Can't help but remember Pogba losing the ball 4 feet in front of himself and watching the defender take off with it. Anyway, he probably won't try to get rid of Ole this year (plus an interim manager won't have any authority anyway).
You think he just goes about getting rid of managers for fun?
 

Sterling Archer

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Squad isn't perfect but Ole has given us a template and made it easy to see what needs improvement. Under Jose everything was so dysfunctional we would diagnose a new area of the pitch every week as being the problem
Absolutely. It will be very telling when we play the top six sides with the attitude we currently have going.

What's going to be interesting is to see this squad develop and mature over the rest of the season. I'm actually feeling more optimistic than wary of the tough fixtures ahead .
 

RAVred

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Our squad is shit though. We still have the likes of Young and Lingard starting

Those players arent necessarily shite, but they are mediocre starters. For Herrera/Matic they are fine as they hustle and help defensively; if pogba is on form we dont really need them to contribute offensively that much. I dont think we can realistically improve our midfield much more and it shouldn't be a focus.

Our defence is pretty shite, particularly centre backs. Centre backs are inconsistent as feck, right now Lindelof has been in the form of his life and really improved, but next week he may become bambi again. The same applies to the likes of Bailly who has had great form at times but never really carried it on and still has moments of rashness in his game.


You can back the club and at the same time want improvement in your starting lineup.
 

Ferguson

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The salvation of the club has been the youth teams: Rashford, Lingard, Pogba. The club's tradition of attacking football has been preserved by the youth.
 

ash_86

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What i don't understand is that, we all agreed that our players needs coaching on the final third. Each were playing like they've met others for the first time. How is it's now clicking all of the sudden without any coaching?
 

amolbhatia50k

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Our squad is shit though. We still have the likes of Young and Lingard starting

Those players arent necessarily shite, but they are mediocre starters. For Herrera/Matic they are fine as they hustle and help defensively; if pogba is on form we dont really need them to contribute offensively that much. I dont think we can realistically improve our midfield much more and it shouldn't be a focus.

Our defence is pretty shite, particularly centre backs. Centre backs are inconsistent as feck, right now Lindelof has been in the form of his life and really improved, but next week he may become bambi again. The same applies to the likes of Bailly who has had great form at times but never really carried it on and still has moments of rashness in his game.


You can back the club and at the same time want improvement in your starting lineup.
You can want to see improvement in something that clearly and evidently isn't 'shit'.
 

championo

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What i don't understand is that, we all agreed that our players needs coaching on the final third. Each were playing like they've met others for the first time. How is it's now clicking all of the sudden without any coaching?
I feel Mata and Fellaini if both start will have us playing like we were under Jose for stretches of the game. They are slow with the ball. Mata actually has useful skills but our attack is now predicated on speed.
To answer your question, I think we are putting players out there who naturally understand each other's movement. It is all about the chemistry and Jose either got it wrong or intentionally did so to prove a point to get his way.
 

SpyLuke10

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Our next title winning side:

--------------De Gea

[Dalot?] Lindelof [New CB] Shaw

------------[New CDM]
-------Herrera------Pogba

[New RW]---------------Martial
-------------Rashford

Bench: Romero, Smalling, Young, Fred, Lingard, Mata, Lukaku

I genuinely believe we are a top quality centre back, CDM and right winger away from being able to win the big trophies. Possibly a right back depending on how Dalot progresses. Matic is alright but he is a tad slow and his marking is a bit poor. Hes a pretty good passer but we need better in his position. He can be a squad player, along with Bailly, Pereira, Tuanzebe and Grant. Centre back and right winger are self explanatory, everyone who follows United has known this for quite a while now. I rate Shaw as our left back and Young as a backup left back and right back (not as a starter though) but I'm not sure about Dalot yet and how ready he is to become our first choice right back. I hope come next season he is ready to hold this position in our team.

If they haven't yet been mentioned, then its because I don't see them as a part of our future going forward, at least if I was in charge (aside from youth players like Chong, Greenwood and Gomes).

Loan out Fosu-Mensah and McTominay again.

Sell Darmian, Jones, Rojo and Valencia (not good enough/too injury prone/both) as well as Sanchez (not good enough for the sort of wages he is on, he is on too much wages and is screwing up our wage structure, get him off the wage bill) and Fellaini (I personally think hes good enough to be a squad player but I just don't think he will fit our style of play going forward and getting him to leave would be rather symbolic imo).
 

ExoduS

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Yeah man, off course it isn't sh1t. Just thinking of Lingard, Martial, Rashford, Pogba and Lukaku working in sync gives me goosebumps. If Matic keeps sending balls forward fast like today where is the ceiling?
We already have a great keeper and only thing we really need is a leader in defense. It is ridiculous how one player in defense with leadership skills can do.

Mata is all right and what if Sanchez all of a sudden starts playing better!? Man o man. Fellaini as a super sub?

Man our squad is good, really good. We have 4 players that are World class: Pogba, Sanchez, Martial and Rashford.

I really can't see what Liverpul has that is much better than we have? Nothing. Just a better coach. All respect to Salah and Firminho but Martial/Rashford are right there when it comes to skill/talent. They don't have Pogba like player.

If someone puts this team into sync with addition of 2 above average signings we should be kicking ass next year.
 

ash_86

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I feel Mata and Fellaini if both start will have us playing like we were under Jose for stretches of the game. They are slow with the ball. Mata actually has useful skills but our attack is now predicated on speed.
To answer your question, I think we are putting players out there who naturally understand each other's movement. It is all about the chemistry and Jose either got it wrong or intentionally did so to prove a point to get his way.
You have a fair point but i have seen this same squad playing multiple times under Jose to no effect. Jose also leaves the final third decisioning to the players themselves and they would take the ball the ball to the final third and look clueless. I use to think this was because they need a coach who drills in what needs to be done in the final third. Now way Ole did this in span of a week. Maybe it was always a confidence issue?
 

Greck

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You have a fair point but i have seen this same squad playing multiple times under Jose to no effect. Jose also leaves the final third decisioning to the players themselves and they would take the ball the ball to the final third and look clueless. I use to think this was because they need a coach who drills in what needs to be done in the final third. Now way Ole did this in span of a week. Maybe it was always a confidence issue?
Pogba and Shaw have emphasised the difference since Ole left. Pogba also lamented a lack of movement when Jose was here. Even to the naked casual eye we have absolutely improved tactically under the span of a week by implementing attacking basics like movement, pushing up and high pressing. Additionally we are no longer married to a clumsy targetman system
 
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championo

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You have a fair point but i have seen this same squad playing multiple times under Jose to no effect. Jose also leaves the final third decisioning to the players themselves and they would take the ball the ball to the final third and look clueless. I use to think this was because they need a coach who drills in what needs to be done in the final third. Now way Ole did this in span of a week. Maybe it was always a confidence issue?
Ok, I now understand you, but Ole preaches attack, Jose preaches defensive duties first and as you said, he only expect attackers to go forward. That limits the options upfront. Ole's style only works if the those forward assist in tracking back like they did today to work. If they don't, we can lose big time.
 

ash_86

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Pogba and Shaw have emphasised the difference since Ole left. Pogba also lamented a lack of movement when Jose was here. Even to the naked casual eye we have absolutely improved tactically under the span of a week by implementing attacking basics like movement, pushing up and high pressing. Additionally we are no longer married to a clumsy targetman system
Ok, I now understand you, but Ole preaches attack, Jose preaches defensive duties first and as you said, he only expect attackers to go forward. That limits the options upfront. Ole's style only works if the those forward assist in tracking back like they did today to work. If they don't, we can lose big time.
I could see it now. The problem we had was always multi faceted i suppose. Making channel runs and receiving the ball alone was useless unless the players bombarded forward and made themselves available. Probably this was the issue under Jose where we were parked quite deep and by the time support arrives the attacker is pushed off the ball or crowded out. It's incredible what we've achieved just in over a week's time.
 

Greck

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I could see it now. The problem we had was always multi faceted i suppose. Making channel runs and receiving the ball alone was useless unless the players bombarded forward and made themselves available. Probably this was the issue under Jose where we were parked quite deep and by the time support arrives the attacker is pushed off the ball or crowded out. It's incredible what we've achieved just in over a week's time.
It gets even worse day by day to think with a squad of Martial, Pogba, Rashford, Lingard, Sanchez and Mata the best attacking system Jose could come up with was using Lukaku/Fellaini as targetmen.
 

ash_86

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It gets even worse day by day to think with a squad of Martial, Pogba, Rashford, Lingard, Sanchez and Mata the best attacking system Jose could come up with was using Lukaku/Fellaini as targetmen.
No shit. Gives me shivers that i was invested in his antics for way to long.
 

Hamadovich86

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Definitely not a shit squad but not a title winning squad either. If you believe SAF when he says that defenses win titles then thats not a title winning defense. Mourinho tried to make excuses when it came to playing well and attacking but hes right to point out that our defense is fecking leaky. Need an actual top CB and we need to get rid of at least three of the current ones.
 

amolbhatia50k

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What i don't understand is that, we all agreed that our players needs coaching on the final third. Each were playing like they've met others for the first time. How is it's now clicking all of the sudden without any coaching?
It's not just about coaching but also the tactical set up and mindset with which we approach games. Coaching the players into better versions of themselves and the team to elevate everybody can take time and effort through coaching (if the manager is capable), but a shift in terms of tempo, high press, bodied in the box, fullbacks high up, relentless attack mindedness etc can be brought in fairly quickly. How well that is executed of course depends on various factors. In our case it has been pretty smooth although against lesser opposition. But still, impressively smooth. But it isn't the same as coaching the intricate details into the players which would always take time.

It's like with Klopp. He entered and immediately you saw the team press high up and try to play the way he wants them to play. However it took a long time to work on the finer apsects, buy players etc to get them challenging.
 

amolbhatia50k

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Also it has to be said that the shift is as great as it is because of how dysmal our season was under Jose which wasn't a true reflection of our team.

On the main crux of the thread, of course our squad isn't shit. It was obvious to everyone who wasn't getting carried away by the mismanagement taking place at the club this seaosn. Mourinho himself played a big role in misleading people enough to benefit his own reputation.
 

Roboc7

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We had a flawed squad that was being led by a terrible manager who seemed more intent on proving a point than fixing or improving anything.

Small changes in a short period of time have made a huge difference, a few good signings and some work on patterns of play means there is also potential for more to come.
 

Slevs

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Why not try Lukaku from the right. He loves a ball in front of him to run onto. He can cut in and shoot as hes mainly L footed. He can also cross well.
Sanchez Rashford and Martial can vie for the left and up front positions.
Because he's not going to be able to control a pass, turn quickly, and take his man on before the defending team gets 11 men behind the ball. Martial and Rashford can do that, Lukaku can't.

No problem if he drifts down the right during the game and interchanges positions and qhips in a dangerous cross (which he has), but to start on the right wing is suicide. He'd leave the right back uncovered the entire game.
 

stepic

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It’s not shit but I’d like to see the new approach tested against better competition first before getting too ahead of myself. There is still huge gaps in the starting 11 to start with.
 

C'est Moi Cantona

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Assuming new contracts are signed, & Sanchez can turn things around, then I'm happy with most areas of the squad, but not for the reasons Jose had us try and believe, it's fairly clear now that until a new CB (or two) and RB are brought in we are going to struggle defensively, lesser teams we can out score, the bigger ones will be licking their lips imo.

Not a massive fan of January signings, even less so now things are so uncertain, but if we could do some sort of loan deal for someone experienced then I'd hope we do.
 

harms

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Our squad isn't but our defence is imo.
Bailey is chaos,Jones is brainless,Rojo causes me to panic.
Lindelof cant mark and Mike is.....well Mike.

/
EDIT seconds after i wrote this Bailey does that :lol:
And yet Bailey still plays for Leverkusen.
 

gica_7

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It is definitely not sh*t but, the recent games we played are the ones that we can hide our weaknesses. United still need to invest heavily while getting rid of deadwood. In some cases, when the manager changes, underperforming players might pick up their performances. Just like what we are seeing with Lindelöf. But, United have too many players who past their primes and won't be able to turn that around.

We still need to invest in all areas in our back 4. We need to invest in a Matic replacement, a ball distributor maybe, a natural right wing. Depending on the academy promotions, these might change but that's the picture I see. Also, it won't happen in one window but, my choice would be getting rid of Young, Valencia, Rojo, Fellaini.
 

OldPop

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Because he's not going to be able to control a pass, turn quickly, and take his man on before the defending team gets 11 men behind the ball. Martial and Rashford can do that, Lukaku can't.

No problem if he drifts down the right during the game and interchanges positions and qhips in a dangerous cross (which he has), but to start on the right wing is suicide. He'd leave the right back uncovered the entire game.
First I thought to protest against your conclusions, Lukaku has done well from the right side sometimes, but when you pointed out the problem with the right back I have to agree. In any case, until we get someone who is better and above all faster at that position.
 

JohnnyKills

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No, it's not. Mourinho sold us this lie to make himself look better and his apologists gladly swallowed it.
 

Bobcat

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Its pretty cleat that our defense needs upgrading in most areas. Valencia/Young are getting old and are not good enough really, Dalot is a kid and Darmian is barely a footballer. Rojo/Baily/Jones/Smalling are just brainfarts and injuries. That leaves Shaw and Lindelof, not exactly world beaters either
 

Rory 7

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None of our defenders would get in the City, Liverpool, Chelsea or Spurs team. And when you look through the rest of the squad, hand on heart, how many would get into those first teams. That’s the problem for me. We’ve fallen behind.
 

MJJ

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None of our defenders would get in the City, Liverpool, Chelsea or Spurs team. And when you look through the rest of the squad, hand on heart, how many would get into those first teams. That’s the problem for me. We’ve fallen behind.
Haven't city being playing delph at left back for a long while, plus I don't see mendy being better than shaw overall. Liverpool maybe although I still think bailly would be great alongside VVD whereas not that impressed with chelsea defenders barring azpi.
 

maverickjesus

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Its obviously not shit but there is still work to be done.

Front 3, I think if we can nail down Martial long term and actually get some production from Sanchez on the right, having Martial-Rashford-Sanchez with Lukaku/Mata/Lingard etc rotating in is a very competent base to form the attack around.

Midfield wise, Pogba-Matic-Herrera seems to be the best option at the minute, but it gets a bit thin on the ground behind that - Fred is unproven in the PL, Pereira is a question mark, and feck knows where Fellaini fits now. Would at least like a more mobile Matic replacement ready to go.

Defense is still a shitshow. Shaw is fine at LB, but has nothing behind him. RB is a dumpster fire with only a very wet behind the ears Dalot in the future plans. CB is probably worth keeping Smalling and Lindelof, maybe Bailly on the bench until he gets his head straight, everyone else needs firing into the sun.

Assuming all that holds, I think as minimum you need a top drawer CB to base the defense around, extra bodies at LB/RB and ideally a DM as well. If Sanchez doesn't pan out maybe a RW also.
 

EireRed_GS

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Been saying this for a long time.. The majority of our players can go out there and tear other teams apart. But we do still have a few duds, particularly in defense, that shouldnt be still at the club. these are where we need to refresh. But Jose focused on keeping them strangely.

Unfortunately a serious amount of people bought into Jose's bullsh*t that we had a completely crap squad. Most good players will look poor under bad advice, motivation and tactics
 
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