Strange? Players are still human. They're going to be affected by the weather. It's not as if Brighton outplayed us second half. We still had the better chances, but I wasn't surprised that both sides looked tired and cold. The crowd were much quieter too today for the same reason. It saps your energy.
Time For Ole To Show His Mettle
- Thread starter Rado_N
- Start date
Another match we wouldnt have won under Mourinho.
We do need to make use of Fred, Mata, Sanchez eventually (hoping to keep the press). I also think the current players that start need to use the ball and keep it better than they are doing late into the games.
Saying that, its another game where we had chances beginning of second half and failed to take.
And one I wasnt worried about losing under this manager (whereas even at 2 nil under Jose I would have been meh, we might draw)
Saying that, its another game where we had chances beginning of second half and failed to take.
And one I wasnt worried about losing under this manager (whereas even at 2 nil under Jose I would have been meh, we might draw)
The freezing weather is on both teams and in every game currently you know
The playere just got lax and thought it was done. They could have been punished by this and I'm sure they learned their lesson.
I totally agree and don't understand why some posters are giving you hard time.
There is no way that our coaching staff hasn't noticed the trend. 100% certain it will be something we address.
Pogba becomes a passenger when we let our foot off the gas. He ends up being a gaping hole in midfield in defensive transitions and we need to either a) keep our foot on the gas (poor fitness/motivation/experience) or b)sub fresh central midfielders on to cover the holes Pogba makes - ie perreira/Fred/mctominay.
As it is right now, Ole and co seem to think that getting Lukaku on keeps some sort of pressure up front and switching our wingers (martial/Lingard) into more defensive roles (mata/rash) is a good solution to kill off games. It’s not. It does nothing to address our late game problems. It’s pogba being absolutely garbage at defensive discipline when needed. Pogba has said it and you’ve all seen it today and against spurs. Remember one of the first 2 games with ole we scored 4/5 goals it’s bwcause we subbed perreira and Fred on in the last 20 minutes and we immediately shut down the opposition through the centre of the park where Pogba is MIA.
Ole hopefully has the intelligence to learn this and take it on.
As it is right now, Ole and co seem to think that getting Lukaku on keeps some sort of pressure up front and switching our wingers (martial/Lingard) into more defensive roles (mata/rash) is a good solution to kill off games. It’s not. It does nothing to address our late game problems. It’s pogba being absolutely garbage at defensive discipline when needed. Pogba has said it and you’ve all seen it today and against spurs. Remember one of the first 2 games with ole we scored 4/5 goals it’s bwcause we subbed perreira and Fred on in the last 20 minutes and we immediately shut down the opposition through the centre of the park where Pogba is MIA.
Ole hopefully has the intelligence to learn this and take it on.
You cannot ask anymore of the team at the moment. Ole is doing everything possible to keep the momentum but is handicapped by the depth of quality in the squad. It showed in the second half at Spurs when we were under cosh and just about managed to hold on ( mostly due to DDG ) The big problem is we do not have enough good, in form players to come on when we're getting tired and see the game out. This will be more apparent when we play the better teams in the PL and CL.
Are you actually arguing that what was seen as a joke of a defence last season are vastly improved with the addition of VVD? If so then you should have your argument with the goals conceded stats, not me.
I don't think we are as fit as the likes of City and Pool and it shows later in games now we are running more.
Subs need to be 5-10 mins earlier too.
Subs need to be 5-10 mins earlier too.
I don’t think there was too much to complain about today, missed a few golden opportunities and struggled to contend with the aerial threat when they went to 4 up front.
That said, they didn’t really have any decent chances to score and we had loads so I’m still happy.
That said, they didn’t really have any decent chances to score and we had loads so I’m still happy.
I think expecting a team to play better than the opposition for the entire 90 minutes every single game of the season is a little unrealistic. I don't think SAF ever managed that even in the glory years.
There will always be a period of the match where we're gonna be under the cosh, whether it's the last 20 minutes or the first 20 minutes doesn't matter. As long as we don't concede more than we score, it's all good.
'You score 2, we score 3'.
There will always be a period of the match where we're gonna be under the cosh, whether it's the last 20 minutes or the first 20 minutes doesn't matter. As long as we don't concede more than we score, it's all good.
'You score 2, we score 3'.
I have to disagree with that. We played very well against Spurs... playing away, against a high quality team, who were bang in form. We outplayed them first half, and kept them out second half. Sometimes you earn your luck, and no one would suggest we did not deserve to win that game.
As I stated in today's 'Post Match' thread, remember, we do have a squad that has some limitations to it ok. Some players, may simply be unable to step up to the levels and expectations of such a club, because, and this is where I absolutely agree with you, we have to get rid of these bad habits, not seeing a game out, working as hard, and becoming sloppy. That IS NOT the Man Utd way.
I was surprised when Ole said he wouldn't sign anyone this Jan. I think we could definitely do with a couple of new faces.
I really want Sanchez back and fully fit.
We were in complete control for 70 minutes should have been 4 goals up. The players tired, Brighton scored a random goal out of no where. That’s all. We were great up until then.
This is a Brighton team who have performed against all the big teams. They are not a team that ever gets battered.
This is a Brighton team who have performed against all the big teams. They are not a team that ever gets battered.
Performance wise we have imo. Reading was a bit rubbish, Spurs we looked decent in first half but wasted attacking opportunities before getting battered in the second half, then today was lethargic and we rode our luck again against Brighton after leading 2-0. We were time wasting and hanging on against Brighton.Are you being serious or trolling?
Even against Newcastle we weren't great.
We didn't even run much today tough, compared to the first few games under Ole. We played the ball too slow again too, it feels like we're slipping slowly back into old habits.
What are you on about ? We did press we had 80% for huge periods of the game 20 shots etc. We controlled completely until the last 15.
You can see how physically tired the team looked
Problem is more we don't have runners to bring on in the second half. Lukaku and Mata are slow.
SAF would've brought on players like Park, Fletcher on to keep up the energy. We don't have any of those. Really a great move would be bringing in a top RW and moving Lingard to that Park-like role.
SAF would've brought on players like Park, Fletcher on to keep up the energy. We don't have any of those. Really a great move would be bringing in a top RW and moving Lingard to that Park-like role.
You seriously watch us today and think we are slipping into old habits ie Jose era?
It's not even ole team, its not like he's had a chance to change much except get the players playing and enjoying the football and getting us back into the mix.
Convinced people have an unrealistic outlook at how we should be playing every game.
6 wins straight is incredible in my eyes considering how we where before ole came in. Been an attacking side bar last 25minutes against spurs we are generally creating most of the attacking chances and dominated play especially with the clear issues at the back..........
Brighton are a tough team to crack, we scored two first-half goals and then conceded a shock goal in the second half.
Personally, I didn't see anything to suggest they would take a draw from the fixture other than the tight scoreline.
Personally, I didn't see anything to suggest they would take a draw from the fixture other than the tight scoreline.
Said it before and I'll say it again, for some on here, anyone who isn't Klopp or Pep will never be good enough. I'm sure there's some hoping for some poor results so they can go " I told you so, we're still poor". Why can't we enjoy the win and the fact that we actually have a chance at the top 4 which 2 months ago noone on here thought was possible?
There isn't an obvious way we can improve the team from the bench at the minute - agree with the comment about runners and I think Mata came on today with a view to keeping the ball
Maybe if Sanchez gets fit it gives us an option and perhaps Fred could have some on with us switching to a diamond with Herrera and Fred offering energy and cover wide.
Not a lot of quality on that bench though in fairness and that's what needs addressed. In terms of quality we are far too reliant on Pogba and Rashford at the minute and it's going to catch up with us
Lingard's movement and link up was superb last week - today didn't seem his most effective game and that sums him up really. Martial has been inconsistent lately. Young will always give you and attacking performance with mixed results and Dalot didn't look at good on the left I felt.
There's still a brittle feel to our defence- When Jones missed that header Dalot should have been tighter. Matic was his usual limited self and he and Herrera offer no control when a game gets tight
the only answer to me really in the short term is trying to do some work in the transfer market. Ole has 5 months to win this job - he might not ever get another chance at a job like this and he needs to do all he can.
If I was Ole I'd be torturing Woodward to do some business - a CB and a RW first priority but if he can't he could get in what he can in the other positions of concern
Maybe if Sanchez gets fit it gives us an option and perhaps Fred could have some on with us switching to a diamond with Herrera and Fred offering energy and cover wide.
Not a lot of quality on that bench though in fairness and that's what needs addressed. In terms of quality we are far too reliant on Pogba and Rashford at the minute and it's going to catch up with us
Lingard's movement and link up was superb last week - today didn't seem his most effective game and that sums him up really. Martial has been inconsistent lately. Young will always give you and attacking performance with mixed results and Dalot didn't look at good on the left I felt.
There's still a brittle feel to our defence- When Jones missed that header Dalot should have been tighter. Matic was his usual limited self and he and Herrera offer no control when a game gets tight
the only answer to me really in the short term is trying to do some work in the transfer market. Ole has 5 months to win this job - he might not ever get another chance at a job like this and he needs to do all he can.
If I was Ole I'd be torturing Woodward to do some business - a CB and a RW first priority but if he can't he could get in what he can in the other positions of concern
Yes, difficult to see what more Ole could have done until now. Brighton are not a joke side and when we played then in August at the Amex, we were complete and utter shit. Today we were at them from the off and deservedly ahead at HT..
The players are struggling to maintain the pace and energy Solskjaer wants and he doesn't have the squad to bring on subs who can maintain that intensity. Player fitness will improve under him but he's not responsible for the squad at his disposal.
We are three points off fourth which, to me, was unimaginable a month ago. I think he's done exceptionally well and I'd bet has already identified what he needs and the dead wood he wants shot of if he gets the job full time..
After the ghastly football we've played these last few years, I'll take Solskjaer's United every day of the week.
Great post.
Nah, I’m just winding you up.
I agree. Our performance levels have dropped quite a bit. We still have a long way and we seem to be riding our luck at the moment. Against Newcastle, we looked open, at home to Reading we let them dominate, Spurs probably should have taken a point and we weren't impressive over all today. Our two biggest issues are sitting back inviting pressure and the complacency. We need to be ruthless.
This is actually a very good point but it's not just Pogba that struggles when we're under pressure. The defence start losing balls and and get deeper and narrower inviting more crosses . the midfield changes in that first game worked very well allowing us to keep the tempo up so I'm not sure why we've stopped those changes.
Considering Pep and Klopp is what we should be competing against, we absolutely should expect a manager of similar calibre.
It looked to me like a drop in concentration from the 65th minute. @Red Dreams reckons it’s fitness due to The Sacked One’s style of play, which is a good assessment. Spurs and BHA both pressed hard from that point and we wobbled, which suggests a deliberate play on their part. We rode our luck but not unexpected - but I think it will improve.
Was at OT today. We dominated for the most part but weren,t clinical enough in front of goal, came close with Martial and Pogba and that was just unlucky. We made them look pretty ordinary until they scored and then they really gave it go. We survived. 3 much needed points. Young was really not good today.
I actually thought Dalit did ok.
As for Lindelof almost creating a goal for Rash I believe. He looked fantastic going forward, are we sure he’s supposed to be a defender?!! Just great to see,
Anyway fans were in a good mood. Lots of singing. We need to improve of course, but you have to sometimes grind out those results.
We need another solid midfield player.
Could also see that we looked a bit tired, we are not going to get much fitter now in 5he middle of the season. All that should have taken place in preseason. Anyway, we carry on
I actually thought Dalit did ok.
As for Lindelof almost creating a goal for Rash I believe. He looked fantastic going forward, are we sure he’s supposed to be a defender?!!
Just great to see,Anyway fans were in a good mood. Lots of singing. We need to improve of course, but you have to sometimes grind out those results.
We need another solid midfield player.
Could also see that we looked a bit tired, we are not going to get much fitter now in 5he middle of the season. All that should have taken place in preseason. Anyway, we carry on
We did okay today, a win is a win no matter how it's acheived, 7 out of 7 for ogs, nice one. We are in a nice position in the league now to put pressure on chelski and arsenal for that 4th place spot, plenty of games left and both teams to face us.
Defence is our shortcoming and while we have the same personnel in the defence who we all know are just not good enough we will always look wobbly at times when put under pressure.
Jose wanted a new centre back so the boys who play that position must know they are not up to it. Southgate doesn't think Smalling is up to it yet United can't seem to agree. Jones and Smalling and Bailly are not good enough, injury prone, poor techinically and should be, no must be, moved on at end of season.
Linderlaugh can stay as a bench warmer as he won't be in top money and nobody with half a brain wuld buy him from us.
Lets dump the gooners out of the cup on their own patch and then we can see if Ole has learned anything.
Defence is our shortcoming and while we have the same personnel in the defence who we all know are just not good enough we will always look wobbly at times when put under pressure.
Jose wanted a new centre back so the boys who play that position must know they are not up to it. Southgate doesn't think Smalling is up to it yet United can't seem to agree. Jones and Smalling and Bailly are not good enough, injury prone, poor techinically and should be, no must be, moved on at end of season.
Linderlaugh can stay as a bench warmer as he won't be in top money and nobody with half a brain wuld buy him from us.
Lets dump the gooners out of the cup on their own patch and then we can see if Ole has learned anything.
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People are giving him a hard time because he is advocating using the hair-dryer against players. The premise is that players are lethargic and not giving their 100% after 70 minutes. It doesn't make any sense because the same players helped Ole set the record for 7 consecutive wins.
The issue clearly is a lack of physical conditioning to play a high intensity game for 90 minutes. To solve it, Ole needs to observe how players are recovering from games and patiently tweak the training regimen. In the short-term, he needs to rotate more - specially midfielders like Herrera who depend on their engine to be effective.
We tend to jump to conclusion that someone under-performing must not be "trying hard enough". Ole must me more matured than that.
What about lack of discipline in players if they are not fit to keep same intensity for 90 mins?
Show me where I said they're not trying hard enough.
Why would Solskjaer need to use the hair -dryer then? It was knee jerk and that’s clearly what you were hinting at.
What are your expectations of Pogba? And same question for Ander and Matic?
I dont think you realise how much he is involved in our attacking play. Put it this way, since Ole has been around, Pogba has been involved in more goals and has had more shots than any player in any team in the league. Now imagine we struggled to create anything today, would you say “Ander and Matic are lacking attacking discipline and need to give more”?
I personally think we lack control, we are either attacking or defending and it eventually this leads to tiring. It reminds me a lot of Liverpool last season. Last season Liverpool were great in periods and moments and could blow a team away in the first 25 mins of a half, but if you withstood that then you always had a chance against them.
We did concede that goal. but I thought overall we defended well.
As you say Phil. We will improve. We are coming together well as a team.
Our players don’t lack discipline.
It's not a good thread TBH. There's not much else ole can do. Apart from using subs a bit more we're playing exactly how we're supposed to be- a top 4 team. Some brilliant strengths but also some weaknesses. Old habits is when we start playing like midtable team like we were first half of this season. With more time on training ground and few personell changes we could be going somewhere.
Everytime we have bad spell in match we don't need to find excuses such as "attitude", "lack of trying" "complacency" etc and use of hairdryer. It's another step in process of becoming top team. City were switching off a lot a few years ago , ditto Liverpool. They didn't become this strong without overcoming some hurdles. And I don't think they managed 7 in a row either.
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Unfortunately we really don't have players who fit into that style to come on bar Sanchez possibly... Lukaka looks lazy when he comes on, mata always exposes us for all he tries, he is simply to slow and players just waltz passed him. Additional players needed in summer