Be very afraid: The normally unflappable Ole's 'pleased' delusion

[matt23]

Not nice to say but he's turning into a parody of himself at the moment. I don't buy what he says anymore and I'm no body language expert but I don't get the impression he really does either.

Hopefully we can dig a result out on Sunday and build confidence back up in the camp because it would appear that it's been sucked out of literally everyone at the club, including the man that brought the smiles back.

 

[Sky1981]

I don't see anyone bar Pogba having anything close to 'player power' at the club.

We're just terribly coached to go with the lack of quality befitting the size of the club. I'm not a great fan of the 'we were great approach' he takes every game either. Sure, don't be a cnut like mourinho was but set the fecking expectations for crying out loud.

Mourinho tried to set that. He slapped martial for not tracking back. Pogba for showboating when it isnt necessary.

What do we do? We side with the players. Jose is the only manager that demands a certain standard, the others are just too happy to get the job in the first place.

You think ole has the guts to give a hairdryer to pogba? At this stage?

 

[Sky1981]

"We can and should play better. Our performances have not been up to standards. We need to win more games. We did it last season, now We have to replicate that form"

Looks good to me.

It wont look good on repeat x15

 

[redshaw]

He's putting a brave face on it but in his favour is the pitch, avoiding getting injuries on it, point away in Europe with injuries we already have and an away game to Newcastle. We can get out the Europa group and needed to come out of that game unscathed. I'm playing devils advocate though.

We can lambast him to hell for the shocking performance and glossing over it but the real deal is the next few PL games where he'll be held to the fire. We'll be 14th if this carries on. He knows he's on thin ice, can't read the riot act and has to keep the upbeat feeling and assurance things aren't falling apart and will correct themselves.

 

[padzilla]

He definitely needs a lift soon - he has a glazed look when he speaks that suggests he is desperately trying to keep it together. All he has to say is "look I know the results and performances are not good enough yet but I believe in this club and with patience we can do great things together."
Instead he comes out with gushing PR guff that smacks of delusion.

 

[Falcow]

I think that the defender would have to be defined as the last man, in like a goal line clearance scenario, for it to be deemed as a shot on target.

Appeal? Petition?

 

[tenpoless]

It wont look good on repeat x15

Ask him to say it in a different language to make it interesting everytime. French, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin, now repeat but with the slangs and expletives.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

He seems to be really out of his depth. Silly comments like that, while shouldn't be read into too seriously, also don't come across well. It gives a rather delusional impression everybody.

All I can hope for is that, behind the scenes, is a manager who is striving for high standards as opposed to nicking a goal or penalty here or there. But regardless, I don't think he'll last long as he doesn't appear to have what it takes.

 

[Sandikan]

Doesn't make much difference, but surely Greenwood's shot was on target? The one blocked by the defender.

If it's blocked by a defender it wouldn't count, only saves by the keeper.

Not sure if shots that hit the post and crossbar count as on target or not. As after all the woodwork (or metalwork) isn't the target, it's outside the target!

 

[romufc]

Yes there where positives. And there where a lot predictable shit. The good thing about it is no one is pointing fingers at the youngsters. Not unfamiliar tactic as José seemed to use it often.

What were the positives?

 

[romufc]

Agree but fans also now need to be realistic. All these problems have begun under Ole, these problems began back in 2013.

So to keep expecting something different, from our 4th manager, is being naive from the fans.

I agree, but the problem is no one can pin point what the problems are.

Yes we can all say Ed / Glazers but they do not have any say in the day to day?

I'd like to see them gone as much as any other fan, but we all know that is not going to happen anytime soon.

In all fairness Ed has spent money on all the managers.

 

[Wolff]

What were the positives?

Left back and pressing. Only pressing when compact and standing of when not. Already posted.

 

[Ranchero]

I think most fans now wouldn't be surprised if Ole got sacked at some point this season. I don't think people want to rock the boat out of respect for Ole, but if he does go then the players and Woodward will get it big time. Just my feeling as a match going supporter.

It feels like footballing Armageddon is close and there will be a huge fallout if/when the above happens.

Sacking Ole is not the solution, though.

 

[red4ever 79]

Left back and pressing. Only pressing when compact and standing of when not. Already posted.

No he mentioned Rojo at the end as well. Good that he is getting fitness/quality player something like that

 

[dove]

60% of our fans are pleased as well so all good.

 

[romufc]

Exactly. Ole can say what he needs to say, without ranting and raving... but that analysis of the game was bizarre. But then he defended our performance in the transfer window too. He spoke in pre-season about the need to replace players that leave. He said in Perth: "If we sell players we will have to replace them." We have not done that... so having not done that, don't defend our performance in the transfer window.

He said that Lukaku had to leave but we did not want to bring anyone else in so that we can prioritise the development of Mason Greenwood.

"Towards the end of last season we didn't score a lot of goals," Solskjaer said in August. "And you do have players you think will make an impact. And Mason Greenwood's pathway would have been a lot more difficult, of course, if we had another forward there. So, for me, I believe Mason is going to be playing and involved a lot and when he is he'll score goals."

But last week, with Sanchez also off to Inter on loan, he admitted the had been looking for a replacement striker but could not find the right one.

“Of course, we let Alexis and Romelu go and you don't have to be a rocket scientist to see that it's a forward we need the next time we're going to recruit," he said.

I can tell he wanted another forward, with the injuries to Martial it has not helped. However; don't you agree the decision to let Lukaku and Sanchez go was not made on the last day of the transfer window? So the decision was made earlier as we did not see Lukaku in pre season at all. This tells me either the manager and the club or the club only have failed because a replacement should have been identified.

Secondly, before we let Sanchez go on loan which was the end of the European window, we knew we cannot bring anyone in, why send him on loan? I am sure Ole had a say in that?

It is clear Marcus Rashford is not capable of leading the line, so we need a new ST next season, he has had his chances and is not delivering.

 

[romufc]

Left back and pressing. Only pressing when compact and standing of when not. Already posted.

Pressing? are you having a laugh? We did not press well at all.

 

[Big Andy]

Doesn't make much difference, but surely Greenwood's shot was on target? The one blocked by the defender.

I've had lengthy arguments with Bet365 over this.

Because the player was infront of the keeper, it's classed as a blocked shot, and not a shot on target.

It's only a shot on target (in the eyes of OPTA) if the keeper saves it, or if the last man stops it going over the line when he is behind the keeper.

If any player is in front of the keeper when stopping a certain goal, it's still classed as a blocked shot and therefore off target.

 

[Mihai]

More than half the team missing or rested, a synthetic surface and a horrible missed penalty call not withstanding, came away with a point. I think he'll be happy with it all things considered.

The wider issue of there not being adequate quality to fill the gaps in key positions is an entirely different issue altogether.

They should've had a penalty as well.

 

[Ranchero]

Tbf what else can he say?

If he critized the player he's throwing them under the bus.

If he critized the glazer he'll be booted, given a chance of a lifetime along with 150m budget as ex molde manager and failed to win 1 shot on target.

If he says it's on me, how would that instill confidence from the fans?

If he says i resign you'd say he's a coward.

What do you expect him.to say? If this is a one off it's easy to say whatever you want. But let's pretend he made a grand speech, it only works if it's a shock result, not when it's weekly recurring theme

The point is not that he should be ranting and raving and openly wantonly critical... it is that you do not say you are pleased when you speak after a dismal performance where you have no shots on target. If he knows that performance is unacceptable for a club like Man Utd... you do not say you are pleased. What worries me from that is that he feels under threat, so he is accentuating the positives but looks, as I said, deluded. And too much of what he says is contradictory now.

Mourinho did not hold back if he was unhappy. Perhaps we have found someone who has gone totally in the other direction, and just says what he thinks his bosses want to hear.

 

[pacifictheme]

Hard to disagree with the OP.

Only thing I worry about is the title of the thread. Ole isn't delusional. He is just doing what is expected of him. This is the precise reason he was hired in the first place by Ed. They knew if results were to go bad, Ole wouldn't rock the boat, like Jose or LVG did.

It is time for the supporters to do something, as neither the board or fans will.

Can you explain the difference between supporters and fans to me?

 

[clarkydaz]

Ed allowed player power. No way pay power happens at City or Lfc.

Well said. The culture has come right from the top

 

[Sky1981]

I've had lengthy arguments with Bet365 over this.

Because the player was infront of the keeper, it's classed as a blocked shot, and not a shot on target.

It's only a shot on target (in the eyes of OPTA) if the keeper saves it, or if the last man stops it going over the line when he is behind the keeper.

If any player is in front of the keeper when stopping a certain goal, it's still classed as a blocked shot and therefore off target.

Made sense. Otherwise those blocked crossed by young isna shot on target

 

[momo83]

About time we had an Ole thread. Shocked that it has taken this long.

I’m appalled. How dare people post threads about the Man Utd manager on a Man Utd forum.

 

[Enigma_87]

Doesn't make much difference, but surely Greenwood's shot was on target? The one blocked by the defender.

It’s not. I’m surprised to see many not knowing what shot on target is.

 

[Sky1981]

Hard to disagree with the OP.

Only thing I worry about is the title of the thread. Ole isn't delusional. He is just doing what is expected of him. This is the precise reason he was hired in the first place by Ed. They knew if results were to go bad, Ole wouldn't rock the boat, like Jose or LVG did.

It is time for the supporters to do something, as neither the board or fans will.

Moyes wont rock the boat..lvg too.. probably jose will rock the boat. If the boards aim is to just not rock the boat they wont sack van gaal and hire jose Mourinho let alone give him 400m to spend

 

[Random Task]

Since when was using the term 'unflappable' socially acceptable?

Shocking stuff.

 

[momo83]

Ole is far to nice to be a decent manager. He’s always come across as a chap who would make a great next door neighbour, wouldn’t say boo to a mouse, would offer to cut your grass then apologise for the noise from his petrol mower.
A manager he isn’t, it’s a shame but I want him to succeed both for him and the club but alas I just can’t see it.
Big talk in the media about Allegri taking English lessons and saying he would love the job?
Really even with Woodhead in control? If that’s true then I would gladly give Ole the rest of this season unless we are in a serious relegation fight and I can’t seriously see that happening then when we have finished just north of mid table it will be time for Allegri and his coaching staff and hopefully then the Glaziers will do something about Woodheads position.

Would apologise and go down stairs and have a cup of tea ready for you if he walked in on you banging his missus

 

[red_de_pologne]

He can't throw them under the bus as they're all playing the game on Sunday

 

[lysglimt]

If it's blocked by a defender it wouldn't count, only saves by the keeper.

Not sure if shots that hit the post and crossbar count as on target or not. As after all the woodwork (or metalwork) isn't the target, it's outside the target!

The concept of shots on target is just stupid. People refer to them as a way of saying that is how you define chances. If a horrible defender takes 3 shots that rolls into the arms of a goalkeeper - it'they are considered shots on target

If a striker baloons the ball against the crossbar from 2 yards and then has a shot saved by a defender which Greenwood has - it's not a shot on target ? Mata's chance against West Ham was not a shot on target but it was much bigger chance than most shots on target are.

Why count shots on target ? Why not count goal attempts, which is much more accurate ?

 

[astracrazy]

Do you think this guy holds enough respect in the dressing room to say anything different whilst still holding it together and not losing the dressing room? Sure, when he turned up he was the savour and had respect for his time as a player here, but as a full time manager? What has he achieved? It's obvious to everyone he is out of is depth and under "qualified" to be manager of Manchester Utd. It's more or less the same as under Moyes where when it became obvious he didn't have a clue players switched off but at least he had experience.

 

[Sandikan]

The concept of shots on target is just stupid. People refer to them as a way of saying that is how you define chances. If a horrible defender takes 3 shots that rolls into the arms of a goalkeeper - it'they are considered shots on target

If a striker baloons the ball against the crossbar from 2 yards and then has a shot saved by a defender which Greenwood has - it's not a shot on target ? Mata's chance against West Ham was not a shot on target but it was much bigger chance than most shots on target are.

Why count shots on target ? Why not count goal attempts, which is much more accurate ?

You often have shots as a total, then split between on target and off.
It's a decent stat, as it shows what sort of threat a team had, ie 20 shots, but all off target, versus 20 on target

 

[Swearing Budgie]

Be a bit realistic, this is lying to the fans.

There comes to a point his credibility is taking a massive hit now.

tbf he had no credibility as a manager to begin with

 

[Varun]

Mourinho tried to set that. He slapped martial for not tracking back. Pogba for showboating when it isnt necessary.

What do we do? We side with the players. Jose is the only manager that demands a certain standard, the others are just too happy to get the job in the first place.

You think ole has the guts to give a hairdryer to pogba? At this stage?

Jose isn't the only manager that demand a certain standard ffs. Look around. The club had no option to give Mourinho the boot, just like Chelsea didn't have and Real before that. A manager vs players dressing room is always going to end one way and it's frankly amusing that Jose or his fans here can't see it. It will be the same with Ole if he loses the dressing room.

Whether or not Ole can give Pogba a bollocking is something neither of us can possibly know so I don't see the point in getting into a discussion about that.

 

[romufc]

tbf he had no credibility as a manager to begin with

Not as a manager as a person. He was adored by the fans and still is but if he keeps saying believing the performances are good then he is playing with fire.

 

[Swearing Budgie]

Not as a manager as a person. He was adored by the fans and still is but if he keeps saying believing the performances are good then he is playing with fire.

i don't think anything he does as manager will adversely affect his standing with the fans as a former player and all round nice guy

 

[Wolff]

Pressing? are you having a laugh? We did not press well at all.

Wrong. Standing off when there was to much space between our midfield and attack, and pressing WHEN compact.

 

[romufc]

Wrong. Standing off when there was to much space between our midfield and attack, and pressing WHEN compact.

That's called defending, not pressing. How did they create so many chances if we pressed well?

 

[Melville Red]

Would apologise and go down stairs and have a cup of tea ready for you if he walked in on you banging his missus

Probably congratulate you on some fine moves as well. Do you think he’ll get the bourbons out or is that pushing it a bit?

 

[RamblingRebel]

I reckon what he says to the press is different to what's said behind closed doors. Listen to what the likes of Neville and Keane have been saying about him, they know the guy, and have said in the past he isn't the sort of guy to take sh1t, he will say what needs saying. Just a couple of weeks ago Keane was saying after a game how he could see he was absoloutly seething with the performance. He's pretty much learnt his trade from SAF and will keep EVERYTHING in house. At end of the day Thursdays result (considering the team put out) was a good result and a good learning for the young lads. This team including the 1st xi are playing about the levels of thier abilities, can't blame Ole for this. He's said its gonna take time to fix this. So far with his transfers he's doing alright. Back him. Believe in him.