[bosnian_red]

Ole will probably pick 2-3 regulars. I'll guess Maguire, Greenwood, and Williams all start. The rest will be changed.

Maguire has played every minute this season and we have no other senior left back while Greenwood is our starter and we have Lingard/James/Ighalo/Mata/Pereira to pick from for the front 4, would be crazy for any of those 3 to start. I don't think a single player from our standard 11 even comes off the bench. They need the rest. Will be full rotation with youth subs. We're up 5-0!

 

[Gerald G]

Romero
Laird--Bailly--TFM--Dalot
McTominay--Fred
Lingard--Mata--James
Ighalo

Subs: Bishop; Williams, Mengi; Garner, Pereira; Chong, Greenwood

(Bold indicates players that should be subbed on)​

 

[Eire Red United]

Romero
Laird--Bailly--TFM--Dalot
McTominay--Fred
Lingard--Mata--James
Ighalo

Subs: Bishop; Williams, Mengi; Garner, Pereira; Chong, Greenwood

(Bold indicates players that should be subbed on)​

Yeah would like to see this or similar myself. Maguire, Bruno, Rashford etc should be nowhere near it. I take it Tuanzabe is still out?

 

[-Supreme-]

I wouldn't risk using any of Lingard, Mata, Andreas, Dalot and Jones simply because it may ruin our chances of selling them if they get injured, and most importantly I'd rather play the kids than giving them any more chances.

----------------Romero
Laird--Bailly--TFM--Williams
---------------Garner-----
-----------McT-------Fred
---Chong-------------------James
----------------Ighalo

 

[Class of 63]

Be a shame for Ighalo, but if we're going full on to win the competition we should at least start the match with our best team available and give them 65/70 minutes playing the way/system we'll be using in a one-off match against Copenhagen or Basaksehir.

 

[sglowrider]

i would make Igalo wear the armband for this match.

 

[GazTheLegend]

Experiment in this one.

Ighalo up top, Dan James and Lingard as part of the three.

Rest Bruno and Pog, play McTominay, Fred and Pereira in midfield. I reckon Laird will get a game at right back. I don't see Solskjaer dropping Maguire - we can't take risks with our centre backs so it will be Maguire plus Bailly/Jones. Romero will get a run out in goal though probably.

For those asking for Mjebril or (insert youth player here), I still think it's a bit soon and LASK (despite our performance against them last time) are actually a better side than we made them look, so Solskjaer won't want to risk making the game awkward. It will be a strong looking second team.

 

[Classical Mechanic]

Greenwood and Maguire will be fine to play. They'll have had 10 days rest so he'll likely have a strong bench and bring some on later to maintain some sharpness.

 

[Scarecrow]

Do we have 5 subs for this, as well?

 

[Morpheus 7]

Greenwood and Maguire will be fine to play. They'll have had 10 days rest so he'll likely have a strong bench and bring some on later to maintain some sharpness.

Why the feck would you play Maguire this game. We are 5 up against a terrible side.

 

[P-Nut]

McTominay, Fred, Lingard, James and Ighalo are nailed on starters for this. Bailly I'd also say was nailed on, depending on how he is after that knock to his head.

Throw Romero in as well and you've got a strong enough base to mess around a bit with the spots left over whilst still having the likes of Mata on the bench for experience if we concede a couple.

 

[Morpheus 7]

James, Ighalo, Mata, Romero, Garner, Lingard, Chong and the rest reserves. They are not scoring 5, no chance. Rest is so important now.

 

[fps]

I hope our key players are all on a beach somewhere for this.

 

[DFreshKing]

There's a new season starting on 12th September. I'm worried about major burnout. We have looked leggy as hell this run in haven't we? Next year will be worse.

You play a season just to make it to the business end to win trophies. Why on god's green earth would we not try to win one when already at the quarter final stage?

Shall we write of the whole of 20-21 to be fit and fighting for 21-22? Utterly bizarre.

 

[Nou_Camp99]

You play a season just to make it to the business end to win trophies. Why on god's green earth would we not try to win one when already at the quarter final stage?

Shall we write of the whole of 20-21 to be fit and fighting for 21-22? Utterly bizarre.

This is pure nonsense and you know it. I'm not saying that at all. This competition isn't being played when it was supposed to is it? If it was it wouldn't be an issue. If you don't think keeping our players training and match sharp until 21st August (the final if we get there) and then coming back for 12th September restart isn't going to harm us then you're a lost cause mate.

You will be one of the first to whinge when they run out of steam in April 2021 no doubt. Why is everything black and white with people on here. Can't they see this issue has grey areas too. Everyone loves a trophy. Everyone.

 

[Classical Mechanic]

Why the feck would you play Maguire this game. We are 5 up against a terrible side.

I see no reason why not to. We want to win the game. A CB pairing of TFM and Bailly is a disaster waiting to happen.

 

[Coops73]

This is pure nonsense and you know it. I'm not saying that at all. This competition isn't being played when it was supposed to is it? If it was it wouldn't be an issue. If you don't think keeping our players training and match sharp until 21st August (the final if we get there) and then coming back for 12th September restart isn't going to harm us then you're a lost cause mate.

You will be one of the first to whinge when they run out of steam in April 2021 no doubt. Why is everything black and white with people on here. Can't they see this issue has grey areas too. Everyone loves a trophy. Everyone.

I think the premier league is talking about a later restart for those clubs that make the finals of either the CL or Europa, so if United made the final on August the 21st our restart would be on the 20th September rather than the planned 12th September.

 

[Nou_Camp99]

I think the premier league is talking about a later restart for those clubs that make the finals of either the CL or Europa, so if United made the final on August the 21st our restart would be on the 20th September rather than the planned 12th September.

Are we not going to play any friendlies or do any training beforehand then? Football just doesn't come back on the day of the first league game does it? The gap between the seasons when you factor in back to training is going to be next to nothing. That's why I'm worried.

 

[Adam-Utd]

I think the premier league is talking about a later restart for those clubs that make the finals of either the CL or Europa, so if United made the final on August the 21st our restart would be on the 20th September rather than the planned 12th September.

A delay only puts us under more strain when the season actually starts - we still need to play those matches.

What about having a pre season? we can't expect them to holiday and then suddenly start the season all firing fit.

The Euros have been moved to the end of the season also don't forget, so it'll need to finish even earlier than normal.

 

[Coops73]

Are we not going to play any friendlies or do any training beforehand then? Football just doesn't come back on the day of the first league game does it? The gap between the seasons when you factor in back to training is going to be next to nothing. That's why I'm worried.

A delay only puts us under more strain when the season actually starts - we still need to play those matches.

What about having a pre season? we can't expect them to holiday and then suddenly start the season all firing fit.

The Euros have been moved to the end of the season also don't forget, so it'll need to finish even earlier than normal.

I’m not saying it’s ideal, just posting a fact.

 

[Adam-Utd]

I’m not saying it’s ideal, just posting a fact.

You're correct, but what we're saying is the extra time doesn't really help.

We have to make a choice, either try to win the EL at a cost to next season, or just play the 2nd string and hope for the best, and prep for next year.

Tricky decision for Ole i'm sure...

 

[Annihilate Now!]

Full rest, and then I'd make sure Bruno/Rashford/Martial/Pogba get the last 10 minutes, just so they can get stay sharp before the Quarters.

 

[Chief123]

Playing any of the first eleven in the Lask game is bonkers. Not sure what people are thinking with the suggestion of Macguire and Greenwood. Macguire has looked absolutely shattered!

Anyway, regarding the Quarter, semi and final.....don't forget, it is only 3 games in total to win it. Those 3 games are spread over 2 week period. There is no reason why we shouldn't play our strongest team in those 3 matches. It is a major trophy. Its nothing like the 3 games every week we've been doing recently.

Don't forget, if we werent playing Europa we would still be playing some pre-season friendlies to get match fitness as the premier league starts very soon again. No better way to warm up than to play 3 competitive games. It would be stupid of us to start the new season having played no warm up games at all. Europa league is best way to get ready for new season and also win a major trophy.

 

[Coops73]

You're correct, but what we're saying is the extra time doesn't really help.

We have to make a choice, either try to win the EL at a cost to next season, or just play the 2nd string and hope for the best, and prep for next year.

Tricky decision for Ole i'm sure...

Not sure what’s best but I guess rest as many as possible for the Lask game and then play a stronger line up for the quarters, semis and final, if we get that far.

I want us to win the Europa but it’s going to be a tricky balancing act going into next season, squad depth and the quality of that depth is going to be a key factor, so here’s hoping we get the targets we want and get them ASAP. No fecking about Woody.

 

[Sassy Colin]

Ole's first real rest.

Fixed that for you

 

[Gator Nate]

You're correct, but what we're saying is the extra time doesn't really help.

We have to make a choice, either try to win the EL at a cost to next season, or just play the 2nd string and hope for the best, and prep for next year.

Tricky decision for Ole i'm sure...

After the LASK match, we're talking three games in three weeks with three weeks off, minimum, after that. And no pre-season to "gain match fitness." It's not a choice we have to make. Besides, it's doubtful we'd have to push that hard and Ole can probably make max substitutions 60 minutes into the QF and probably SF. The remaining teams left in the EL aren't exactly mid-table PL squads, save Wolves.

Frankly, I find idea ridculous that if we try to win the EL, it'll hamper our PL season. Ole will utilize it as prep for the upcoming season. Besides, we're hopefully going to be shoring up the squad during the window, so relief will come in the PL season with better substitutions or starters.

 

[Mr Smith]

A delay only puts us under more strain when the season actually starts - we still need to play those matches.

What about having a pre season? we can't expect them to holiday and then suddenly start the season all firing fit.

The Euros have been moved to the end of the season also don't forget, so it'll need to finish even earlier than normal.

Surely we don't need a proper pre-season when they won't spend any great length of time away, and therefore shouldn't lose much fitness?

We want just enough rest to shake off the fatigue that seems to have plagued us the last few weeks, but not enough to lose match rhythm. A tricky balance, but you could sort of treat it like most clubs in Europe would a winter break.

The real pre-season ultimately happened during the lockdown and into the first couple of weeks of project restart.

 

[DFreshKing]

This is pure nonsense and you know it. I'm not saying that at all. This competition isn't being played when it was supposed to is it? If it was it wouldn't be an issue. If you don't think keeping our players training and match sharp until 21st August (the final if we get there) and then coming back for 12th September restart isn't going to harm us then you're a lost cause mate.

You will be one of the first to whinge when they run out of steam in April 2021 no doubt. Why is everything black and white with people on here. Can't they see this issue has grey areas too. Everyone loves a trophy. Everyone.

Mental post. I would not 'whinge' if we run out of steam in April 2021 because we tried to win the Europa league in August 2020 what are you smoking?

The whole point of professional football is to win tournaments we are entered into. I have no idea which world you live in where you would throw away that chance.

Take a step back, think about what you are typing. I'm not sure how severe your lockdown has been but these players have just had three months off. Obviously playing games with a two day break made them appear tired but that has now gone. They will be playing 3 games at most (first team obviously they are not going to play in dead Lask match) If anything these competitive games are going to help them have a strong start to the season. They are professional athletes and are quite capable of playing football matches - it's literally what they do.

 

[Glorio]

Ole's first real test

 

[Teja]

I have to laugh at these play the B team in all the competition comments. For this game sure, but how do You build a winning mentality like this?
Overprotecting the players and making them think just finishing in the top 4 is enough at this club will again breed the wrong mentality to resurface.
Plus imagine them joining this club to win trophies only to be told that they can't play for the only one available this year, only to protect them for next season which is not even sure to be completed (or even to begin tbh).
Some people should try to think with the head of professional footballers before they are posting nonsense like the above.

Pool won the league and CL by abandoning these lesser cups. Squad fitness is important, we saw how burned out these players got forwards the end of the year.

 

[Schmeichel's Cartwheel]

Romero
Laird Mengi Bailly TFM*
Garner* Fred
Lingard Mata James
Ighalo
​

*If Shaw is fit then play Williams here and move TFM to DM over Garner. If not save Williams for the next round.

 

[joedirt87]

If the backups/young players can’t hold a 5 goal lead or score against a team that will have to put everything into scoring from minute 1 then they do not belong here.

 

[Mark Pawelek]

Pla

5-0 up from the first tie. Play kids and/or 2nd-11. Give all 1st-11 a rest.
Team: Romero, Laird, Dalot (LB), Bernard, Mengi, Garner, Levitt, Mata, Chong, Ighalo, James
Bench: Kovar, TFM, Linderof/(Bailly, if fit), McTominay, Fred, Pereira, Lingard

Changed my mind: TFM and Bailly need match practice. Play if fit

Team: Romero, Dalot, TFM (LB), Bailly or Bernard, Mengi, Garner, Levitt, Mata (captain), Chong, Ighalo, James
Bench: Kovar, Laird, Bernard or Linderof, McTominay, Fred, Pereira, Mellor or Lingard.

 

[Nou_Camp99]

Mental post. I would not 'whinge' if we run out of steam in April 2021 because we tried to win the Europa league in August 2020 what are you smoking?

The whole point of professional football is to win tournaments we are entered into. I have no idea which world you live in where you would throw away that chance.

Take a step back, think about what you are typing. I'm not sure how severe your lockdown has been but these players have just had three months off. Obviously playing games with a two day break made them appear tired but that has now gone. They will be playing 3 games at most (first team obviously they are not going to play in dead Lask match) If anything these competitive games are going to help them have a strong start to the season. They are professional athletes and are quite capable of playing football matches - it's literally what they do.

21st August final is the EL final should we make it. PL then starts back 12th September (20th for us possibly) but they will need to train and get fit beforehand so will have to be back before the 20th easily. Then a 50 game season, then the Euros, then a shorter summer holiday in 2021 and then another season yet again.

If this competition was taking place during the season it wouldn't be too bad. But it's not. You can't get this 3 games out of your head either. Its not just 3 games. You have to train for these games too so it's 3 to 4 weeks less rest to some of our domestic rivals. Of course it's going to have an effect. And are we really as bothered about it now we have CL football secure. I'm sure Ole will still like to win it but I bet some players don't play at all.

City have the same issues too but unlike us they can make 5 or 6 changes and still have a fantastic starting 11 during the season. We can't.

 

[Adam-Utd]

Interestingly a lot of the players already seem to be on holiday.

Wonder if we will literally play the reserves next Wednesday, then be back for the 10th/11th?

 

[Beachryan]

Interestingly a lot of the players already seem to be on holiday.

Wonder if we will literally play the reserves next Wednesday, then be back for the 10th/11th?

Are they allowed to travel then? Imagine they come back and infect the squad!

 

[0le]

Ole's first real test

Haven't heard this joke before.

 

[RedDevil@84]

Unleash the Greenwood on them and seal it in first half

 

[nainaisson]

----------------James
Dalot--Mata--Fred--Pereira
---------------De Gea-----
----------Romero----Grant
---Chong-------------------Bailly
----------------Jones

EDIT: Also, this game is Ole's first real test.

 

[Glorio]

Haven't heard this joke before.

Well now you have!