[JohnnyKills]

Great win. Wolves aren't getting enough criticism in my opinion. Such a boring way of playing football. They have been a top 8 team for a new years now and have spend quite enough money om players. There should be higher expectations to them now. Also, it is clear Coady is from Liverpool. Always so vocal and on fire playing against us. Heard him after the game as well talking about how they came to win every game. I bet they would be happy drawing all games of the season

Thought it was a good win against a well-organised team. We found a way to win and that's the most important thing.

 

[justsomebloke]

Cant be overstated how important that win was, by hook or by crook.

Hate playing Wolves though. Super negative, cynical team that seem to have a bizarre reputation amongst the media of playing beautiful, attacking football.

The thing is they fairly often do. It's not often you see them parking the bus like they did yesterday. I'd take that as a compliment to United.

 

[wolvored]

You need your eyes checked. Neither my eyes nor the xG map back this up at all.

Well maybe you had your red tinted glasses on

 

[Bilbo]

I think it would be harsh to criticise Wolves for that performance. Their last match finished 46 hours before kick off, they dont have the squad depth that we do and they are struggling for goal. How else were they going to play?

Sounds a bit Kloppish moaning that they didnt come out and play the way we'd have wanted them to

 

[wolvored]

I'm baffled you could watch that and think Wolves were the better team.

We had more possession but they seemed slightly better in front of goal and with their chances. Luckily Dr gea has had a good match. It was only fine margins but I thought overall they were slightly better.

 

[gajender]

We had more possession but they seemed slightly better in front of goal and with their chances. Luckily Dr gea has had a good match. It was only fine margins but I thought overall they were slightly better.

I actually only caught the highlights and if we go by that it seems Wolves had better chances but Xg seem to indicate otherwise and consensus on here also suggested the same which I find kind of strange maybe I caught the wrong highlights of the game.

 

[Falcow]

I think it would be harsh to criticise Wolves for that performance. Their last match finished 46 hours before kick off, they dont have the squad depth that we do and they are struggling for goal. How else were they going to play?

Sounds a bit Kloppish moaning that they didnt come out and play the way we'd have wanted them to

Very much agree with this. Thought they played some good football in first half and have every right to play as they wish once its within the rules.

The 3 points was all that matters here.

 

[wolvored]

I actually only caught the highlights and if we go by that it seems Wolves had better chances but Xg seem to indicate otherwise and consensus on here also suggested the same which I find kind of strange maybe I caught the wrong highlights of the game.

I'm 60 and I haven't a clue about xg I watched the whole match with my son and a mate and we all thought Wanderers had the better chances. We had the possession and when you consider they only had 2 days rest and we were at home, they played no different to how we play away to a better team. We had a fluke goal as otherwise we never looked like scoring. It wasn't as if their goalie was pulling off save after save. In fact de gea had to perform more than their goalie

 

[OldTrevil]

Wolves were there for the taking from minute one but we simply couldn't get in rhythm and barely created clear cut chances. That's a win you take as a player and forget the snoozefest of a performance as was most of the game. On to the next one

 

[MalcolmTucker]

We had more possession but they seemed slightly better in front of goal and with their chances. Luckily Dr gea has had a good match. It was only fine margins but I thought overall they were slightly better.

Their goalkeeper was booked for timewasting in the 72nd minute. We played shite but we were actually playing to win, they were playing for the draw.

We had more possession, more shots, better xG, played more in their half.

Their only two chances came from set-pieces and De Gea made one decent save the whole match. Neither of us played well but they deserve no credit for their performance.

 

[Josep Dowling]

I think Ole tactically went too conservative against them. It seemed like Pogba wasn’t allowed to attack in the first half so we lacked numbers going forward. When they play with 5 at the back we were always outnumbered going forward. After the 70th minute mark that seemed to change. This has been a consistent issue at home this season. We got the win and that is all that mattered yesterday. The Christmas period is about grinding out result which the team is doing.

 

[trevor newnham]

I thought what was pretty apparent about last night's match is how much we need a right winger. Ironically Rashford's goal came from the right wing, but just about everything else came down the left. Telles looked a tad tired/injured; Shaw came on and carried a bit of a threat but we had hardly anything dowen the right. Don't know anything about Diallo. He's left footed apparently but plays on the right and cuts in.

 

[George the Cat]

A draw would have been a fair result but we should have won at Leicester so it’s evened itself out.

 

[Judas]

Pogba came alive when he was actually allowed to join in the attack, which is a surprise to no one. He actually ran! Just was wasted for 70 minutes of the game.

 

[Himannv]

Amber

Shat the bed, I hear.

 

[Maticmaker]

The belief in many peoples minds that Wolves are our 'bogey' team was reflected from the start, even when it became clear Matic was for the most part 'doing a job' on Traore, we still didn't look too happy!

However, we worked through whatever they manage to throw at us and we didn't lose too many balls in dangerous areas, and when we did, our cover worked well. That in itself was the main positive for me, that against teams like Wolves we have to stop giving the ball away in dangerous areas and last night we kept it to a minimum. The negative was that especially in the first half, we moved forward at a snails pace, sideways passes again prevailed. There were legitimate reasons for this, but it still makes my heart sink when we go into this mode.

We stepped it up with twenty minutes to go, Pogba playing mainly in the Wolves half by now and at last some runs being made off the ball as a distraction, as well as better timed runs from front men.

All's well that ends well, the 'Fergie time' magic was seen once again and we are now 2nd in the PL, good start to New Year.

Well done Ole and the lads.

 

[bsCallout]

This just sounds like lazy Martial-bashing to me.

Cavani hardly posed a threat all game. For all his movement, he couldn't get into it at all.

Martial didn't do much either but at least he challenged the defence with a couple of runs, and was trying to open them up with little give-and-gos.

I've been critical of Martial myself in other threads but let's keep it objective and reasonable.

If Martial played the traditional no.9 role he would still get criticised as the ball wouldnt reach him and hed be missing. He plays his role well and gets involved building up play, the only thing id like to see more from him is aggression when he gets in the box.

 

[Highlander]

Thanks to DDG, He kept a clean sheet with a stellar performance in this games. We could be lost if He didn't perform in this games.

 

[Marcus]

I like that we are rotating players and still managing to get results. Long may that continue.

 

[croadyman]

Was at that match, another dull affair until Park popped up late on.

Yeah same here

 

[Berbasbullet]

Yeah same here

Was that Bebes crossing show?

 

[The Irish Connection]

Beautiful 3 points! Hate wolves!

Considering we played with our second string midfield 2 it was a great win.

Ole is turning us into a late goal team again.

Let’s keep winning, villa will be tough.

 

[JohnnyKills]

I thought what was pretty apparent about last night's match is how much we need a right winger. Ironically Rashford's goal came from the right wing, but just about everything else came down the left. Telles looked a tad tired/injured; Shaw came on and carried a bit of a threat but we had hardly anything dowen the right. Don't know anything about Diallo. He's left footed apparently but plays on the right and cuts in.

We need an alternative to AWB as well, someone who can actually get forward and offer a threat.

 

[gerdm07]

These last two matches are an example of why the Table does not lie. We deserved 4 points from the two matches and we got 4 points. It should have been 3 and 1 instead of 1 and 3, but at the end of day (season) you get what you deserved.

There is a lot of talk about AWB's lack of attack. IMO there is one main problem when he has the ball. He doesn't sense or feel when the defender is unbalanced and so he doesn't know when to explode past the defender or just create space to cross the ball. Rather, he makes a move, makes another move, hesitates, then tries to go by, or realizes the opportunity is gone and he passes back. For whatever reason he can't sense when to actually complete the move. What's strange is he has the makings of a good attacker with his quick feet, his quick step, and his long stride. He should be able to make space to get a cross in almost all the time and he should be able to beat many defenders.

He just needs one good move and it should be the Matthews or Inside/Outside. It's pretty easy to learn and it could transform him. Ole and staff: teach this to him, please.

 

[Stacks]

Our general play confuses me and I question the training ground stuff. Why do our players pass to a teammate 5 yards away then stop and just stare at them. Its like they don't understand pass and move.

 

[city-puma]

Our general play confuses me and I question the training ground stuff. Why do our players pass to a teammate 5 yards away then stop and just stare at them. Its like they don't understand pass and move.

Because they outnumber us in their half leaving no space. If passing the ball, two or three will immediately close down and recover the ball. Our midfield two lack of mobility and couldn’t or didn’t risk to string a series of one touch pass to break it down. Maybe it was also part of the game plan for the first half.

 

[Stig]

I am as pleased as anyone that we won - and we did really go for it in the last 10 minutes and got the reward.

However I can't let the game pass without remarking on de Gea. rolling around after a nothing "bump" from behind by Traore. You would have thought that he had dislocated his shoulder or broken his collar bone. A few moments of attention from the physio and he is as right a rain. I thought it was utterly pathetic. You don't recover from that supposed level of pain so quickly. A few weeks ago I saw someone dislocate their elbow and make less fuss. Appearing to be mortally wounded when it is less than a play ground bump needs to stop in football.

 

[CodeRed]

Go to 1:14 min in this video clip. This is a last minute winner against Wolves in 2010. Look familiar?

 

[Cantonagotmehere]

I think Ole tactically went too conservative against them. It seemed like Pogba wasn’t allowed to attack in the first half so we lacked numbers going forward. When they play with 5 at the back we were always outnumbered going forward. After the 70th minute mark that seemed to change. This has been a consistent issue at home this season. We got the win and that is all that mattered yesterday. The Christmas period is about grinding out result which the team is doing.

Good point, but it is hard to tell. Was Pogba being lazy (like he can be) or told to play that way? His energy does not fit with this team most games.

 

[lex talionis]

These last two matches are an example of why the Table does not lie. We deserved 4 points from the two matches and we got 4 points. It should have been 3 and 1 instead of 1 and 3, but at the end of day (season) you get what you deserved.

There is a lot of talk about AWB's lack of attack. IMO there is one main problem when he has the ball. He doesn't sense or feel when the defender is unbalanced and so he doesn't know when to explode past the defender or just create space to cross the ball. Rather, he makes a move, makes another move, hesitates, then tries to go by, or realizes the opportunity is gone and he passes back. For whatever reason he can't sense when to actually complete the move. What's strange is he has the makings of a good attacker with his quick feet, his quick step, and his long stride. He should be able to make space to get a cross in almost all the time and he should be able to beat many defenders.

He just needs one good move and it should be the Matthews or Inside/Outside. It's pretty easy to learn and it could transform him. Ole and staff: teach this to him, please.

Great post. On the point about AWB he’s actually got good quickness as well as pace, but he nullifies himself with his self-doubt when taking on the left fullback. He needs to develop a Matthews and get on with the business of becoming a semi-decent attacking fullback and when it doesn’t come off, so be it.

 

[Cantonagotmehere]

Was Telles really that bad yesterday? I thought he put in some dangerous balls etc...? Did Ole or anyone mention the reason for the sub? I was hoping they subbed anyone for AWB...I'd put left foot Shaw over there even....

 

[bsCallout]

These last two matches are an example of why the Table does not lie. We deserved 4 points from the two matches and we got 4 points. It should have been 3 and 1 instead of 1 and 3, but at the end of day (season) you get what you deserved.

There is a lot of talk about AWB's lack of attack. IMO there is one main problem when he has the ball. He doesn't sense or feel when the defender is unbalanced and so he doesn't know when to explode past the defender or just create space to cross the ball. Rather, he makes a move, makes another move, hesitates, then tries to go by, or realizes the opportunity is gone and he passes back. For whatever reason he can't sense when to actually complete the move. What's strange is he has the makings of a good attacker with his quick feet, his quick step, and his long stride. He should be able to make space to get a cross in almost all the time and he should be able to beat many defenders.

He just needs one good move and it should be the Matthews or Inside/Outside. It's pretty easy to learn and it could transform him. Ole and staff: teach this to him, please.

They should have both been wins in my book. We were the better team in both.

 

[Real Madras]

The thing is they fairly often do. It's not often you see them parking the bus like they did yesterday. I'd take that as a compliment to United.

I agree lad. It’s most definitely a compliment. Going back a couple of years teams would genuinely come to try and win at OT and it was tough to stomach watching teams come to our place and play football. Now, it seems we have got that fear back. Now teams look at our front four and know we can hurt them at any moment. There’s been a shift in psychology with how teams see us and the way teams see us is how it was under Sir Alex. All we have to do is master the art of playing in front of 11 players and consistently winning. I believe we’re the best counter attacking team in the world. I think we’re better at it than Liverpool. All we need is that one CB that’s going to take us to the next level. Much like VVD. The season before he came looks much like our current season. I think if we get a top CB in the summer, we will almost certainly be up there next season. I can see the progress in this squad after 2 years. I love what I’m seeing from this team and I think Ole has done a marvellous job so far....

 

[Sandikan]

Only thing that would have made this sweeter was if it was deflected off Connor Coadies Fat head !!!!!

Wolves are a Wretched team to watch, thank feck they go home with zero points !!

No it couldn't have been sweeter as Alan Shearer had been raving about Saiss all game and just declared him man of the match.

Then about 3 seconds later he deflects the winner in and Shearer after a few seconds yelps out a sickened "wow".

Gorgeous.

The other commentator wasn't much better - kept on about how Wolves have won their last however many games with a last min winner!

 

[simplyared]

The fact a team like Wolves sit back and play the way they did shows their respect for us. We must be a great side!

 

[Stacks]

Because they outnumber us in their half leaving no space. If passing the ball, two or three will immediately close down and recover the ball. Our midfield two lack of mobility and couldn’t or didn’t risk to string a series of one touch pass to break it down. Maybe it was also part of the game plan for the first half.

Top teams have faced this since the beginning of time. If you pass and move into space and move it quickly, you can often pull their players and create space

 

[sport2793]

I am as pleased as anyone that we won - and we did really go for it in the last 10 minutes and got the reward.

However I can't let the game pass without remarking on de Gea. rolling around after a nothing "bump" from behind by Traore. You would have thought that he had dislocated his shoulder or broken his collar bone. A few moments of attention from the physio and he is as right a rain. I thought it was utterly pathetic. You don't recover from that supposed level of pain so quickly. A few weeks ago I saw someone dislocate their elbow and make less fuss. Appearing to be mortally wounded when it is less than a play ground bump needs to stop in football.

There was no reason for De Gea to fake anything, time was not on our side so it's illogical to believe this.

 

[stevoc]

The thing is they fairly often do. It's not often you see them parking the bus like they did yesterday. I'd take that as a compliment to United.

Is it?

Must be just against United then as the last 6-7 games vs United have been brutal to watch. They've rarely been interested in playing football against United the last few years. I think thats the 2nd-3rd time i've seen their keeper booked for time wasting vs United as well.

 

[FatherWolff]

Pogba came alive when he was actually allowed to join in the attack, which is a surprise to no one. He actually ran! Just was wasted for 70 minutes of the game.

What are you takling about? Allowed? He wasn’t allowed? He was designated for defensive duties, while Wolves sat back? So glad he got the go for running in the second half then!
I was sure it was all down to himself preforming.
How wrong I was

 

[Shimo]

Go to 1:14 min in this video clip. This is a last minute winner against Wolves in 2010. Look familiar?

Lots of right wing play in that compilation. Been almost 10 years since we've had anything like what Nani and Valencia used to produce.