Are you implying we've shown a lack of ambition with our signings under Ole?
PL W FA Premier League
Wolverhampton Wanderers 0:1 Manchester United
Post-match discussion
Sun, 29 August 2021
Apart from the obvious fact of signing a DM, I need, the double pivot still needs to go. The DM we sign needs to play in front of the defence alone then in front of that two midfielders. An inverted triangle. Like Ndidi plays for Leicester or Casimero for Real. Only way to create balance. Maguire and Varane will push up meaning we won't be sitting deep and this will give us so much balance to allow the creative players do their thing. Not this double pivot nonsense. 4-3-3
We started atrociously last season and then started to go through the gears as the season progressed. As such I’m reassured that we have 7 points form the first three games.
IMO it was a foul but that count for nothing. I recall we conceded similar goal like that 2-3 seasons ago and the ref didn't rule it a foul. So a 50-50 really, similar to Pogba's tackle.
Easily, but there's no way that VAR would intervene on it
The most worrying thing from yesterday was that Ole has had pretty much 4 straight weeks to train/coach this team into so sort of coherent unit. Last season, he didn't have that so the sometimes randomness of our play was more forgivable. This season, there is just no excuse for such an ill-prepared, ragtag approach.
I'm not any happier than anyone else with the performances against Southampton and Wolves, but have some perspective here. Surely you're not comparing this season opening to last year's? We have been miles better.
I didn't think Dean particularly favored Wolves, to be honest. I'm more worried about the general effect of the new more permissive line on the overall quality of football, seeing as it shifts the terms of the game in the favor of interference, obstruction, challenges and physique to the detriment of skills and creativity, particularly for players who aren't physically strong. More injuries too. Which sounds to me like great news for Burnley, not so much for teams like us. Or for the entertainment value.
I think it was a poor performance from us. In periods shocking passing and concentration. A bit lucky to win this one. Was very pleased with Verane, and think we will be massive for us. DDG man of the match for me, and I think we will see a better team when we get going. We are hardly out of the starting block.
You are looking at an away match against a decent team where several of our players had off days, two new players had their full debut, in which we had the majority of possession and won the game and yet you are fixated on the notion that the team has not been prepared properly.
To assess the coaching and quality of the team, it makes more sense to look at the outcomes over a long period. Looking at one match and blaming the coach for a ragged performance is a non-sensical form of micro-analysis. That’s not to say the coach didn’t get some things wrong (of course he did) but we often see the best teams with the best coaches have a tough day. When you have a tough day and still win, it’s good, not bad.
I agree this seems a weird take. There were lots of things to worry about yesterday, but they hardly seemed ill-prepared or not physically ready. You'd think the first game of the season would be enough to discount that theory.
Obviously
I'm more Tony Bennett myself
Considering that our season only started at Newcastle, people losing their shit over one half of football where were atrocious is clearly out of perspective
How United got out of there with 3 points is a mystery. I’ll take it though.
Liverpool had two seasons of this spawny luck and it won them a CL and league title. They outperformed their xPts by more than 24 that year and there was many a game where they would be under the cosh and get a win.
Even City's Centurions were decidedly dodgy in those first few games of the season. One game in particular stands out, when Sterling scored a last minute winner to turn around a 1-0 v Bournemouth.
Nobody remembers those and the due credit is given to those teams but somehow despite winning more often than not it's a "worrying" pattern for this manager.
Like I've said elsewhere on here, the standards to which Ole is held are ridiculous, and the microanalysis is sapping away my love of the game. No other team has this level of scrutiny. His team's aren't afforded any luxuries, they aren't even afforded a quiet period in a game, before the usual suspects are demanding his head on a platter, seemingly demanding unadulterated excellence every single second of the 90+ minutes. That never happened under Fergie. We had at least two of his titles won by virtue of the defence. In 95/96 we had a run of 8 1-0 wins which won us the title, and in 2008/9, we were pretty tough to watch but the caf was celebrating the clean sheets because of the record - today's game was a pretty much blow for blow reconstruction of one of those performances, yet it's worrying for us..
It's just really tiresome at this point, with the same old conversation over and over again. One side argues it's case, the other vociferous defends itself, and repeats the process ad infinitum. We know that if there is no trophy, or we don't qualify for Top 4 this year then the likelihood is that Ole will be gone. In the meantime can't everyone just back the manager and the players and will them to do well? Isn't that what supporters are meant to do?
Felt like a loss yesterday and still feels like that today. We were absolutely terrible in midfield and attack. Our off the ball movement is nonexistent and we find it very hard to deal with a competent pressing team.
If this was an FM game, the Wolves manager surely would have restarted the game from the last saved point.
If this was an FM game, the Wolves manager surely would have restarted the game from the last saved point.
Woke up this morning and expected to feel a bit better but I'm just gutted about the result. We had all my favourite players like Bruno and Pogba and in a just and fair world they'd each have scored 4 goals, with Cavani and Mason getting a couple as well.
I know we won 1-0 but it feels like a 10-0 loss. The fact my other favourite player Don Van der Bake didn't come on is heartbreaking. And I'm not overreacting when I say that because it actually feels like my hard has been ripped out of my body and attacked by a pack of wild coyotes.
I went straight onto FIFA afterwards to atone for Ole's sins and beat them 24-2. If I can do it why can't he? The mind boggles.
I know we won 1-0 but it feels like a 10-0 loss. The fact my other favourite player Don Van der Bake didn't come on is heartbreaking. And I'm not overreacting when I say that because it actually feels like my hard has been ripped out of my body and attacked by a pack of wild coyotes.
I went straight onto FIFA afterwards to atone for Ole's sins and beat them 24-2. If I can do it why can't he? The mind boggles.
Horrible first half - truly one of the very worst I can remember in more than 50 years. Honestly, they were worse than the side which got relegated. Everyone blames Fred, and he made two terrible mistakes, but the defence went missing in the first 10 minutes (including Varane) too and we should have been at least two down. I had to check to make sure Maguire was on the pitch!
Improved in the second half but still miles from being title challengers and it speaks volumes that DDG gets my MoM when he only really had to make one big save. Varane did settle down which was good, Fred became steadier but I thought Bruno was very poor again and Pogba only really started playing as he can on the hour mark. I know lots of people don't rate Scotty too highly but at least he would have matched the passion the wolves midfield was showing.
We only really settled down - and looked far better balanced - when Cavani came on. It was only then that I thought we would definitely not lose and might nick a goal. But Ole's feeble comments after the game, refusing to admit how we were out-muscled in midfield shows just how delusional he is and how poor he is at changing personnel and tactics when it is desperately needed. And I agree with Keano that Ronaldo would be back on the plane if he'd watched the first half!
Our passing was diabolical at times, we rarely strung three passes together and failed to bring Cavani into the game in a meaningful way. Oh, and Sancho was bloody anonymous - although again we hardly gave him a chance to shine.
I wonder if a better manger would have sent Lindelof on to play in front of the back four (instead maybe of dalot) to tighten up the midfield...
Improved in the second half but still miles from being title challengers and it speaks volumes that DDG gets my MoM when he only really had to make one big save. Varane did settle down which was good, Fred became steadier but I thought Bruno was very poor again and Pogba only really started playing as he can on the hour mark. I know lots of people don't rate Scotty too highly but at least he would have matched the passion the wolves midfield was showing.
We only really settled down - and looked far better balanced - when Cavani came on. It was only then that I thought we would definitely not lose and might nick a goal. But Ole's feeble comments after the game, refusing to admit how we were out-muscled in midfield shows just how delusional he is and how poor he is at changing personnel and tactics when it is desperately needed. And I agree with Keano that Ronaldo would be back on the plane if he'd watched the first half!
Our passing was diabolical at times, we rarely strung three passes together and failed to bring Cavani into the game in a meaningful way. Oh, and Sancho was bloody anonymous - although again we hardly gave him a chance to shine.
I wonder if a better manger would have sent Lindelof on to play in front of the back four (instead maybe of dalot) to tighten up the midfield...
If you want an echo chamber for simply supporting Ole without any discussions, I think this forum is not the right place for it.
Also, I didn't say "Ole Out". I simply said his tactics and the way he sets us up in a match shows that there is a lot left to be desired in terms of drilling this team during training sessions. If Ole is not up to the mark, maybe he should get someone from outside to join his coaching staff who will help him there. Even Sir Alex got Queiroz and there's nothing wrong in getting someone who will cover your weaknesses and improve us. If you are finding a problem with that statement, then I really cannot help it.
Was it possible the players were still reeling from the bombshell news of CR's return?
Whatever it was we got through the first half in a daze, thankfully with the help of AWB goal line clearance, DDG sticking out a leg and some woeful finishing by Wolves, we survived at 0-0 half time.
Better second half, DDG wonder saves and Masons 'party-piece' goal saw us home safe with three points.
What I failed to understand is why Ole played our three fastest forwards, together as a front three; presumably to make runs through the centre, the channels and out wide, and then to be fed by Pogba's long balls and/or Bruno's deft flicks. However Pogba started alongside Fred in a pivot... go figure! In second half Pogba did seem to have a starting/ playing position a further 10 yards up the pitch and it made a difference.
DM is still urgent requirement, as a temporary measure ( one that seems to lasted five or six seasons) why not try Lindelof sitting in front of back four?
Whatever it was we got through the first half in a daze, thankfully with the help of AWB goal line clearance, DDG sticking out a leg and some woeful finishing by Wolves, we survived at 0-0 half time.
Better second half, DDG wonder saves and Masons 'party-piece' goal saw us home safe with three points.
What I failed to understand is why Ole played our three fastest forwards, together as a front three; presumably to make runs through the centre, the channels and out wide, and then to be fed by Pogba's long balls and/or Bruno's deft flicks. However Pogba started alongside Fred in a pivot... go figure! In second half Pogba did seem to have a starting/ playing position a further 10 yards up the pitch and it made a difference.
DM is still urgent requirement, as a temporary measure ( one that seems to lasted five or six seasons) why not try Lindelof sitting in front of back four?
Did we change formations when we were awful in the first half? I only noticed the late Sancho-James switch.
The ABU pundits were out in force again. No foul against Bruno last week and they banged on about too many stoppages and players trying to con the Ref. This week just the opposite. Sourness had his usual Pogba vile comment and his ‘leg breaker’ tackle. No mention of the Wolves lad with his hands in Varanes shoulders for that header DeGea saved. That was identical to one that Maguire had a goal ruled out (by Mike Dean) last season. Neves was looking to con the ref quite clearly. The tackle wasn’t perfect but just clipped his shin pad. Twats.
They had Keith Hackett on Talksport early this morning. He said it was a foul, he didn't blame the ref, but thought VAR should have picked up on it. However to be fair last week he said it was a foul on Bruno.
Ole is not a fancy tactics / systems type of coach, he’s more an old school manager - get as many good players as you can and let them work it out themselves on the pitch
Sometimes the other team has a plan too maybe?
Interesting reactions here. The frequent complaint after a win is that there's not much discussion. So here's a win, lots of discussion, but mostly moaning.
And yet, we won.
Was it dodgy? Sure. But honestly, I really only felt they had two or three good chances. Individual brilliance saving us? Maybe, but isn't that why we have DDG, Maguire, and Varane protecting the net? Varane needed no time adjusting, which is impressive in itself. Maguire had a solid match, too. And DDG? My MOTM. Yes, he did save our chestnuts. But that's what he's supposed to do.
Wolves might be the unluckiest team in the league right now, but I could live with it yesterday. They got all the calls in the first half. Their reactions were funny when Dean decided to flip the script. I didn't even think Pogba made contact watching the replay, but enough people did... Neves' reaction in the moment said enough. Dean got that one right and so did VAR.
Once Wolves figure out their scoring jinx, they'll move back up the table. They are a good squad and it bothers me that many refuse to accept that.
Greenwood is now on pace for 38 league goals. Oh, wait, Ronaldo's due in for the next league match. He should have had a goal earlier, 9 times out of 10 that shot goes in.
We all know Pogba - Fred does not work. Ole flirted with disaster there, but I don't see us getting another midfielder by tomorrow. I will defend Fred on one thing: He was left to track Traore when Shaw kept pushing up. I lost track of how many times it was Fred, not Luke, chasing people down into the corner late in the second half.
Martial showed some life as a sub. Maybe that can work, especially as Rashford comes back in the fold on the left with CR in the middle.
Bruno's gotta calm down and play. That's two yellows for dissent in three matches. Shaw was off. He needs to get it rolling. AWB was on defensively.
And yet, we won.
Last year, after three games, we had 3 points and a -6 GD. This year, we have 7 points and a +5 GD.
Ronaldo is due in. Rashford is due in. Our defensive line is SOLID. Take a deep breath and enjoy this.
And yet, we won.
Was it dodgy? Sure. But honestly, I really only felt they had two or three good chances. Individual brilliance saving us? Maybe, but isn't that why we have DDG, Maguire, and Varane protecting the net? Varane needed no time adjusting, which is impressive in itself. Maguire had a solid match, too. And DDG? My MOTM. Yes, he did save our chestnuts. But that's what he's supposed to do.
Wolves might be the unluckiest team in the league right now, but I could live with it yesterday. They got all the calls in the first half. Their reactions were funny when Dean decided to flip the script. I didn't even think Pogba made contact watching the replay, but enough people did... Neves' reaction in the moment said enough. Dean got that one right and so did VAR.
Once Wolves figure out their scoring jinx, they'll move back up the table. They are a good squad and it bothers me that many refuse to accept that.
Greenwood is now on pace for 38 league goals. Oh, wait, Ronaldo's due in for the next league match. He should have had a goal earlier, 9 times out of 10 that shot goes in.
We all know Pogba - Fred does not work. Ole flirted with disaster there, but I don't see us getting another midfielder by tomorrow. I will defend Fred on one thing: He was left to track Traore when Shaw kept pushing up. I lost track of how many times it was Fred, not Luke, chasing people down into the corner late in the second half.
Martial showed some life as a sub. Maybe that can work, especially as Rashford comes back in the fold on the left with CR in the middle.
Bruno's gotta calm down and play. That's two yellows for dissent in three matches. Shaw was off. He needs to get it rolling. AWB was on defensively.
And yet, we won.
Last year, after three games, we had 3 points and a -6 GD. This year, we have 7 points and a +5 GD.
Ronaldo is due in. Rashford is due in. Our defensive line is SOLID. Take a deep breath and enjoy this.
I think they could not keep up the intensity. We had to weather the storm (with a poor midfield)....
Right on.
To be fair to Pogba, Ole played him as a Fred. He had to deal with the game and with Fred. When he was played up front in the first two games, he gave us 5 assists. So, yea, sort out that God awful midfield or stop dreaming about winning any league.
I think the result would have been better if the players played better
If we play like that against a team with more competent finishers we will be in trouble. The defence was good, but had far too much to deal with for my liking. That midfield will cost us. They are not covering the defence and are not linking with the forwards. Think Sancho is going to need time to find his feet as well. We know he is really good, but looks a little overwhelmed by it all at the moment. Just needs to gain some confidence and fitness.Interesting reactions here. The frequent complaint after a win is that there's not much discussion. So here's a win, lots of discussion, but mostly moaning.
And yet, we won.
Was it dodgy? Sure. But honestly, I really only felt they had two or three good chances. Individual brilliance saving us? Maybe, but isn't that why we have DDG, Maguire, and Varane protecting the net? Varane needed no time adjusting, which is impressive in itself. Maguire had a solid match, too. And DDG? My MOTM. Yes, he did save our chestnuts. But that's what he's supposed to do.
Wolves might be the unluckiest team in the league right now, but I could live with it yesterday. They got all the calls in the first half. Their reactions were funny when Dean decided to flip the script. I didn't even think Pogba made contact watching the replay, but enough people did... Neves' reaction in the moment said enough. Dean got that one right and so did VAR.
Once Wolves figure out their scoring jinx, they'll move back up the table. They are a good squad and it bothers me that many refuse to accept that.
Greenwood is now on pace for 38 league goals. Oh, wait, Ronaldo's due in for the next league match. He should have had a goal earlier, 9 times out of 10 that shot goes in.
We all know Pogba - Fred does not work. Ole flirted with disaster there, but I don't see us getting another midfielder by tomorrow. I will defend Fred on one thing: He was left to track Traore when Shaw kept pushing up. I lost track of how many times it was Fred, not Luke, chasing people down into the corner late in the second half.
Martial showed some life as a sub. Maybe that can work, especially as Rashford comes back in the fold on the left with CR in the middle.
Bruno's gotta calm down and play. That's two yellows for dissent in three matches. Shaw was off. He needs to get it rolling. AWB was on defensively.
And yet, we won.
Last year, after three games, we had 3 points and a -6 GD. This year, we have 7 points and a +5 GD.
Ronaldo is due in. Rashford is due in. Our defensive line is SOLID. Take a deep breath and enjoy this.
Like I said, we all know, and already knew, that Pogba - Fred does not work. I think Ole gambled a little bit because he didn't have Scott and So'ton ran circles around Matic. Everyone complains that Donny doesn't get a chance, but I get the feeling there are very real, good reasons that's not happening. So we got Pogba - Fred in a game where it barely worked.
Agreed on Sancho. It shouldn't take long, but it will take a few games. But, oh crap, the international break...
If he thinks Donny is a mistake then why not sell him. Keeping him we are reducing his value and might just destroy his international career in the process. Is he too proud to admit he got it wrong. Donny is a good player, but just not fit here, it happens.
I've never been under the impression that Donny was a choice made by Ole. That sounded like a backroom deal forced on him. But I also think Ole wouldn't care about that if Donny fit into what he is trying to do. Everyone says we need a CDM, and I don't disagree, but Donny ain't it.
1. Maguire + Varane is going to be mint. We played a much higher line
2. Fred needs to remember he is the single defensive player in the pivot. Playing like he had Mctominay or Matic to support him is what got him in trouble
3. I hope we stop using Sancho wide left.
2. Fred needs to remember he is the single defensive player in the pivot. Playing like he had Mctominay or Matic to support him is what got him in trouble
3. I hope we stop using Sancho wide left.
The problem is that our competition (MCFC) also did the same. They stuttered at the start of the season, then won match after match as the season progressed.
Yeah I really think you are right about him being too proud to admit that
Man of the Match
Runners-up
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19%
Raphael Varane
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13%
Mason Greenwood
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1%
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
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1%
Paul Pogba
Player Ratings
Total Average Rating
Highest Rated Player
Lowest Rated Player
Compiled from 450 ratings.
Score Predictions
233,15,35
- Man Utd win
- Wolves win
- Draw
Detailed Results
- 26% Wolves 1:2 Man Utd
- 20% Wolves 0:2 Man Utd
- 12% Wolves 1:3 Man Utd
- 12% Wolves 0:3 Man Utd
- 9% Wolves 1:1 Man Utd
- 6% Wolves 0:1 Man Utd
- 2% Wolves 0:0 Man Utd
- 2% Wolves 1:4 Man Utd
- 2% Wolves 2:1 Man Utd
- 2% Wolves 1:0 Man Utd
- 1% Wolves 2:3 Man Utd
- 1% Wolves 2:2 Man Utd
- 1% Wolves 0:5 Man Utd
- 1% Wolves 5:0 Man Utd
- 1% Wolves 2:0 Man Utd
- 0% Wolves 3:1 Man Utd
- 0% Wolves 0:4 Man Utd
- 0% Wolves 3:5 Man Utd
- 0% Wolves 1:5 Man Utd
Match Stats
- Wolves
- Man Utd
- Possession
- 44% 56%
- Shots
- 15 10
- Shots on Target
- 6 3
- Corners
- 5 7
- Fouls
- 7 9
Referee
Mike Dean
Man Utd Lineup
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replaced by Diogo Dalot
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replaced by Edinson Cavani
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replaced by Anthony Martial
