[Hughie77]

I know we are probably going to lose, but I really hope we can avoid being embarrassed again. Some part of me is hoping that with a bit of luck, a world-class performance by DDG and some Ronaldo magic we can even get land a lucky punch here.

Agree, how far have we dropped to be even thinking about talking like this about a big game ,having hope rather than a positive expectation.

 

[Zoo]

they havent look particularly good linking up I feel, could be a a lot of selfish play where they just end up losing the ball really quick.

Agreed but in this formation it could work better. Well I hope it will.

 

[RonaldoVII]

Another cowardly back 5 (or 7)... Greenwood is a pleasant surprise


So we did miss out on Conte. Just like we did Tuchel.

When were we interested in Conte? Did we miss out on signing Messi in the summer? What about Lukaku? Just because people are available it doesn't mean we missed out on them.

 

[IrishRedDevil]

Don’t hire Conte because he plays 3-5-2 they said

 

[Glorio]

Would've actually preferred Rashford's raw speed on a day like this. Would keep City's full backs honest.

 

[TrustInJanuzaj]

10/11 had Rashford upfront not Greenwood, if I knew he was out I would’ve switched

He’s not out he’s on the bench. Greenwood is the better option for me.

 

[Mickeza]

Greenwood’s even worse at it. Also doesn’t make those dangerous runs that Rashford is so good at. Marcus out is such a big blow to the way Ole plays. Hopefully Ronnie and Greenwood can play well together as a strikeforce.

He’s not out - he’s on the bench. Greenwood is better with his back to goal than rashford and is improving all the time…agree about the movement in behind though. It’s why I don’t like this formation at all - at some point we have to find a way to play a 4 and look defensively cohesive - leaving rashford/Greenwood/Sancho out isn’t sustainable.

 

[Catt]

What's up with Cavani?

 

[Irwin99]

Our squad maybe lacking in a few areas but damn our bench is stacked with talent. Most clubs would kill for those attacking options.

 

[Sviken]

Don’t hire Conte because he plays 3-5-2 they said

We have Antonio Conte at home.

 

[TrustInJanuzaj]

Would've actually preferred Rashford's raw speed on a day like this. Would keep City's full backs honest.

The issue with Rashford is the ball doesn’t stick with him at all. Better to save him on the bench to hurt them late on.

 

[PlayerOne]

Rashford on the counter is normally a very effective weapon to have in a game where Solskjaer looks to counter, so I'm surprised he's been left on the bench.

Was reading he was ill during the week and that's why he was left out.

 

[Random Task]

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Good news Lindelof has recovered in time for this one, as a counterattacking 5-3-2 is more likely to get a result than the 4231.

Feeling a lot more confident with this news.

Come on United!

 

[edgecutter]

Our squad maybe lacking in a few areas but damn our bench is stacked with talent. Most clubs would kill for those attacking options.

It's great, but Ole doesn't use them so they have become expensive bench warmers

 

[My only Eric]

remember when people said no to conte because he plays 3-5-2

 

[Tom Cato]

What's up with Cavani?

Felt pain in his hamstring, had to pull out of the Uruguay callup.

 

[FireballXL5]

Watch them pull our defence apart. It's going to be painful I fear.

 

[TMDaines]

Rashford has apparently been ill, which maybe explains him not starting.

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[The Hilton]

We're gonna miss Rashford and his pace.

Surprised Ole didn't start Martial for his annual (and only recently) world class match against City.

 

[Swedish_Plumber]

Don’t hire Conte because he plays 3-5-2 they said

It’s like the club are rubbing it in. He says it’s not here to stay, but if we keep unbeaten under the formation then why would you change from it?

 

[Infra-red]

What’s the alternative against top teams when we play Ronaldo up top?

Rashfords defensive contribution, both in terms of pressing high up the pitch and actually helping his fullback is close to 0, same goes for Greenwood. Play all three together against top teams and we’ll get Liverpool’d

To be fair, their defensive contribution is only close to zero because the coaching staff allow it to be that way. Rashford/Greenwood are not inherently incapable of running or harrying defenders, they are just not being asked to do it. They are certainly just as capable of doing it as Salah, for example.

Ronaldo is a slightly different case, because he probably doesn't have the legs to play that way any more.

 

[Hughie77]

It's the go to formation again 3rd on a trot, 3 CBs . Wing backs . I just hope we don't concede to much possession because they will destroyed us, Foden who's probably the best young player in Europe, can put Maguire on his ass, when he get hold of the ball. Long afternoon coming up.
Please prove me wrong guys ..

 

[Tony247]

So basically all City need to do is man mark Bruno and ensure he is out of game.

 

[Catt]

Felt pain in his hamstring, had to pull out of the Uruguay callup.

Thanks

 

[DavelinaJolie]

I don't even know what to say any more.

 

[Sparky Rhiwabon]

Eight defensive players

 

[Yagami]

Not really relevant but I still do a double take when I see Ronnie's name on the team sheets. Unreal that he's back.

Let's all hope we do a double take when we look at the scoresheet and see his name with the winner!

 

[Garethw]

I’m hoping and praying for an early City goal to force a change away from this ultra negative setup.

We have the attacking talent to beat City ffs!!!!

 

[Infra-red]

So basically all City need to do is man mark Bruno and ensure he is out of game.

If they can do that and pin our wingbacks, then we're done.

Hopefully, we have a plan B up our sleeves if the game goes that way.

 

[Mr Pigeon]

Let's all hope we do a double take when we look at the scoresheet and see his name with the winner!

Yes please! If anyone misses the game then the SIIUUUUUU thread with fifty new pages will give it away.

 

[Sky1981]

It's an interesting match up. Generally you always seem to get the tactics spot on and do them at the Etihad. Their record is alright at Old Trafford but again you got 0-0 off them last season and 2-0 win the previous season. Got a far better record v them under OGS than Arsenal but guess that's just odd nature of football.

Simply though can't see Man. City not scoring at least twice today with how you're generally defending and weaker backline.

Rationally you're right. But like i said.. Ole's a lucky manager and he should have been sacked a few times ago and bounced back

 

[Rustyspider13]

Glad Lindelof has recovered. Wanted Greenwood up top so happy about that too. We've got a good chance as long as Maguire and Shaw cut out the silliness.

 

[Nickelodeon]

Agree with everything Michael Owen has said in the pre match coverage. It’s shocking, how despite our spending, we’re still in a position that City are overwhelming favourites and are expected to have 75% of the ball. I don’t care what the result is. This can only be fixed with a world class manager.

 

[HerbT]

Watch them pull our defence apart. It's going to be painful I fear.

Well, it looks like KDB (who has been off form since his last return from injury) is playing up front as false 9 for us today, so I doubt that your defence is going to get pulled too much.
TBF probably more chance of him pulling a hamstring.

 

[VanDeBank]

When were we interested in Conte? Did we miss out on signing Messi in the summer? What about Lukaku? Just because people are available it doesn't mean we missed out on them.

It's irrelevant whether the board was after them. For the fans and the club it's a miss because it's better than what we have. Yeah if we were never after X player we missed out just the same as when they decline. The only difference is one is tough luck and the other is incompetence.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

10/11 had Rashford upfront not Greenwood, if I knew he was out I would’ve switched

Rashford is on the bench.

 

[Mr Pigeon]

remember when people said no to conte because he plays 3-5-2

I remember more people saying "no" because he was like Mourinho, which was equally daft.

 

[Leftback99]

That midfield will dominate us.

 

[cyberman]

Game looks like it could be a shit fest. They have little width and look to be playing keep ball in midfield like they always try to do at OT while our back 5 can push up because they have little pace or goal threat through the middle.
This has all the elements of being really boring

 

[Garethw]

Eight defensive players

The sooner Ole is sacked the better. People turned their noses up on here at the thought of Conte or Allegri because they are defensive coaches when Solskjaer is far far more negative than either.