Really I have no idea. He's all over the pitch. He doesn't press, doesn't provide passing options, nothing.
Manchester United 2:2 Steven Gerrard's Villa (Sat 23rd July, 10:45 UK time)
- Thread starter Samid
- Start date
Honestly I'd say both clubs wouldn't mind that. Looking very dangerous out there with this pitch and weather.
What, to form a search party for Donny?
He, Rashford and Martial are looking promising. Think Ronaldo's going to have to fight to earn his place back, if he stays of course.
Like we took it easy against Pool last season.
Luke Shaw has been excellent so far. One thing that I really like about our 2 goals is that they were tap in finishes which IMO are the best type of goals - it signifies great buildup and team play.
Good, dominating them pretty much
Just pre-season I know, but averaging 3 goals a game is very impressive after the tumescent attacking play we've had for the last few years.
False footballer even
False footballer.
False footballer.
Pretty decent half overall. The pitch is a joke. DvB is not good enough. Happy with pretty much everyone else.
The McTominay role. Minus the puffed out chest, straight backed jog and occasional clumsy bumping into opposition players.
Started okay but he went missing fairly quickly.
Dalot has been poor, VdB looks lost, but good from everyone else.
I think Fred has been outstanding
Spooky
Its also pretty dark for 11:30 in the morning.. must be really cloudy.
Especially in the summer!
He's been very poor. I'm not sure he'd been any better higher up the pitch but he's just not a CM.
He looks a completely different player. Very happy for him.
Yeah he looks like a very timid footballer.
Great half. Excellent off the ball and excellent with clear ideas on the ball. What's there not to like?
Only thing I'd say is Bruno and Van de Beek are effectively playing the same role, just Van de Beek basically invisible on the ball (alright off it), and so our build up is more left centric. Toss Eriksen in there and we're cooking
Only thing I'd say is Bruno and Van de Beek are effectively playing the same role, just Van de Beek basically invisible on the ball (alright off it), and so our build up is more left centric. Toss Eriksen in there and we're cooking
The Ralf apologists have been very quiet.
We're playing with the same players as last season but we're absolutely dominating teams.
Wasn't this supposed to be impossible?
10 new players and all that?
We're playing with the same players as last season but we're absolutely dominating teams.
Wasn't this supposed to be impossible?
10 new players and all that?
The switch foot pass is becoming a thing with him. I like it!
Summer?
Same as Bruno but right side. Just... A 0 in possession.
Football hasn’t always been fluent in that half, Villa are a good side and the pitch doesn’t help either. But the players have shown some endeavour to win the ball back which is really pleasing to see.
Good half. Pitch is a shocker and no idea why both teams are playing with their away shirts when it’s almost a colour clash with the two light colours.
Front 3 working & linking up well. Great passing and movement. Our improved pressing is once again on show which is delightful to see.
First goal was a beautiful team goal. Second one was something you probably see in the FIFA games.
Overall, a good half. Expecting some changes now for the 2nd half.
Front 3 working & linking up well. Great passing and movement. Our improved pressing is once again on show which is delightful to see.
First goal was a beautiful team goal. Second one was something you probably see in the FIFA games.
Overall, a good half. Expecting some changes now for the 2nd half.
Very good half. Villa have been fitter than other teams we've played and their formation has posed a few problems for us which we dealt with well. Everyone playing good, unfortunately again Donny just isn't up to level of what we need. It's quite clear in that pivot he is not even close to challenging mcfred. If we get de jong he will arguably be 4th or 5th choice midfielder for the pivot role and 3rd choice for the cam. If we get a good bid we should sell.
Time between June and September
To be fair I think the rain is good prep - we had the humid Bangkok cup final, now this. Get them used to extremes.Looking at the weather we could be playing somewhere in manchester
Yep, it’s monsoon like due to a combo of global warming and the intensity of the Australian summer season we are now in.
The Australian summer is no joke my friend. July summer heat down under will do a number on anyone, let alone a Dutch lad.
We're not the finished article - far from it, but it has been a joy watching us on pre season so far. The ability to dominate teams both in and out of possession is good to see.
Villa have got, what you'd think will be their strongest XI going into the season and they haven't laid a glove on us yet.
As I said, I still think there's positions we could upgrade, but the change in system and tactics have made us look so much better.
Villa have got, what you'd think will be their strongest XI going into the season and they haven't laid a glove on us yet.
As I said, I still think there's positions we could upgrade, but the change in system and tactics have made us look so much better.
It’s summer in Australia, duh!
Very decent half that.
Want wholesale changes at HT please. Big risk of injury.
Want wholesale changes at HT please. Big risk of injury.
The fact is that he was in the box not sulking on the wing like last season.
In control, not really giving them much of the ball. Midfield still an issue imo.
I was being sarcastic.
I’m unable to add white text so the /s is a Reddit based thing to imply sarcasm.
Worried about Van De Beek, he hardly touched the ball.