Villarreal 1:1 Manchester United

Inigo Montoya · May 25, 2021

Matriac said:
Is this really a stick to beat Ole with? Bringing along keepers in the travelling squad? I wouldn't care if he brought along 10 keepers if he thought that would be somehow beneficial. Yes it looked funny earlier this year when we had 3 keepers on the bench or so, but we didn't have other options that were fit.

Most other teams don't have 2 outright top keepers, so their 3 is our 4. If we have room on the plane and another hotelroom won't kill our budget, then what does it matter how many keepers we bring. If they help prepare the team for their match?
An extra keeper that doesn't play can still help in preparations if 1 or 2 players want to practice setpieces or whatever while the rest of the team does other exercises.
An extra outfield player that doesn't play (like Hannibal), can still be somewhat beneficial, but would be there mostly to learn and kinda gets in the way. He'll have lots of chances to be in the squad and learn later (our youngest keeper travelling is 21 (Mejbri 18), so he needs to get experience now before a decision on his future is made).

If one or even 2 got injured and he had nothing as back up, we'd be fuming. Safe than sorry. It's not as if we're paying their fare and accomodation

Fingeredmouse · May 25, 2021

It's surprisingly quiet in here given we're in a European final tomorrow!
Edit: Have read through the thread. For feck sake you miserable bastards.

RedDevilRoshi · May 25, 2021

Don’t know how anyone could not give a damn about this game.

We haven’t won a trophy since 2017. We have only reached one cup final since then and have failed numerous times at the semi final stage since then. This squad massively needs a trophy as it could prove to be a catalyst for hopefully many more successes to come and give them that winners mentality and a massive confidence booster to go on and build upon this success.

It’s a bloody massive game tomorrow for the squad and Ole and I hope we win it!

0le · May 25, 2021

RedDevilRoshi said:
Don’t know how anyone could not give a damn about this game.

We haven’t won a trophy since 2017. We have only reached one cup final since then and have failed numerous times at the semi final stage since then. This squad massively needs a trophy as it could prove to be a catalyst for hopefully many more successes to come and give them that winners mentality and a massive confidence booster to go on and build upon this success.

It’s a bloody massive game tomorrow for the squad and Ole and I hope we win it!

Similar things have been said for our previous cup wins since Fergie. It will not be a catalyst for anything.

Tom Van Persie · May 25, 2021

roonster09 said:
It's hilarious how the rating of trophy change based on who the manager is

SAFMUTD · May 25, 2021

Mr Smith said:
I think context is very important. It depends on how the rest of the season goes. For instance, if you're in a tight title race youd much rather a late-stage CL exit than an EL triumph. But if it's your best chance for silverware that season, it's pretty churlish to turn up your nose at the EL.

Yes I understand the point, I mean in a few years nobody is going to remember if you got to the quarters or semis in the UCL but the trophy whatever it is will be there.

Still I'd choose the UCL, but like I said I understand why some would choose the trophy.

red_de_pologne · May 25, 2021

0le said:
Similar things have been said for our previous cup wins since Fergie. It will not be a catalyst for anything.

Different circumstances, this time it does look like we are building something, and winning a trophy might mean a lot in terms of development of the team, the mentality, so it could be a catalyst of some sort. Don't know why someone would disregard a trophy like that.

ColvaleGoa · May 25, 2021

I think this match is comparable to European Cup winners cup final in 1991 in terms of its significance to Ole and United at this point of time.

We win this , we will believe we are on a cusp of something special. Lose and it will be hard work picking up the pieces again.

Let's hope we bring our A game tomorrow.

tomaldinho1 · May 25, 2021

ColvaleGoa said:
I think this match is comparable to European Cup winners cup final in 1991 in terms of its significance to Ole and United at this point of time.

We win this , we will believe we are on a cusp of something special. Lose and it will be hard work picking up the pieces again.

Let's hope we bring our A game tomorrow.

I long for the day when this vague idea of us being on the 'cusp' of something dies a long overdue death.

Champ · May 25, 2021

Im beginning to think Maguire will start this game, included in the 26 man squad, as a player and not just as a cheer leader.

I really think he will be ok.

bosskeano · May 25, 2021

Maguire made the traveling squad as Ole said he would give him the latest possible opportunity to make the match but i'll be absolutely shocked if he makes the game day squad but at least he's trying. Martial didn't even make the traveling squad which is odd considering Ole said he was supposed to be back training last week.

Giggsy13 · May 25, 2021

I doubt Maguire makes it, which is a shame. He’s been subject to plenty of abuse and it would’ve been nice to see him lead out our team in a cup final.

bosskeano · May 25, 2021

It's a cup final, can Ole really take a risk by playing Maguire if he isn't 100% fit? I just don't think it would be in the best interest of the club.

AngliaRed · May 25, 2021

On current form I would love this starting 11

———————DDG—————
AWB——Bailly—-Lindelof—-Shaw
———————Fred———————-
———-VDB—————Pogba
——————Bruno——————
—-Greenwood—-Cavani——

Rashford doesnt deserve to start on current form but Ole wouldn’t leave him out.

Giggsy13 · May 25, 2021

bosskeano said:
It's a cup final, can Ole really take a risk by playing Maguire if he isn't 100% fit? I just don't think it would be in the best interest of the club.

Or the player. Despite the criticism, he’s a vital cog in our back 4. We need him fit and healthy next season where we all hope we’ll be taking another step up.

el3mel · May 25, 2021

0le said:
Similar things have been said for our previous cup wins since Fergie. It will not be a catalyst for anything.

Yeah, it's not a catalyst for anything but at the same time I want a damn trophy to celebrate. 3 years without a single trophy is pretty bad for a club like United and more importantly, entering the summer market winning the final will make the mood and atmosphere around the club in general be great. In comparison if we lose it will be fecking shit feeling preparing for next season.

Parma Dewol · May 25, 2021

Can't wait for this game now. Buzzing to see this team in a final, though I know the nerves will be jangling all day tomorrow.

Think this could be a huge night for Ole and the players. We've stumbled in semis on too many occasions, but there seems to be a togetherness in the squad, and getting our hands on some silverware could be a stepping stone toward great things.

Come to think of it, how many of our travelling players have never won anything of note? Off the top of my head, I'm struggling to think whether the likes of Henderson, Lindelof, Maguire, Wan-Bissake, Bruno, Fred, James, McTominay or Greenwood have ever won a major domestic or European trophy. Would be a great feeling for them to get their first piece of silverware, and hopefully it helps build an appetite for more.

Giggsy13 · May 25, 2021

el3mel said:
Yeah, it's not a catalyst for anything but at the same time I want a damn trophy to celebrate. 3 years without a single trophy is pretty bad for a club like United and more importantly, entering the summer market winning the final will make the mood and atmosphere around the club in general be great. In comparison if we lose it will be fecking shit feeling preparing for next season.

Definitely can be a catalyst. A lot of the our players are carrying the “bottler” label around. Winning a trophy would help in silencing that narrative.

sglowrider · May 25, 2021

AngliaRed said:
On current form I would love this starting 11

———————DDG—————
AWB——Bailly—-Lindelof—-Shaw
———————Fred———————-
———-VDB—————Pogba
——————Bruno——————
—-Greenwood—-Cavani——

Rashford doesnt deserve to start on current form but Ole wouldn’t leave him out.

Rashford's pace will be what will kill them. He has to start. The big question is whether Fred is available or Pogba starts. They are a very technical side, we could be chasing shadows if we have the wrong set up

TheReligion · May 25, 2021

sglowrider said:
Rashford's pace will be what will kill them. He has to start. The big question is whether Fred is available or Pogba starts. They are a very technical side, we could be chasing shadows if we have the wrong set up

Pogba will play regards won't he on the left with Greenwood coming out.

Not what id like to see as think Rashford and Shaw are very good together on the left side and I'd balance that with Greenwood on the right with Cavani through the middle.

I suspect one of greenwood/rash will be on the bench though.

charlenefan · May 25, 2021

There's a bit with someone who works for Villarreal in this video

Sounds like their biggest threat is the right winger who would normally operate where Maguire plays (fecking typical) and in midfield which is where McFred will need to be at it (and suggests it's not a good idea to play Pogba there)

Giggsy13 · May 25, 2021

TheReligion said:
Pogba will play regards won't he on the left with Greenwood coming out.

Not what id like to see as think Rashford and Shaw are very good together on the left side and I'd balance that with Greenwood on the right with Cavani through the middle.

I suspect one of greenwood/rash will be on the bench though.

Not starting Greenwood would be shameful on every level. He has been our best attacking player the last few months.

Lemon Moon · May 25, 2021

tomaldinho1 said:
I long for the day when this vague idea of us being on the 'cusp' of something dies a long overdue death.

You miserable bastardo

crossy1686 · May 25, 2021

AngliaRed said:
On current form I would love this starting 11

———————DDG—————
AWB——Bailly—-Lindelof—-Shaw
———————Fred———————-
———-VDB—————Pogba
——————Bruno——————
—-Greenwood—-Cavani——

Rashford doesnt deserve to start on current form but Ole wouldn’t leave him out.

You've lost your damn mind.

A 21 goal season with 15 assists while carrying injuries all season and he doesn't deserve to start over a bloke that hasn't showed up all year except for one game at the end of the season where the opposition had sacked their manager before the game and we fielded our under 18's because the game was completely irrelevant...

Just say you don't like him instead of making a shit excuse to drop him.

Random Task · May 25, 2021

TheReligion said:
Pogba will play regards won't he on the left with Greenwood coming out.

Not what id like to see as think Rashford and Shaw are very good together on the left side and I'd balance that with Greenwood on the right with Cavani through the middle.

I suspect one of greenwood/rash will be on the bench though.

Yeah, one of them has to miss out given Pogba is a shoo-in on the LW, as is Cavani at CF, leaving only the RW slot available to one of them.

For what it's worth, this would be my team for the final:

DDG

AWB Lindelof Tuanzebe Shaw

Mctominay DVB

Bruno

Greenwood Cavani Pogba

I think Rashford is far more effective coming off the bench than Greenwood, so I opted for the latter to start. Rashford starting ahead of Greenwood wouldn't be the end of the world, though.

I expect Ole will go with Fred in place of DVB. I liked what I saw of DVB against Wolves. He looked more comfortable in the DM role than at any point in the season to date.

TheReligion · May 25, 2021

tomaldinho1 said:
I long for the day when this vague idea of us being on the 'cusp' of something dies a long overdue death.

Well it won't die if we get beaten in the final that's for sure will it

TheReligion · May 25, 2021

Random Task said:
Yeah, one of them has to miss out given Pogba is a shoo-in on the LW, as is Cavani at CF, leaving only the RW slot available to one of them.

For what it's worth, this would be my team for the final:

DDG

AWB Lindelof Tuanzebe Shaw

Mctominay DVB

Bruno

Greenwood Cavani Pogba

I think Rashford is far more effective coming off the bench than Greenwood, so I opted for the latter to start. Rashford starting ahead of Greenwood wouldn't be the end of the world, though.

I expect Ole will go with Fred in place of DVB. I liked what I saw of DVB against Wolves. He looked more comfortable in the DM role than at any point in the season to date.

Would you go Mctominay over Fred? The former feels really out of sorts at the moment.

I'd be inclined to play Matic.

Random Task · May 25, 2021

TheReligion said:
Would you go Mctominay over Fred? The former feels really out of sorts at the moment.

I'd be inclined to play Matic.

I'm more comrfotable with Mctominay over Fred, as the latter is a shadown of the player he was last year, almost to the point of being a liability. Matic isn't the worst shout, although I can't see Ole playing him after he started against Wolves.

Hephaestus · May 25, 2021

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SATA · May 25, 2021

TheReligion said:
Would you go Mctominay over Fred? The former feels really out of sorts at the moment.

I'd be inclined to play Matic.

I would play Matic too. He just takes care of the ball better than Fred and controls the midfield. But he played on Sunday so it’s hard to see him start. Is Fred actually fit though? Ole stated he was injured walking off against Fulham

SATA · May 25, 2021

Hephaestus said:
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Mason hat trick in a 3-0 win and Bailly red card in the 93rd minute

tomaldinho1 · May 25, 2021

TheReligion said:
Well it won't die if we get beaten in the final that's for sure will it

One day we'll just be seen as good enough again and no longer on the 'cusp' of something. EL shouldn't define anything about where this team is, we're definitely better than this level.

Desert Eagle · May 25, 2021

Matriac said:
Is this really a stick to beat Ole with? Bringing along keepers in the travelling squad? I wouldn't care if he brought along 10 keepers if he thought that would be somehow beneficial. Yes it looked funny earlier this year when we had 3 keepers on the bench or so, but we didn't have other options that were fit.

Most other teams don't have 2 outright top keepers, so their 3 is our 4. If we have room on the plane and another hotelroom won't kill our budget, then what does it matter how many keepers we bring. If they help prepare the team for their match?
An extra keeper that doesn't play can still help in preparations if 1 or 2 players want to practice setpieces or whatever while the rest of the team does other exercises.
An extra outfield player that doesn't play (like Hannibal), can still be somewhat beneficial, but would be there mostly to learn and kinda gets in the way. He'll have lots of chances to be in the squad and learn later (our youngest keeper travelling is 21 (Mejbri 18), so he needs to get experience now before a decision on his future is made).

Let me try to break your post down .The issue is not bringing keepers along it is why does he bring 4 when everybody else brings 3. Surely our football or training is not so unique that we require it. I think having an outfield player instead of that 4th keeper spot is better. It's obviously not about the budget it's a footballing decision. As for what I bolded I don't even know what you mean. We have an extra top keeper on the bench but we still need 2 more?

AngliaRed · May 25, 2021

crossy1686 said:
You've lost your damn mind.

A 21 goal season with 15 assists while carrying injuries all season and he doesn't deserve to start over a bloke that hasn't showed up all year except for one game at the end of the season where the opposition had sacked their manager before the game and we fielded our under 18's because the game was completely irrelevant...

Just say you don't like him instead of making a shit excuse to drop him.

Are you ok mate? Hug?

Giggs86 · May 25, 2021

ColvaleGoa said:
I think this match is comparable to European Cup winners cup final in 1991 in terms of its significance to Ole and United at this point of time.

We win this , we will believe we are on a cusp of something special. Lose and it will be hard work picking up the pieces again.

Let's hope we bring our A game tomorrow.

In fairness I had that same feeling before the 2017 EL final. But now it does have a more 'United' feel to it with Ole, Bruno and the rest of the players we have now. Plus our football is so much better than it was when we played our previous EL final.

jamesjimmybyrondean · May 25, 2021

Cavani
Rashford Bruno Greenwood
Fred Pogba
Shaw Tuanzebe Lindelof Awb
Ddg

MyOnlySolskjaer · May 25, 2021

The head of the slab has been spotted but not training, unfortunately.

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thegregster · May 25, 2021

He was never going to train with the cameras about.

They are allowed for a certain amount of time to watch the team train in the stadium.

Once they go he will attempt to prove his fitness.

SATA · May 25, 2021

Maguire is just doing some extra warming up behind to loosen up more. I bet he’ll join in the jogging and training once it become closed doors

Ludens the Red · May 25, 2021

roonster09 said:
It's hilarious how the rating of trophy change based on who the manager is

I do love these :lol:

Europa League Final

Villarreal 1:1 Manchester United

Villareal win 11:10 on penalties

Stadion Energa Gdansk, Poland

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Leave Wayne Rooney alone!!

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