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2019-20 Performances


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ivaldo

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City dont because they dominate the ball and attack, while we dont have the ball and play on the counter.

Liverpool? Matip does more defensive work than either of our CBs

Why did you only list Matip out of all their defence?
 

Ekeke

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Why did you only list Matip out of all their defence?
Because he makes more than Maguire or Lindelof?

Here's both Liverpool's CBs this season (more than United)



And here's last season vs the CBs we have now



Any more excuses?
 

ivaldo

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Because he makes more than Maguire or Lindelof?

Here's both Liverpool's CBs this season (more than United)



And here's last season vs the CBs we have now



Any more excuses?
No that's fine. You've admitted you were wrong about City so that's fine.
 

roonster09

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Keep in mind that they are teams that emphasize attack. Liverpool's defensive standards dropped from last season, City are pretty much set up to outscore everyone by having lots of the ball and finding a way through packed teams.

So City are in a position where they can be a bit loose at the back and they are going to get loads of points anyway. Thats a bit of a luxury set up that few teams can afford to go with.

We are a team that isnt set up to attack so much, all our best work is done on the break and we're pretty bad when we have lots of the ball and the other team sit back. So there are more players in good enough positions to help our defense, regardless of how well they have actually helped the defense. Especially our fullbacks who dont bomb forward and are better defenders than the teams you mentioned.
Wasn't it same last season or before that when you said we have the second best defensive record? Even at that time, City played same way, Liverpool had FBs who bombed forward all the time and we played defensive game but you didn't use those excuses and said "we have the second best defensive record".

Only reason you are using the play style now is because Smalling is not playing for the club.
 

Ekeke

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Wasn't it same last season or before that when you said we have the second best defensive record? Even at that time, City played same way, Liverpool had FBs who bombed forward all the time and we played defensive game but you didn't use those excuses and said "we have the second best defensive record".

Only reason you are using the play style now is because Smalling is not playing for the club.
We've changed our setup in the past couple of seasons. We've changed manager too in case you didnt realize that either.

We didnt have AWB at RB, the best ball winning right back in the league. We had Ashley Young!

Besides I have no idea what you're failing to say. We had the 2nd best defensive record yes, so clearly those players were fine. All the more impressive without AWB helping out
 

roonster09

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We've changed our setup in the past couple of seasons. We've changed manager too in case you didnt realize that either.

We didnt have AWB at RB, the best ball winning right back in the league. We had Ashley Young!

Besides I have no idea what you're failing to say. We had the 2nd best defensive record yes, so clearly those players were fine. All the more impressive without AWB helping out
Just how us having 2nd best defensive record is a fact, only Liverpool, Sheffield United, Leicester conceded less than us is also a fact. Back then you didn't discuss play style when every top team except us played attacking and expansive game while we played with many players defending and on the break.

We didn't have AWB but had De Gea in superman mode, now he is just another good GK.

I think I have made my point very clear, if Smalling was playing regularly, you wouldn't have posted the playing style thing at all.
 

Ekeke

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Just how us having 2nd best defensive record is a fact, only Liverpool, Sheffield United, Leicester conceded less than us is also a fact. Back then you didn't discuss play style when every top team except us played attacking and expansive game while we played with many players defending and on the break.

We didn't have AWB but had De Gea in superman mode, now he is just another good GK.

I think I have made my point very clear, if Smalling was playing regularly, you wouldn't have posted the playing style thing at all.
Whats wrong with De Gea? Its not like last season where he was a calamity. He's done well. But I guess him being back to himself doesnt fit your agenda

You dont have a point, you cannot make something that isnt there.
 

roonster09

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Whats wrong with De Gea? Its not like last season where he was a calamity. He's done well. But I guess him being back to himself doesnt fit your agenda

You dont have a point, you cannot make something that isnt there.
fecking hell, :lol:
 

DoomSlayer

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De Gea is nowhere near being back to the best GK of the world. He was the only reason we ever had a top 2/3/4 defense in the league in the previous seasons.

With that said, I do expect more from the current defense and that means De Gea as well.
 

ivaldo

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wat?

I never said City's CBs had more to do than United's :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:
You said:

So City are in a position where they can be a bit loose at the back and they are going to get loads of points anyway. Thats a bit of a luxury set up that few teams can afford to go with.

We are a team that isnt set up to attack so much, all our best work is done on the break and we're pretty bad when we have lots of the ball and the other team sit back. So there are more players in good enough positions to help our defense, regardless of how well they have actually helped the defense. Especially our fullbacks who dont bomb forward and are better defenders than the teams you mentioned.

You sure about that?

edit: :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

Do try and respond like an adult next time.
 

Ekeke

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You said

So City are in a position where they can be a bit loose at the back and they are going to get loads of points anyway. Thats a bit of a luxury set up that few teams can afford to go with.

We are a team that isnt set up to attack so much, all our best work is done on the break and we're pretty bad when we have lots of the ball and the other team sit back. So there are more players in good enough positions to help our defense, regardless of how well they have actually helped the defense. Especially our fullbacks who dont bomb forward and are better defenders than the teams you mentioned.

You sure about that?
Yes. Our fullbacks are in deeper positions. And we have a DM in front.

City have 2 CBs and a DM that sits, the fullbacks get forward

Our fullbacks are in a position to help our CBs. On the other hand when we go forward they arent bombing forward like Liverpool's or City's

Heres our positions against Brighton :



Our FBs average position isnt even over the halfway line. Then we had 2 sitting midfielders also not beyond the half way line

Liverpool in their previous premier league match before City against Aston Villa


Liverpool have 2 CBs back and everyone else pushed on past the half way line

City in their previous premier league match before Liverpool against Southampton


City have 2 CBs back, 1 DM sitting a bit and everyone else getting forward
 

Bowlcut11

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For what it's worth, I've been in Rome the last couple of days and the locals love 'Chris with the hair'.

I don't think we will have trouble moving him if we don't hold out for a silly price.
 

ivaldo

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Yes. Our fullbacks are in deeper positions. And we have a DM in front.

City have 2 CBs and a DM that sits, the fullbacks get forward

Our fullbacks are in a position to help our CBs. On the other hand when we go forward they arent bombing forward like Liverpool's or City's

Heres our positions against Brighton :



Our FBs average position isnt even over the halfway line. Then we had 2 sitting midfielders also not beyond the half way line

Liverpool in their previous premier league match before City against Aston Villa


Liverpool have 2 CBs back and everyone else pushed on past the half way line

City in their previous premier league match before Liverpool against Southampton


City have 2 CBs back, 1 DM sitting a bit and everyone else getting forward
Right, but that’s got nothing to do with you posting that City set up means they are exposed more than we are, and then laughing like a maniac when I point out to you that their set up means it’s the opposite to what you suggested.
 

Ekeke

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Right, but that’s got nothing to do with you posting that City set up means they are exposed more than we are, and then laughing like a maniac when I point out to you that their set up means it’s the opposite to what you suggested.
They do have a setup that leaves them more exposed, as is obvious from their average positions. They get players forward more than we do and have less players back for when the ball is turned over.

Its fine for them because they have so much of the ball. As I said, its a luxury that most teams cant afford because they arent set up like City to dominate the ball and keep it so well.

But I really should stop replying to people making shit up, so will do that now.
 

ivaldo

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They do have a setup that leaves them more exposed, as is obvious from their average positions. They get players forward more than we do and have less players back for when the ball is turned over.

Its fine for them because they have so much of the ball. As I said, its a luxury that most teams cant afford because they arent set up like City to dominate the ball and keep it so well.

But I really should stop replying to people making shit up, so will do that now.
Classic Ekeke. Gets called up on something and instead of just holding his hands up and saying, ‘yeah I was wrong,’ you continue to meander on in hope of some miracle where your doublethink all of a sudden makes sense, all the while turning the conversation sour with cheap jibes for absolutely no reason. Incredibly, you’re still trying to justify your claim our defence is better protected while acknowledging City’s set up and quality of frontline press means their defenders have to do less. It’s almost like they’re ‘protected.’ Usually, you’d be throwing stats around left right and centre at this point but you’ve decided to shun them on this occasion because they don’t support your claim in any shape or form. I think you’re right, best stop replying.
 

Shimo

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https://www.skysports.com/football/...aissance-earn-man-utd-defender-england-recall

Not sure if it's written by a Smalling fanboi but, it's a pretty glowing article. Interestingly mentions that Roma do want to be playing out the back and Smalling has been a key part of that and also that they have been playing a high line, something that Smalling excels at.

Think Southgate is being politically correct but, he had long made up his mind about Smalling. Don't see him being recalled even if he is a better option than pretty much all of the defenders available to him right now or going into Euros.
 

Ekeke

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https://www.skysports.com/football/...aissance-earn-man-utd-defender-england-recall

Not sure if it's written by a Smalling fanboi but, it's a pretty glowing article. Interestingly mentions that Roma do want to be playing out the back and Smalling has been a key part of that and also that they have been playing a high line, something that Smalling excels at.

Think Southgate is being politically correct but, he had long made up his mind about Smalling. Don't see him being recalled even if he is a better option than pretty much all of the defenders available to him right now or going into Euros.
Yup. Basically it'll show Southgate's character. Is he willing to accept he might be wrong and that his most in form CB should at least be kept on the bench, or is his ego too big and he's too stubborn to involve him again
 

AshRK

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Smalling is a decent defender but the way some are portraying him as prime Vidic or Rio is funny.
 

Van Piorsing

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Honestly I know he can be truly reliable defender, but I really don't care that much how he's doing in Roma tbh. What I know is that United's Smalling got different type of record with few same occuring detriments.

If he'll come back to United stronger then he should finally take his chances, but in a longer run if we want to go back to Champions League football permanently, it's obvious we'll need a very steady back four.
 

roseguy64

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Honestly I know he can be truly reliable defender, but I really don't care that much how he's doing in Roma tbh. What I know is that United's Smalling got different type of record with few same occuring detriments.

If he'll come back to United stronger then he should finally take his chances, but in a longer run if we want to go back to Champions League football permanently, it's obvious we'll need a very steady back four.
What do you mean by finally take his chances?
 

Eternitiy

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Take his chance in the first team. He's almost 30 and easily most experienced defender, so it's probably fair to require something serious from him.
If he was sent on loan at 29/30, he's certainly not coming back to United in any serious capacity, unless we have a new manager (which is not outside the realm of possibility).

With this being said, it's nice to see him doing well at Roma, very good and ambitious move for the sake of his own career.
 

MikeKing

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I wish I could claim responsibility, especially for the Pogba one. That will go down in United folklore.

I find this little gem a lot funnier. Imagine he did that in a real game and not with his friends and family during a children birthday party, would be absolutely fuming if that happened. :lol: What a stupid idiot huh?
 

roseguy64

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Take his chance in the first team. He's almost 30 and easily most experienced defender, so it's probably fair to require something serious from him.
I only say that because since Vidi/Rio have left, he's been first choice pretty much for the majority of each season.
 

Van Piorsing

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I only say that because since Vidi/Rio have left, he's been first choice pretty much for the majority of each season.
True that, but now he has to fight for the place in a very long time. Evans, Jones, Bailly or even Rojo were never that hard to beat in first squad rivalry.

Best case scenario and somekind of compromise perhaps is finding a buyer for Jones, but Ole will almost on 100% promote Tuanzebe which is a good thing. In the end everything will depend on Mike's ambition, especially after losing spot in both England and United.
 

AshRK

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Who is saying he's the best defender in the world?

Sounds like you made it up
I never said someone said that. I said some are acting as if we have lost a prime vidic or Rio. He is/was a decent defender thats it. If people want to pretend otherwise then that's their call.

It seems there has been a trend here that any player leaving us is suddenly portrayed as world beater. Look at Herrera's thread, look at Lukaku's thread. Heck some have also started to miss Fellaini. I bet same will happen once matic leaves, suddenly some will start acting how big a player we have lost.
 

Real Madras

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Bring this beast back. He has said he misses United. We'd be silly to sell him after the season he is having. A terrific player and also I don't get how he's left out of the England squad. I don't really care he's not a ball playing CB. Look at Lindelof right now and tell me he's playing well. Apart from Smalling not being great at bringing the ball out of defence, he's better than Lindelof in every other department.
 

The Original

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I never said someone said that. I said some are acting as if we have lost a prime vidic or Rio. He is/was a decent defender thats it. If people want to pretend otherwise then that's their call.

It seems there has been a trend here that any player leaving us is suddenly portrayed as world beater. Look at Herrera's thread, look at Lukaku's thread. Heck some have also started to miss Fellaini. I bet same will happen once matic leaves, suddenly some will start acting how big a player we have lost.
Defenders rarely attain those levels of greatness if they are not played alongside players of similar quality. smalling could have reached those levels if he had played alongside other similarly good defenders.
 

Green_Red

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I find this little gem a lot funnier. Imagine he did that in a real game and not with his friends and family during a children birthday party, would be absolutely fuming if that happened. :lol: What a stupid idiot huh?
Its obvious youre a big fan of the guy so Im not going to get caught up in a back and forth discussion about his ability. The simple facts are that in the post Fergie era and post Ferdinand / Vidic, Smalling was a part of the worst CB pairing this club has had in 30 years. The quality just isnt there, which is why every subsequent manager attempted to replace both by either bringing in transfers or courting transfers.

Im happy he is doing well in Rome, he has found his level. A nice slow pedestrian league. But the simple fact is that he is not good enough for Manchester United. Inconsistent and prone to errors. If Fergie hadnt retired he would have had one season he before being shipped out.

@The Original
 

Cassidy

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Its obvious youre a big fan of the guy so Im not going to get caught up in a back and forth discussion about his ability. The simple facts are that in the post Fergie era and post Ferdinand / Vidic, Smalling was a part of the worst CB pairing this club has had in 30 years. The quality just isnt there, which is why every subsequent manager attempted to replace both by either bringing in transfers or courting transfers.

Im happy he is doing well in Rome, he has found his level. A nice slow pedestrian league. But the simple fact is that he is not good enough for Manchester United. Inconsistent and prone to errors. If Fergie hadnt retired he would have had one season he before being shipped out.

@The Original
Disagree with that part, I think Fergie would have made him very good. Smalling is the best CB we have had at the club in the post Fergie era
 
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