[J.T]

3-5-2 and I wouldn't put a battle to survive relegation past the realm of possibility. LvG knows this.

We won't be seeing a 3-5-2 again, trust me.

Whoever is expecting a title challenging season is completely delusional.
not going to happen

i will be very happy if we can reach CL again even if we have to go through qualifying match !!!!

 

[ottosec]

Only way we win this is if RVP or maybe Di Maria pull something out of their asses and win us the game. Doesn't look good, though.

 

[PitTon]

I am calm with what has been happening. LvG has reminded us three months is what we need to really apply his philosophy.

Of course, losing to whatever team is disappointing and it is worse that yesterday result meant the playing time for our promising young players has been restricted. I did hope League Cup is going to be our chance to see the like of Pearson, Lawrence, Rothwell, Pereira, Powell...

Every club LvG did manage needed time but our situation becomes worse because of our injuries. I think he wants to work with a solid number of players and make that group be our base and improve from then. Injuries and WC players holiday more or less affect the process.

I have asked myself how come our performance preseason so good. Then the possible answer i probably found just in post 1stmatch interview of our manager. Nervous. We played with confident and most important: fearless to try and not worry about making mistakes preseason-ly. But in real match, we are afraid to pass a bit advantageous and just go for the safe options. The so called self believe disappear and when it does and the players try hard to do it, everyting goes wrong just like Evans pass yesterday.

The philosophy LvG always talks about imh is self confident. I know some may argue that it has to be pass and move, work with ball, make run and stuff. And with some clips we have already seen, there are a lot of passing related training. Even from preseason matches and some documentary videos of LvGs former teams it is obvious. But the way our boss said: "I train the players in their brains, not their legs, It is about brainpower." i think and believe the next couple of weeks we will see the differences once our players trust themselves and go out there enjoy the football without fear...

Iirc, the goal we scored away against Roma when Ronaldo headed in is what we need from our players (especially midfielders). A overlap run from Scholes made the opportunity. I don't know why the goal just pop up. Maybe because it did not required any special technique or super tatical sense? or maybe i want to support the above "self believe and play without fear" idea? as for me, it is about seein the oppotunity, takin risk to run overlap to create something and not afraid that "im not holding my position, im waitin for the back pass...". I think that is what we lack atm: a bit risky with movement and passing in real match. And i think we are gonna see those next match with Di María.

I agree that this is the right time to say goodbye to 3CBs system. The formation needs: good wingbacks and good and mobile pair of CMs that we are lackin atm , patience and confidence... With ADM and maybe Rojo available, it is time to play- firstly- with 4 at the back. It can not go any worse than the previous formation as we conceded every match so far. Take one from the back to add to another higher positions and see how it goes

Every thing takes time. With LvG, just want our players keep "no pain no gain" attitude to believe thru hard moments, and so do us, the fans.

 

[J.T]

I am calm with what has been happening. LvG has reminded us three months is what we need to really apply his philosophy.

Of course, losing to whatever team is disappointing and it is worse that yesterday result meant the playing time for our promising young players has been restricted. I did hope League Cup is going to be our chance to see the like of Pearson, Lawrence, Rothwell, Pereira, Powell...

Every club LvG did manage needed time but our situation becomes worse because of our injuries. I think he wants to work with a solid number of players and make that group be our base and improve from then. Injuries and WC players holiday more or less affect the process.

I have asked myself how come our performance preseason so good. Then the possible answer i probably found just in post 1stmatch interview of our manager. Nervous. We played with confident and most important: fearless to try and not worry abt making mistakes preseason-ly. But in real match, we are afraid to pass a bit advantageous and just go for the safe options. The so called self believe disappear and when it does and the players try hard to do it, everyting goes wrong just like Evans pass yesterday.

The philosophy LvG always talks abt imh is self confident. I know some may argue that it has to be pass and move, work with ball, make run and stuff. And with some clips we have already seen, there are a lot of passing related training. Even from preseason matches and some documentary videos of LvGs former teams it is obvious. But the way our boss said: "I train the players in their brains, not their legs, It is about brainpower." i think and believe the next couple of weeks we will see the differences once our players trust themselves and go out there enjoy the football without fear...

Iirc, the goal we scored away against Roma when Ronaldo headed in is what we need from our players (especially midfielders). A overlap run from Scholes made the opportunity. I don't know why the goal just pop up. Maybe because it did not required any special technique or super tatical sense? or maybe i want to support the above "self believe and play without fear" idea? as for me, it is about seein the oppotunity, takin risk to run overlap to create something and not afraid that "im not holding my position, im waitin for the back pass...". I think that is what we lack atm: a bit risky with movement and passing in real match. And i think we are gonna see those next match with Di María.

I agree that this is the right time to say goodbye to 3CBs system. The formation needs: good wingbacks n good and mobile pair of CMs that we are lackin atm , patience and confidence... With ADM and maybe Rojo available, it is time to play- firstly- with 4 at the back. It can not go any worse than the previous formation as we conceded every match so far. Take one from the back to add to another higher positions and see how it goes

Every thing takes time. With LvG, just want our players keep "no pain no gain" attitude to believe thru hard moments, and so do us, the fans.

agreed

i remember LVG warning fans that he will need a few months to get stuffs running smooth.

but, i guess that "excellent" preseason against the likes of Real, inter, Roma, Liverpool might have raised expectation considerably ...

Had we lost to ALL of them, i am pretty sure the expectation will be much x2 lower come start of the season! !!

anyway Im quite excited awaiting all new purchases to feature in the first team !!!!

 

[buckooo1978]

Are we expecting any more players back for this?

Any updates on Rafael, Shaw, Herrera or Carrick

 

[SharkyMcShark]

We'll win, it will be underwhelming and kind of pathetic.

Are we expecting any more players back for this?

Any updates on Rafael, Shaw, Herrera or Carrick

Herrera is back in training.

Shaw was out for a month as of a week and a half ago.

Carrick is out for another 5 or 6 weeks still.

 

[BarstoolProphet]

Hope to see:

DdG

Rafael
Jones
Evans
Rojo

Herrera
Fletcher
Di María

Januzaj
RvP
Mata

With Di María interchanging with Mata to give us width and pace when Mata dropping deep for some play-a-making.

 

[Jacob]

Januzaj was shit last night, doesn't deserve to keep his place.

 

[SecondToNone]

I hope we get to see Pereira and Wilson in action. Seriously we should let these guys get into the team instead of playing shit like Anderson, Clev, Fletch, Chicha and Welbeck.

 

[Jacob]

Why can't we have a promising DM coming through the youth ranks?

 

[BarstoolProphet]

Januzaj was shit last night, doesn't deserve to keep his place.

Kinda agree but you got to remember that he's been tested in positions he's not entirely familiar with. Also I think he's well suited for the right flank in a 4-3-3. Much more than Rooney anyway.

 

[Early Earl]

Last night was a disaster. We shouldn't be playing Anderson, he is a proven failure. Chicharitos poor touch and handling of the ball, ruins to many attacks. And the passing was just poor from everyone last night.

 

[Jacob]

I rather see a front three of ADM, Rooney and Valencia. Instructing Valencia to make runs in behind. Pace in abundance from the flanks.

 

[PedroMendez]

Why can't we have a promising DM coming through the youth ranks?

maybe reactivate scholes and keane. they cant do worse than this lot.

 

[J.T]

Kinda agree but you got to remember that he's been tested in positions he's not entirely familiar with. Also I think he's well suited for the right flank in a 4-3-3. Much more than Rooney anyway.

i wonder if LVG is willing to go this if Herrera aint back yet

De gea: Jones - Blackett - Evans - Rojo; Fletcher - Rooney - Mata; Di Maria - RVP - Januzaj

but i guess he got no gut for it and will probably field xavirley instead

i swear if i see fletcher and cleverley on the same line up as the CM pairing ill turn off the TV even if di maria is playing !!!!

since both can only ball watch and cant be fecked to make runs and each ball they received will either be passed sideways/backward >

 

[Siddharth]

More than being skillful perhaps, our players should first be courageous. They should have the tenacity to "do the job", even if it's seemingly ugly. I'm surprised LvG is playing those players who may have promise but do not have the bollocks.
After yesterday, I'm having doubts about LvG and Giggs as a combo. Feels as if Giggs has not given him proper feedback about the players that we have i.e. their qualities, mistakes, rough edges in their games. This is why LvG is fielding players like Anderson and Fellaini.


I think we should start operation clean slate. Get rid of poor performers and cut our losses.

 

[Crustanoid]

Think we nered a 5-5-4 formation to get anything from this

 

[Jacob]

We need a good old 6-0 trashing to shut some people up and cut us some slack. I think we're more than capable of such a shock with that inspiration ADM brings. I remember that psychological boost of playing with better players when I was a kid.

 

[RuudTom83]

Consistency might be the best option so i'd keep as many as possible from Saturday and add Rojo and Di Maria.

 

[J.T]

i wonder if LVG is willing to go this if Herrera aint back yet

De gea: Jones - Blackett - Evans - Rojo; Fletcher - Rooney - Mata; Di Maria - RVP - Januzaj

but i guess he got no gut for it and will probably field xavirley instead

i swear if i see fletcher and cleverley on the same line up as the CM pairing ill turn off the TV even if di maria is playing !!!!

since both can only ball watch and cant be fecked to make runs and each ball they received will either be passed sideways/backward >

secretly hoping the signing of ADM will have impact just like when ozil signed for the arsenal boys ...

last season they started off with a loss too ... so yeah ...

 

[vidal7]

Only herrera wants the ball, none of the other midfielders want the ball, hell yesterday even periera wanted the ball more than fletcher/cleverly do .
This is really not expected from our players, i think they are afraid to be tackled (cleverly specially,he jumps out of every challenge). They were good in pre season as everyone wanted the ball, but now none of them do.
WE need a midfielder who gets on the ball and says let me play with this. let me be the starter of the attacks, let me take the game and make it for my team. We essentially need number 6. Last Season januzaj wanted the ball and this season he seems afraid too.
Yesterday only 2 players wanted it kagawa and periera. one went of injured, other was too light-weight. We started the game well and were okay till kagawa was here, since then we had no control and lost any impetus we had. Players need to show some balls. They are not children among men, they need to be men. Its actually shit from players getting 150 k pw.

 

[Siddharth]

Will Rojo be available?

 

[ItsEssexRob]

I guess banning @ItsEssexRob from jinxing the matchday threads is the only way we are going to win this..

Mods, Go on.. Pls do it...

My jinxing doesn;t really work! I do honestly believe you will win this one though

 

[#07]

Just to put things into perspective.

If we win this game we'll have the same amount of points at the start of this season as we did at the start of 2008/09, and if we draw this game we'll have the same amount of points at the start of this season as we did at the start of 2007/08. As I'm sure every one remembers those were two very good seasons.

 

[Macern]

Are there any chances of playing 4-3-3?

 

[Suli]

De Gea

Valencia
Jones
Blackett
Young

Cleverley
di Maria
Fletcher

Hernandez
Welbeck
Anderson

4-3-3

 

[Macern]

Think we nered a 5-5-4 formation to get anything from this

DDG
Valencia, Jones, Evans, Rojo, Blackett,

Fletcher, Herrera
Di Maria, Mata, Januzaj

Welbeck, RVP, Rooney, Wilson

 

[bleedred]

My jinxing doesn;t really work! I do honestly believe you will win this one though

It doesn't matter..We have blamed every possible thing...You're next.. We lose this and its your doom... Ban! Ban! Ban!.....

 

[Ole90+3]

We need a good old 6-0 trashing to shut some people up and cut us some slack. I think we're more than capable of such a shock with that inspiration ADM brings. I remember that psychological boost of playing with better players when I was a kid.

I think you're forgetting how undescribably shit we have been so far.

I'd be happy with a scrappy 1-0, just to hopefully get some momentum going. The the camp's morale up a bit.

 

[B20]

I was hoping for a solid win against MK Dons, a bit of false bravado to puff up the chest, then brought back down back to earth with a bang when the reality of the premier league sets in again.

Now, I worry you'll be all fired up to right yesterday's wrong and pick up your win in the game that actually matters instead.

Though, if Burnley gets the first goal...

 

[Longlivekeano]

-------------De Gea--------------

------Keane--Jones--Rojo-------

-Valencia----Herrera-----Shaw-

-------di Maria------Mata--------

---------Rooney-RVP------------

United 4-0 Rooney 4 goals

 

[Jacob]

I think you're forgetting how undescribably shit we have been so far.

I'd be happy with a scrappy 1-0, just to hopefully get some momentum going. The the camp's morale up a bit.

That is exactly why I expect a swift turnaround, nobody will see this coming!

 

[dannyrhinos89]

De gea

Rafa
Jones
Rojo
Blackett

Fletcher
Herrera
Mata

Di Maria
RVP
Rooney

 

[Vendetta.]

We'll have some chance if we play with a midfield of Jones, Di Maria and Rooney.

Lots of running and drive there.
Welbeck and RVP up top with Mata behind.

 

[Xoe]

I'm actually excited about this game. ADM to make his debut, Rojo too... RVP fit up front, Herrera back, Rooney up for it, Jones in great form.... We have an awful lot to he excited about.
C'mon United!!!!!!!

 

[Monoya10]

It really won't work putting ADM in a midfield three with Herrera/Fletcher and Mata. It's true he played that position last year so successfully with Madrid but the key difference is that he was playing alongside Modric (instead of Mata). Modric already has a habit of dropping deep which balanced out any of ADM's movement (if ADM moved forward on the left side, Xabi Alonso moved from CDM to LCM and Modric moved to a RCM) which kept them in control in case they lost the ball. With Mata playing alongside him, they'll both be attacking and moving forward which would leave our CM (Herrera or Fletcher) exposed to any counter attack. The only time we'd ever need to play that system would be if we were chasing the game and throwing caution to the wind. If we end up using this, we might beat Burnley but it won't have the same effect against a top 10 team.

It'll only work out if he plays alongside Herrera with a DM behind them.

 

[dove]

Predicted 0-5 against mk dons, was pretty close. Predicting the same result here

 

[Turnip]

If Herrera is back, Rojo is available, Di Maria is ready and some of our others are on form I'd be surprised if we don't win this one. But then I've said something along those lines in the last 2 EPL matches. I think Di Maria will give us a much needed confidence bump and maybe we'll stop playing the 5-3-2 system which simply hasn't worked competitively for us (and it would seem a waste to stick Di Maria as a wing-back). Play 4-3-3 and a few things go our way and I'd expect a comfortable 2-0, even with our poor start.

Predicting something like this:

DDG
Rafael---Jones---Smalling---Rojo
Herrera---Mata---Fletcher
Di Maria---RvP---Rooney​

 

[BringBackBlomqvist]

Honestly not confident about this, have a feeling they will win this 1-0 with Kightly getting the winner

 

[PitTon]

Van Gaal likens Di Maria to Robben

"I have bought Di Maria because he can play inside and wide," confirmed van Gaal at a press conference following the Capital One Cup exit at the hands of MK Dons. "It's very handy is that for a coach.

"So maybe you remember when I was trainer-coach of Bayern Munich, I bought Arjen Robben, also in late August. He could also play on the wings and inside so then I have always the opportunity to change [tactics] but that is a process."

However, van Gaal is not sure whether he will alter his system and formation to accommodate the South American talent. When asked if he may switch to a 4-3-3, he replied: "That’s the process. I cannot clarify because we have to see in the process what we are doing. Exactly what I am saying is you cannot click your fingers and switch to another system. You are working and have to train with it.

"It’s a matter of time because the process needs time and we shall see if, with Di Maria, we have to change the system or not. I think he shall contribute very much in our way of playing, he is also a creative player. I think that he can contribute and that’s very important but we don’t want expect, from tomorrow, that the world has changed – no. He needs to get used to the culture of the Premier League and to the philosophy of Manchester United."