[Strelok]

You mean on the right?

Ah yes my bad, on the right. Fixed, thanks.

 

[Slysi17]

Please don't ruin my 30th birthday Manchester United.

 

[dogwithabone]

My old man was there for the 5-0 and talks about it even now. Still maintains Don Rogers was better than George Best as well

When was that 5-0 ? As a little kid I can remember watching it on The Big Match, the ITV version of MOTD on a Sunday afternoon. I‘d guess around 1971/72 ?

 

[Shipperley]

He has two good years there, scoring 13 goals in 26 appearances that year, and scored the Goal of the Season the following season, and he's got a Stand named after him at Swindon Town where he made his name ....

Dads, don't you just love 'em

Sure do! Don set up a little sports shop in Swindon after he retired and is still running it well in to his 70s. My Dad actually contacted him during lockdown and mentioned his memories of the 5-0 (among other things) and Don sent him a nice reply about how he still looks out for our results and how he still has great memories of that day. My old man was buzzing

 

[Shipperley]

When was that 5-0 ? As a little kid I can remember watching it on The Big Match, the ITV version of MOTD on a Sunday afternoon. I‘d guess around 1971/72 ?

Yeah the game was December 1972 so I think it would be the 72/73 season. 48 years ago!

 

[lenny_1248]

-----------------------De Gea-----------
AWB----Lindelof----Maguire---Shaw/Williams
------------------------Fred--------------
----McT----------------------------Pogba------
----------------------Bruno-----------------
Rashford---------------------Martial--

 

[MiracleInMadrid]

Have been very nervous about todays match. But I have settled with the fact that if we can't muster wins against Southampton and Palace, then we have no business beeing in the CL. If we qualify for the CL we will be forced to do whatever we can to perform well there, which might cost us in the league. And if we are struggling to be consistent in the league, then a bunch of high stake CL-matches will cost us in the league. In the EL we can accept fielding youngsters and squad players, but in the CL we cannot risk an embarrasment against the other top teams of Europe.

What I am trying to say is that if we don't win today, we are simply not ready to be a top 4 team yet.

 

[youngrell]

Pathetic how fans have now started lumping James and McTominay in with their usual ‘deadwood’ list all of a sudden.

James has been struggling but that was expected at some stage, way too early to write him off completely.

That said, not sure tonight is the right game for him if Palace plan to sit deep.

Wouldn’t mind seeing Marcus on the right, I know it’s not his best spot but he could exploit any gaps left by PvA as well as keeping him from going forward too much.

 

[DRM]

Didn't realise this game was today so a whole 2 days rest after the soton game!! That's going to be a huge factor and no way will we be in top form. This is going to be painful

 

[Nou_Camp99]

Exactly. Palace are going to park the bus and hit us on the break. Dan James is a complete and utter passenger in these games. He's totally ineffective with no space to run into. It's no coincidence he's played some of his best games versus Liverpool n City this season.

If Mason isn't fit I'd be tempted to play Igahlo up top with Martial left AND Rashy right just for this one. Someone who can keep the ball and hold it up will be vital. Martial n Rashford will still get chances on goal from wide forward. They always do.

If we play 4231 with James it's going to be a bad night I fear.

 

[Adamsk7]

Very nervous about this one, which is a good thing I guess because we actually have something to play for.

I just feel we have burned ourselves out. If we beat them, it’s going to be scrappy.

 

[londonredmaniac]

Pathetic how fans have now started lumping James and McTominay in with their usual ‘deadwood’ list all of a sudden.

James has been struggling but that was expected at some stage, way too early to write him off completely.

That said, not sure tonight is the right game for him if Palace plan to sit deep.

Wouldn’t mind seeing Marcus on the right, I know it’s not his best spot but he could exploit any gaps left by PvA as well as keeping him from going forward too much.

Good post.

 

[theklr]

Exactly. Palace are going to park the bus and hit us on the break. Dan James is a complete and utter passenger in these games. He's totally ineffective with no space to run into. It's no coincidence he's played some of his best games versus Liverpool n City this season.

If Mason isn't fit I'd be tempted to play Igahlo up top with Martial left AND Rashy right just for this one. Someone who can keep the ball and hold it up will be vital. Martial n Rashford will still get chances on goal from wide forward. They always do.

If we play 4231 with James it's going to be a bad night I fear.

Think its better with Mata . He has a good understanding with Bruno and have good passing for those tight blocks.

 

[Nou_Camp99]

Think its better with Mata . He has a good understanding with Bruno and have good passing for those tight blocks.

Not convinced by Mata at all anymore. He's not up the pace of PL football these days.

I'd play him at Wembley and rest the big players. The FA cup would be nice to win but if we win it and don't make the CL everyone will be gutted. And our transfer budget will be Zero.

The scheduling this week for the semi finals and league games beforehand has been a total joke. Chelsea have a huge advantage with 2 more days to rest and prepare.

 

[TrustInJanuzaj]

I was very nervous for the Southampton game as they are actually a really good team but I have to say I’m not to concerned about Palace. They appear to have mentally checked out and I don’t think they will trouble is anywhere near as much as Southampton. I think we will come out comfortable winners, 3/4 nil.

 

[Dan_F]

I think we’ll see the same back 3 with whoever is fit to play left back. McTominay has to come in for Matic and I think Ole will just go with Pogba and Bruno again, even though it would probably be wise to go with fresh legs in Fred.

If Bruno is playing I would be tempted to play Mata on the right. They seemed to have a good connection before lock down and Palace will sit deep.

 

[jamesjimmybyrondean]

If Ole starts James especially on the right wing then that area of the pitch is dead attacking wise

 

[jamesjimmybyrondean]

Crystal palace will be sitting back. Start Mata. Mata Martial Bruno Pogba combo would be too much for them

 

[DanNistelrooy]

De Gea

AWB
Maguire
Lindelof
Williams

Fred
Pogba
Bruno

Mata
Martial
Rashford

Would be my team. This is the perfect game for Mata to come in if Greenwood has a knock. Palace will sit deep so don't think James will be of much use to start but would be perfect when we hopefully get a goal or two up and the game opens up in the 2nd half.

 

[Tom Cato]

Think the last time I was this nervous about a football match was when Norway got a penalty against Brazil, score 1-1 at the 98' France world cup and they had to beat the reigning world champions to go through. Had to go out in the streets and just wait it out since I couldn't stand to watch it. That relief when I hear people everywhere screaming.

 

[Nickelodeon]

If Ole starts James especially on the right wing then that area of the pitch is dead attacking wise

Same with Mata. He never sticks at RW and doesn't add much value anywhere else as well.

 

[Oldyella]

Pathetic how fans have now started lumping James and McTominay in with their usual ‘deadwood’ list all of a sudden.

James has been struggling but that was expected at some stage, way too early to write him off completely.

That said, not sure tonight is the right game for him if Palace plan to sit deep.

Wouldn’t mind seeing Marcus on the right, I know it’s not his best spot but he could exploit any gaps left by PvA as well as keeping him from going forward too much.

Hes not deadwood and I wouldn't sell him, but he is seriously out of form and looked awful recently. Wouldn't have him starting or even coming on if we can avoid it. Start with a 2 up top or Ighalo if we want to play a 3.

 

[hubbuh]

It really doesn't seem fair that Chelsea played their game 2 days ago, a day after we played the Saints, in the run up to Sunday. The players are going to be fecked!

 

[Trex]

De gea
Bissakka Lindelof Maguire Williams
Pogba Mcsause
Mata Fernandes Rashford
Martial
I'll bring Greenwood in as a sub due to his ankle discomfort, I feel Mata is a better alternative in this kind of games to James
I'll rest Matic he played 90 mins last time out and and has started to many games lately, all of Pogba,Fernandes,Martial and Rashford must start to guarantee victory

 

[hubbuh]

Pathetic how fans have now started lumping James and McTominay in with their usual ‘deadwood’ list all of a sudden.

James has been struggling but that was expected at some stage, way too early to write him off completely.

That said, not sure tonight is the right game for him if Palace plan to sit deep.

Wouldn’t mind seeing Marcus on the right, I know it’s not his best spot but he could exploit any gaps left by PvA as well as keeping him from going forward too much.

Who said McTominay was deadwood?!

 

[roonster09]

I think Ole will go with McTominay, Pogba, Bruno midfield. We need height to defend set pieces, something McTominay offers. Fred is better option but I think McTominay will start.

Greenwood, Shaw, Williams are all doubtful and Ole said he will give as much time as possible to make decision. I think one of the LB will play and James will start as RW.

 

[TheLord]

Every match is so crucial for the Champions League qualification.

If both United and Leicester lose tonight, Chelsea automatically qualify, and the final match between United and Leicester will essentially be a one-match playoff for CL qualification.

 

[youngrell]

Who said McTominay was deadwood?!

I've seen a few posts over the last few days putting McTominay in a list of players to keep out of the side along with Mata, Lingard, Andreas and James.

It seems to some people, anyone who isn't in the first XI is no good and/or surplus to requirements. Unbelievable attitude.

 

[Siorac]

Every match is so crucial for the Champions League qualification.

If both United and Leicester lose tonight, Chelsea automatically qualify, and the final match between United and Leicester will essentially be a one-match playoff for CL qualification.

Not necessarily. I mean, it's staggeringly unlikely but if:

- United and Leicester lose tonight
- They both win next week against West Ham and Spurs, respectively
- Chelsea lose both their games
- United and Leicester draw in the final round...

...then all three teams will end up on 63 points and Chelsea lose out on goal difference.

 

[jamesjimmybyrondean]

I've seen a few posts over the last few days putting McTominay in a list of players to keep out of the side along with Mata, Lingard, Andreas and James.

It seems to some people, anyone who isn't in the first XI is no good and/or surplus to requirements. Unbelievable attitude.

The Caf has always been divided on Mctominay though. I personally don't rate him but I like him

 

[freeurmind]

Can't see us winning this tbh.

 

[Infra-red]

Very nervous about this one, which is a good thing I guess because we actually have something to play for.

I just feel we have burned ourselves out. If we beat them, it’s going to be scrappy.

Scrappy is fine. A single goal scored by a Palace goalkick rebounding off Rashford's bum, is fine. We just need the three points!

 

[pauldyson1uk]

-----------------------De Gea-----------
AWB----Lindelof----Maguire---Shaw/Williams
------------------------Fred--------------
----McT----------------------------Pogba------
----------------------Bruno-----------------
Rashford---------------------Martial--

Neither should play, Show need time to rest the ankle and Willams with a head injury should be give plenty of rest.

 

[pauldyson1uk]

Very nervous about this one, which is a good thing I guess because we actually have something to play for.

I just feel we have burned ourselves out. If we beat them, it’s going to be scrappy.

scrappy is fine, I will take an 99th min own goal for the 3 points

 

[pauldyson1uk]

The Caf has always been divided on Mctominay though. I personally don't rate him but I like him

Did not like him at first, still has a way to go but deserves his 1st team place.

 

[pauldyson1uk]

It really doesn't seem fair that Chelsea played their game 2 days ago, a day after we played the Saints, in the run up to Sunday. The players are going to be fecked!

Its the same for all teams, we just need to get on with it.

 

[pauldyson1uk]

Not these two please

Why ?

 

[pauldyson1uk]

They are ok but are they ok to play this soon?

I say no, head injuries are difficult, sometimes they don't show for days, yes OK the cut can be sorted.

 

[redshaw]

Mctom was doing very well pre covid but all the second string have looked poor when coming on.

It's a worry that the sparkling first team is tired and any of the other players are not up to the task so far.

Just hope Palace aren't as pumped to take a point off us and come in with the flying challenges and no protection from the ref.

 

[GDaly95]

I like the idea of a McTominay / Fred / Bruno / Pogba midfield.

It reinvigorates the midfield in terms of energy while allowing us to keep our creativity.