Haven't seen them countering more than usual. The only goal they've scored in the first three games that could be called a counter is Reijnder's goal against Wolves. Pep's main problem is the lack of balance among his available players, which has already been exploited by Brighton and Spurs.
Injuries going into the City game
- Thread starter Raoul
- Start date
Haven't seen them countering more than usual. The only goal they've scored in the first three games that could be called a counter is Reijnder's goal against Wolves. Pep's main problem is the lack of balance among his available players, which has already been exploited by Brighton and Spurs.
Beyond nervous about throwing Lammens out there in his first prem match and it's against City. Could be phenomenal, could ruin his United career before it even gets started.
Fortunately, he played in 3 league games at Antwerp before arriving so he should be relatively match fit if needed.
Dalot was partially to blame for both goals as I pointed out the reasons. If you want to ignore his mistakes being part of the reason for both goals then fine.
He’s not playing Amad away at City. It’s the two fullbacks “wingback” again.
Amad scored the winner last season
Saw he said on Instagram he'll be back soon.
Please no Shaw at WB or CB. Hopefully Dalot not really injured, rather him at WB.
I thought Dalot was good on Saturday. The mix-up between him and De Ligt was one of those things.
Surely with the injuries we are going Amad - Sesko - Mbuemo across the front 3?
Has Amad played on the left before ?
Don't think so but I guess it will be him or Mbuemo?
Zirkzee isn't fit, I thought at least, and Amorim has gone back on seeing Mainoo as a 10. Not sure he'd play Chido there either.
Don't think there's anyone else (garnacho, Rashford, Hojlund, Sancho, wheatley all out the club in some form)
Bruno is the obvious choice. Mainoo to replace him in his usual midfield role
We don't actually know that.
Completely forgot about Bruno
If in doubt, it's always a fair assumption
Pretty sure Amorim said he was injured, but didn't give any specifics on either him or Cunha.
But judging how Cunha went down with no contact on a full sprint, it's either a pulled groin or hamstring, which typically is a 4-6 week recovery time. Don't think there is any chance he plays against City.
Would much prefer Dorgu at LWB over Shaw. Shaw lacks the physicality to make a LWB role work. Shaw is also more suitable for the left hand CB than Yoro. I'd put Yoro on the right and keep Maz on the bench as a sub.
We won't see it but I'd like to see Amad and Mbuemo in the front 3, they're our best players. I think Amad on the right and Mbuemo on the left/centre would work.
Interesting to see what happens at right wing back, with Dalot injured I'd be very surprised if Amad plays there. Mazraoui will start there if he's fit. Please play the new keeper
Interesting to see what happens at right wing back, with Dalot injured I'd be very surprised if Amad plays there. Mazraoui will start there if he's fit. Please play the new keeper
De Ligt has been great this season but that was on him in my opinion. Really poor decision to try and swap positions at that stage of an attack.
He went off due to injury. We have no idea if that means he'll miss City though.
Mount will be key in this game. He’s been great nicking the ball off dithering defences so far, and City’s defence looks very suss.
He's injured in all likelihood
Not holding my breath but would be a massive boost if he were available.
I’d play Mbuemo through the middle, Amad right and Bruno left if Cunha isn’t available and then have mainoo for energy next to Ugarte/Casemiro
Always a good sign. Back in January then.
Yeah the injuries have come hard and fast already. We will definitely miss Cunha and Mount this game. They're instrumental to our pressing. Think Dalot will be easier to replace but still not ideal. Hope it's not going to be a repeat of last season where we lost half the first eleven with long(ish) term injuries early on.
Cannot fathom any talk of not starting Sesko. We paid big money for this guy, he’s ready to start. Let’s go
Probably will be:
Bayindir
Dalot
Yoro
De ligt
Shaw
Dorgu
Casemiro
Mainoo
Bruno
Mbeumo
Sesko
Bayindir
Dalot
Yoro
De ligt
Shaw
Dorgu
Casemiro
Mainoo
Bruno
Mbeumo
Sesko
I'm sure this won't get alot of love, but I wouldn't be opposed to going old school and trying to bully them by using the size of Zirkzee and Sesko with long balls and crosses. In this shit era of "ball playing defenders" especially in City's team, most of them can't handle size and strength. Arsenal use this to good effect and they've done quite well for themselves. If you put Zirkzee in one of the #10 spots, you can do this and still keep creativity with Mbeumo or Amad.
The only downside I see is actually getting crosses into the box, because we don't really have anyone who can consistently put in a decent cross. Shaw is probably best from the wingback spot but he'll get exposed defensively and Dorgu is terrible at them.
Also I'm assuming they'll start Donnarumma who isn't good at claiming crosses. Even if they keep Trafford for this game, he isn't good at them either.
The only downside I see is actually getting crosses into the box, because we don't really have anyone who can consistently put in a decent cross. Shaw is probably best from the wingback spot but he'll get exposed defensively and Dorgu is terrible at them.
Also I'm assuming they'll start Donnarumma who isn't good at claiming crosses. Even if they keep Trafford for this game, he isn't good at them either.
I meant if it was wingback. He could play in the attack but I think Mbeumo stays right attacker
I think we go Mbeumo and Fernandes behind the striker more likely. Cant see Amad or Mbeumo left side
The problem is Zirkzee doesn’t bully anyone, despite his size.
Sesko definitely though
Is Cunha due back or still out for this?
Not really an issue to be honest
Surely Sesko has to start this one? Give him an hour to see what he can do against a big team.
Agreed. Its time for him to start and play a full 90 in a league fixture. Mount is likely out as well, which should makes Amorim's choice a bit easier.
Assuming Mount, Cunha and Dalot all out:
Lammens
Yoro - de Ligt - Shaw
Amad - Casemiro - Mainoo - Maz
Mbeumo - Bruno
Sesko
Yoro - de Ligt - Shaw
Amad - Casemiro - Mainoo - Maz
Mbeumo - Bruno
Sesko
I quite like the balance of that actually
I think we might finally see the Atalanta setup with Mbuemo playing higher and Bruno being a sole 10, Sesko dropping in a bit to link up with Mbuemo.
I’m sure I heard yesterday he wasn’t as bad as first thought and could be involved but I can’t see him starting if it’s a hamstring.
Mount is likely to be longer and allegedly played for half an hour in the Burnley game with a problem.
I reckon Amorim may play Amad in the 10 to replace Cunha and Mazraoui at RWB.