35
This is how I see it. Not good enough but not his fault he's starting.I honestly can't really slate Evans. He's a serviceable enough option against much weaker sides but should never in a month of fecking Sundays be playing against opposition as strong as City.
ExactlyMaguire and evans were fine today.
Fullbacks and defensive midfield hopeless. I’m not going to criticise evans for a game he shouldn’t even be starting in
Both Maguirr and Evans played a part in it though. They backpedaled too far behind, even when we tried to pressed. Too much space in between the lines. To a lesser extend, they also back to our box too soon, where it would be ideal to stand the ground. Also both took too many touches before moving the ball. Other players got marked and possession by passing between GK, CBs is very pointless. Arsenal nullified City with proper positional play, whereas we pretty much being dictated by City with every moves.Did ok today, don't blame him or maguire really, full backs were atrocious and midfield invisible
Do you expect Maguire and Evans to play a high line against Haaland and Foden etc? Never going to happen!Both Maguirr and Evans played a part in it though. They backpedaled too far behind, even when we tried to pressed. Too much space in between the lines. To a lesser extend, they also back to our box too soon, where it would be ideal to stand the ground. Also both took too many touches before moving the ball. Other players got marked and possession by passing between GK, CBs is very pointless. Arsenal nullified City with proper positional play, whereas we pretty much being dictated by City with every moves.
The players themselves can't decide tactic. It's ETH fault for sure. However, there is time when desperate time requires player's courage to commit to the tactic, they both surrendered to their instinct. Still playing how they feel more comfortable for themselves at 3-0, whereas even a consolation goal. Last season we got murdered in the first half at Etihad, but we showed the fight even when they game was lost. That spirit still helped us in the immediate future. Team back then had more fight in them. But now it's full on damage control. Everyone took care of their own interest, so the finger would be pointed at other players. This vicious cycle never makes a good team,Do you expect Maguire and Evans to play a high line against Haaland and Foden etc? Never going to happen!
Character or professionalism wise, nobody can fault him, but we definitely can judge his performance for when it is good like against Burnley, or individually bad like this game.It's hard to judge him cos he's not gonna say no to playing for us
But it's more an indication of where this club is at that he's playing for united v City, at the end of 2023 (not just playing but starting... again)
I certainly won't disagree. My point was kore towards your second paragraph.Character or professionalism wise, nobody can fault him, but we definitely can judge his performance for when it is good like against Burnley, or individually bad like this game.
This club is in big trouble where Evans was considering retiring himself amidst of no other interest from other clubs, and here we are starting him for "tactics" reason (ETH response to Varane sitting on the bench).
Damn right.Look I’ve always liked Evans but if a 36 year old is getting plaudits it speaks volumes to the absolute brainwashing you’ve all had over 6 years of Lindelof
It’s just funny that we gain the most from two free transfers, Eriksen and him, compared with 400mil signings.He'll be 36 in January but if Evans has a decent season with us (and so far he is having it), I'd keep him for another year. But obviously too early to be thinking about that. Just happy he's a solid signing that cost zero pounds.
Thought he was injured ?Look I’ve always liked Evans but if a 36 year old is getting plaudits it speaks volumes to the absolute brainwashing you’ve all had over 6 years of Lindelof
Who?Thought he was injured ?
Lindelof would be lucky if he's still playing for PL side when his contract with United is running out.He is twice the CB Lindelof is, and that is laughable to say the least.
Lindelof and thought that's why Evans is starting over himWho?
Maybe but you missed my point.Lindelof and thought that's why Evans is starting over him
Yes that was how good we were. Being just good is not going to give you a starting place in the squad. You got to be exception to be the starters. Vast difference with current situation when mediocre non performing players are still being given automated starting positions.No wonder we had so much success under SAF. Even his fringe players looks like one of our best player in 2023 after his 10 years retirement. Murtough should be out of the door by now wasting millions on Antony, Sancho, Mount, Casemeiro, and the likes
I haven't been Maguire's biggest fan but he actually looks really comfortable next to Evans and they do seem to have an understanding to play well together, they just need cover from the fullbacks due to lack of pace but for some reason it works.Lindelof would be lucky if he's still playing for PL side when his contract with United is running out.
I see both Evans and Maguire communicate a lot between themselves during the game. Never seen that when Maguire is partnering others.
Partly that, partly also that there were a lot of people pissed off with him being brought in due to his age. But as a 36 year old 5th choice CB he's done really well. Given the injury crisis we've had I think we can look back now and say bringing him in was good business. He was never supposed to be a replacement for Lindelof, and I'd agree if Lindelof is 3rd choice we need better. But who else could we have expected to come in as 5th choice CB and do as well as he has done.Look I’ve always liked Evans but if a 36 year old is getting plaudits it speaks volumes to the absolute brainwashing you’ve all had over 6 years of Lindelof
I agree, Lindelof has and always will be a limited defender.Look I’ve always liked Evans but if a 36 year old is getting plaudits it speaks volumes to the absolute brainwashing you’ve all had over 6 years of Lindelof
he is good in the right set up. Bothhim and Maguire need low block to look good. Its tragic that ETH cannot play his style of football becasue he doesnt have right players.He's not even a bit shite but useful in an emergency, he's actually just quite good...?
