[Glorio]

I think City will press us again in our own half, that's the biggest threat we face. If we are going to lose the ball again in our own half like we did in the last game, we are doomed.

Good thing DDG has improved a lot in finding United players with long goal kicks. We seem to regularly use it when playing against high pressing teams to good effect

 

[Glorio]

Any word on Dalot?

ETH didn't think it was serious. More a precaution in prep for the big games coming up

 

[calodo2003]

ETH didn't think it was serious. More a precaution in prep for the big games coming up

Not good that it apparently was 'something,' but good to hear it is minor.

 

[Glorio]

Not good that it apparently was 'something,' but good to hear it is minor.

To be fair, he was subbed in the first half after going down and signalling to come off, so it was obviously going to be 'something'.

I'm actually just pleased it's not something big, and to be honest, AWB does tend to do okay against City and is in a good vein of form himself, so I'm not bricking it in any case.

 

[calodo2003]

To be fair, he was subbed in the first half after going down and signalling to come off, so it was obviously going to be 'something'.

I'm actually just pleased it's not something big, and to be honest, AWB does tend to do okay against City and is in a good vein of form himself, so I'm not bricking it in any case.

Yep, AWB has had some solid games v. the bitters.

 

[VP89]

Did he say anything else when you spoke to him?

Are you being purposely dim? Read my earlier posts. He said he didn't bother prepping the team himself (or it was KDB who quoted that Pep did that, I forget).

And before you ask, yes I am quite sure KDB speaks to Pep.

 

[DJ_21]

Are you being purposely dim? Read my earlier posts. He said he didn't bother prepping the team himself (or it was KDB who quoted that Pep did that, I forget).

And before you ask, yes I am quite sure KDB speaks to Pep.

Yes I think KDB said it. I remember that.

 

[Slevs]

Mind games yes probably but he's been burned by Rashford before so who knows, maybe Walker man marks him??

Probably. Like Walker on Mbappe in the QF of the World Cup.

 

[RedDevilRoshi]

Do you think Fred should come into the team next to Casemiro instead of Eriksen? Just to give us some energy in there as the midfield battle is going to be key. If we get overrun in their like last time, then it’s going to be a very long afternoon.

 

[100]

I’d like to see

Fred - Casemiro - Eriksen
Antony - Bruno - Rashford

back 5 picks itself dependant on availability

 

[Jeffthered]

Hmmmm. Not sure with this one. I think we'll play well, and we should give them a good game. Really need Martial and Antony to really get into them, because we need to provide a threat throughout this game. Rashford, Eriksen, Bruno cannot do this on their own. City will be prepped, naturally.

Be wonderful if we could deliver a real statement performance, but being honest, I would settle for a drab draw now if offered...

 

[groovyalbert]

Do you think Fred should come into the team next to Casemiro instead of Eriksen? Just to give us some energy in there as the midfield battle is going to be key. If we get overrun in their like last time, then it’s going to be a very long afternoon.

Was thinking this. A really left-field option could be to bring Fred in for Bruno and push Eriksen up a bit. You lose Bruno's tenacity in the press/killer passes, but we would probably be much better in possession with Eriksen in Bruno's role. Would be amazed if this happened, mind.

 

[Hugh Jass]

I am not looking forward to this.

 

[LawCharltonBest]

I’d like to see

Fred - Casemiro - Eriksen
Antony - Bruno - Rashford

back 5 picks itself dependant on availability

That looks awful and I think we'd get shagged with Bruno in that role.

Ten Hag played Rashford as the central striker against Spurs and Arsenal last time didn't he? When we beat both quite easily? I'd go with that. Would love a surprise Sancho return to complete the favoured front 3

 

[Member 125398]

I am not looking forward to this.

Don't worry Harry you won't be starting.

 

[Glorio]

Do you think Fred should come into the team next to Casemiro instead of Eriksen? Just to give us some energy in there as the midfield battle is going to be key. If we get overrun in their like last time, then it’s going to be a very long afternoon.

100% this for me. City have a lot of energy, and particularly ball carrying ability in their midfield with the likes of KDB and Gundogan and there's a risk that could cause Eriksen all sorts of problems. Fred balances things out now we have the discipline and control of Casemiro in the mix.

 

[croadyman]

100% this for me. City have a lot of energy, and particularly ball carrying ability in their midfield with the likes of KDB and Gundogan and there's a risk that could cause Eriksen all sorts of problems. Fred balances things out now we have the discipline and control of Casemiro in the mix.

Yeah I think we need Fred more than Eriksen for this because of how strong they are in that area

 

[RedIan]

Theres definately an argument to play Fred over Erikson for this one. Erikson is far better on the ball and more creative but for industry Fred is miles ahead. He also seems to have moved up a notch in his overall play since his mate Casamiro arrived.
I dont think many are confident of a win, City are a top side, if they play as they can they should win. If all our team hit 8/10 level and city are a bit below par we can nick it.
looking forward to it.

 

[RedDevilRoshi]

Was thinking this. A really left-field option could be to bring Fred in for Bruno and push Eriksen up a bit. You lose Bruno's tenacity in the press/killer passes, but we would probably be much better in possession with Eriksen in Bruno's role. Would be amazed if this happened, mind.

It’s a reasonable shout but yeah I’d be amazed too if it happened. I think Bruno’s been a lot better this season in comparison to last season. Of course he can infuriate you at times but I put that down to we all know talented he is and when he’s on form, he makes a massive difference. Was the presence of Ronaldo a hinderece probably?

100% this for me. City have a lot of energy, and particularly ball carrying ability in their midfield with the likes of KDB and Gundogan and there's a risk that could cause Eriksen all sorts of problems. Fred balances things out now we have the discipline and control of Casemiro in the mix.

I share the exact same thoughts as you. We need energy in there and someone that isn’t afraid to get stuck in. Also Fred has being doing well since the World Cup break.

 

[croadyman]

It’s a reasonable shout but yeah I’d be amazed too if it happened. I think Bruno’s been a lot better this season in comparison to last season. Of course he can infuriate you at times but I put that down to we all know talented he is and when he’s on form, he makes a massive difference. Was the presence of Ronaldo a hinderece probably?



I share the exact same thoughts as you. We need energy in there and someone that isn’t afraid to get stuck in. Also Fred has being doing well since the World Cup break.

Yeah having his international teammate alongside him is doing wonders for his confidence

 

[Kag]

I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a front three of Bruno, Martial and Rashford with Fred more advanced ahead of Eriksen and Casemiro.

I’m not a fan of Bruno out there, but Ten Hag seems to like it enough.

This also opens up the possibility of bringing on Garnacho and Antony from the bench in the event we’re down.

 

[shaky]

I don't see why we should be scared of City. Only 4 points behind them despite giving them a 6 point head start. I wouldn't take a draw if offered at the moment. Really fancy our chances with the form we're in.

 

[croadyman]

I don't see why we should be scared of City. Only 4 points behind them despite giving them a 6 point head start. I wouldn't take a draw if offered at the moment. Really fancy our chances with the form we're in.

Just because we know what damage they can do

 

[RuudTom83]

United wont dominate possession so they need to field the only player in the squad that can hold to ball up with his back to goal....Martial!

I wouldn't be against dropping Antony and playing an extra midfielder, leaving Rashford and Martial up front.

See how the game progresses, and then bring Antony/Garnacho on if United need a goal.

 

[croadyman]

United wont dominate possession so they need to field the only player in the squad that can hold to ball up with his back to goal....Martial!

I wouldn't be against dropping Antony and playing an extra midfielder, leaving Rashford and Martial up front.

See how the game progresses, and then bring Antony/Garnacho on if United need a goal.

Yeah not a bad idea

 

[appleman]

Delighted City play tomorrow and brilliant were in such good form for this.

Fantastic test for United, some might say our first big test?

I can see them beating the 'citizens' as one might call the players under contract by the opposite team. But can our favourite bunch of rowdy 'rashcals' stay 'united' on a rainy night in Stoke?

 

[RedDevilRoshi]

I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a front three of Bruno, Martial and Rashford with Fred more advanced ahead of Eriksen and Casemiro.

I’m not a fan of Bruno out there, but Ten Hag seems to like it enough.

This also opens up the possibility of bringing on Garnacho and Antony from the bench in the event we’re down.

It’s definitely a very valid shout and one I too won’t be unsurprised if ETH opts for it.

 

[Shimo]

I hope we continue to play with our general principles but, for was hoping for this game at the very least we play with Fred over Eriksen. Casemeiro is great but, with how well City move the ball, he cannot be everywhere. But, with Eriksen being rested, he will for sure be starting.

Martial and Varane look to be pencilled in for start as well based on when ETH was asked about them not even being on the bench, it was about rest rather than injury.

 

[fergiewherearethou]

Last time ETH was a bit naive imo to ask the team to play from the back. He might just sit deep and counter this time I think. You don't play from the back then their high pressing won't do much.

I know this doesn't sound fancy and a big portion of our fans doesn't like this approach but for me the most important thing is to use what would work. Imo if ETH is practical he'll do so. Just sit deep and hit them on the break with our fast forwards. Simple but work all the time imo.

That's what I think we should do also. Sit deep, be aggressive in our half and hit them on the break.
It is clear that ETH likes the team to build from the back, but it would be suicide to play like this against the best pressing team out there.

 

[red_de_pologne]

that is a piss poor attempt at mind games from Pep

 

[croadyman]

that is a piss poor attempt at mind games from Pep

Yeah this would work under previous managers

 

[GMoore23]

I’d like to see

Fred - Casemiro - Eriksen
Antony - Bruno - Rashford

back 5 picks itself dependant on availability

I'd also like to see this.

 

[TheRedHearted]

I'm so scared, so so scared.

Despite our run I cannot see anything but a City win. Us being at our best all over is needed but if City turn up, and when do ever really not, they will win comfortably 1-3.

This is the big one. All of our momentum since the restart will be tested here. Draw is a minimum here, I'll be dejected if we lose. City aren't as good as before and we're in good form. Big performance needed from our midfielders here as I have no doubt EtH will try to go toe to toe with them at home.

Use to agree with you first two but Rusty is right, they aren’t unbeatable.

If the reports are true pep has already gotten into his head and is tinkering about doing something crazy which won’t help him.

Here’s all the points they dropped, for me we can’t play Bruno. The loss of possession is too high and too dangerous. Surely our team will look at their losses (of course their wins too) but gain something from it.
Draw with Everton
1-1

Loss to Brentford at home
1-2

draw with Dortmund away in CL
0-0

loss to Liverpool at anfield
1-0

draw with cop’hagen away in CL

0-0

draw with villa away
1-1

draw with Newcastle away
3-3

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

We've come a long way. Under Ole, Pep didn't even bother prepping his team.

Probably should have.

 

[DJ_21]

Do you think Fred should come into the team next to Casemiro instead of Eriksen? Just to give us some energy in there as the midfield battle is going to be key. If we get overrun in their like last time, then it’s going to be a very long afternoon.

That’s what I was saying the other day. I’d have Fred next to Casemiro for the energy which we need against a team that loves to keep the ball.

 

[VP89]

Probably should have.

Ole won 4 out of 9 games against Pep.

 

[DJ_21]

Probably should have.

How naive and cocky can you be to say you didn’t or don’t even prep your team when playing a rival. He got beat quite a few times of a so called P.E teacher as people call him. Peps so arrongant. He overthinks things aswell in big games like the CL final against Chelsea, he tried to be smart and it backfired.

 

[tidraKS]

Bruno will play on the right for this, with Fred coming on for Antony.

 

[CallyRed]

Must win

 

[VP89]

How naive and cocky can you be to say you didn’t or don’t even prep your team when playing a rival. He got beat quite a few times of a so called P.E teacher as people call him. Peps so arrongant. He overthinks things aswell in big games like the CL final against Chelsea, he tried to be smart and it backfired.

To be fair the best performance City had vs Ole was when he didn't bother prepping them