So 4 games in, share your 5 thoughts so far

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1) Our midfield still looks very open defensively, exposing our back line to too many difficult situations - makes it easy for "lesser" teams to create clear cut chances

2) Good squad depth for defense and wing backs

3) Mbeumo and Cunha look promising, high hopes they can lead our attack as we struggle to create those really clear cut chances

4) We are mentally fragile when things don't go our way

5) Need stable goal keeper that commands his area, defusing more crosses and corners
 
Amorim still learning. He needs to adapt his tactics to be successful but I'm really happy with his level of ruthlessness and not giving in to player power. It has been a long time coming since Mourinho.

Cunha and Mbeumo looks good. Sesko offering an aerial threat that we had been missing for so long. Mount is becoming an integral part of the team, the question is who drops out for him.
 
We're looking better but need to put games to bed early so the fine football can show.

Our GD is still a worry. 3 games in and it's 0. On the bright side I suppose it's not negative.
 
  1. .
  2. .
  3. The number of points City have


  6. We desperately need a number 6
  7. Mason Mount shouldn't be a number 7
  8. I 8 not being in Europe
  9. No Germans in the team
 
Some people in this thread are not sharing exactly 5 thoughts. Very disappointing.
 
1. Attack has improved.
2. Goal keepers are still clowns.
3. Defending corners and set pieces still needs improvement.
4. Cunha and Mbeumo are very good signings.
5. Manager still makes a lot of odd choices.


But overall the 3 league games so far have been much much better, especially if you can mute social and ignore the WUM.
 
1. If we had someone like Nistelrooy upfront, we’ll make top 4 easily.
2. Mount is essential to how we play, but how is he going to fit in with both Cunha, Mbuemo and Sesko eventually?
3. We’ve the worst batch of keepers in the league.
4. Mbeumo is our best player
5. Yoro is going to be too good for us if we miss out on Europe again.
 
V.O. said:
The keepers have been horrible and there have been poor moments from others, sure, but De Ligt and Yoro have both looked excellent.
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I guess we're just ignoring de Ligt's brain fart for Fulham goal.
 
dirkey said:
I guess we're just ignoring de Ligt's brain fart for Fulham goal.
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It's a misjudgement and led to a goal, but it's not a massive howler and doesn't take much away from a very good start to the season for him.
 
1. We need more work than I initially thought to get this team together working properly.
2. Scoring goals is still our biggest issue, and we need to sort it out quickly if we want to balance out our other weaknesses.
3. Defensively we are better, although have obvious tactical issues and Yoro is a star. So happy we got him
4. Bruno in midfield two needs an absolute engine to work which we don't have. We knew about this. Mount balances this out but this doesn't help our scoring situation.
5. Goalkeeping situation is more of an issue than I thought. If we dont sort it it may be a difference that will keep us out of Europe next year.
 
elmo said:
1. If we had someone like Nistelrooy upfront, we’ll make top 4 easily.
2. Mount is essential to how we play, but how is he going to fit in with both Cunha, Mbuemo and Sesko eventually?
3. We’ve the worst batch of keepers in the league.
4. Mbeumo is our best player
5. Yoro is going to be too good for us if we miss out on Europe again.
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He doesnt need to. We need 5 starter level attackers to rotate and come off the bench to change the game (We have 5 subs so we shoulmd have, on average, 2 attacking subs, 2 defensive subs and 1 midfield sub per game). Any 3 player combination out of Cunha, Mbeumo, Sesko, Mount and Zirkzee would start, and the remaining 2 can be subbed on either for, or with the starting 3 depending on results. Out of the 5, only Sesko and Zirkzee have yet to prove it in the league but they are both young and talented. If Zirkzee doesn't step up this season, that's more minutes to Mainoo, Amad or even Bruno in the attacking 3. Overall we're solid enough in that area for the league. (Also I see no issue starting Mount ahead of any of the 3, and replace the most off form one with whoever s on the bench ).

We really need to stop thinking of a starting 11. We need 16 starting level players, and we need to keep the best fitting player out of the 16 depending on the opponent (
ex: Maguire would start against teams who can bully us on corners, Lisandro maybe a better fit for when we can barely get on the ball.
Dorgu when there is space to run into/ attacking right backs, Shaw maybe against teams that dominate our midfield so he can step inside and assist.
Casemiro when Martinez is not playing, Ugarte otherwise
Very good example against Arsenal, where Mount should actually start ahead of Sesko even if Sesko was fit. A typical number 9 will be feeding on scraps against Saliba/Gabriel, so Mount as a false 9 dropping back, overloading the center of the pitch and allowing runners from wide/deep to distract/pull away the defenders. Arsenal could not cope. Think Newcastle's a bit similar
Against Fullham, Mbeumo was pocketed by their lb, whose bigger, stronger, and just as fast. Mbeumo was losing this one, and we could see it coming a mile away. Maybe put Zirkzee, Sesko and Cunha on, play Dalot for Amad and have him stretch the pitch/keep bombing crosses in, have Bruno take up the KDB pocket at the right edge of the box and go for a Moyes style gameplan. We have 3 attackers over 6' 2 as well as Casemiro, we d murder teams...).
 
Mick1 said:
He doesnt need to. We need 5 starter level attackers to rotate and come off the bench to change the game (We have 5 subs so we shoulmd have, on average, 2 attacking subs, 2 defensive subs and 1 midfield sub per game). Any 3 player combination out of Cunha, Mbeumo, Sesko, Mount and Zirkzee would start, and the remaining 2 can be subbed on either for, or with the starting 3 depending on results. Out of the 5, only Sesko and Zirkzee have yet to prove it in the league but they are both young and talented. If Zirkzee doesn't step up this season, that's more minutes to Mainoo, Amad or even Bruno in the attacking 3. Overall we're solid enough in that area for the league. (Also I see no issue starting Mount ahead of any of the 3, and replace the most off form one with whoever s on the bench ).

We really need to stop thinking of a starting 11. We need 16 starting level players, and we need to keep the best fitting player out of the 16 depending on the opponent (
ex: Maguire would start against teams who can bully us on corners, Lisandro maybe a better fit for when we can barely get on the ball.
Dorgu when there is space to run into/ attacking right backs, Shaw maybe against teams that dominate our midfield so he can step inside and assist.
Casemiro when Martinez is not playing, Ugarte otherwise
Very good example against Arsenal, where Mount should actually start ahead of Sesko even if Sesko was fit. A typical number 9 will be feeding on scraps against Saliba/Gabriel, so Mount as a false 9 dropping back, overloading the center of the pitch and allowing runners from wide/deep to distract/pull away the defenders. Arsenal could not cope. Think Newcastle's a bit similar
Against Fullham, Mbeumo was pocketed by their lb, who’s bigger, stronger, and just as fast. Mbeumo was losing this one, and we could see it coming a mile away. Maybe put Zirkzee, Sesko and Cunha on, play Dalot for Amad and have him stretch the pitch/keep bombing crosses in, have Bruno take up the KDB pocket at the right edge of the box and go for a Moyes style gameplan. We have 3 attackers over 6' 2 as well as Casemiro, we d murder teams...).
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You’ve completely missed my point.

We’ve went from controlling the games to playing chaos ball every time he’s taken off.

Also, Dalot shouldn’t be starting over anybody, he’s terrible and tricked his way into staying at the club when he should have been sent packing 4 years ago.
 
1. Need a keeper that exerts authority whilst keeping those around him calm.
2. I like Mbuemo a lot. Definitely the player who has had the most positive impact on our games thus far, for me.
3. We look more like scoring than we did last season.
4. We look more like conceding than we did last season.
5. I wish we had a different captain. I've always respected the skill of Fernandes, I don't think he needs to be sold... but I really wish we had a different captain.
 
1. Need new CM
2. Need a new CM
3. Need a new GK
4. Need to sell Bruno
5. Wish we sold Zirkzee instead of Hojlund - As we see with Sesko, not really the forward's fault.
 
We've been quite decent actually. Having watched the other bigger teams they're getting a pass because they aren't called Manchester United.
 
1) Yeah, the team could play better, but isn't it more reassuring we didn't burn 200 million again? The signings look great!

2) Sesko is gonna take some time to integrate. I have faith he'll be a good player. That first touch is nice. He's a freak athlete. And it seems he has a feel for the game.

3) GK, Midfield and stay healthy. Wouldn't be surprised if we could make a run for European football. Probably a bit optimistic, but the quality from our attack is there. Top 6 is in reach imo. Defensively, there's some major holes. Must improve in general and especially in set pieces.

4) It reminds me of playing hockey when I was 10 and could only shoot directly at the chest of the goalie. Even Mbeumo's goal was shot through a defender's legs. We gotta get some better finishing drills or something.

5) Even if we only got 4/9, the main thing I like is the attacking mindset of our team. Every touch feels dangerous.
 
1. Amorim is the wrong manager.
2. 3-4-2-1 is shite.
3. Every single player is playing out of position.
4. Get Ole back in.
5. Carrick too.
 
1/ Goalkeeper. Ffs it’s as obvious as the nose on Barbra Streisands face
2/ Midfield. Ffs it’s as obvious as the nose on Barbra Streisands face
3/ Mental fragility. Do we have mental conditioning coaches in the new Carrington or were they sacked by INEOS
4/ Bruno. He either needs to get his head in the game and stop the histrionics or piss off. Not helping.
5/ Forwards. Our forwards are such a step up from what we had. We now have guys with confidence who work hard and create chances. Hopefully their attitude infects the rest of the team.
 
Snow said:
We've been quite decent actually. Having watched the other bigger teams they're getting a pass because they aren't called Manchester United.
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to be fair they aren't getting beat off grimsby
 
1. Bruno still an asset and a liability
2. Cunha and Mbeumo will both do the business
3. Absolute GK crisis
4. Still can’t sell players
5. Amorim meme’d himself
 
We play 3 centre backs and 2 wingbacks yet concede every single match.

We also struggle to score goals as a result of having no midfield and committing very few players to each attack.
 
Arsenal - Positive, deserved at least a draw.
Fulham - Should have won the game first half.
Grimsby - Shambles.
Burnley - Should of easily won this game.

It’s actually Amorims weird comments that put me off most so far, that combined with our GK’s and a shoehorned midfield is going to stop us getting top 4.
 
elmo said:
1. If we had someone like Nistelrooy upfront, we’ll make top 4 easily.
2. Mount is essential to how we play, but how is he going to fit in with both Cunha, Mbuemo and Sesko eventually?
3. We’ve the worst batch of keepers in the league.
4. Mbeumo is our best player
5. Yoro is going to be too good for us if we miss out on Europe again.
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Imagine! I take half a Van Nistelrooy up front, a Van Nistel even
 
I'd say 1-5: new goalkeeper required.

Get that sorted. Keep football simple. You'll always struggle if goalkeepers are chucking goals in every game.
 
it's too soon to say anything. Anybody who thinks Sunderland will finish 6th and City will finish 13th need their bumps feeling. It takes at least 8 weeks for the league to settle down. Results will be erratic until then.
I like the amount of chances we are averaging in games. Mount has been a big part in what we are doing. Cunha, Ubeumo, and Bruno also, but I expected more of those 3 than I did Mount.
I'm hoping that Cunha, and Mount are ok and that injury doesn't derail the season.
 
I’m going to compare with my own expectations and most others too: We were tipped 6-10th place in the PL by almost all experts and fans alike. My expectations for the start of the swason is that a)performances are in line with 6-10th for most but not all of the time.

1. Arsenal home: Expected Arsenal domination of possession, shots and chances. Positive surprise with Utd having vest of possession, shots and chances. Good.

2. Fulham away: Expected even match against 8-12th candidate at their turf. Result was even match in performance. Ok. Decent vs expectations.

3. Grimsby league cup: Expected nothing in particular really. C-cup for second string match practice are traditionally unpredictable performance wise.

4. Burnley home: Expected us being the better team in controll, shots, chances with a fairly good margin, with probably weak patches. Expectations born out fairly well. Decent.

In total, two decent and one good performance as compared to expectations in the relevant matches. Little to go by, but so far so good.
 
Why I wont accept any excuses at this stage... These are the appearances and minutes played in the Premier League only the last time we finished 2nd:

Wan-Bissaka: 34 apps, 3060 min
Lindelöf: 29 apps, 2586 min
Fred: 30 apps, 2396 min
McTominay: 32 apps, 2128 min
Lingard: 14 apps, 1425 min
James: 15 apps, 912 min
Telles: 9 apps, 691 min
Donny: 19 apps, 513 min

Yes our central midfield is weak. Yes our new goalkeeper will need time to settle. And yes, Rashford was on fire that season. But come on, our squad isn't in a worse state overall. And even if you think so the distance can't be more than a few spots on the table.
 
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Scandi Red said:
Why I wont accept any excuses at this stage... These are the appearances and minutes played in the Premier League only the last time we finished 2nd:

Wan-Bissaka: 34 apps, 3060 min
Lindelöf: 29 apps, 2586 min
Fred: 30 apps, 2396 min
McTominay: 32 apps, 2128 min
Lingard: 14 apps, 1425 min
James: 15 apps, 912 min
Telles: 9 apps, 691 min
Donny: 19 apps, 513 min

Yes our central midfield is weak. Yes our new goalkeeper will need time to settle. And yes, Rashford was on fire that season. But come on, our squad isn't in a worse state overall. And even if you think so the distance can't be more than a few spots on the table.
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Rashford wasn't even all that good in that season. 11 league goals. Generally I agree though. The manager should be able to find solutions with the players available to him now. It's really that simple.
 
Scandi Red said:
Why I wont accept any excuses at this stage... These are the appearances and minutes played in the Premier League only the last time we finished 2nd:

Wan-Bissaka: 34 apps, 3060 min
Lindelöf: 29 apps, 2586 min
Fred: 30 apps, 2396 min
McTominay: 32 apps, 2128 min
Lingard: 14 apps, 1425 min
James: 15 apps, 912 min
Telles: 9 apps, 691 min
Donny: 19 apps, 513 min

Yes our central midfield is weak. Yes our new goalkeeper will need time to settle. And yes, Rashford was on fire that season. But come on, our squad isn't in a worse state overall. And even if you think so the distance can't be more than a few spots on the table.
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Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Fred and McTominay played a lot, but I'm not sure what point you're making including some of those players.

All of Lingard's minutes came at West Ham, for starters.

After that you've got Dan James not playing in over half the games (and presumably covering an injury for most of those appearances), Telles basically just covering Shaw having an injury then getting a couple of appearances later in the season (we lost at home to Sheffield United and Leicester with him starting), and van de Beek averaging less than 30 minutes per appearance.

Edit:

First choice XI by minutes played:

GK - De Gea
RB - Wan-Bissaka
CB - Maguire
CB - Lindelof
LB - Shaw
CM - Fred
CM - McTominay
CM - Fernandes
FW - Rashford
FW - Greenwood
FW - Martial

Bench by minutes played: Pogba (more minutes than Greenwood and Martial), Cavani, Henderson, Matic, Bailly, James, Telles
 
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Alex99 said:
Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Fred and McTominay played a lot, but I'm not sure what point you're making including some of those players.
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I just wanted to include every bad player who clocked in more than 10 apps or 500 minutes. If there are enough names on that list the accumulation can be pretty severe.

I forgot that Lingard was on loan that season though!
 
Scandi Red said:
I just wanted to include every bad player who clocked in more than 10 apps or 500 minutes. If there are enough names on that list the accumulation can be pretty severe.

I forgot that Lingard was on loan that season though!
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I'd say of the four regular starters, Lindelof was the only "bad" player. Wan-Bissaka, Fred and McTominay all had their uses, especially in Ole's system. All three would arguably be of use to the squad right now.

The other "bad" players barely played. van de Beek was almost exclusively used as a fresh pair of legs towards the end of the game.
 
Alex99 said:
I'd say of the four regular starters, Lindelof was the only "bad" player. Wan-Bissaka, Fred and McTominay all had their uses, especially in Ole's system. All three would arguably be of use to the squad right now.
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I guess it depends on how you define "bad" (a bit of a harsh word). I would change it to; clearly not United quality and have no business in a starting XI finishing 2nd. It's impressive to finish 2nd with AWB, Lindelöf, Fred, McTominay, De Gea past his best and a raw youth player with just 1 year of PL experience.

Even with the gaps in midfield and the question marks over Sesko and Lammens I don't think Amorim has any good excuses to do poorly in the league now. Especially since we have no European football and are already out of the League Cup.
 
Disappointed there's no midfield addition all the window - I think we could have added to it in some degree, even if just a loan.

It's clear that they knew it would take a good few (summer) windows to complete the squad rebuild - and slowed down by the difficulty in offloading unwanted players - and they seem well on their way to doing that.

The first summer, before all the transfer team were fully in place, was focused on defence (and a poor DM choice in Ugarte). This summer has addressed the attack and, to some extent, the keeper situation. And also been about slowly offloading the unwanted players.

That's left the CM area the last to strengthen, which will have to be extended over to the third summer. Obviously the price it's going to take (for the Baleba / Wharton types), it's obvious they couldn't have fully addressed that and the attack this window. But I do wish they'd have at least looked for a stopgap to tide us over to next summer. We're light in that area, and even more so on players you could be confident about as part of a two man CM.
 
Said this other day but no DCM/CM is coming in, this makes loaning out Collyer if not replacement was coming in odd. I know he needed mins but I thought he did ok for us and was an option if Ugarte gets worse (which he has) and Case gets old. He would have got playing time.
 
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Rooney1987 said:
Said this other day but no DCM/CM is coming in, this makes loaning out Collyer if not replacement was coming in odd. I know he needed mins but I thought he did ok for us and was an option if Ugarte gets worse (which he has) and Case gets old. He would have got playing time.
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Yeah I'm surprised by this decision unless they have made a call they REAAALLLLY don't rate him which I doubt.

Maybe the total shit show from Ugarte has caught them out a bit.
 
Utd heap said:
Yeah I'm surprised by this decision unless they have made a call they REAAALLLLY don't rate him which I doubt.

Maybe the total shit show from Ugarte has caught them out a bit.
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That probably is the answer the club doesn't ever see him becoming a top PL mid do loan him out to up his value, do a Liverpool and pick up 20mil + next summer. Still based on the average options we have and no new CM I'd have kept him. I think the way Ugarte is playing Collyer would have passed him in the order. Case well his age and we know he goes through those bad spells.
 
Early/mid prime (5):
Cunha, Mbeumo, Mount, De Ligt, Mazraoui

Late prime (2):
Bruno, Shaw

Young but already good enough (2):
Yoro, Amad

Question marks, but clearly has potential (5):
Sesko, Mainoo, Dorgu, Heaven, Lammens (we'll see)

Good squad players (4):
Maguire, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro

That's 18 players (8-9 already good enough to start) covering every blade of grass on the pitch. We simply can't deem top 5 a pipe dream at this stage.
 
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