Bilbo
TeaBaggins
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2004
- Messages
- 14,325
Fair enough. ApologiesNot a dig at all
Fair enough. ApologiesNot a dig at all
I think there's still a few in that team that would need to become squad players that are a step up from the current set of squad players.The makings of something great?Since Sir Alex left, we've always been 3 or 4 players away from a real title charge. Yes Mourinho finished 2nd, well done. I'm sure he'll put that 2nd place certificate on the wall above pictures of his Champions League triumphs *unless he threw the certificate into the crowd as well.
But I'd like to say that today, we're not 3 or 4 players away from a real title challenge; we're only one player away. Stick a RVN into that team and it would chase 95 points. Or a Keane to control the midfield.
Cast out the negativity of yonder years I say. Be gone, the demons of the past.
In all seriousness, City will probably walk the league if they aren't playing in Europe and Liverpool will probably win the Champions League just to show off.
But I don't think there can be any excuses with that team. If Pogba stays, anything less than a title challenge isn't good enough.
I rate Shaw higher than Mendy, Davies, Tierney, Alonso, and maybe Chilwell. The only LB who is definitely better is Robertson (despite doing his best Moreno impression today).There’s not many better in the PL in my opinion
He is better than all of those but Chilwell is debatable. Robertson, Chilwell and Shaw are the best 3 imo. Although that's when Shaw's fit and that's been a problem in the long term for him.I rate Shaw higher than Mendy, Davies, Tierney, Alonso, and maybe Chilwell. The only LB who is definitely better is Robertson (despite doing his best Moreno impression today).
This./I don't say this to be critical because he's not horrendous but no team wins a league title with Lindelof at CB.
Chelsea won it with Luiz at the back, City with Fernandinho.This./
The defence as currently constructed won’t win us the league.
The current joint 2nd best defence in the league?This./
The defence as currently constructed won’t win us the league.
Don’t be starting that nonsense this isn’t RAWK!Are you saying next year is... our year?
I agree with this.We're getting close to the point where the bottleneck will be Ole's ability to maximize the talent in his squad, not the limitations of the players.
You can win the league with our defense if the attack is firing.This./
The defence as currently constructed won’t win us the league.
2nd best defence hasn’t exactly equated to 2nd place in the league but yea we’re good to go for a title bid.The current joint 2nd best defence in the league?
Give me a break.
My opinion is we won’t win it with Lindelof partnering Maguire which given his performances throughout the whole season really isn’t controversial.Chelsea won it with Luiz at the back, City with Fernandinho.
Fair point.You can win the league with our defense if the attack is firing.
The main reason we haven't challenged for the league since SAF is because our attack has never been up to par. We still haven't hit 70 goals in the league, never mind 80 since his retirement.
Because we’ve had key injuries to our best players all season.2nd best defence hasn’t exactly equated to 2nd place in the league but yea we’re good to go for a title bid.
Your opinion is this team can win a league with Lindelof, mine is they won’t. If we do feel free to come back to me; until then give me a break. I hope I’m wrong trust me.
My opinion is we won’t win it with Lindelof partnering Maguire which given his performances throughout the whole season really isn’t controversial.
There are quite a few CBs with titles I don’t rate so hopefully he proves me wrong.
Fair point.
I just think in this league you now need to be hitting a solid 90+ points & our current defence while not conceding in droves they concede critical goals - yes we haven’t done for 14 games but I’m yet to see Lindelof perform for a full season so I’m hesitant to back him for the next one.
His squad management has been brilliant. Playing youth in Astana when already through to give the first 11 a rest. 8 changes against the worst team in the prem in the FA cup and scraping through against Norwich, and, after lockdown, subbing off the most important players at the 60 minute mark when the game has been won. As for cautiousness, he had to be cautious when his midfield consisted of Lingard, Fred and Pereira. But he still beat City with that midfield, which is a damn good testament to his tactical nous. There is however nothing cautious about United with the first 11.I don't think Ole is good enough to manage a title challenge. He is too cautious and defensive. Not sure he is the best at squad rotation either.
Hope I am wrong. Think our first 11 can challenge. Need to raise the quality of our squad players by coaching though since we don't have money to spend like crazy.