This is the most likeable team we’ve had since SAF retired

[Lemansky]

This team is the most likeable team we’ve had for a long time. I now look forward to every game again. I know the players will give their all every game and that there is a real team spirit and common goal in the squad.


We now have a great mix of young players from our own ranks (Greenwood is extremely exciting to follow) mixed with signings that want to be here for the right reason.


There is a lot to be happy about now and a lot of credit should go to Ole for sticking to his principles in building this squad. Yes, he has areas where he needs to do better but it’s clear he has the clubs best intentions always as priority 1. He don’t make short term decisions for his own sake.



With Varane and Sancho coming in this window we are a top striker (Haaland?) and a DM away from having one of the best squads in Europe where many of the players has their best years ahead of them.



Exciting time’s indeed.

 

[Flytan]

It's only likable because the team is winning. If there are a few weeks of bad play it won't look the same. Not unique to this team, any team in the world is the same. When you're winning you see the positives and if we're losing I'm sure people will complain about stupid shit again

 

[Kanu]

It's only likable because the team is winning. If there are a few weeks of bad play it won't look the same. Not unique to this team, any team in the world is the same. When you're winning you see the positives and if we're losing I'm sure people will complain about stupid shit again

Quality wise this squad is objectively the best by far though since SAF. Might even argue this squad is better on paper than that 2012-2013 team. Opposition is better too though.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

It's only likable because the team is winning. If there are a few weeks of bad play it won't look the same. Not unique to this team, any team in the world is the same. When you're winning you see the positives and if we're losing I'm sure people will complain about stupid shit again

Yeah, this is true. Some bad performances and people will find plenty of reasons to hate the likes of Pogba, Martial, James, Fred and Lindelof. Never mind the utter scorn aimed at fringe players like Pereira, Lingard or Jones.

I mean, towards the end of last season we had a vocal minority spitting bile at a borderline literal saint like Marcus Rashford (which has kept up over the summer).

 

[wolvored]

Its the best group of players we have had and Ole has to get credit for that. Now we need to start winning trophies. He still has a blind spot for James, who is the weak link, but Sancho will take his place now.

 

[Adam-Utd]

Ole has done a great job.

We know he might not be the greatest football coach ever, but his job as a manager couldn’t be done better IMO.

He’s got the right players with the right attitudes, he’s turned this squad from a miserable bunch that all wanted to leave to loving the club, being connected with the fans and genuinely enjoying their time here.

It’s only a matter of time before we start getting the silverware we deserve, i’m sure of it.

 

[villain]

Debatable.

A large section of our fanbase actively dislike a lot of our players.
Pogba, James, Martial especially.
Lingard, pereira, jones receive abuse for just existing as man united players.

It’s easy to make this claim on the back of a great team performance, but if we draw or lose some games - no doubt the targeted abuse will return.

 

[Bilbo]

Everything about the club is pretty likeable at the moment IMO. Apart from the Glazers of course but they're never about anyway

 

[Bebestation]

It's only likable because the team is winning. If there are a few weeks of bad play it won't look the same. Not unique to this team, any team in the world is the same. When you're winning you see the positives and if we're losing I'm sure people will complain about stupid shit again

I just don't think that's possible.

Ole has targeted Uniteds revival by a very simple approach - quality players; and we are starting to have a lot - arguably a transfer window away from a near complete squad worth of them.

In an era of over tactical approaches (post Pep possesion at Barcelona) - I am not complaining about our gung ho approach with quality players.

 

[SirAnderson]

Debatable.

A large section of our fanbase actively dislike a lot of our players.
Pogba, James, Martial especially.
Lingard, pereira, jones receive abuse for just existing as man united players.

It’s easy to make this claim on the back of a great team performance, but if we draw or lose some games - no doubt the targeted abuse will return.

This.

 

[meamth]

No it's not just the general look of it.

The chemistry, banter, competition, rivalry between them is just pleasing to watch.

 

[Mr Smith]

It's only likable because the team is winning. If there are a few weeks of bad play it won't look the same. Not unique to this team, any team in the world is the same. When you're winning you see the positives and if we're losing I'm sure people will complain about stupid shit again

I disagree. I identify with this team and these players more than I have any team in a decade. It feels like a proper United team. Exciting young players, world-class talent, a sprinkle of experience, plenty of academy graduates, and a clear style of play. And yes maybe some fans will hate on individuals the moment we have a bad game, but as a whole this is a team that feels special.

 

[meamth]

I disagree. I identify with this team and these players more than I have any team in a decade. It feels like a proper United team. Exciting young players, world-class talent, a sprinkle of experience, plenty of academy graduates, and a clear style of play. And yes maybe some fans will hate on individuals the moment we have a bad game, but as a whole this is a team that feels special.

But..where is the pattern of play?

 

[LawCharltonBest]

I agree it’s the most likeable team. And not just because we are winning.

Its the best group of players we have had and Ole has to get credit for that. Now we need to start winning trophies. He still has a blind spot for James, who is the weak link, but Sancho will take his place now.

You say a blind spot for James, but we always seem to win when he plays. Think I read that we haven’t lost a league match he’s played. Or something similar.

Maybe he does things that fans can’t appreciate and helps the other players more than we think. Park was a bit like that.

 

[Damien]

You say a blind spot for James, but we always seem to win when he plays. Think I read that we haven’t lost a league match he’s played. Or something similar.

We lost the first game of last season against Crystal Palace, and eight games in 2019/20 with him on the field. Other than those we're unbeaten in the league with him playing.

 

[Raw]

I mean look at these two. Cannot believe we have the privilege of watching them both playing for United

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

 

[Mr Smith]

But..where is the pattern of play?

Can you honestly not see a style of play? I'd say it's pretty well-defined by this point. We play with aggressive full-backs that like to come inside as well as overlap, energetic ball-winners who are expected to get the ball quickly through to our attacking players, who have the freedom to interchange positions in attack. We tend to build attacks quickly, playing passes forward into space for our quick forwards to run onto, or look for quick interchanges with fullbacks on the flank to find a cutback. We saw these kind of moves multiple times through last season. Are they as coordinated and choreographed as Guardiola or Tuchel's teams? No, because that's not the way Ole likes his teams to play. He gives them a rough blueprint but wants them to play with freedom. If you honestly can't see a style and a pattern of play at this stage (especially after dismantling a team 5-1) I don't know what to tell you.

 

[Olecurls99]

This team is the most likeable team we’ve had for a long time. I now look forward to every game again. I know the players will give their all every game and that there is a real team spirit and common goal in the squad.


We now have a great mix of young players from our own ranks (Greenwood is extremely exciting to follow) mixed with signings that want to be here for the right reason.


There is a lot to be happy about now and a lot of credit should go to Ole for sticking to his principles in building this squad. Yes, he has areas where he needs to do better but it’s clear he has the clubs best intentions always as priority 1. He don’t make short term decisions for his own sake.



With Varane and Sancho coming in this window we are a top striker (Haaland?) and a DM away from having one of the best squads in Europe where many of the players has their best years ahead of them.



Exciting time’s indeed.

Agree with nearly all but what does Greenstuff have to do to be judged good enough to lead the line

 

[red woppit]

Can you honestly not see a style of play? I'd say it's pretty well-defined by this point. We play with aggressive full-backs that like to come inside as well as overlap, energetic ball-winners who are expected to get the ball quickly through to our attacking players, who have the freedom to interchange positions in attack. We tend to build attacks quickly, playing passes forward into space for our quick forwards to run onto, or look for quick interchanges with fullbacks on the flank to find a cutback. We saw these kind of moves multiple times through last season. Are they as coordinated and choreographed as Guardiola or Tuchel's teams? No, because that's not the way Ole likes his teams to play. He gives them a rough blueprint but wants them to play with freedom. If you honestly can't see a style and a pattern of play at this stage (especially after dismantling a team 5-1) I don't know what to tell you.

I think he was being facetious.

 

[TsuWave]

nah. The abuse and level of scrutiny for Pogba is a madness.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a fanbase so intent on hating one of their academy graduates that also happens to be one of their star players. Exacerbated by him being largely liked, respected and spoken highly of by his team-mates, peers at rival clubs, and managers, including Ole.

 

[Mr Smith]

I think he was being facetious.

Hope you're right really don't want to get into a debate about this.

 

[tenpoless]

It will be a shame if these lot dont win at least one PL trophy. Fecking City and Chelsea making it harder. The overall quality of PL is just ridiculous.

 

[OleBoiii]

It's the best of everything post SAF.

Best players(based on current level, not overall obviously).
Best football.
Best manager.
Best long-term strategy.

And yeah, the team is pretty damn likeable too.

It feels a bit harsh on the 2013-2014 team, though. That was a likeable team that had its spirit completely crushed by Moyes.

 

[meamth]

Can you honestly not see a style of play? I'd say it's pretty well-defined by this point. We play with aggressive full-backs that like to come inside as well as overlap, energetic ball-winners who are expected to get the ball quickly through to our attacking players, who have the freedom to interchange positions in attack. We tend to build attacks quickly, playing passes forward into space for our quick forwards to run onto, or look for quick interchanges with fullbacks on the flank to find a cutback. We saw these kind of moves multiple times through last season. Are they as coordinated and choreographed as Guardiola or Tuchel's teams? No, because that's not the way Ole likes his teams to play. He gives them a rough blueprint but wants them to play with freedom. If you honestly can't see a style and a pattern of play at this stage (especially after dismantling a team 5-1) I don't know what to tell you.

It's the meme word around here.

I absolutely know Ole ball.

 

[largelyworried]

It's only likable because the team is winning. If there are a few weeks of bad play it won't look the same. Not unique to this team, any team in the world is the same. When you're winning you see the positives and if we're losing I'm sure people will complain about stupid shit again

Yes and no. Winning certainly makes people happy and losing makes people lose faith, but equally, i found our team under Mourinho pretty joyless even when we won the Europa then later came second in the league. This team is a lot more likeable in both personality and playing style, even if it’s achieved less than Jose’s team.

 

[Ali Dia]

I agree. Likeable team that’s going places. We may flatter to device and the domestic competition is stiffer than it’s ever been but I can see us winning a CL over the next few years with this manager and core of players. They get it. We’ve turned the oil tanker around and the only way is up from where we’ve been. Given the amounts we spend we should be challenging for the CL a lot more often anyway. The league is wide open. I love watching us play again since Ole came back.

 

[slored1]

It's only likable because the team is winning. If there are a few weeks of bad play it won't look the same. Not unique to this team, any team in the world is the same. When you're winning you see the positives and if we're losing I'm sure people will complain about stupid shit again

Not really. I like Rashford, Greenwood, Bruno, Shaw, Maguire regardless of the result. Much more than the likes of Sanchez, Smalling, Mkhitaryan, etc.

 

[Schmeichel's Cartwheel]

Absolutely

 

[roonster09]

It's only likable because the team is winning. If there are a few weeks of bad play it won't look the same. Not unique to this team, any team in the world is the same. When you're winning you see the positives and if we're losing I'm sure people will complain about stupid shit again

Yeah, this is how it goes.

 

[gica_7]

Quality wise this squad is objectively the best by far though since SAF. Might even argue this squad is better on paper than that 2012-2013 team. Opposition is better too though.

It is definitely better than 12-13 team on paper. In fact, this is probably the best team since Ronaldo left.

 

[Borys]

We have a lot of likeable players, Shaw, Bruno, Pogba, Cavani, maybe Varane will join that group. We score a lot of goals, the team and the manager seems to be very good relationship.

I never understood why our fans would shite on Fred and McTominay, who have been really good for us consistently (without being top footballers in terms of pure ability).

We don't have any arrogant players as well so I guess even random observers will find this team likeable.

 

[arthurka]

nah. The abuse and level of scrutiny for Pogba is a madness.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a fanbase so intent on hating one of their academy graduates that also happens to be one of their star players. Exacerbated by him being largely liked, respected and spoken highly of by his team-mates, peers at rival clubs, and managers, including Ole.

You shouldn't act like he is Saint Paul he has alot to do with that himself. To be fair most of Utd fans are pissed at Paul because they know just how good he is and don't like when isn't giving a shit. And a lot of Utd love the guy. But to the OP this is the most likeable squad we've had for years. Ole should get some credit for this bunch.

 

[The Original]

Yes, I quite agree.

Every single player played at a level matching or higher than their last season best.

I mean look at Pogba, Bruno doing what they do best while cutting out their weaknesses. How many times did Pogba lose the ball? Very few. And Bruno's passing was consistently crisp... None of those loose passes. Greenwood clearly growing into the 9, and AWB looking like a right footed Shaw.

Even without the new players the team has clearly kicked on to another level.

 

[K stand Red]

I believe this current team of 13-15 players is the most exciting in a number of years and offers hope going forward, though this season may be too soon for the PL.

Yes there are some who need moving on without mentioning the usual names and others from the U23 who need development either by loans or playing time via the cups or off the bench when appropriate without some of the deadwood blocking this pathway.

I believe some of the hate towards Pogba relates to his persona and concerns that as i do he is going to leave on a free next year (2nd time) leaving a huge hole which will need filling and cost and no income coming from any sale.

Potentially with another 12 months experience the likes of Elanga/Hannibal/Amad/Shoretire could fill the void thinking back to class of 92

Any transfer is a risk and though pleased to see Varane signing this is a gamble and one worth taking, i just hope that he and his family not only settle in the UK after so long in Spain and he is able to adjust to the PL and able to form a partnership with Harry.

 

[Kanu]

It is definitely better than 12-13 team on paper. In fact, this is probably the best team since Ronaldo left.

Honestly I agree. We've got an incredible squad.

 

[Ali Dia]

It’s really since Ole brought in Bruno he’s glued the squad and given everyone a lift. I guess that all starts with results and everyone becomes happier and more positive but I firmly believe we are also intentionally targeting the profile of player and employee that have brought us success previously. It’s a family club at the core and it’s good to get that feeling back. It’s a solid base to build upon. The egos money and brands were out of control while the team stuttered on the pitch. I think if anyone goes full JLINGS and we are sucking they’ll get brought back down to Earth a lot quicker than before. Football first. It’s also pleasing to see leaders start to emerge organically instead of forcing it. There’s a lot more fight and personality in the group than at any other time post Fergie.

 

[TsuWave]

You shouldn't act like he is Saint Paul he has alot to do with that himself. To be fair most of Utd fans are pissed at Paul because they know just how good he is and don't like when isn't giving a shit. And a lot of Utd love the guy. But to the OP this is the most likeable squad we've had for years. Ole should get some credit for this bunch.

Not believing Pogba has done anything to justify the level of vitriol he gets means I’m acting as if he’s “Saint Paul”? United fanbase just has a bunch of weirdos

 

[Stormrage101MUFC]

Yup, we have a pretty damn good team now. The signings of Sancho and Varane were badly needed and will strengthen us significantly. I still think we should try to buy Kane though - if by some miracle we get him, we could win anything.

 

[Grylte]

This team and manager is incredibly likeable compared to what we've had since SAF, and as someone mentioned, probably best team since Ronaldo left.
Don't think we'll win yet, but the building of the team and squad is amazing! And i like the football they play, the squad looks very happy, it's brilliant!

I believe some of the hate towards Pogba relates to his persona and concerns that as i do he is going to leave on a free next year (2nd time) leaving a huge hole which will need filling and cost and no income coming from any sale.

I agree.
I don't hate Pogba, seriously, i'm a grown up, i don't hate players or people i don't know
Had he just signed his contract, or been sold to get us a good chunk of cash to spend on a DM, i think less people would dislike him.

He's a brilliant player, and i don't care about his hair colour and whatnot, i just want to know if he's going to sign the contract or not.

 

[GreenFieldsGoldenBarley]

Not believing Pogba has done anything to justify the level of vitriol he gets means I’m acting as if he’s “Saint Paul”? United fanbase just has a bunch of weirdos

Does sometimes feel like many just don't want to hear anyone saying nice things about Pogba. He's clearly a player who our dressing room really likes and looks up to - did you see the way he went straight up to celebrate with Sancho on the 5th goal yesterday? Or how he spoke to Sancho before the sub? He was welcoming Sancho into the club, as a star player should. He comes across like a real leader who everyone looks up to.

Obviously Bruno and Rashford have a whole load of that going on - these are players that the whole of football looks up to, and they always make an effort to speak to new/young players coming into the team, whether that's for us, their national teams, or even opposition. After his hattrick yesterday Bruno hung around on the pitch with the match ball listening to the fans, and according to Rio he wouldn't stop talking about Leeds. And again it couldn't be more obvious that Sancho is just so excited to play with him.

Also, for everything we say about Fred as fans, whenever he scores or makes a major contribution you can see how happy bruno and pogba, particularly, are for him. It's clear that the team really likes him. Like Pogba he always seems to be smiling.

That sense of happiness and enthusiasm must make our dressing room a really good place to be right now. There's no wonder that right now world class players seem to want to join us. I bet our dressing room is more fun than City's - for all that they're really good players, City's squad all come across as well boring. Bet Varane can already see a massive difference between here and Real too - no more Benzema telling the team not to pass to Vinicius cos he's shit.

Call it sentimental, but I reckon that sort of mood/attitude will really help our form this season.