U21's: West Ham v Man United

[Bertie Wooster]

Tonight on MUTV, 7pm.

Team:
Vitek - Jurado, Bernard, Hardley, Murray - Collyer, Gore - Mejia, Hansen, Forson - Hugill.
Subs: Mastny, Aljofree, Huddlestone, Emeran, McNeill.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

West Ham have taken the lead inside the first 10 minutes.

They've been the better team - United been sloppy and overrun so far.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

Oh dear...

2-0 down after 12 minutes.
United still sloppy and being overrun.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

HT: still 2-0 down.

United had plenty of possession in last 20 minutes - but I think that's mostly because West Ham sat back on their lead and looked to counter. Either way, United created absolutely nothing against a crowded defence and looked toothless. Not an enjoyable half to watch.

 

[pascell]

No Mainoo must mean he'll be with the squad Sunday?

 

[Thiagoal]

No Mainoo must mean he'll be with the squad Sunday?

Yeah, with Casemiro suspended he’ll definitely be on the bench I’d have thought

 

[Pogue Mahone]

No Mainoo must mean he'll be with the squad Sunday?

Yeah, with Casemiro suspended he’ll definitely be on the bench I’d have thought

At his age you’d think he could easily handle, say, 45 minutes this evening and still be 100% to go on the bench on Sunday. He really needs as much football as possible against senior(ish) players.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

Goal back for United.
Hugill penalty, 52nd minute. After Murray was bundled over.
United have looked sharper so far.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

64 minutes: still 2-1 down.
But don't know how United failed to equalise just now. Shot from Forson from about 20 yards saved by keeper - Mejia had guilt edged follow up from about 3 yards, somehow keeper stuck out a boot and blocked it. Really should have scored.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

And there's the equaliser!
Jurado cross shot turned in by Hugill for his second.

 

[mazhar13]

The 2nd half has been a completely different football match compared to the first half. The midfielders and back line all have been more direct and incisive with their passing, and they've looked much better for it. United's pressing game has also put more pressure on West Ham.

Both Forson and Mejia have struggled to do much from the wide areas, but Mejia's growing into the game, whilst Forson's been replaced by Emeran a few minutes ago.

 

[Bondi77]

At his age you’d think he could easily handle, say, 45 minutes this evening and still be 100% to go on the bench on Sunday. He really needs as much football as possible against senior(ish) players.

If he got injured we would have less cover for the first team..no point risking it.

 

[mazhar13]

By the way, this pitch hasn't been good for United's passing game, but they've done well to keep up the pressure on West Ham and also get that 3rd goal.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

3-2 to United! 85th minute.
Fully deserved in the 2nd half.
HT sub Aljofree headed in from a corner.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Only tuned in at half time. Timed it pretty well. What a comeback.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

88th minute: still 3-2.
But West Ham free shot inside box cannons off the bar.

 

[cyberman]

At his age you’d think he could easily handle, say, 45 minutes this evening and still be 100% to go on the bench on Sunday. He really needs as much football as possible against senior(ish) players.

I think there’s laws against this but I’m not sure.

 

[mazhar13]

Isak Hansen-Aarøen's been getting a ton of shouts from the United technical area whenever West Ham build up their attacks. He's struggling to transition back into defence and help the rest of the team. On the ball, though, he's been class once again if not trying a bit too hard on a few occasions.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

United win 3-2!

Fantastic 2nd half performance. As hard a watch as the first half was, the 2nd half was a joy to watch.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

Mazhar13, what did you make of Mejia?

I couldn't decide. He found himself in plenty of space a lot. And was a trier. But looked a bit cumbersome at times and like he was struggling to keep his footing more than other players.

I also couldn't work out how quick he was. There were times I thought he should have got the ball first but didn't, but I couldn't tell if that was because he was struggling to keep his feet?

 

[mazhar13]

Mazhar13, what did you make of Mejia?

I couldn't decide. He found himself in plenty of space a lot. And was a trier. But looked a bit cumbersome at times and like he was struggling to keep his footing more than other players.

I also couldn't work out how quick he was. There were times I thought he should have got the ball first but didn't, but I couldn't tell if that was because he was struggling to keep his feet?

The injuries took a huge toll on Mejia, sadly. He looks like he's behind in his overall development even if he's realising his athletic potential. He's in dire need of regular football at a higher level, preferably professional. He needs to be loaned out after this season.

There were several occasions where his application of his football skill would have been more applicable at the U-18 level, and his decision-making also needs to be sharpened.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

The injuries took a huge toll on Mejia, sadly. He looks he's behind in his overall development even if he's realising his athletic potential. He's in dire need of regular football at a higher level, preferably professional. He needs to be loaned out after this season.

There were several occasions where his application of his football skill would have been more applicable at the U-18 level, and his decision-making also needs to be sharpened.

Good calls.
Thanks for that.

 

[Rozay]

Is Willy injured again?

 

[khoazany]

Is Willy injured again?

I think we rested a lot of players that played against Liverpool (with some of them training with the first team instead) so maybe not.