Lush Vlad

Some of his passes were sublime yesterday. I believe they are now known as ‘line breaking passes’. Them ones.

For people who study stats or watch more football than me. Who would people take from the sides that have gone down? Only one that I notice from limited highlights is Muric, the Burnley keeper. Mainly started looking at him after someone on here mentioned him. Looks like he’d be a much better and more suited number 2 than Dubravka and could actually challenge Pope for a starting spot. No idea what he would cost, mind? The only other was from earlier in the season was Vini Souza from Sheff Utd. But can’t say I’ve noticed him or even remembered him playing in 2024 from the limited amount of their games that I have seen. Always sounds a bit arrogant and like picking the carcass clean talking about relegated clubs players we could try and sign

FWIW, it sounded a lot better on the TV than it usually does.

I just came on here to post about this. Not got to as many games as I would have liked this year for various reasons. So not really in a position to judge too much. But in all of the players pics. The ground looks half empty. After all of the adversity this year and the shit hands we’ve been consistently dealt. They deserved our support there. Great connection between the fans and the squad since Howe has come in. Seems weird that so many would fuck off. Either that or the average match going fan since the takeover has become far too plastic/entitled/expectant. Delete as appropriate.

He can’t start at Old Trafford based on that IMO. Barnes was bad, as was Almiron. But they were still constantly looking to get involved and being active in demanding the ball and trying to force the issue. This was all after the game got even more chaotic and with Brighton sitting in from 75-80 for a draw. Murphy just couldn’t wait to cross it to no one or pass the buck by laying it off. On a day with a complete lack of attacking quality. I thought he was the worst. I think Howe likes the cover and width he brings. With Tino always moving inside. Plus Gordon is better on the left and I guess Howe sees that as his position. But I would like to see our £38m man, who has a great goals and assists record start now and then. I do agree with Pilko. I’d still rathe move on Almiron than him. Murphy is a good option and cover some of the time. It feels like Almiron needs to move on and we might actually get a fee for him.

This issue could get partly solved by signing a top quality player for RW. But I thought today highlighted again how bad technically some of our players are on the ball. Botman, Trippier and Schar are our best passers after Bruno. Hall is one of our only players available who can pick a pass. I know Tonali is coming back. But IMO, 4/5 best passers in the team are defenders. I know Howe has his system with inverted wingers and his two 8’s needing more athleticism than technical ability. But I really hope we sign some more players with a bit of vision and creativity. Just comfortable on the ball would be a start.

Fuck.

Up the scabs.

Our best and also worst player, somehow. You can never fault his workrate and ability. Pops up all over the place and he is outrageously quick. But I thought like most of our attacking players. His decision making was terrible for the most part. Often cutting infield when he had space down the line, would 180 back when he had the run on his man and felt like he wanted 2-3 extra touches in crowded areas. Probably harsh to single him out. As the attacking display all round was just generally frustrating as fuck.

A proper shift. Up and down all game, good pace and didn’t do a lot wrong off the ball. But fucking hell. His decision making was atrocious. Not sure he ever picked the right pass, cross, cutback or whatever. Wasted some great positions. At least he was getting in those positions, I guess.

Thought he was brilliant. Nobody played particularly well. But he was aggressive with his pressing, defended well for the most part, kept trying to make things happen with his passing and supported attacks all game. Really happy with how he is starting to come good now. He’ll be even better when we have more first teamers back and a more balanced side.

I thought he looked a bit, scared is the wrong word, but safe on the ball at times. Compared to his usual self, I mean. Got himself in some great areas and there was a good early pass on and he would turn it down in favour of extra touches. Nitpicking, though. Whilst was poor for the goal. His effort and defensive ability in an unnatural position were both top class. Really do like his attitude and the way he puts himself about. On the first point. That was a problem for most of our players. Take Trippier, Botman and Schar out the team and we don’t really have anyone with an eye for a pass, bar Bruno. Bit of a wider issue and something that needs addressing when finances allow. Hall certainly tries to get it up the pitch along the deck, mind.

Massive pressure on the game at Old Trafford now and then a difficult team to play against away. With our away form this season. You can’t be too confident. Stating the obvious. But that’s a massive missed chance and a flat as fuck performance to match.

Frustrating that. We were pretty crap for the most part. Awful decision making throughout in the final third. Typified by that ridiculous dive from Almiron. Gordon was our best and worst player at the same time. Held onto it for too long all the while.

The final ball has been so bad all game. Been in some great positions out wide but never find a man.