General Premier League Thread 2020-21 - Mod Notes in 1st post. [Updated 17/12/20]

04-12-2020 12:37PM

Woodward backing Solskjaer with long term plan

Manchester United will back manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a long-term plan centred around summer transfer windows, according to the club's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/12150388/ed-woodward-manchester-united-to-back-ole-gunnar-solskjaer-in-transfer-window

04-12-2020 01:09PM

DVDM93 wrote: »

Good to see Gerrard in there representing the Premier League.

Are you really that proud of the Premier League brand?

Drumpot · 04-12-2020 02:05PM

6 wrote: »

Woodward backing Solskjaer with long term plan

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/12150388/ed-woodward-manchester-united-to-back-ole-gunnar-solskjaer-in-transfer-window

I find it amusing when rival fans make a lot out of Ole keeping his job. If the last 8 years should of thought anybody, it doesn't matter who is managing United, they aren't gonna win any leagues or champions leagues simply by hiring a better manager. The club is a basket case and run so poorly, a top coach cannot compensate for all the issues behind the scenes.

United are just as likely to win something big with Ole as they were under LVG or Jose. As much as people downplay last season, it was still the clubs 2nd best league finish in 8 years that was done under our least experienced coach since SAF retired. The club cuts the feet from under better managers , so I think having a poorer manager who might work better in the dysfunctional setup at the club may actually end up forcing rival fans to be sorry for what wishing Ole a long tenure at United.

Either way, Ole or no Ole, United is being run by incompetent, egotistical morons who have a major influence with the first team (hello Martial/Pogba, contract extensions for everybody) more then is acknowledged. They are doing a terrible job with the football side of things but they don't care because they are making money and it seems they enjoy retaining control over the football side. They are living proof that sh*ite owners can make money with an EPL and American football club. They are equivalent to Hicks and Gillette but United is so valuable its taking ages for their mismanagement to really cost the club big.

04-12-2020 02:50PM

Drumpot wrote: »

The club cuts the feet from under better managers , so I think having a poorer manager who might work better in the dysfunctional setup at the club may actually end up forcing rival fans to be sorry for what wishing Ole a long tenure at United...

Almost 2 years into his regime, and so far I haven't felt a twinge of regret about his appointment.

yourdeadwright · 04-12-2020 03:19PM

Is there anyway you can watch one off games on Amazon Prime or do you have to join up for the month ,

Drumpot · 04-12-2020 03:20PM

Deleted User wrote: »

Almost 2 years into his regime, and so far I haven't felt a twinge of regret about his appointment.

I don't have any regrets about Ole being made manager either. It was a shocking appointment and shouldn't work on any level but it hasnt actually been as bad, yet, as it might of been.

I have said it before, something drastic has to happen for United hierarchy to actually change the way its running the club. I would rather something drastic (good or bad) happens under Ole, then we get a manager who has us nicely perched between 2nd-4th to keep our owners happy.

As I said, be careful what you wish for, United's problems run far deeper then their manager. There is no football ambition at the club, Ole being manager is a manifestation of the way the club has been rule for ages. But maybe hes so wrong he just might make the club work. :pac:

gimli2112 · 04-12-2020 03:57PM

In fairness the one thing holding me in check aboout Ole is the fact my posts would be used against me in the event he won a CL or PL at Utd. I'm happy to stay quietly amused.

Drumpot · 04-12-2020 04:08PM

gimli2112 wrote: »

In fairness the one thing holding me in check aboout Ole is the fact my posts would be used against me in the event he won a CL or PL at Utd. I'm happy to stay quietly amused.

If Ole amuses you, you should be beaming anytime you see a pic of Woodward or the Glazers. They are the gift that will keep on giving you guys something to laugh about.

Fitz* · 04-12-2020 04:12PM

gimli2112 wrote: »

In fairness the one thing holding me in check aboout Ole is the fact my posts would be used against me in the event he won a CL or PL at Utd. I'm happy to stay quietly amused.

I think you're fairly safe there IMO. But it does seem like one off games like in the cups could suit the players & manager at Utd more. It allows them to play their underdogs role of sitting deep and using the sprinters up front to counter attack into space.

There are some excellent players at the club but it's the knitting them together is the problem and how the manager reacts to changes in the game.

Small things like continuing to play Fred midweek while he was a walking red card instead of putting on a different midfielder. Then again that could also say more about the likes of Pogba that the manager has more faith in Fred not getting sent off than making a sub. PSG had made a tactical sub before the 2-1 and changed the game flow in their favour again and it was too late by the time OGS reacted.

gimli2112 · 04-12-2020 04:17PM

they keep going on these worrying winning streaks. what is it 8 away games in a row know they've won, didn't they win something like 19 in a row last year at one point? they have the players to do well in spurts

Drumpot · 04-12-2020 04:25PM

gimli2112 wrote: »

they keep going on these worrying winning streaks. what is it 8 away games in a row know they've won, didn't they win something like 19 in a row last year at one point? they have the players to do well in spurts

Twice they have gone on some 20 game runs under Ole. Its weird cause he really shouldn't work at all but every time it looks like its falling apart they go on some crazy run. If he figures out how to beat crap teams it could all fall into place ! ! !:pac:

In a weird way, if they qualify for the CL knockouts, the stronger the teams get the better it feels like United will play. This squad is so f*8king weird, I would nearly fancy them more against Bayern Munich in the knockouts then a Seville or Porto! They really may be CL dark horses in a really unconventional way.

gimli2112 · 04-12-2020 04:29PM

The CL is great for dark horses. Ask the great Chelsea sides of 2005 and 2007.

04-12-2020 04:55PM

Drumpot wrote: »

I find it amusing when rival fans make a lot out of Ole keeping his job. If the last 8 years should of thought anybody, it doesn't matter who is managing United, they aren't gonna win any leagues or champions leagues simply by hiring a better manager. The club is a basket case and run so poorly, a top coach cannot compensate for all the issues behind the scenes.

United are just as likely to win something big with Ole as they were under LVG or Jose. As much as people downplay last season, it was still the clubs 2nd best league finish in 8 years that was done under our least experienced coach since SAF retired. The club cuts the feet from under better managers , so I think having a poorer manager who might work better in the dysfunctional setup at the club may actually end up forcing rival fans to be sorry for what wishing Ole a long tenure at United.

Either way, Ole or no Ole, United is being run by incompetent, egotistical morons who have a major influence with the first team (hello Martial/Pogba, contract extensions for everybody) more then is acknowledged. They are doing a terrible job with the football side of things but they don't care because they are making money and it seems they enjoy retaining control over the football side. They are living proof that sh*ite owners can make money with an EPL and American football club. They are equivalent to Hicks and Gillette but United is so valuable its taking ages for their mismanagement to really cost the club big.

Talk to me when Utd are close to administration and you go from CL semi finalists to floating not far from the relegation zone. Then they might be comparable to Hicks and Gillette.

Currently, the comparison doesn't stack up.

DVDM93 · 04-12-2020 05:05PM

Drumpot wrote: »

every time it looks like its falling apart they go on some crazy run.

It really seems to be a common theme with Ole, doesn't it?

I remember the night Pochettino was on MNF & all the talk & hope afterwards was that he'd be United's next manager & that Ole's days were numbered.

Roll on United's next game & Ole makes a statement by spanking Everton 3-1 at Goodison in a way that said "sorry folks, Poch ain't coming & I ain't going".

This is followed by 3 wins on the bounce including an amazing comeback against Southampton & a masterclass by Ole in subbing on El Matador to get him the result he needs.

United are back & Ole's at the wheel one might say & rightly so.

But nope. While there's no shame in losing to PSG during the week like he did, things like the Fred situation are unforgivable & quite frankly, poor management.

I'm sure there are several other examples of this kind of situation with Ole during his tenure. He's never bad enough to get the sack, but never good enough to be where the United faithful want their team to be.

It must be frustrating.

eigrod · 04-12-2020 05:34PM

This is really exciting news. Would be fantastic if this is the future in English football. Should lead to higher attendances and improved atmosphere. Hopefully this is just the start of it

https://twitter.com/the42_ie/status/1334913182859751435?s=21

Drumpot · 04-12-2020 05:34PM

6 wrote: »

Talk to me when Utd are close to administration and you go from CL semi finalists to floating not far from the relegation zone. Then they might be comparable to Hicks and Gillette.

Currently, the comparison doesn't stack up.

Yeh, maybe a comparison is unfair , they are worse then Gillette and hicks as they wont sell up because they are too comfortable. They have the perfect scenario, the club doesnt have to perform well on field and they still make money and continue to pile debt on as it suits them.

Its easy to forget when they did their leveraged takeover, many thought United could collapse as a result. They couldnt of predicted the meteoric rise in football revenue. They equally couldnt guarantee SAF would be able to make the club a success with a 70 million loan repayment due every year before any funds were available for transfers. They got lucky, but history would write that they were great business men, its always the case that facts are lost/ignored when riches are made.

History is kind to the Glazers, but I have not forgotten how they strapped the club with never before seen dept that could of been the end of the club. At least Hicks and Gillette f**ked off, United fans havent been so lucky. Liverpool was affordable, United is out of reach of any potential saviour.

gimli2112 · 04-12-2020 05:46PM

you might be able to sell your soul to some wealthy arabs

~Rebel~ · 04-12-2020 06:03PM

eigrod wrote: »

This is really exciting news. Would be fantastic if this is the future in English football. Should lead to higher attendances and improved atmosphere. Hopefully this is just the start of it

https://twitter.com/the42_ie/status/1334913182859751435?s=21

For the safe standing I've seen, it didn't increase attendances as the footprint required for each person remains the same (which is what makes it safe).

Massively helps with atmosphere though! You still have your allotted 'seat' number, and a sloped surface to lean your arse back against if you want (which itself actually folds out as a seat if needed), along with your own drink holder etc, but you're on your feet all the time and the energy that alone gives is so much better.

04-12-2020 06:11PM

eigrod wrote: »

This is really exciting news. Would be fantastic if this is the future in English football. Should lead to higher attendances and improved atmosphere. Hopefully this is just the start of it

https://twitter.com/the42_ie/status/1334913182859751435?s=21

Unfortunate with the timing of the news.

Less than a month to the 50th anniversary of the Ibrox Disaster, when 66 were crushed to death.

El Gato De Negocios · 04-12-2020 06:20PM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Unfortunate with the timing of the news.

Less than a month to the 50th anniversary of the Ibrox Disaster, when 66 were crushed to death.

The_Kew_Tour · 04-12-2020 06:34PM

Deleted User wrote: »

Unfortunate with the timing of the news.

Less than a month to the 50th anniversary of the Ibrox Disaster, when 66 were crushed to death.

Sweet suffering jesus:pac::pac::pac:

04-12-2020 06:39PM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Unfortunate with the timing of the news.

Less than a month to the 50th anniversary of the Ibrox Disaster, when 66 were crushed to death.

When's the right time to announce then?

04-12-2020 06:39PM

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

Sweet suffering jesus:pac::pac::pac:

It's hit a few football forums and outlets recently, I guess the 50th anniversary is significant for some. And funny for others.

wrestlemaniac · 04-12-2020 06:43PM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

It's hit a few football forums and outlets recently, I guess the 50th anniversary is significant for some. And funny for others.

Ah here, nobody laughing at the significance, maybe laughing at your ability to take offence though ðŸ€”

Fromvert · 04-12-2020 06:45PM

This isn't even new news, this was announced ages ago and it's great to see.

It has to be better than the all seating now, in the Kop for example barely anyone is seated which just leads to be people tumbling all over the place when a goal goes in. I'm kind of shocked we havn't seen major injuries to people in those masses.

The only thing the new standing facilities have in common with any past disasters is that they are standing, it's night and day between being packed together like sardines on concrete steps with only a person in front of to brace against.

The_Kew_Tour · 04-12-2020 06:49PM

Deleted User wrote: »

It's hit a few football forums and outlets recently, I guess the 50th anniversary is significant for some. And funny for others.

Ibrox disaster in January
Munich disaster in February
Burnden Park disaster in March
Hillsborough disaster in April
Estradiol Nacional disaster in May
Puerto disaster in June
Kolkata stampede in August

I'm sure been few more in other months.

So when would it suit a person like you for them to make a announcement so you wont be "offended"?

Drumpot · 04-12-2020 06:52PM

gimli2112 wrote: »

you might be able to sell your soul to some wealthy arabs

Yeh I know some of our fans are desperate for that but I’d rather not. As much as I don’t expect anything good under the Glazers , it would be hallow victory with a dodgy owner looking to use the club in that manner. We don’t need owners to pump money into the club, just run it better, that’s all and the club will do far better.

~Rebel~ · 04-12-2020 06:56PM

Drumpot wrote: »

Yeh, maybe a comparison is unfair , they are worse then Gillette and hicks as they wont sell up because they are too comfortable. They have the perfect scenario, the club doesnt have to perform well on field and they still make money and continue to pile debt on as it suits them.

Its easy to forget when they did their leveraged takeover, many thought United could collapse as a result. They couldnt of predicted the meteoric rise in football revenue. They equally couldnt guarantee SAF would be able to make the club a success with a 70 million loan repayment due every year before any funds were available for transfers. They got lucky, but history would write that they were great business men, its always the case that facts are lost/ignored when riches are made.

History is kind to the Glazers, but I have not forgotten how they strapped the club with never before seen dept that could of been the end of the club. At least Hicks and Gillette f**ked off, United fans havent been so lucky. Liverpool was affordable, United is out of reach of any potential saviour.

H&G didn't sell up and go willingly. They fought tooth and nail to stop the sale of the club and remain where they were, but they had run the club into the ground enough - on the brink of going under - that the bank (RBS) they owed their debt to took them to court and won a case that forced them to sell to the offer on the table.

I can't stand the Glazers either, but they've kept the business functioning as a money making machine and very much a going concern. Though to your point, maybe they're worse by being better. H&G were bad enough that they caused their own exit by destroying the club meaning it could at least eventually be rebuilt, while the Glazers have their shit together enough to keep leeching for the long term.

04-12-2020 07:03PM

Drumpot wrote: »

Yeh, maybe a comparison is unfair , they are worse then Gillette and hicks as they wont sell up because they are too comfortable. They have the perfect scenario, the club doesnt have to perform well on field and they still make money and continue to pile debt on as it suits them.

Its easy to forget when they did their leveraged takeover, many thought United could collapse as a result. They couldnt of predicted the meteoric rise in football revenue. They equally couldnt guarantee SAF would be able to make the club a success with a 70 million loan repayment due every year before any funds were available for transfers. They got lucky, but history would write that they were great business men, its always the case that facts are lost/ignored when riches are made.

History is kind to the Glazers, but I have not forgotten how they strapped the club with never before seen dept that could of been the end of the club. At least Hicks and Gillette f**ked off, United fans havent been so lucky. Liverpool was affordable, United is out of reach of any potential saviour.

Hicks and Gillette only ****ed off because of a defeat in court ! Pair of chancers tbh.

Drumpot · 04-12-2020 07:17PM

~Rebel~ wrote: »

H&G didn't sell up and go willingly. They fought tooth and nail to stop the sale of the club and remain where they were, but they had run the club into the ground enough - on the brink of going under - that the bank (RBS) they owed their debt to took them to court and won a case that forced them to sell to the offer on the table.

I can't stand the Glazers either, but they've kept the business functioning as a money making machine and very much a going concern. Though to your point, maybe they're worse by being better. H&G were bad enough that they caused their own exit by destroying the club meaning it could at least eventually be rebuilt, while the Glazers have their shit together enough to keep leeching for the long term.

Yeh, I’m at the stage where I’d be ok with the club really struggling badly if it meant new owners. Even a relagation battle or relegation would be fine with me if they f**ked off, that’s how bad I think they are. The fans get no benefits to them being able to market the club well. I know people will say I’m mad but what’s madder is that our own fans know even if Poch came in they’d undermine him just as we start looking like we might make a challange for the league and he’d be gone in 3 years.

When you have owners that are so disinterested in winning it permeates throughout the club. The apathy they show to the clubs failures on field is difficult to fathom. Any other business would look at players transfers and wages (clubs biggest expenditure) and make radical changes after considering the return on this investment part of the business. But not our owners, they don’t care once they get paid. United cannot return to being a top club while those at the top take such a toxic approach to on field targets.

Players contracts are extending to retain their market book value. Players are signed out of convenience. While the club might of wanted pogba, it’s no coincidence the clubs most expensive signing ever was also one of the most marketable at the time he was bought. When areas need to be addressed within the squad it takes years before they act. The fascination with youth (retain/grow value of players) leaves us in a perpetual state of building a squad. There is no hope that anything will change at the club unless they get lucky or they sell up or they decide to actually pay attention to the football side and get in people who know what they are doing.

God, I really f**king hate them and clueless Ed. Experts in failure on field but making money from their clubs off it so they won’t be gone anytime soon.

General Premier League Thread 2020-21 - Mod Notes in 1st post. [Updated 17/12/20]

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