Manchester United Thread 25/26 - Teamtalk/Transfers/Gossip Mod Note in OP 26.09.24

I don’t see it as AM being ultra-defensive for the sake of it. I think he’s trying to build patterns of play first and then layer the strker in properly, rather than rushing it.

Sesko’s will benefit from slotting into a side that has a shape and rhythm, his time will come.

Jesus lads will you's actually relax about Sesko. He will be the number 9 soon if not this weekend. Given he was cramping badly in league cup then it's fair to say he wasn't at the fitness levels needed yet and he's been given time to get up to speed.

...

I don't think there's any point getting upset about Sesko not starting until it actually happens.

I don't think it will actually happen though. He's just played 180 minutes of international football and our two starting 10s are out. He has to play and I imagine he will.

What are people thinking in terms of result? Hard to predict

City have so many injuries and are shite. A draw for me.

Absolutely, a draw would be good.

I've heard people call this a "must win game" for both teams. I get the logic, United have Chelsea next so could quite possibly be sitting with 4 points from 5 games soon.

But on the other hand our only real poor league result so far was Fulham. We were expected to lose to Arsenal, and we were expected to beat Burnley. At the start of the season we wouldn't have held much hope of taking much from City and Chelsea so even if we lose both, it's not unexpected.

So in that sense, United shouldn't feel under too much pressure. If Burnley hadn't conceded that pen and we'd ended up drawing, then the pressure would be higher. As it stands though, despite City's recent woes and current injuries, they are the bookies favourites. So a draw away would be a very good result for us, but they're also in prime position to be upset if we can get a good start.

City though, are very much under pressure and it is a must win. 4 points after 4 games for us would be poor but not unexpected given our fixtures and ongoing drama. 3 from 4 for them would be major crisis time.

Is there stats on Amad producing more from wing back than playing more advanced. I would like to see that, or is it just your opinion?

I think MDL is not very good, not commanding, not a leader. I think he is just average at everything and I think Maguire offers more.

I don't know what's going on with Mainoo. If he's confident and the manager thinks he's the right guy then fine. But from what I've seen I think I'd rather start Zirkzee because I like the way he sees the game, I like his range of passing especially on the counter and think he's better at getting around the park. Mainoo I honestly haven't figured him out apart from he scores important goals occasionally. I don't understand his way of playing. He seems more reactionary to whatever is going on. I'd rather take the gamble on Zirkzee first and then have Mainoo on the bench.

I've explained I want as many players who are confident and comfortable in their roles as possible.

By the way I forgot that Maz is fit again so maybe I would play him on the right and Dalot on the left to get Dorgu out of the team.

Did anyone hear that Utd were in talks to play a bunch of midweek friendlies in the UAE to offset the lack of European games. (Mirror via Reddit)

Is this not utter bonkers?

And there was a whole thing about there will be more training ground time, less injuries, more recovery.

Now that looks like PR fluff to soften the sting of no European games.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-united-friendlies-european-fixtures-35891227

thats the mirror article on it.

UEFA/FIFA need to nip this idea in the bud, or you'll end up with clubs having lucrative friendlies all the time whether they're in European competition or not.

Big clubs could easily expand their squads to 40+ players to accommodate these games which would be a huge money spinner.

I'm surprised friendlies are allowed during the season as it is.

Wait, do we want to improve our balance sheet so we can buy players we need or not? We miss out on Europe then the money has to come from somewhere.

I'll say again this is why football has no soul and the selfishness is sickening. Sure, maybe this season it suits United to go on a travelling circus. Our fans will no doubt support the enterprise but if it was any other club...