[SalfordRed1960]

It was one of those matches you just can't win no matter what you try.

Agree, some every good last minute blocks from Newcastle. On another day this would have been a 5-2 win.

 

[Trizy]

Memphis was pretty cack today. We struggle against anti football it seems.

Is this news though? Same shite as last season no matter the opposition.

I'm not anti Rooney but he needs to be dropped to switched to #10.

 

[Mali_Zeus]

Mata the one in particular, he started off with Depay as a 10 at Villa, I mean we have spent a fortune so playing players in their natural positions should not really be too much to ask. I'm not in the slightest a believer in the Blind at cb experiment either. He will be found out against the better strikers in the division and it'll be back to square one.

So Blind played very good every game till now but again 'he will be found out'. Lets wait and see if he'll be indeed found out.
As for Mata although he started on the right he played all over the pitch today so it doesnt matter if he was on the right or in the center.
Memphis is now playing on the left so at least people wont cry about that one.

 

[Eckers99]

The closest comparison I can make with the present United side is the team from autumn '92. Back then we looked like a good side which was missing a catalyst. Then we signed Cantona and everything fell into place. We really need that creative spark - the genius who links defence and attack. It isn't Mata, Rooney or Januzaj and we have very little time to find him.

 

[Ronnie O'Sullivan]

Dropped 2 vital points against a team we should be beating easily.

 

[pseudo_canadian]

Games like this just ruin my weekend, I now have no desire to watch any of the other games today or tomorrow.

Needs to be Wednesday already.

 

[NK86]

You're gunning for him. Was by no means close to our worst player today and did a number of things you expect from a #9 and was promptly ignored a number of times for good measure.

Rooney is being put under the microscope whilst a lot of poor play around him is being glossed over. If we don't supply the striker, we'll need one that can do it all by himself, those can be named on one hand.

Falcao was making a lot of good runs last season when people around him ignored it but where he failed was scoring goals - his primary job. Rooney is being pulled up for the same. I seriously cannot understand how is this performance by him considered accepatable if we want to achieve trophies this season. Maybe the expectations are so less now that this passes off as good enough.

 

[Red_Aaron]

I'm not trying to excuse our performance, particularly the middle part where we lacked urgency and ideas but just a point about the oppo - is this really what the game has become? 3rd game of the season and instead of having a go they're putting 10 behind the ball, I get it that they were getting opened up too easily early on and they've no obligation to us to play a certain way but after 15mins it became clear they weren't trying to win the game

 

[Fully Fledged]

Overall was a good performance and unlucky not to win. I love Carrick but he can't play alongside Schneiderlin in home games we expect to be winning, both are defensively minded and rarely break forward to support. Thought we looked much better first half with Schweinsteiger/Schneiderlin combo, Herrera should be starting alongside either Schneiderlin or Carrick.

I couldn't agree with you less. I though after the first 15 minutes until Carrick came on we hardly created anything played the ball far too slowly and were very predictable. I thought we improved after Carrick's introduction and played better football.

 

[lem8sh]

So Blind played very good every game till now but again 'he will be found out'. Lets wait and see if he'll be indeed found out.
As for Mata although he started on the right he played all over the pitch today so it doesnt matter if he was on the right or in the center.
Memphis is now playing on the left so at least people wont cry about that one.

Lets wait indeed. But he will imo.

 

[Mciahel Goodman]

What? I never saw any of that at all. We weren't waiting for Newcastle to make mistakes. In fact, we were doing all we could to force openings through our movements, direct passes, and wing play. Newcastle just settled into their shape and decided to park the bus after the first 20 minutes, and it was quite clear that they were looking for a draw. They literally played with 11 men in their own half for all of the second half!

We started great but we ran out of ideas about 30mins in. Newcastle settled, and we looked like we weren't going to score. They hit the bar, we hit the post, Hernandez missed, they missed. Along with Rooney's offside I think those were all of the actual chances I remember.

I like LVG, and I back this style of football, it needs to be better because but we're lacking something and it needs sorting. It's not knee jerk, this happened for most of last season. I dread seeing us turn into Arsenal, possession without threat.

 

[hbgreg]

20 shots, 8 on target.

Because that was the stat people should of been worried about.

 

[kouroux]

I'm not trying to excuse our performance, particularly the middle part where we lacked urgency and ideas but just a point about the oppo - is this really what the game has become? 3rd game of the season and instead of having a go they're putting 10 behind the ball, I get it that they were getting opened up too easily early on and they've no obligation to us to play a certain way but after 15mins it became clear they weren't trying to win the game

It's going to be a long season and a point gained for them is very positive, you could see it with their smiles how much it meant for them.

 

[SalfordRed1960]

Seriously? Carrick was infinitely better than Scweinsteiger today.

Different styles, Schweinie created lots of attacks through moving the ball quickly. Carrick gave us more control, but slowed the game down. The latter we didn't need when we were searching a goal. That does not mean Carrick played bad, he didn't.

 

[K2K]

Well of course not all teams park the bus but most plan to counter attack us since we have an inexperienced defense. We need to have a plan for that and van gaal will figure it out. Its not like we've never had days like this (even in fergies era) where we create a lot chances and just can't score.

It was exactly the same last season too..the only way to hack down a parked bus is to have a go at it with speed and power..passing it around without much purpose gives them time to reorganize themselves ...Our play is too predictable..and has been for a long time..

 

[Roboc7]

No pace, no creativity and only one player in the front four who has any dribbling ability, it is going to be a long and dull season if we don't bring in 1-2 new attackers and top four will be just as tough as last season.

Only progress is defensively but with two defensive midfielders and two full backs who are better at defending than going forward that is almost inevitable.

 

[Cooksen]

We allow the defenders to set and be too compact on the opposition team.

We need to start making defenders come out to us to get space.

 

[Tosicsleftpeg]

Memphis had some great moments where he got past people but his final ball isn't there at the moment he's still learning.

I felt a problem we had today was carrying the ball in the dribble into the box and losing it, crosses were troubling them yet we didn't put enough deep balls to the back post. People say we created allot but we really didn't we created about 2 clear cut chances and the Hernandez chance I don't think you can say was created.

 

[Man of Steel]

The closest comparison I can make with the present United side is the team from autumn '92. Back then we looked like a good side which was missing a catalyst. Then we signed Cantona and everything fell into place. We really need that creative spark - the genius who links defence and attack. It isn't Mata, Rooney or January. We have very little time to find him.

Haha, I usually call him Adman Genocide.

But then I'm a bit nuts.

Bring Cantona back instead of him swimming the channel...

 

[Mciahel Goodman]

I know what you mean, and i agree. difference in opinion here is that I don't see this match as one of them performances you're referring to.

Fair enough, it is a game of opinion/perception.

 

[Someone]

We played really well but failed to convert our chances, another day and it's 6-0.

 

[RedPnutz]

Substitutions were spot on as well.

I think BFS was suffering a little from his early knock and looked exhausted near the end. There's a case to be made for Herrera though I thought Carrick offered a lot more incisiveness going forward especially his passing was quite sharp today. Herrera may have been more creative but I don't think Carrick was the wrong choice, especially if there was an intention to bring Valencia on.

Darmian was good but not offering too much offensively and he looked a bit knackered and rushed late game. We had more attacking intent down the right when Valencia came on.

Januzaj was good early game but decision making was deteriorating as he got more frustrated with time probably also due to the shit refereeing which allowed the Newcastle player to get away with a lot of fouls. Thought moving Rooney to #10 was correct by that time.

 

[SalfordRed1960]

The closest comparison I can make with the present United side is the team from autumn '92. Back then we looked like a good side which was missing a catalyst. Then we signed Cantona and everything fell into place. We really need that creative spark - the genius who links defence and attack. It isn't Mata, Rooney or Januzaj and we have very little time to find him.

Do you not think Mata was creative today. I thought he was outstanding and ran our attack.

 

[Fully Fledged]

Seriously? Carrick was infinitely better than Scweinsteiger today.

Agreed.

 

[Raw]

I'm not trying to excuse our performance, particularly the middle part where we lacked urgency and ideas but just a point about the oppo - is this really what the game has become? 3rd game of the season and instead of having a go they're putting 10 behind the ball, I get it that they were getting opened up too easily early on and they've no obligation to us to play a certain way but after 15mins it became clear they weren't trying to win the game

Considering this was their first point away since Palace on the 11th of February, they'd probably love to take a point away at Old Trafford.

They could have easily snatched 3 points near the end too.

 

[Unlikely lad]

Different styles, Schweinie created lots of attacks through moving the ball quickly. Carrick gave us more control, but slowed the game down. The latter we didn't need when we were searching a goal. That does not mean Carrick played bad, he didn't.

He created several chances with drilled passes into the box to be fair. He also ended up on the right with a good cross in.

I think people are seeing what they want to see to be honest; he spent much less time on the ball than Bastian, that only stopped in the last 10 minutes when he had the entire Newcastle team sitting in front of him.

 

[Kraftwerker]

It was pretty obvious after that first 15 minutes when we didn't bury them that the game would turn into what it did.

Can't let teams off the the hook when you're that dominant. Lack of urgency at the end a bit criminal too.

We'll do better against Swansea and Liverpool no doubt as they won't have 11 behind the ball and we'll find more space.

 

[Red-Jeff]

We played well and got a bit unlucky. Wasted some chances and had a goal ruled offside incorrectly, could have been a completely different game if that wasn't ruled offside. Memphis was really poor today, trying too hard to make something happen. He will get better though, the talent is definitely there. Thought Mata looked great today, so many little 1-2's and played some really dangerous balls in, granted he had a few picked off but that is bound to happen when you're consistently looking for that final incisive pass. Even though he started wide Mata was our de facto #10 today. Midfield and defense both looked great today.

Tough to break down any team that has 11 men behind the ball for the majority of the game. That being said, we should have done better with the chances we did create.

 

[Get In Scholesy]

Perhaps but I 100% don't see us replicating last seasons awesome results against the top 6. So losing points to lesser teams before we face a real challenge is concerning. By the time we face city they will have Aguero, silva, de bruyne and sterling. And you can see Pedro coming back to haunt us when we play Chelsea

I understand what you are saying, but we have gone on to win Premier League titles whilst having a poorer record against the top 6 in previous seasons. Last seasons results were okay, only one loss to City and Chelsea respectively and a couple of draws to Tottenham and Arsenal. I think we took 18 out of 30 points from those results last season, which is average when you look at it that way, should be doing better, but the context of the season made it seem like fantastic results.

Every season is different, we will just have to wait and see how this season pans out, as I said, its been a better start than that of last season.

 

[LARulz]

He said he wasn't bothered by our lack of goals after the Villa game and that we only needed one to win. I'm hoping this opens his eyes a bit. You can't win titles with such a weak attack, no matter how good your midfield may be or your defence might perform.

I hopped so too but his interview suggest the opposite

 

[Unlikely lad]

Agreed.

People are still in the wank-fest period when it comes to Schweinsteiger. Carrick needs to start.

 

[Rolandofgilead]

Just got back in the car. Stupidly frustrating afternoon, the lack of urgency is worrying. Memphis had a stinker.

We really didn't play badly, but we lack that creative spark. From the half chances we created krul made some decent saves.

Very frustrating.

 

[Kakeru]

The closest comparison I can make with the present United side is the team from autumn '92. Back then we looked like a good side which was missing a catalyst. Then we signed Cantona and everything fell into place. We really need that creative spark - the genius who links defence and attack. It isn't Mata, Rooney or Januzaj and we have very little time to find him.

If this might be of any worth to hope for, there's Zlatan Ibrahimovic out there. He is the closest there is to a Cantona-like figure of a center-forward. Seeing how Milan are sniffing around him, there has to be an opening somewhere.

 

[sunama]

I understand the frustration of some fans, but remember last year - we scored 3 goals in our last 6 EPL games.
Teams knew that if they park the bus (PTB), then we can't score.
Last year we even had Di Maria and RVP available to us.
So, is it any surprise that when Newcastle PTB in the 2nd half, we dominated possession but could not score?
The issues of last year have not been addressed at all and I expect our attacking problems to continue, especially when teams PTB.

The good news is that we have the best defence in the league. In Smalling and Blind, we have a partnership which should see us concede very few goals (probably the least goals in the league).
If we buy a top striker, we can compete for the title. If we don't then top 3 is possible. Top 4 realistic.

Basically, we are the same as last year, but with a better defence.

 

[Insanity]

I'd take playing players in their right positions to start off with, the situation with Herrera the most frustrating aspect for me today. The style of play we're just gonna have to grin and bear because it won't change. Certainly won't win or get close to winning the league playing that way.

It was. I mentioned the same in the Herrera thread, was shocked that Carrick replaced Schweinsteiger when we could have used Herrera's energy in our slow and ponderous midfield.

We'll draw and lose too many games to have a chance. If we can't put an atrocious Newcastle team away, then I fear our ability against better opposition.

 

[shivab]

It was exactly the same last season too..the only way to hack down a parked bus is to have a go at it with speed and power..passing it around without much purpose gives them time to reorganize themselves ...Our play is too predictable..and has been for a long time..

We had 20 shots 8 of which were on target. We weren't clinical enough. I think what you are saying sounds over exaggerated to me.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

I hopped so too but his interview suggest the opposite

I think he wants pace but not necessarily a striker. I think we need both.

 

[Fully Fledged]

Different styles, Schweinie created lots of attacks through moving the ball quickly. Carrick gave us more control, but slowed the game down. The latter we didn't need when we were searching a goal. That does not mean Carrick played bad, he didn't.

What? The tempo sped up when Carrick came on. The middle of the game was when we lost direction that was when BFS was on the pitch.

 

[Geordopolous]

I disagree. He's supposed to our main striker yet he wanders all over the pitch. He's on the wing when he should be inside, or he's deep when he should be leading. He's never where he's supposed to be and that's leading the line.

I was one of those who advocated giving him the captaincy too. In hindsight, that may have been a mistake. Rooney may be many things but he's not the right man for the armband.

Hmm alright I'll watch it again and have another look at his performance after I've improved my mood a bit haha. As for the other performances Januzaj did absolutely nothing and I'm really disappointed at that because I thought this was a game where he could really shine.

We were extremely open in midfield and defence too. Really different too our first two games and memphis was very lazy tracking back, he should get a spraying. We probably just thought it was a sure thing and cruised through many minutes of the game, first 15 minutes made me feel it would be a scorefest

 

[bonsaiboy]

There are only a couple of ways of breaking down a team determined to defend with 11 men behind the ball all the time. One is with slow, patient build-up and clinical finishing and the other is to make space, invite them into it and open them up on the counter.

LVG's style is clearly the former, and for the most part our players execute it well. We aren't giving our opposition chances, so really what's missing is that clinical finishing. It's been a problem for some time, and frustrating that we haven't been able to solve it. Even when we dominate games like this we rarely look like scoring.

Perhaps more goals will come in games like this if we take more risks and encourage our opponents to spend more time in our half.