[Theonas]

We need a RB and CD in January. Lindelof is improving and a vidic type of defender is what we need. Young was awful again at RB. The game was made on the front foot and we are scoring goals easily now, but the defence needs improving from Tuesday. Spurs might have a field day down our right side. We will have to score 3-4 I think to beat them, unless we improve the defence. Overall I am enjoying watching us play again now. Pogba MOTM again is playing like a WC player. Rashford was decent as well. Martial (the pass aside) and especially Lingard just didnt click today and maybe we could swap Lingard with Lukaku on the right.

As much as I love Vidic, I think we need someone more in the mold of Rio at the back. We have enough grafters and hard workers but not enough composure and tend to panic at times when under pressure. The other side of it is that PL teams nowadays are better on the ball than they were 10 years ago. There are more technical players and less physical threats which is what Vidic was best suited for.

 

[RoyH1]

Just how awful was Mourinho at managing this squad of players?

Cannot wait to see us play one of the top 4 teams.

 

[Dr. Dwayne]

Just how awful was Mourinho at managing this squad of players?

Cannot wait to see us play one of the top 4 teams.

He was shite. Just awful. He'd have made these last three matches hard work.

The club's problem seems to have been bringing in managers who then attempted to stamp their own philosophy or style on the squad. Just play like you know United should.

 

[Shiva87]

As much as I love Vidic, I think we need someone more in the mold of Rio at the back. We have enough grafters and hard workers but not enough composure and tend to panic at times when under pressure. The other side of it is that PL teams nowadays are better on the ball than they were 10 years ago. There are more technical players and less physical threats which is what Vidic was best suited for.

I think you are underestimating Vidic's ability to deal with technical players! He was an absolutely impeccable tackler and shielder of space. He really did make Rio look better (and vice versa).

Also, his game management and ball distribution was top class. All of this gets underrated cos of his all action style heading!

We need a Vidic type guy desperately - coz he really got us well organised at set plays (which seems our achilles heel at the moment).

 

[glazed]

Many of you were saying you want Pogba gone. Do you still feel this way?

The people on here sticking up for Jose all season and banging on about no-one being bigger than the club. Thick as custard.

 

[ROFLUTION]

Whats that chant our fans kept singing towards the end? To the tune of Waterfall from Stone Roses it seems. Lyrics?

 

[Red Dreams]

He was shite. Just awful. He'd have made these last three matches hard work.

The club's problem seems to have been bringing in managers who then attempted to stamp their own philosophy or style on the squad. Just play like you know United should.

Its that simple.

Ole would have had us fighting for the title if he had started the season.

 

[Gavinb33]

Whats that chant our fans kept singing towards the end? To the tune of Waterfall from Stone Roses it seems. Lyrics?

Oles at the wheel how good does it feel
we've got paul Pogba, sanchez and fred
Marcus Rashford a manc born a bred

The greatest of English football we've won it all

something along them lines I think

 

[.Phil1968]

So enjoyable watching our United again, best Xmas present we could have had, United playing fast attacking football again with an enthusiastic legend as manager. Roll on the Newcastle game.

 

[Sentient Meat]

The people on here sticking up for Jose all season and banging on about no-one being bigger than the club. Thick as custard.

You can still be right about the moral principle... even if it produced negative results.

What happens if Pogba decides that he doesn't want to play for Ole?

I'm glad the team is doing well, and have enjoyed the games as much as any here the last three games... but let's not delude ourselves that if Ole didn't play the way they wanted to, he'd eventually be dealing with a similar revolt.

Otherwise, why even have a manager? Why not just sign great players and let them do as they please?

This strategy works against relegation level teams... but it remains to be seen how Ole performs against the top 5 and Champions League competitors where it might make take more strategy than patting someone on the back. And my mind is open on Ole... but that's when we'll know if he has the ability to keep the job long term.

 

[minoo-utd]

Start yelling screaming and feeling positive and excited again. God how I fecking missed these emotions. But what you think guys we still lack?

 

[manichester]

This is just brilliant, thank you Ole, Mick, Michael and Kieran.

 

[Member 115509]

These last three games have been great to watch, obviously the opposition hasn't been the toughest but it's just so enjoyable watching United playing football and scoring goals again, like a breath of fresh air.
The lack of defensive quality is an issue and will be a factor in the bigger games, but if United are winning games with scorelines such as 4-2 or 5-1 I think it has to be preferable to most of the dull dross witnessed over the majority of the last few seasons. If United can outscore the opposition then obviously it's something to build on, get better defenders and CDMs in to the squad in the next couple of windows and things will be looking up.

 

[mazhar13]

Whats that chant our fans kept singing towards the end? To the tune of Waterfall from Stone Roses it seems. Lyrics?

This should clear it up:

 

[VivaJesperBlomqvist]

What a difference a few games have made. Suddenly we have a United team that typifies our heritage (not Jose use of the term) with the home grown core of Lingard, Pogba, and Rash and the footballing philosophy on the field. This feels like United again, for the first time in years, it really really does. Ole even looks more commanding on the touchline and I have no doubt that he has a bollocking in him when needed; a lot of people were worried about his temperament as it relates to managing the big egos.

As impressive as Pogba has been and as immensely satisfying it is to see him proving the legions of haters wrong, Rashford is making me beam with joy atm. Manc born and bred and has all the makings of a United legend in the same mould as one of the 92 lot. We will never have to worry about Rash’s head being turned so long as he gets the game time, and he has the talent to accompany the sentimental attributes, unlike Welbeck. So excited with Rash atm - he looks the real deal.

 

[Zlatattack]

I'm going to have to start arranging my life around united games again. The goals look amazing!

 

[Shiva87]

You can still be right about the moral principle... even if it produced negative results.

What happens if Pogba decides that he doesn't want to play for Ole?

I'm glad the team is doing well, and have enjoyed the games as much as any here the last three games... but let's not delude ourselves that if Ole didn't play the way they wanted to, he'd eventually be dealing with a similar revolt.

Otherwise, why even have a manager? Why not just sign great players and let them do as they please?

This strategy works against relegation level teams... but it remains to be seen how Ole performs against the top 5 and Champions League competitors where it might make take more strategy than patting someone on the back. And my mind is open on Ole... but that's when we'll know if he has the ability to keep the job long term.

All good points, except the bit about Pogba. Pogba (under Jose this season) and Martial are the reason Jose kept his job for so long. Pogba had 2 bad games (really miserable ones tbh) but otherwise he was okay. He worked hard and put the effort in. Unfortunately, his every mistake was highlighted by the manager himself. I can't believe that a fully fit Pogba wasn't good enough to start against Sevilla (last season) and Liverpool this season.

Pogba didnt down tools - but stopped enjoying his football. As a footballer - it's really important to be motivated and Jose took that out of Pogba.

Psychology is all important in top level sport!

 

[Sentient Meat]

All good points, except the bit about Pogba. Pogba (under Jose this season) and Martial are the reason Jose kept his job for so long. Pogba had 2 bad games (really miserable ones tbh) but otherwise he was okay. He worked hard and put the effort in. Unfortunately, his every mistake was highlighted by the manager himself. I can't believe that a fully fit Pogba wasn't good enough to start against Sevilla (last season) and Liverpool this season.

Pogba didnt down tools - but stopped enjoying his football. As a footballer - it's really important to be motivated and Jose took that out of Pogba.

Psychology is all important in top level sport!

Perhaps it's unfair to scapegoat Pogba and name him specifically when it's clear that many players felt the same way. However, as the most influential player on the pitch, it's also safe to assume he had enormous influence in the dressing room as well.

When a team changes that quickly overnight... you can attribute some to the new manager, but of course most of it is that players being paid millions of pounds finally decided to earn their paychecks.

I can also agree that Jose was too inflexible, did destroy the morale of the team when they wouldn't do what he wanted... but he probably was right in terms of specific strategies he was implementing... But you are right in that if the players aren't motivated... then it doesn't matter if the strategy itself is intelligent.

 

[glazed]

You can still be right about the moral principle... even if it produced negative results.

Ah come on. Third season Jose was a disaster, just like everyone sensible said he would be. Everyone who said otherwise or blamed others was just utterly utterly wrong. Time to admit that and move on.

 

[Siorac]

Yes a commanding CB required, but Shaw, come on. I thought he played very well, good turn of pace, was not caught out, pressed well, and put in some great tackles. Different player this season.

He doesn't offer a lot going forward, unfortunately. That might change with more confidence but it's far from guaranteed. Eventually we'll need full-backs who are very good in attack.

 

[Sentient Meat]

Ah come on. Third season Jose was a disaster, just like everyone sensible said he would be. Everyone who said otherwise or blamed others was just utterly utterly wrong. Time to admit that and move on.

I can admit that the team is better now than it was four games ago.

I can agree that removing Jose improved morale.

But my point still stands that players who get paid millions of pounds should be giving full effort even if they don't like the manager.

If you want the players running the team... that is your right.

 

[Joseunited]

Christ, Redknapp and Bellamy purring at Uniteds attacking style Redknapp even suggesting we can catch Chelsea.

 

[mariachi-19]

Lets not forget that Ole has coaches some of these players at junior levels to great success. I dont think there's doubt that the likes of Pogba, Rashford, Lingard et al respect him and if you have those 3 onside, you'll more than likely retain the dressing room.

 

[UDontMessWith24]

You can still be right about the moral principle... even if it produced negative results.

What happens if Pogba decides that he doesn't want to play for Ole?

I'm glad the team is doing well, and have enjoyed the games as much as any here the last three games... but let's not delude ourselves that if Ole didn't play the way they wanted to, he'd eventually be dealing with a similar revolt.

Otherwise, why even have a manager? Why not just sign great players and let them do as they please?

This strategy works against relegation level teams... but it remains to be seen how Ole performs against the top 5 and Champions League competitors where it might make take more strategy than patting someone on the back. And my mind is open on Ole... but that's when we'll know if he has the ability to keep the job long term.

Pogba worked his socks off for Deschampes and he's working his socks of for Ole. Mourinho is the monkey wrench not Pogba.

 

[BigRon1985]

Pogba at last starting to justify his price tag!

Loving handing out thrashings to lesser teams! I hope we can maintain it against top 6 clubs - that’s the acid test to see how we are progressing under Solskjær.

 

[Joseunited]

I can admit that the team is better now than it was four games ago.

I can agree that removing Jose improved morale.

But my point still stands that players who get paid millions of pounds should be giving full effort even if they don't like the manager.

If you want the players running the team... that is your right.

They were playing exactly how Mourinho wanted them to play, why don't you get it? and if they tried anything differently while he was in charge they would have never seen a United shirt again.I'm sick to the back teeth of people blaming the bloody players when it's clear as day the problem was the bloody manager.

 

[Tincanalley]

Thank you, you are such a nice boy.

It's been a while since we've been this happy, well, most of us anyway.

. Not since you changed your name, were we (most of us) this happy

 

[ravi2]

I remember a Liverpool work colleague saying this years back, early days in the Klopp reign.
He had no expectations, and was just glad he could enjoy the games again.

That's where we are. Let's hope it's the start of getting towards the levels City and Pool are currently playing at.

Agreed, its just nice to have my United back. Long live Ole'!

 

[Sentient Meat]

They were playing exactly how Mourinho wanted them to play, why don't you get it? and if they tried anything differently while he was in charge they would have never seen a United shirt again.I'm sick to the back teeth of people blaming the bloody players when it's clear as day the problem was the bloody manager.

Jose deserved some responsibility obviously... but the vast difference in effort is clear to me.

If you think they are playing with the same effort before as they are playing now... well, then we will have to agree to disagree.

 

[AndyMUFC]

Brilliant. We are proving we have really good players going forward and god knows why they had to play with the handbrake on in games like this before.

Pogba was immense again and Rashford stood out too. Still obvious we need to shore up the defence but it’s great to see us putting teams to the sword again.

 

[Ibi Dreams]

The players didn't lack effort under Mourinho. In just this season we have made plenty of comebacks from one or two goals down where the players grafted and worked hard and kept trying and eventually got the goals. We haven't lacked effort, we've lacked style, cohesion and fluidity. Suddenly in the last three games we have had all those things.

 

[Owen06]

Christ, Redknapp and Bellamy purring at Uniteds attacking style Redknapp even suggesting we can catch Chelsea.

That's just how these pundits are chameleons. I remember Carragher going from "Pogba wouldn't improve if Mourinho leaves" to "Mourinho has been holding him back". Just one bad result and they'll change tone again.

 

[Joseunited]

Jose deserved some responsibility obviously... but the vast difference in effort is clear to me.

If you think they are playing with the same effort before as they are playing now... well, then we will have to agree to disagree.

It's not about the effort though is it?It's about game plans and tactics.You play on the weekend what you have trained during the week.
What we had to put up with before he got the sack was Mourinho's way of playing football.He wasn't interested in free flowing football with multiple players swarming into the box.

 

[glazed]

But my point still stands that players who get paid millions of pounds should be giving full effort even if they don't like the manager.

If you want the players running the team... that is your right.

That's just the way the world is now. Player power is king. Managers have some power, but the Clough/Shankley/SAF martinet days are gone.

 

[Longjohnson Shagwell]

What a great performace from the team. I am delighted. However we must remember Bournemouth were very weak, i dont believe this is them at their bast at all. I heard they have a big injury problem in defence,seems they went 5 at the back to compensate.

Worried about Bailey. Very brainless challenge that.

 

[maverickjesus]

Great attacking football yields results, who would have thunk it. Pogba basically all-world since Ole took the reigns, can't wait to play some of ther better teams now.

Not sure what Bailly has been taking, makes Paul Scholes look like a saint in the tackle department. Will get crucified if he pulls shit like that against a good team.

 

[chromepaxos]

But my point still stands that players who get paid millions of pounds should be giving full effort even if they don't like the manager.

I have no idea what this even means. It's clear that Jose had told the fullbacks not to get forward - what are they supposed to do to put in "full effort"? Run around in little circles in our half?

The same applies to virtually every position on the pitch. It was not an accident that our running stats were the lowest in the league - it was a direct result of Jose wanting everyone behind the ball most the time. How should Pogba have worked harder when he had nobody making runs in front of him? The goals he scored today, how could he have even made those runs without players out wide (which you rarely saw under Jose's rule) and without taking the risk of leaving his position in midfield? Nobody can put in "full effort" if they are given instructions not to move.

Players can't work harder if they are told not to make runs or go forward. Jose never wanted them to risk leaving space behind them, so how the heck were they supposed to run at all?

However, if you like to watch football without understanding it...that is your right.

 

[Sentient Meat]

It's not about the effort though is it?It's about game plans and tactics.You play on the weekend what you have trained during the week.
What we had to put up with before he got the sack was Mourinho's way of playing football.He wasn't interested in free flowing football with multiple players swarming into the box.

I like this style of football better... who wouldn't?

But the test will be in two weeks against teams like Spurs or PSG in early February.

Then we will know if Ole can figure out how to use a makeshift defence without Bailly to stop an offensive powerhouse.

The first few games of Mourinho's term the team scored well... maybe it was the first of Ibra's games that I'm remembering... but it's not his fault that Lukaku who scored fine under his leadership at the beginning... all of a sudden couldn't find the back of the net for weeks at a time.

It's not his tactics that caused one of the stingiest defences last season, to suddenly lose the ability to stop anyone.

What happened if part of it wasn't effort?

At any rate... the team is what's important... so I'm not here to rain on anyone's parade... we're all happy that we are winning again... and that's all that matters.

Nothing will make me happier if Ole can create a game plan to counter Spurs and PSG.

 

[Robertd0803]

What a difference a few weeks makes mood wise.

We go from barely being able to have a shot on target in a game to grumbling we didnt win 5-1.

All 4 goals were great.

And while not strictly Utd related Ake is still very impressive.

 

[Jacko21]

I have no idea what this even means. It's clear that Jose had told the fullbacks not to get forward - what are they supposed to do to put in "full effort"? Run around in little circles in our half?

The same applies to virtually every position on the pitch. It was not an accident that our running stats were the lowest in the league - it was a direct result of Jose wanting everyone behind the ball most the time. How should Pogba have worked harder when he had nobody making runs in front of him? The goals he scored today, how could he have even made those runs without players out wide (which you rarely saw under Jose's rule).

Players can't work harder if they are told not make runs or go forward. Jose never wanted them to risk leaving space behind them, so how the heck were they supposed to run at all?

However, if you like to watch football without understanding it...that is your right.

For what it’s worth, there’s more than one way to win a football match.

Mourinho has won plenty playing his way.

How effective ‘his way’ is in today’s game is another question.