[El Zoido]

To be honest in that view it does look saveable but when you see it from the view behind Messi then no chance.

I don’t know why but there were a few that seemed to not want to switch it yesterday like they felt they were too good for it. Then Messi switched it a couple of times and opened us right up. We our are own worst enemy at times.

It comes down to poor decision making, time and time again, all over the pitch. This is a bugbear of mine, but we constantly have “stupid” players, and with that comes continual bad decision-making. This is why I rate Herrera so highly, he reads and understands the game so well, Spanish football is full of players like this which is why they dominated for so long.

 

[Crimson King]

Just switch it to Lindelof you dosser. Thought repeating in my head as I watched this during the game. What’s worse later on he did something very similar deciding to try and go down the line and play it on his weaker foot than a switch.

I'm really not a fan of Young. He's had some good performances and I appreciate he switched to fullback late in his career, but he's just so wasteful. I'm sick and tired of his long hoofs up the channel. Okay, so you're looking to get us up the pitch, I get it, but it rarely works and we'd be better off keeping possession and building the attack.

He's also cost us a few goals recently by trying to over play it in defense, like last night. I admire your confidence Ashley, but you're not good enough to get away with that!

 

[vanderpants]

bet Jose is pissing himself

 

[Compton22]

Well I'm ready now for more rumours of players being signed and a DOF potentially being appointed to satiate the fans and distract them from the abject and pitiful display against a team that is miles and miles ahead of us in every department. The worst thing is is that this Barcelona is not nearly as good as they have been years before and we are still nowhere near them.

I don't know exactly what else we can expect to change without making wholesale changes to the squad and everything else behind the scenes. Also, 4 out of that back 5 played almost 8 years ago (!!) against Basel who knocked us out of the group stages in 2011. That is despicable for a club of United's size and stature that they would persist with defenders like that and renew their fecking contracts! I don't know whether they are refusing to move them on out of sentimentality or stupidity or both.

 

[freddie the red]

Let's hope we see the Baby Faced Assassin get as ruthless with the squad as he did in front of goal and that he is actually allowed to do so.
Waaaaaaay too many average/below average players sucking on the United tit and a fair few also taking the Michael.
Bad luck and mistakes influenced the score line against Barca in both legs but it doesn't cover up the fact that MAJOR surgery is needed to get us back on the right track.
Ole is the man for me, he gets United, is one of us and knows what it takes to be a United player.......over to the lot upstairs, get your freakin' fingers out!

 

[Wade3]

There’s too much bitching and whining and too much ass-kissing towards Barcelona.

 

[Trizy]

I remember everything in the clip crystal clear. Look at the fecking space to switch the play from the dead ball.

He then had the option to play to Rashford's feet and take the pass back straight away (1-2 like Barcelona play, simple football) to free up space.

Then he had the same option to do it to Fred.

And finally have getting lucky getting the ball back quickly, he could've played it to De Gea or switch the play again.

But no, Ashley fecking Young decides to try something fecking stupid, loses the ball, misses the tackle and man to win it back and Messi scores. What a useless fecking clown.

 

[saivet]

On the balance of play, I didn't think we were all that bad across the two legs. We lacked a cutting edge and we have Ashley Young, but I think there are things Ole can work on. That being said while it was comfortable for Barca on the scoreline, I wasn't particularly impressed with them.

 

[Mr PG]

We were't outplayed yesterday. Just conceded really soft goals which happened against PSG as well but they never killed us off.

 

[Tincanalley]

Because they have just chosen to ignore it completely. Also I think they were clinging to the hope that having some of SAF squad still here would inspire the rest to greatness. Well that went well.

Thoughtful point. Shows the mentality; followers, not leaders, from the top down.

 

[Ronaldo's ego]

Barcelona probably have to work harder to get three points in a routine league game. That’s the level we’re at, pathetic for a club like Manchester United

 

[gerdm07]

I remember everything in the clip crystal clear. Look at the fecking space to switch the play from the dead ball.

He then had the option to play to Rashford's feet and take the pass back straight away (1-2 like Barcelona play, simple football) to free up space.

Then he had the same option to do it to Fred.

And finally have getting lucky getting the ball back quickly, he could've played it to De Gea or switch the play again.

But no, Ashley fecking Young decides to try something fecking stupid, loses the ball, misses the tackle and man to win it back and Messi scores. What a useless fecking clown.

When I could tell he was going to do his stupid little Cryuff move I said "No, don't". Too late. What's really funny is he did it again a little later and pulled it off. He, however, must know by now that it doesn't work for him at least 50% of the time as it's so obvious and never smooth.

I'm okay with the loss because Barcelona and Messi are that good. I like the fact we attacked the first ten minutes and didn't sit back hoping for a 0-1 scoreline and eventual penalties. That's what Mou would have done and it would have been a boring and stupid match. Anybody who thought we are close to the Barca/PSG (yes we should have lost that tie) level was and is delusional. I saw some good things last night that give me hope next campaign that we will be better and a step closer to that level.

Let's move on and hope for a top 4 place.

 

[Armchair Manager]

1st was an OG and completely avoidable
2nd while a great finish was avoidable
3rd was and out and out blunder by the keeper
4th well it didn't really matter by this point did it

If you ask me, every goal is avoidable especially if once's own team concedes it but when you score it yourself, you feel like it was unavoidable.

1) For first, any defense will struggle when the ball gets switched like that from one side of the pitch to the other and then back to the other in space of 3 seconds. You cant ask whole defense to keep perfect shape against that kind of play. There is a reason teams like Barca, Man City, Liverpool and Man Utd( SAF Era) get those "lucky" goals because the speed at which these teams attack cause havoc, players find themselves in weird situations. Albeit it was OG, but if it gone past shaw, there was coutinho going for the ball. Even if coutinho hadnt got to the ball it was most certainly a penalty to Barca.

2) You may think it was avoidable because ashley young gifted the ball but Messi still had to deal with 5 players before slotting it past De Gea

3) Was all De Gea.

4) Unavoidable.

 

[Hughie77]

Up until there 1st goal, I thought we were far the better side, mistakes or poor play call it what you like. Then it was game over after the 2nd goal enough said about that.

This game typified the need for players in key positions, Young is finished at this level, Pogba, again thinks he can take the whole team on, felt a bit sorry for Ole , sets up a team to play positive then gets poor players not doing simple things.

Over to you Woodward, players needed?

 

[TMDaines]

I've watched this too many times. I defended Young for the longest time. He was England's full back at the World Cup on merit, but he's in awful form and is in likelihood regressing at the twilight of his career.

 

[DSG]

Silver linings fellas...

Three decent performances from Fred in a row. I thought he was finished. He might be useful. Yes, we overpaid, but who cares. He was so low on confidence after Jose left, it was always going to take awhile to build him back up again.

Lindelof played well. I saw and heard a lot of comments saying the third goal was his fault. Well, he got beat, true, but I blame Smalling + The midfielders for failing to close down that space and at least bother Coutinho. The best DMs are there closing that space once the inverted winger cuts inside.

McTominay looked to be our best midfielder. He was nasty, aggressive and solid in his passing and movement.

I think that DDG will be sold this summer, and I think it will help us. He tends to make mistakes in big moments. He is an amazing shot stopper, but I’d take Oblak over him in a heartbeat. I’d rather have DeGea leave than pay him 500k a week. Give me Oblak for 200k. Is DDG 2 1/2 times better than Oblak? Not a chance.

 

[BrianMcClair'sBarnet]

Barca's intelligence without the ball is very telling in this clip.Watch Suarez especially.Notice how he's looking back and forth to make sure ,not only is he onside,that he's constantly inbetween our two CBs.Giving Young little output in going crossfield to Smalling.
Then when Messi retrieves the ball and cuts inside Suarez does a quick dart and takes Smalling out of the line of the shot.Boom,Messi shoots and scores.

 

[Moriarty]

That video. How many chances does he need to get rid of the ball? 0:07 seconds. Man out wide in acres of space. Still there at 0:12 seconds. 0:20 too late for the wide pass but De Gea shouts for it and Jones points at him but that's all right Ashley, it's only Messi. Take your time.

 

[crossy1686]

Barcelona probably have to work harder to get three points in a routine league game. That’s the level we’re at, pathetic for a club like Manchester United

Not really, Messi was the decider between the two clubs. Take him out of the equation and the game would have been much tighter, remember that he is the greatest player of all time. Also, Young and De Gea don't completely forget they're fecking Premier League footballers and the game goes the distance.

 

[crossy1686]

I've watched this too many times. I defended Young for the longest time. He was England's full back at the World Cup on merit, but he's in awful form and is in likelihood regressing at the twilight of his career.

He fecked up massively but you also have to ask questions of the players that kept giving him the ball. They were too scared to feck up so they kept giving it to Young who eventually fecked up. Absolute cowards around him at the time, they could all see he wasn't comfortable on the ball, we fecking could, there's no way they couldn't.

 

[mitchmouse]

It was pointed out to me today that five of our defence (including DDG) were in the side beaten by Basel in December 2011. That alone shows we haven't taken any sort of steps forward. Meanwhile, the club we beat in the Europa Final just a couple of years back have now beaten Real and Juve away from home!

I'm still waiting for someone to explain to me why first Jose and now Ole think Young is a full back. He's a failed winger (if I was saying this out loud I'd have lost my voice by now: I've said about 100 times). He's a fecking joke. He was truly awful yesterday. Not just as a defender but with his set pieces. Rashford is also piss poor at freekicks: one or two "successes" (aka as goalkeeping errors) doesn't convince me otherwise. He was poor.

One shot on target (two if you count hitting the bar) in three hours of football is a joke. We have no creativity in midfield, we have no width and as soon as we go behind, we crumble and stop playing properly.

Yet again, Mr World Class (Pogba) did absolutely nothing except lose his head. The only surprise is that he didn't get himself sent off (shame because one of our best performances was when he was banned in Paris). Time for him to go and us to use the money to launch a huge bid for De Light.

I agree with those saying Scotty McT had a good enough game and Fred had some good moments too. But I think DDG's head is elsewhere already.

To be fair, I never expected to be any closer to winning that four goals but this Barca aren't as good as the one that beat us in the final. Why did Ole not change things to counter Alba's runs down their left. Lindelof regularly had two to contend with (he had an OK night but isn't a full back).

Smalling and Jones didn't have their worst night (luckily) but neither are the quality we need. They are mistakes waiting to happen and are among those I talk about in the opening sentence

Oh, I've forgotten Martial and Lingard - but hardly surprising since it's easy to forget they were on the field.

As I've said before, we are in danger of letting the night at PSG be the highlight of the season and Ole is going to have to be ruthless in the summer - a trait I don't think he possesses...

 

[Member 113277]

Not really, Messi was the decider between the two clubs. Take him out of the equation and the game would have been much tighter, remember that he is the greatest player of all time. Also, Young and De Gea don't completely forget they're fecking Premier League footballers and the game goes the distance.

I do not agree that Messi is the greatest player of all time, in fact I'm not sure he would make the top 10 of all time - I've seen three who I would rate higher, Pele, Best and Maradona.

He is world class and has been one of the best over the past ten years, but let's not over hype him.

 

[mitchmouse]

Not really, Messi was the decider between the two clubs. Take him out of the equation and the game would have been much tighter, remember that he is the greatest player of all time. Also, Young and De Gea don't completely forget they're fecking Premier League footballers and the game goes the distance.

sorry but it wasn't just Messi. if he hadn't have been playing, someone else would have done the damage. We hsd one shot on target in the two legs - never going to win a game like that

 

[gerdm07]

I do not agree that Messi is the greatest player of all time, in fact I'm not sure he would make the top 10 of all time - I've seen three who I would rate higher, Pele, Best and Maradona.

He is world class and has been one of the best over the past ten years, but let's not over hype him.

That's funny.

 

[redmanx]

It was pointed out to me today that five of our defence (including DDG) were in the side beaten by Basel in December 2011. That alone shows we haven't taken any sort of steps forward. Meanwhile, the club we beat in the Europa Final just a couple of years back have now beaten Real and Juve away from home!

I'm still waiting for someone to explain to me why first Jose and now Ole think Young is a full back. He's a failed winger (if I was saying this out loud I'd have lost my voice by now: I've said about 100 times). He's a fecking joke. He was truly awful yesterday. Not just as a defender but with his set pieces. Rashford is also piss poor at freekicks: one or two "successes" (aka as goalkeeping errors) doesn't convince me otherwise. He was poor.

One shot on target (two if you count hitting the bar) in three hours of football is a joke. We have no creativity in midfield, we have no width and as soon as we go behind, we crumble and stop playing properly.

Yet again, Mr World Class (Pogba) did absolutely nothing except lose his head. The only surprise is that he didn't get himself sent off (shame because one of our best performances was when he was banned in Paris). Time for him to go and us to use the money to launch a huge bid for De Light.

I agree with those saying Scotty McT had a good enough game and Fred had some good moments too. But I think DDG's head is elsewhere already.

To be fair, I never expected to be any closer to winning that four goals but this Barca aren't as good as the one that beat us in the final. Why did Ole not change things to counter Alba's runs down their left. Lindelof regularly had two to contend with (he had an OK night but isn't a full back).

Smalling and Jones didn't have their worst night (luckily) but neither are the quality we need. They are mistakes waiting to happen and are among those I talk about in the opening sentence

Oh, I've forgotten Martial and Lingard - but hardly surprising since it's easy to forget they were on the field.

As I've said before, we are in danger of letting the night at PSG be the highlight of the season and Ole is going to have to be ruthless in the summer - a trait I don't think he possesses...

Our entire defence needs revamping, only Lindelof is worthy of his place, Smalling, Jones, Rojo, Young, Valencia & Darmian would struggle to hold down a place in Championship team; Lingard, Rashford and Martial all believe theyre special, they might be one day but now they have to knuckle down and work. As for Pogba, the sooner he goes the better as we can spend what we get for him, and I'll be surprised if we don't take a loss, on a player who not only can play but actually seems to want to play for us.

 

[eldoherz]

Its funny the melt down this place is having after this game. Anyone who thought that we would win without a heroic performance where no one put a foot wrong was a fool. Even more so when its been painfully obvious for a long while now that we are prone to errors all over the pitch. All Barca did was shine a harsh light on this by being able to hit the targets we paint on our own backs.

Upfront we miss easy chances, don't get men in the box and often seem incapable of delivering any final ball.

In midfield we often get caught sleeping in possession, then when being pressed look sheepish when it comes to taking the ball (this funnily enough is the only area we've improved as Fred and McTominay have started to perform and be featured.)

In defense we are often massively exposed by poor fullback positioning and failure to cover this, invite pressure with inability to move the ball properly, invite pressure with poor distribution from De Gea, have multiple players prone to major errors every other game.

This is ignoring structural and squad issues like complete lack of attacking width, defensive injuries killing any chance at unit cohesion, the fact that we can't consistently make simple passes all over the field, multiple dead wood players not moved on and consistent effort issues for multiple players.

All of these issue have been present way before the Barcelona game, way before OGS even. Ole has shown that when the players are fit and apply themselves that we can step up a level hence us even being in contention for UCL quarter finals and 4th place. He's also shown he is more than capable of setting the team up well to play but is let down by individual errors. So whilst talk of massive squad clearouts and upheavals are fair they have been fair since long before last nights drubbing at the hands of Barca.

 

[Web of Bissaka]

So just recently I did a self-torture willingly -- rewatching the game again.

What I noticed:
First 10+ mins before the 1st goal.

• We were so good. The tactic works in attack anyway. Our players generally play with strong intent to try and score.
• Pogba is not in this game though first half. His decision making were so bad, his 2 passes were way off and over hit. He even did an outrageous half way pitch line to score. Basically he killed many of our attacks first half.
• Young, Martial, Lingard, Smalling and Lindelof were playing way too safely. Our other players were good.
• Messi notice the many spaces he were given as desserts so he started to get into the game more and more, as Barca's continuing improving their momentum.

Messi scored!

• Young and some others being mouthy blaming other teammates.
• actually our players (minus Pogba) gave a quick responses of intent. They fought back.
• Pogba getting frustrated.

Messi scored again!

• killed the game.
• Pogba playing with himself from then on in this first half, going for glory by himself, and started blaming others, clearly getting frustrated.. like a baby.
• Only McTom, Fred, Rashford and Jones still playing seriously.
• Martial already quit by the end of the half.
• Rashford though soon drop off.
• Our high press today from our front three is dead. Funny how McTom and Fred are the only two that are doing their work for them. Disappointing.

2nd half

• same rubbish.
• BS terrible high press from our front three.
• Pogba improved his game, and more calmer, playing more with his team.
• Young is still so bad, and pointless killed a lot of attacks building from the back. Just wow.
• Rashford quit.
• Lingard sleeping.
• McTominay raised his game, more aggressive.
• Jones and Fred the same, playing with good fighting spirit.

Coutinho scored!

• and blaming teammates continues. Not going to mention who the players are. Wow.
• Dalot in and actually improved the team... well not really surprising. Unfortunate manager just doesn't trust him. Anyway, Lindelof and McTom's performances improved as they moved more centrally. Lindelof as RCB and McT finally playing more as CDM alongside Fred.
• Our team is a lot more balance by this time, and definitely stable. Prob that also has to do with Barca relaxing.
• De Gea also decided to play better after the 3rd goal.
• Lukaku in and actually make our attack way better.
• Lingard and Pogba finally decided to play properly so their performances in attack improved.
• And yes Lingard finally decided to wake up.
• Sanchez too! wow! Yeah Alexis made our attack better. Seriously.
• Dalot is impressive. Fearless.

Whistle end!

---

Basically...

1. Jones and Fred played as their usual best today, with strong fighting spirit. But we know how their games are, which is just not good enough vs genuine top team.
2. McTom is the only one that raised his game today and have that hunger.
3. Lindelof, Lingard, Smalling, and Martial are playing too safe, just like how they normally play in safe mode. Need to up their game. Rise to the occassion but nope.
4. Rashford is so bad, no idea what he's doing. One moment he showed that hunger, the next he's just... standing around.
5. No idea what Pogba is doing today.
6. No idea wth is De Gea doing today.
7. Ole's bs faith in some players need to stop. Guess he learned shit nothing from the Wolves FAC game. If your starting tactic are seriously not working.... waste more time on using it is the righest solution eh...
8. The subs trio works. Dalot and Lukaku improved the team. Sanchez showed that hunger and bite at least. Shame they were introduced so late.

 

[Sandikan]

Coming back to things a day on, that first goal is more upsetting than the second.

Young has the ball in so much space, and gets a few cracks at it.
Then from a position where under pressure he could just smash it out of play/pass to the keeper/get rid, he tries a most insane turn, loses it, and then doesn't recognise the danger enough or go in hard enough to ensure Messi doesn't get away.

Just such an absolutely ridiculous giveaway, from absolutely no danger.

 

[Dr. Dwayne]

Coming back to things a day on, that first goal is more upsetting than the second.

Young has the ball in so much space, and gets a few cracks at it.
Then from a position where under pressure he could just smash it out of play/pass to the keeper/get rid, he tries a most insane turn, loses it, and then doesn't recognise the danger enough or go in hard enough to ensure Messi doesn't get away.

Just such an absolutely ridiculous giveaway, from absolutely no danger.

Frankly, I think we were shite for all three goals.

Young as you outline for the first, Dave on the second and who the hell gives Coutinho that much space there? It's not like Smalling never played against him before. Just terrible.

 

[crossy1686]

I do not agree that Messi is the greatest player of all time, in fact I'm not sure he would make the top 10 of all time - I've seen three who I would rate higher, Pele, Best and Maradona.

He is world class and has been one of the best over the past ten years, but let's not over hype him.

That's just absurd...

 

[Member 113277]

That's funny.

That's just absurd...

Why? Have you seen all the top level players of all time, to compare and make a judgment?

If you want to argue he was the best player in the last ten years, then I'd agree he was, by a short head over CR7, but (a) no one remembers far enough back to evaluate all the players and (b) the way the game has changed makes comparison difficult.

Also, Messi has played his career in a league where there is a concentration of good teams at the top and rich pickings against the others, thus goals galore - yes, you can only beat the team in front of you, but it's a factor in judging greatness, as is World Cup performance.

Compare Messi with Mardona in that respect and the latter has a far superior record - Messi is, however, a far superior sportsman.

I've been watching football since the late 60s and would judge Pele the greatest in that period, factoring in his tremendous World Cup performances, with Maradona second and George Best in third (mainly because he didn't play in the World Cup, not because of his skill level - he was the best all round forward I have seen, when interested).

Names that crop up as 'greats' from the 40s, 50s and 60s include di Stefano, Puskas, Garrincha, John Charles, Stanley Matthews, Telmo Zarra, Valentino Mazzola, Jose Manuel Moreno, Adolfo Pedernera. I didn't see any of these people play, but the anecdotal evidence is strong.

There will be good shouts from the 20s and 30s, too.

So no, it is neither funny nor absurb to say that I am unsure if Messi is in the top 10 of all time, as it is impossible to judge that - I was reacting to the sweeping statement, not deriding Messi, who is a great player.

 

[AndyJ1985]

Why? Have you seen all the top level players of all time, to compare and make a judgment?

If you want to argue he was the best player in the last ten years, then I'd agree he was, by a short head over CR7, but (a) no one remembers far enough back to evaluate all the players and (b) the way the game has changed makes comparison difficult.

Also, Messi has played is career in a league where there is a concentration of good teams at the top and rich pickings against the others, thus goals galore - yes, you can only beat the team in front of you, but it's a factor in judging greatness, as is World Cup performance.

Compare Messi with Mardona in that respect and the latter has a far superior record - Messi is, however, a far superior sportsman.

I've been watching football since the late 60s and would judge Pele the greatest in that period, factoring in his tremendous World Cup performances, with Maradona second and George Best in third (mainly because he didn't play in the World Cup, not because of his skill level - he was the best all round forward I have seen, when interested).

Names that crop up as 'greats' from the 40s, 50s and 60s include di Stefano, Puskas, Garrincha, John Charles, Stanley Matthews, Telmo Zarra, Valentino Mazzola, Jose Manuel Moreno, Adolfo Pedernera.

There will be good shouts fomr the 20s and 30s, too.

So no, it is neither funny nor absurb to say that I am unsure if Messi is in the top 10 of all time, as it is impossible to judge that - I was reacting to the sweeping statement, not deriding Messi, who is a great player.

I've read some proper trash on this forum, but this is right up there.

Messi not in the top 10 players of all time. fecking hell, it's as nonsensical as saying David Attenborough isn't one of the top 10 greatest natural historians

 

[Member 113277]

That's just absurd...

I've read some proper trash on this forum, but this is right up there.

Messi not in the top 10 players of all time. fecking hell, it's as nonsensical as saying David Attenborough isn't one of the top 10 greatest natural historians

Oh dear. Someone goes against 'the narrative' and others can't handle it and have to resort to using profanties in lieu of intelligent comment.

 

[dabeast]

The game wasn't as one-sided as it seems from the possession and passes completed stats. Barcelona expects to win those against any team, even Mourinho's Real Madrid. The goals came from mistakes - De Gea could have easily stopped the 2nd and the 3rd goals. Combined with Ashley Young's mistakes for the 1st, we are not that far away from them.

The more worrying thing is that our strikers didn't have the belief and/or talent to take the chances when they came. We had 9 shots on goal and should have had more.

Nothing is as bad as it seems, we are not that far off Barcelona with the GOAT.

 

[crossy1686]

Oh dear. Someone goes against 'the narrative' and others can't handle it and have to resort to using profanties in lieu of intelligent comment.

Not really, it's absolute bollocks. Messi is head and shoulders one of the greatest players of all time, if not the best. Only someone who have never seen him play would disagree. If you feel like questioning it, why don't you go and watch him in person? I've had the privilege of seeing him in person a handful of times against United, he makes everything look easy.

 

[dogwithabone]

I do not agree that Messi is the greatest player of all time, in fact I'm not sure he would make the top 10 of all time - I've seen three who I would rate higher, Pele, Best and Maradona.

He is world class and has been one of the best over the past ten years, but let's not over hype him.

Is this serious ?

My favourite player of all time is Best but let’s be honest Messi is at a level above. Pele is iconic but I’m not convinced on a European stage he’d have had the same impact as Messi has.

Messi is comfortably in the top five of all time, any higher is down to personal opinion but you couldn’t really argue the case of anyone suggesting he’s the best ever.

 

[soaphroniscuss]

Fergie never really got us to elite European level either. It was smash and grab fairytale stuff. We never could keep possession or dominate games; anyway tactically speaking that’s another century

Actually between 2007/2008 and 2011 the team managed to do exactly that. It was more conservative, more controlled and less gung-ho than previously. During that period we dominated all of the small and medium level European powers we played and gave an excellent account of ourselves against all of our peers (apart from the Barca finals).

 

[CallyRed]

Only thing positive is that I stuck 20 quid on us losing 3 nil.

 

[Physiocrat]

So just recently I did a self-torture willingly -- rewatching the game again.

What I noticed:
First 10+ mins before the 1st goal.

• We were so good. The tactic works in attack anyway. Our players generally play with strong intent to try and score.
• Pogba is not in this game though first half. His decision making were so bad, his 2 passes were way off and over hit. He even did an outrageous half way pitch line to score. Basically he killed many of our attacks first half.
• Young, Martial, Lingard, Smalling and Lindelof were playing way too safely. Our other players were good.
• Messi notice the many spaces he were given as desserts so he started to get into the game more and more, as Barca's continuing improving their momentum.

Messi scored!

• Young and some others being mouthy blaming other teammates.
• actually our players (minus Pogba) gave a quick responses of intent. They fought back.
• Pogba getting frustrated.

Messi scored again!

• killed the game.
• Pogba playing with himself from then on in this first half, going for glory by himself, and started blaming others, clearly getting frustrated.. like a baby.
• Only McTom, Fred, Rashford and Jones still playing seriously.
• Martial already quit by the end of the half.
• Rashford though soon drop off.
• Our high press today from our front three is dead. Funny how McTom and Fred are the only two that are doing their work for them. Disappointing.

2nd half

• same rubbish.
• BS terrible high press from our front three.
• Pogba improved his game, and more calmer, playing more with his team.
• Young is still so bad, and pointless killed a lot of attacks building from the back. Just wow.
• Rashford quit.
• Lingard sleeping.
• McTominay raised his game, more aggressive.
• Jones and Fred the same, playing with good fighting spirit.

Coutinho scored!

• and blaming teammates continues. Not going to mention who the players are. Wow.
• Dalot in and actually improved the team... well not really surprising. Unfortunate manager just doesn't trust him. Anyway, Lindelof and McTom's performances improved as they moved more centrally. Lindelof as RCB and McT finally playing more as CDM alongside Fred.
• Our team is a lot more balance by this time, and definitely stable. Prob that also has to do with Barca relaxing.
• De Gea also decided to play better after the 3rd goal.
• Lukaku in and actually make our attack way better.
• Lingard and Pogba finally decided to play properly so their performances in attack improved.
• And yes Lingard finally decided to wake up.
• Sanchez too! wow! Yeah Alexis made our attack better. Seriously.
• Dalot is impressive. Fearless.

Whistle end!

---

Basically...

1. Jones and Fred played as their usual best today, with strong fighting spirit. But we know how their games are, which is just not good enough vs genuine top team.
2. McTom is the only one that raised his game today and have that hunger.
3. Lindelof, Lingard, Smalling, and Martial are playing too safe, just like how they normally play in safe mode. Need to up their game. Rise to the occassion but nope.
4. Rashford is so bad, no idea what he's doing. One moment he showed that hunger, the next he's just... standing around.
5. No idea what Pogba is doing today.
6. No idea wth is De Gea doing today.
7. Ole's bs faith in some players need to stop. Guess he learned shit nothing from the Wolves FAC game. If your starting tactic are seriously not working.... waste more time on using it is the righest solution eh...
8. The subs trio works. Dalot and Lukaku improved the team. Sanchez showed that hunger and bite at least. Shame they were introduced so late.

Excellent summary. The first 10 mins is the best I've seen us play for ages. I would also say that Smalling despite being poor on the ball was actually pretty good defensively. Oh and De Gea distribution was terrible.

 

[Member 113277]

Not really, it's absolute bollocks. Messi is head and shoulders one of the greatest players of all time, if not the best. Only someone who have never seen him play would disagree. If you feel like questioning it, why don't you go and watch him in person? I've had the privilege of seeing him in person a handful of times against United, he makes everything look easy.

I have seen him and he's a great player. However neither you nor me has seen the other great players from other eras, nor do we have an evidence based comparative methodology, so we cannot compare on a 'best of all time' basis.

Messi is comfortably in the top five of all time, any higher is down to personal opinion but you couldn’t really argue the case of anyone suggesting he’s the best ever.

Again, you cannot reasonably argue this, unless you have a method that allows for relative comparison and you don't.

This is getting a bit silly, I was objecting to some over hype, not knocking a great player, IMHO the best of the past 10 years.

All these discussions shows is how subjective opinions are, especially when comparing different eras. Look at Best in 1968 and then think about the state of footwear, fitness and nutrition in those days, to say nothing of the tackles that were allowed compared to today, it's just a different world. Watch the way the Portuguese hacked Pele out of the 1966 world cup, there would have been 2-3 red cards these days.

Look at the 1950s and the difference is even greater.