[Brightonian]

Fellaini up front? Wow.

Well, it was what you'd expect. He was in midfield, but pushed up as soon as we got the ball so that Mata, Rooney and ADM could ping little chips and crosses in to him. It's not my favourite strategy, but there's no denying it worked a treat.

 

[Irrational.]

Well, it was what you'd expect. He was in midfield, but pushed up as soon as we got the ball so that Mata, Rooney and ADM could ping little chips and crosses in to him. It's not my favourite strategy, but there's no denying it worked a treat.

I get the feeling LVG seems to really rate him, especially if he was started over Herrera.

Any chance of that tactic working against the better sides? Or is it more likely to be a one off?

 

[Blue always red]

I get the feeling LVG seems to really rate him, especially if he was started over Herrera.

Any chance of that tactic working against the better sides? Or is it more likely to be a one off?

Moyes used it to good affect against us in 12/13.

 

[Brightonian]

I get the feeling LVG seems to really rate him, especially if he was started over Herrera.

Any chance of that tactic working against the better sides? Or is it more likely to be a one off?

I can't understand why LVG is so specifically leaving Herrera out all the time, but I totally get why he's including Fellaini so often. I doubt he rates him very highly as a player, but as we know he has certain non-negotiable elements that he insists on including in any starting XI, and I think one of those is a midfield with a bit of physical power to it. No doubt he'd much rather be playing someone like Strootman there, a proper well-rounded midfielder, but in the absence of someone like that, he includes Fellaini. He's also a bit of a pragmatist sometimes, and he's clocked that having Fellaini up top to ping chips and crosses towards adds an effective alternative route of attack to our game plan, so he's going to keep using it until he doesn't think we need it any more.

I don't think he'll keep playing him in the long run - he'll hope to have added that missing physical midfielder by the start of next season. But this season, I expect he'll be willing to try this tactic against the big teams as well as the little ones. After all, it worked quite well against Chelsea in the autumn.

 

[Trizy]

Just watched HD highlights and you can see the crowd better. Damn, that's a big turn out for a midweek low league clash in the 4th round .

Any idea the attendance?

 

[.Rossi]

5 games to go, can we do it?

No

There's always something

 

[#07]

Good result, and achieved with a measure of control that was absent at Cambridge's ground. Having defenders like McNair, Rojo and Smalling, who were all happy to play out, made a big difference. The midfield did well, with Di Maria looking very industrious, and it was great to see Wilson grab a goal. Also pleased to see Ander Herrera is still alive and still able to hit through balls.

 

[Paul the Wolf]

Best Law and Charlton were in the team last time we played Preston

 

[Raw]

Best Law and Charlton were in the team last time we played Preston

Wow!

 

[Trizy]

Great turn out!

 

[Paul the Wolf]

Wow!

Beat them 2-0 away in FA Cup 4th round in 1972, Gowling got both goals

 

[Ramshock]

was Shaw injured?

 

[Ramshock]

Great turn out!

Can you imagine the Emptihad if it were City Cambridge were playing?

 

[Gannicus]

I've had a lot to complain about lately but not today. It was a professional win, admittedly over a small club but we won without the aid of luck, bad referee calls or beachballs.

McNair MOTM for me. I would like to seen more inventive play by Rooney but today was not the day we needed an epic performance from him.

 

[ghagua]

Really impressed with McNair and Rojo as the full backs in this game. Both of them looked very comfortable in defense and in attack. Need to work on the crossing a little bit, but they add height at the back and solid defensive play.

 

[ManUArfa]

It's not often you see a right back bossing a game but McNair did just that. Committed, intelligent, always available, good drive and link up play going forward, all coupled with excellent distribution. He comes across as a nice, level headed young lad too- just seen his post match interview.

As for the game itself I'm pleased that LVG learns and reflects all the time on previous shortcomings and poor performances. He's moved back to a back four, and has now started allowing higher risk, more direct football to get ahead earlier in the game before he switches to an out-and-out possession game to see out the match.

Don't expect us to routinely give teams a thumping under LVG. After the match at Leicester he wants to make absolutely sure we don't chuck away a comfortable lead ever again.

My hopes for LVG realisations going forward:
-Wayne gives the ball away too often to be playing in midfield
-Herera is "Mr Pass and Move"- he always makes sure there's a passing lane open to him.

Please play Ander on the right of the diamond and stick Wayne up top, Louie....

 

[SalfordRed1960]

Just interested to know how people approach the player ratings:
How do people rate, for example, DdG when he's had almost nothing to do all game, technically he's done absolutely everything right but you can't give him 10 for that. But it would be unfair to give him 4 just because he had nothing to do (it's hardly his fault).
Do people work on the "everybody gets 10 and I'll take off points for things done wrong" or " points reflect contribution" method
Sure there should be a question mark or two in there somewhere …

I always give a 5 if the player did what was expected, below par obviously goes down from there, and if I thought they did better than they normally do they get more. MOTM gets highest score obviously, but the score relates to how important the performance was, i.e. DDG against Everton.

 

[marlowe78]

Blind Thanks for costing me a pair of undershorts

Aside from that, it was a professional outing by everyone. McNair was MOTM for me by far and was a total surprise in the Rafael-type assignment on right wing. He linked up many times with Rooney and made some dangerous crosses, much better than we've been seeing from others lately.

Congratulations to Rojo on his first goal, which is completely deserved with how well he's played. Wilson also showed excellent range in his short minutes and he looked like a PL player with his finishing.

Besides our defence being unconscious at the start, my only other complaint was playing Rooney on the wing. He certainly wasn't bad, but he is very limited in what he can do there. van Persie was unlucky and Fellaini was a helpful size presence, if little else.

Preston in two weeks...

 

[Devil may care]

Decent overall performance with McNair's outing at RB stealing the show, I really hope he gets more chances in the role.

Two things stood out to me in particular;

1. The link-up play and interchanging in the LM and AM roles between Mata and Di Maria was excellent, hopefully it's something we build on.

2. Just like against Leicester we went to a 4-2-3-1 at around the 75 minute mark, with Rooney coming central next to Blind. I think this is a smart addition to our set up by LvG, as opposed to starting with 3-5-2 and then having to throw on players to get a goal as we've not created anything for over and hour.

 

[marlowe78]

Decent overall performance with McNair's outing at RB stealing the show, I really hope he gets more chances in the role.

Two things stood out to me in particular;

1. The link-up play and interchanging in the LM and AM roles between Mata and Di Maria was excellent, hopefully it's something we build on.

2. Just like against Leicester we went to a 4-2-3-1 at around the 75 minute mark, with Rooney coming central next to Blind. I think this is a smart addition to our set up by LvG, as opposed to starting with 3-5-2 and then having to throw on players to get a goal as we've not created anything for over and hour.

The 4-2-3-1 IMO is the best formation for us. It gives the backline protection that it needs without shortchanging the middle. I would prefer, though, that Rooney is allowed to move out of the line and become a second striker when he sees fit.

 

[SqueakyWeasel]

I always give a 5 if the player did what was expected, below par obviously goes down from there, and if I thought they did better than they normally do they get more. MOTM gets highest score obviously, but the score relates to how important the performance was, i.e. DDG against Everton.

Thanks, interesting to see how different people approach it

 

[bosnian_red]

Just interested to know how people approach the player ratings:
How do people rate, for example, DdG when he's had almost nothing to do all game, technically he's done absolutely everything right but you can't give him 10 for that. But it would be unfair to give him 4 just because he had nothing to do (it's hardly his fault).
Do people work on the "everybody gets 10 and I'll take off points for things done wrong" or " points reflect contribution" method
Sure there should be a question mark or two in there somewhere …

I have 6 as the standard performance rating, usually give it to subs and players who didn't have much to do. If players do well then it's 7 or above, poorly and its 5 or below. That's how most rating sites/games like Fifa or FM do these things at least. 5 is way too harsh to start from

 

[buckooo1978]

Hmmm

It was obvious that Van Gaals tactics worked and I'd be delighted if that was a one off game

As the game went on I felt we pressed well, pulled and stretched Cambridge and they couldn't get out of their half which is surely what you'd expect given the gulf

I'd have preferred to see a different tactical approach in terms of developing a Cohesive attacking style of play - still cant accept Rooney in midfield when we've Herrera on the bench and Wayne is so effective around the box

It's crazy that every single game we have no clue as to how we might line up - this might throw off opponents but it might also unsettle our own rhythm

Wilson took his goal very well and Paddy McNair tore into them - I hope he can be as fearless against tougher opponents

Overall great to be on a good cup run but we must beat West Ham at weekend - I hope Van Gaal gets it right

 

[Dargonk]

Couldn't watch the game, but glad to see we played well and are through to the next round. Nice to see Wilson get another goal as well.

 

[Lawman]

Expected to get through given the gulf. Glad for McNair but why does Herrera not play and please start playing Rooney up top ffs.

 

[bishblaize]

Just like against Leicester we went to a 4-2-3-1 at around the 75 minute mark, with Rooney coming central next to Blind. I think this is a smart addition to our set up by LvG, as opposed to starting with 3-5-2 and then having to throw on players to get a goal as we've not created anything for over and hour.

i think he's testing the waters with that formation. I'd personally much prefer to see it than 352 in games where we needed an extra layer of caution.

However it puts Rooney even further away from the goal and means that he has even more defensive duties. Herrera seems to persona non grata for some reason, so ignoring him I'd prefer Fellaini alongside Blind with Rooney in the attacking 3 behind the striker.

 

[jojose]

i think the back 4 was a dress rehersal for Sunday. With Valencia / Rafa and Shaw at full backs then West Ham will be looking for carrol to pull onto the full backs. Have effectivley centre backs at full back can nullify that a little.

I would exect very few changes for the West Ham game.

 

[Rooney in Paris]

Just watched HD highlights and you can see the crowd better. Damn, that's a big turn out for a midweek low league clash in the 4th round .

Any idea the attendance?

I was at the game thanks to the wonderful @Andy_Cole (thanks again mate!) and yeah OT looked packed! Great to see. Lot of Cambridge fans too, their corner looked sold out.

Enjoyed the game except for the very early scare (the shot on post), McNair especially was great, Blind oozes confidence and calm, Mata and Di Maria are great to watch when they switch it on, and I was happy for Wilson. Overall, as everyone has pointed out, it was really easy and we controlled the game throughout. We need these type of professional performances against lower opposition, hopefully we can manage it in the next round of the cup.

 

[Pexbo]

5 games to go, can we do it?

There's four left isn't there?

5th, 6th (1/4s), Semi, Final.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

There's four left isn't there?

5th, 6th (1/4s), Semi, Final.

Correct. I think people forget the semi is at Wembley and isn't over two legs. Just a one off game.

 

[Moriarty]

Correct. I think people forget the semi is at Wembley and isn't over two legs. Just a one off game.

More's the pity. Semis were far more exciting when played at Villa Park or Hillsborough.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

More's the pity. Semis were far more exciting when played at Villa Park or Hillsborough.

Or course.

 

[Unlikely lad]

i think the back 4 was a dress rehersal for Sunday. With Valencia / Rafa and Shaw at full backs then West Ham will be looking for carrol to pull onto the full backs. Have effectivley centre backs at full back can nullify that a little.

I would exect very few changes for the West Ham game.

Read somewhere that Caroll was out?

 

[jojose]

Read somewhere that Caroll was out?

Regardless, we know exactly what we'll get down there

 

[Raw]

There's four left isn't there?

5th, 6th (1/4s), Semi, Final.

Ah you're right, thought the semis had 2 legs like the League Cup for some reason.

We barely make it to that stage these days anyway

 

[Moriarty]

Regardless, we know exactly what we'll get down there

Sad, because West Ham away used to be a really good game of football. Still, I suppose if you're a Hammers fan, ugly football and a decent league position is better than playing an attractive game and fighting the drop.

 

[Moriarty]

Beat them 2-0 away in FA Cup 4th round in 1972, Gowling got both goals

We all hate Stoke and Stoke and Stoke.... I remember that season well.

 

[Paul the Wolf]

We all hate Stoke and Stoke and Stoke.... I remember that season well.

Yes they knocked us out of both Cups in replays after draws at OT that season. Actually went to Wembley for the LC Final in 72 and saw them beat Chelsea which was a minor consolation

 

[Brightonian]

The caf is definitely starting to acquire that RAWKish quality of the consensus on here not really reflecting the consensus amongst fans in the real world. All the United fans I've spoken to about the game were pretty pleased with how we played, acknowledging that Cambridge put in another excellent defensive display far better than you'd expect for a league two side.

Ok, there's the feeling that with such dominance over a game we should be scoring more goals, but generally people (myself included) seem to think that we played a good game, with a really good range of attacking options. Yes, we pinged chips and crosses into Fellaini and RVP, but we also put together some beautiful passing moves through the middle and the likes of RVP and Di Maria produced some lovely moments in Cambridge's box. McNair was pleasingly good in an uncomfortable position (too wide for a natural CB/DM), Wilson impressed again and scored a good goal. Blind was excellent, Smalling and Rojo confident (albeit under minimal pressure), Di Maria showed signs of what he can do, Mata nabbed another one to keep his numbers impressive, and there was more evidence that including Fellaini in our strategy doesn't have to mean shit football (which is good, because LVG obviously likes him as an option.) Oh, and we won 3-0, conceding only one really good chance, and that through an isolated feck-up.

And yet based on the reception on here you'd think we'd played Stokeball and scraped a 1-0.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

The caf is definitely starting to acquire that RAWKish quality of the consensus on here not really reflecting the consensus amongst fans in the real world. All the United fans I've spoken to about the game were pretty pleased with how we played, acknowledging that Cambridge put in another excellent defensive display far better than you'd expect for a league two side.

Ok, there's the feeling that with such dominance over a game we should be scoring more goals, but generally people (myself included) seem to think that we played a good game, with a really good range of attacking options. Yes, we pinged chips and crosses into Fellaini and RVP, but we also put together some beautiful passing moves through the middle and the likes of RVP and Di Maria produced some lovely moments in Cambridge's box. McNair was pleasingly good in an uncomfortable position (too wide for a natural CB/DM), Wilson impressed again and scored a good goal. Blind was excellent, Smalling and Rojo confident (albeit under minimal pressure), Di Maria showed signs of what he can do, Mata nabbed another one to keep his numbers impressive, and there was more evidence that including Fellaini in our strategy doesn't have to mean shit football (which is good, because LVG obviously likes him as an option.) Oh, and we won 3-0, conceding only one really good chance, and that through an isolated feck-up.

And yet based on the reception on here you'd think we'd played Stokeball and scraped a 1-0.

As the game panned out, I actually quite enjoyed it. The formation when first announced was jaw droppingly odd. However we got away with it and could have had a lot more goals, the goalkeeper played well for them.The subs last night were more understandable than Saturdays and worked. Interesting to see what he does against West Ham and if we all end up going into melt down again.