[DomesticTadpole]

SSN talking NFL now, just feck off SkY

Michael Carrick on now.

 

[Rajeev]

Jesus fecking Christ

Oh yeah, I forgot I shouldn't complain because we won.

 

[PedroMendez]

great win, good performance!

 

[Ramshock]

Oh yeah, I forgot I shouldn't complain because we won.

Complain all you want, its your right to be miserable. I will enjoy a good win and performance

 

[Icemav]

Huge result. Miki, Rojo, Herrera were beasts. Zlatan and Pogba showing up. The rest solid apart from Martial and Darmian. The left side needs a good think.

Great to see us playing fast direct football and fighting hard all over the pitch. Personally think we have got to keep possession a bit better at times... slight LVG-deprogramming overkill at the moment.

 

[donkeyfish]

Great win, a game with mainly positives. I counted one really good opportunity for Tottenham, the Wanyama header. They had 3 good shots from Eriksen, but thats difficult to hinder. Reducing such a good offensive team to that is a great compliment to our defensive play. Rojo and Jones were both immense.

Offensively we once again created enough to score at least 2, even 3 goals. The best part is that it still looks like we are a bit off at times, with passing or movement that is an inch or two off. If we sort that out, our attacking force will be fantastic.

Such an unlucky break for Mkhitaryan though, he was essential in everything we created in the first half. Lets hope its just a small twist, and he is back in a week.

Martial/Rashford still not playing at their best, and Darmian got skinned a few times. That's the only negatives really performance-wise. Mourinho looked very angry with Rashford after he came on, he actually looked a bit nervous.

 

[K2K]

Don't think we have turned the corner yet.

Tough two away games next with West Brom being particularly a difficult one.

 

[MadDogg]

Not sure why Rashford is getting quite so many negative comments. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying he was great or anything like that, but I felt he was quite a bit better than how Martial was playing by that stage of the match.

Darmien was surprisingly solid in his first two games during this run he's had at left back, but now he seems to be getting worse every game. Mourinho obviously isn't a fan of Blind (unfortunately), so hopefully Shaw gets back soon and is able to reach at least solid form.

 

[OldTrevil]

I take my hat off for Rojo and Jones, especially Rojo as I didn't want to see him on the pitch not so long ago. Midfield was brilliant as well, Herrera was everywhere and Pogba wasn't far behind. Those two I felt did all the running for Carrick, who did his job very well in return. He especially was very calm under frantic pressure contrary to the past when he would get rid of the ball too quickly leading to more pressure. It's something I've noticed of late with Carrick, not just this game, credit to him that he is still able to improve even in his twilight years. Overall a satisfying win even though it flatters Tottenham a bit, 2 or 3 nil would have been a better reflection of our dominance particularly in attack.

 

[The White Pele]

Really important and hard-fought result in the context of our season.

Now let's go win our next 5 games: Palace, West Brom, Sunderland, Boro, West Ham

 

[KirkDuyt]

I always defend him, he isnt of United quality but he really isnt as bad as people make out. I feel sorry for the lad.

Even though my comment wasn't really serious I do agree. Last week he was just at exactly the wrong place at the wrong time. He's by no means a world beater, but he has been useful for United at times in my opinion. Though it is easy to pick him as the face of United's recent mediocrity.

 

[Ivor Ballokov]

Thats that cleared up, lets tell Jose.

I'm sure he's well aware.

 

[OohAahMartial]

Positives

• Broke the run of draws
• Broke the run of giving up leads
• Closed the gap to a manageable 3 pts on Spurs
• And only 6pts behind an out of form City
• City lost
• City got thrashed
• The 4th spot is doable
• Mhki got his first OT goal
• Mhki MOM performance
• Zlatans superb hold up play
• Herrera shining again
• 2nd choice CBs doing great
• Pogbas second half

Negatives

• Mhki's injury
• No buyers for Darmian yet
• Darmian doing his best to put off would be buyers
• Pogba's first half
• Martial and Rashford
• Our left wing
• Fellaini still makes the bench and gets on
• Arsenal and Chelsea won

 

[AN17]

It wasn't a great performance by any means. By that was 3 points desperately needed. I'll take it and shut up about all the negative stuff.

 

[Rajeev]

Complain all you want, its your right to be miserable. I will enjoy a good win and performance

Pointing out the deficiencies in the team is not called being miserable. We clearly lack something which is why we have had the worst start to the PL in 20 years.

 

[Ramshock]

I'm sure he's well aware.

Well if he isnt the Cafe brain trust is here to help

 

[Ramshock]

Pointing out the deficiencies in the team is not called being miserable. We clearly lack something which is why we have had the worst start to the PL in 20 years.

Like I said I will enjoy the win and performance, you do whatever you call that.

 

[Icemav]

Not sure why Rashford is getting quite so many negative comments. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying he was great or anything like that, but I felt he was quite a bit better than how Martial was playing by that stage of the match.

Darmien was surprisingly solid in his first two games during this run he's had at left back, but now he seems to be getting worse every game. Mourinho obviously isn't a fan of Blind (unfortunately), so hopefully Shaw gets back soon and is able to reach at least solid form.

He might be after that performance. Blind however did get torn up at Chelsea.

 

[LouisDanGaal]

I kind of get the suspicion what we suspected all along is true, Mourinho doesn't fancy Mata or Blind, he played them when he didn't really have much of a choice but Mata seems to be getting phased out of the team to an extent currently. I hope its not the case as I love them both.

Very happy with the win, love Mkhi

 

[Ivor Ballokov]

Well if he isnt the Cafe brain trust is here to help

Yeah, ok. There is no conspiracy here, people are allowed an opinion.

 

[JJ12]

Shocked how few have voted for Rojo for MOM - he was outstanding

 

[Sp00ks11]

My favorite part of the match besides Mkhi's delicious finish was Bailly coming on and instantly making a thunderous challenge to win the ball. Proper beast of a player very much in the same way Vidic was.

Rapidly becoming my favorite player United player.

 

[Hugh Jass]

Micky T was very good. Good win. But next few games will be tough.

 

[Raw]

The fact that we created quite a lot of chances against one of the best defences in the league is great too. I was so worried about them shutting down every attack (especially with Alderweireld returning), but we created enough to win 2 or 3-0.

Yet again we need to put on our finishing boots. Mkhitaryan obviously brought his.

 

[devips]

Thats that cleared up, lets tell Jose.

What does Jose know? He is only a manager.

 

[Icemav]

I kind of get the suspicion what we suspected all along is true, Mourinho doesn't fancy Mata or Blind, he played them when he didn't really have much of a choice but Mata seems to be getting phased out of the team to an extent currently. I hope its not the case as I love them both.

Very happy with the win, love Mkhi

He has no choice about Mata in some ways. Miki is has to start at the moment. So does Carrick with Herrera alongside.

That leaves Pogba and Mata fighting for one spot.

 

[SirAnderson]

Not sure why Rashford is getting quite so many negative comments. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying he was great or anything like that, but I felt he was quite a bit better than how Martial was playing by that stage of the match.

Darmien was surprisingly solid in his first two games during this run he's had at left back, but now he seems to be getting worse every game. Mourinho obviously isn't a fan of Blind (unfortunately), so hopefully Shaw gets back soon and is able to reach at least solid form.

What exactly happened to Shaw? Still don't know.
Yeah the criticism towards Rashford is uncalled for, he puts in a good shift almost always. Can't expect him to score every match, especially now that he is out wide more than last season.

Edit:

 

[DomesticTadpole]

I kind of get the suspicion what we suspected all along is true, Mourinho doesn't fancy Mata or Blind, he played them when he didn't really have much of a choice but Mata seems to be getting phased out of the team to an extent currently. I hope its not the case as I love them both.

Very happy with the win, love Mkhi

If Mkhi is injured for a couple of games, then Mata might find himself phased back in again.

 

[sunama]

Much needed win. Can't believe we actually held a lead!

When we were going back into our defensive shell, it was like de ja vu (Arsenal, Everton, etc).
Luckily, this time we managed to hold out.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

Deserved win. Very organised and looked good going forward, despite only scoring one.

What impressed me the most today was the way we continued to press Spurs until the final minute, unlike at Everton last week.

 

[TheReligion]

@jackofalltrades you found all these world class saves DDG was forced to make yet pal?

 

[sunama]

If Mkhi is injured for a couple of games, then Mata might find himself phased back in again.

This is true.
And having Mata in the team is not a bad thing. He is very productive and IMO, has been our best player this season.

 

[Janson]

I kind of get the suspicion what we suspected all along is true, Mourinho doesn't fancy Mata or Blind, he played them when he didn't really have much of a choice but Mata seems to be getting phased out of the team to an extent currently. I hope its not the case as I love them both.

Very happy with the win, love Mkhi

Mata will get games in the upcoming easier fixtures. I don't know about Blind though.

 

[TheReligion]

When we were going back into our defensive shell, it was like de ja vu (Arsenal, Everton, etc).
Luckily, this time we managed to hold out.

Disagree. We pressed until the end and the introduction of Bailly in the middle subtly helped.

 

[Hugh Jass]

Should have won by more.

 

[AltiUn]

What exactly happened to Shaw? Still don't know.
Yeah the criticism towards Rashford is uncalled for, he puts in a good shift almost always. Can't expect him to score every match, especially now that he is out wide more than last season.

Edit:

Criticism of Rashford is not at all uncalled for, he's been very bad for quite a bit now. I understand him being young but whether he's a winger or not constantly running the ball out of play and not even challenging for headers is ridiculous. No one expects him to score every game but he's not at all had a good season so he should be criticised as every other player in the team is.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Should have won by more.

They will have to remove the goalposts so we stop hitting them.

 

[LouisDanGaal]

He has no choice about Mata in some ways. Miki is has to start at the moment. So does Carrick with Herrera alongside.

That leaves Pogba and Mata fighting for one spot.

Mata will get games in the upcoming easier fixtures. I don't know about Blind though.

If Mkhi is injured for a couple of games, then Mata might find himself phased back in again.

Yeah he will play a couple of games and play well but then out of the team again. He couldn't have done much more to put his claim on a place, was our player of the season until Mkhi decided it was show time. Blind is a great footballer but he isn't going to be trusted in defence I don't think, it might be time for him to get tried out as a rotation option for Carrick again.

 

[bosnian_red]

On the game. Mkhitaryan was class. Ibra held the ball up brilliant and bullied vertonghen/alderweireld at times. Herrera harrassed everything. Pogba was covered well but still worked hard and had his moments. Carrick held really well as ever. Martial looked ok, but Walker is a good fullback and had him covered well. And he got doubled up a lot. Valencia same as usual, though a few slack pieces of defending. Jones and Rojo were brilliant. De Gea didn't really have much to do.

Subs... Fellaini and Bailly weren't on for long so can't judge. Rashford I thought was brutal though. Gave the ball away every time he got it, slack bit of defending once or twice like how Chamberlain got past him against Arsenal. Was completely the wrong sub at the time, and could've been more costly. Genuinely think he needs to be out of the team altogether for a few weeks, because he looks useless at the moment.

Well deserved win in the end though. 2-0 probably would have been a fairer outcome given how the game went, but at least we won and didn't concede a stupid late goal again. Should give us some confidence to go on a run, especially now we have 2 months with no Europa League.

 

[OldTrevil]

He has no choice about Mata in some ways. Miki is has to start at the moment. So does Carrick with Herrera alongside.

That leaves Pogba and Mata fighting for one spot.

If anything the choice is between Carrick and Mata, former for difficult games like today and Mata for teams that will park the bus. Pogba and Herrera are dead set for the first two midfield spots and rightly so.