[Schmiznurf]

I should apologise for the two goals, they both occurred during the time I actually watched the match, all our goals came when I wasn't.

 

[Havak]

Good game, lots of talking points.

All three CB's were excellent for 70 minutes, Rojo caused a bit of panic with his silly challenge which gave Watford a big chance in the game. Thankfully our attackers good enough in this game to hit four again, though it is a bit of a mixed bag. We probably should've hit six or seven, if Lukaku was a bit more confident we would have. Most will say he had a poor game which is true, but I liked his attitude after missing the chances. He didn't hide, he just went all-out to try and get the next chance so fair play to him. The goals will start flowing again, hopefully he smashes some in against Arsenal and City! Young had one of those games where he was just awesome, barely put a foot wrong all game. When we play three at the back he definitely has to play Left Wing Back. We scored some brilliant goals here as well.

Negatives are inviting some pressure and giving away a couple of cheap goals, not killing the game to go 4, 5 or 6 and cut that goal difference down, and the possible Matic injury. I expect we will play almost the same XI against Arsenal provided Matic is fit and it's Martial > Rashford again, but those are the only changes I can see.

 

[Treble]

It was a crazy game. Three goals from Young and Lingard - and all of them excellent. The easy with which our forwards and Pogba were destroying their defence after Young scored his first goal was amaizing. It could/should have been 5:0 before Watford scored. Watford started well but their weaknesses were quickly exposed.

Matic didn't look good but after he was subbed off our defensive paly lost shape and it could have been very nervous last minutes if it wasn't for Lingard's fantastic goal. This is the third time this season where we concede 2 goals vs a midtable club. Our defensive play is still a work in progress. Matic will be needed for the next two games.

 

[Inigo Montoya]

To be fair I did say 3-4 times, was wrong about the Wembley bit tho, he scored an amazing goal today, doesn't stop him from being average to me. It's probably people like you who would still have Rooney playing for us based on 'that goal he scored against somebody' months ago.

I don't believe I've stated( In his last couple of seasons) that he deserved to be here. But you go ahead and vilify me to justify your absurd observations, which have gone on record BTW. In fairness, you weren't the only one

 

[Annihilate Now!]

I was playing football last night, so I caught the first bit of the game before getting in my car. As soon as I put the Radio on, Young scored our first and as I was parking up at football, Martial scored our 3rd... So game over I thought.

Get back in the car and the first thing I hear is Watford 2 - United 3, I'm thinking what the feck are we playing at? But before I really have anytime to panic, As I leave the car park Lingard scored.

Moral of the story is, I need to listen to the radio more.

 

[tony54]

SAF was a bugger for that as well when we were playing 2 or 3 games a week, it's just that teams soon worked out getting back(home or away)from 2-0 to 2-1 just wasn't worth the effort as 19/20 United if the other team had the temerity to try and get back into the game we'd just kick on again and put the game to bed 3-1, 4-1 in the blink of an eye......

I dont like the sitting back after gaining a good start like most people on here. But I also remember sir Alex's team struggling to win games quite a lot in his latters years and think people have short memories, and as nice as it is to remember the great man I think it's time to move on and give mourino the credit he deserves. In the premiership there are no teams that win comfortable because even the lowest placed teams make every match a battle. Man city at Huddersfield struggled and if it wasnt for a silly penalty and a rebound off sterlings chest they would have lost. I think MU are doing great and with three good signings for next year they should be more pleasing to watch.

 

[ants7]

Second half really was worrying. If we do that against Arse/City - we're done for. Lingard, who usually is bang average to say the least, again suddenly remembered what he is capable of and pulled off one of the goals of the season for the team. He does that every now and again.
Lukaku's conversion rate is becoming a worry. I really like what he is offering in link-up play but his ability (or rather inability) to finish chances is a worry.
Very happy for Martial. My jury is still out on Lindelöf but he has improved over the last few fixtures. May it continue.

I think that on saturday, there's a good chance that we'll come away with 3 points. It'll be though, but if we decide to turn up for the game and not go to sleep for a period of the game, Arsenal can be easily punished on counter attacks. We will get chances, it's our job to finish them. Can we do it? Hard to tell.

 

[Jeffthered]

A pleasing performance... and much needed, you could almost sense the relief among the United fraternity. Ashley Young brings a SAF mentality to the team... he 'makes' things happen, through endeavor, experience and the maturity of a player who is comfortable with his game. It's why he can adapt to positions so well. Right now, we play MUCH better with Ashley Young in the team, and I love the fact that a player has worked his way into the team, and now cannot be dropped. That's what I wish to see and expect from United players, and there are many there who should take a long look at his attitude. I can see why Mourinho loves him, because he will appreciate that strong mentality. Rojo is another one who makes a big difference to the team. Strong mentality.

His two goals were outstanding, the first was exactly what the team needed from an attacking perspective, opportunistic, clinical, and definitive. It set the tone for the game, and ALL the players responded. He grabbed the ball for the free kick and smashes it in... fantastic.

The early goal and the nature of the goal, enabled Pogba to relax and play without the pressure of making something happen. Matic looked a little leggy, hope he isn't injured but Herrera is an able replacement. I LOVED seeing Martial and Lukaku as a front two... IMPORTANTLY.. we saw Lukaku playing from the left of the two, and Martial the right, their natural positions. Of course there is much more work to be done, but those two (or Rash.. with the option of Zlatan) should be a handful for any defence.

Great antidote for the team. The two goals against is testimony to Watford, but we also drifted off in midfield. Smalling, Lindholf and Rojo were excellent.

 

[Maradona10]

This is the only comment needed-

 

[fellaini's barber]

I don't believe I've stated( In his last couple of seasons) that he deserved to be here. But you go ahead and vilify me to justify your absurd observations, which have gone on record BTW. In fairness, you weren't the only one

You're the one digging up my posts from last night, using stupid words like embarrassing yet I'm the one vilifying you? The irony eh. I really don't give a shit about you think about what I think of Lingard, first it was embarrassing, now it's absurd who then you still quote me to moan about being villified? Give me a break

 

[Zlatattack]

Entertaining game. Lukaku's form is beginning to be a bit worrying though, today would have been a good game for him to regain some confidence ahead of arsenal and city

His form doesn't surprise me. He has an off period every season. This is why it's important we have a direct competitor for his place, keep him on his toes. No time for slumps at Manchester United.

 

[Bestietom]

Lindelof had a very good game and so too did Rojo. Midfield is where we are not dictating matters and it was worse when Matic went off. We need a 3 man midfield.

 

[Klopp_De_Klown]

Now hang the feck on... We are defensive and park the bus can't score are boring are clueless tactically with an antiquated manager a shite attack no midfield and an even more shite defence. Have nobody apart from DDG who'd get into another top 6 side that cant win away from home... Aren't we!

I should apologise for the two goals, they both occurred during the time I actually watched the match, all our goals came when I wasn't.

You are, from this day forward, BANNED, from watching Man United play live, ever again!

 

[youngrell]

Good performance from the players, average performance by the manager. Good game to watch.

 

[Handsome Devil]

This is the only comment needed-

I think we may need to bring The Footballing Gods pics back to the matchday forum for those periods in the second half when the team collectively wet the bed.
This image should be added to the pantheon!

 

[Bestietom]

Last year at the half-way stage ( 19 Games) we had 36 points with Chelsea leading the way on 49 points. We finished 6th, and this season I would expect us to be at least 8 points better off than last season (44 Points) that is by winning 4 of the 6 games we have from now to boxing day. I hope we can add to this by getting something from other games especially City and Arsenal. If we achieve this we will certainly finish in the top 3 as I see it. Adding another 34/5 odd points in the second half of the season (19 games) should see us through.

We can push on even more by bringing in a couple of players in the January window. What is your take on this

 

[SachinJ22]

Lukaku's miss was dreadful considering we promptly then conceded 2 goals. Lingard's goal was epic.

He got 2 assists but has lost confidence in his shooting.

 

[ayushreddevil9]

Last year at the half-way stage ( 19 Games) we had 36 points with Chelsea leading the way on 49 points. We finished 6th, and this season I would expect us to be at least 8 points better off than last season (44 Points) that is by winning 4 of the 6 games we have from now to boxing day. I hope we can add to this by getting something from other games especially City and Arsenal. If we achieve this we will certainly finish in the top 3 as I see it. Adding another 34/5 odd points in the second half of the season (19 games) should see us through.

We can push on even more by bringing in a couple of players in the January window. What is your take on this

We should be comfortable in a top4 battle. Bare minimum for the season. Proper full backs from January please.

 

[SachinJ22]

With Jones & Bailly.

Rojo is a hothead
Smalling’s panic can start a world war.

Rojo plays well. Smalling panics so much which makes the other defenders also panic. I don't know why he panics so much when he gets the ball.

 

[serxyo]

Surprised and happy. Great game for guys, but stressful

 

[mitchmouse]

I should apologise for the two goals, they both occurred during the time I actually watched the match, all our goals came when I wasn't.

the opposite for me.. am I equally to blame?

 

[mitchmouse]

Excellent first half but I hate it when we sit back and invite opposition to come on to us. We have never been good at that in the 50+ years I've been watching. Could have torn them apart and won by six or seven. could see their first goal coming miles away, while blindfolded! That said, at times it was impossible for them to live with us. I would quite have like Fellaini to have been availavle given the way we played in the second half. Thought Lindelof was excellent, Rojo good too (despite the penalty). Obviously it was Young's best game in ages although I still want us to have two proper full backs. Much harder task lie ahead...

 

[stu_1992]

Really pleased with this result even if there was an incredibly worrying period. Still I certainly would have taken that before the game and we saw some great goals and entertainment in general.

 

[nainaisson]

Lindelof had a very good game and so too did Rojo. Midfield is where we are not dictating matters and it was worse when Matic went off. We need a 3 man midfield.

Yeah, I wonder why Mourinho hasn't tried a 3-5-2 formation yet. Maybe he doesn't think 2 attackers are enough for United to score consistently.

I'm pleased United finally have a centre-back who can play the ball out. I was amazed by how accurate Lindelof's passes were. I hope his performance wasn't a fluke.

 

[Android1974]

Curiously enough, the average position of our front three last night ended being like this:

Lukaku
Lingard Martial
​

I keep thinking it's best represented by a 3-4-1-2, with Lingard as #10, but just shows how much Lukaku's getting back and participating in our attacking game, actually diminishing his chances of scoring. All three had a great game.

 

[Android1974]

Yeah, I wonder why Mourinho hasn't tried a 3-5-2 formation yet. Maybe he doesn't think 2 attackers are enough for United to score consistently.

I'm pleased United finally have a centre-back who can play the ball out. I was amazed by how accurate Lindelof's passes were. I hope his performance wasn't a fluke.

The one time we did start an approximately pure 3-5-2 we got run over by Real Madrid. All the rest has been a 3-4-3 (3-4-1-2) and rightly so. We shouldn't have more than four players across midfield in order to survive.

 

[sunama]

I don't get people like you. Many are worried that we don't stamp our authority on the smaller teams and some are worried about our attack, Lukaku in particular. I, personally, am super happy about the points but can't help but notice the worrying signs.

We have scored more points in our current season, at this stage, than we have in the last 4 seasons (since SAF left).
We are doing better than we have for long time.
Had MCFC not been flying in a way that is extremely rare, we'd be leading the league.

People need to get some perspective and stop moaning about us scoring 4 goals repeatedly and being in 2nd place.

 

[sunama]

I was amazed by how accurate Lindelof's passes were. I hope his performance wasn't a fluke.

Same here.
His long passing was terrific and in many instances I thought it was a midfielder making passes to our attacker...then the commentator would say Lindelof's name.
The other this which surprised me was that he went from playing like an 18 year old, only a month ago, to playing like a confident senior player, so quickly.
Were it not for A.Young's wonder goals, Lindelof would've been the MOTM, which is insane, when you think that some of (and rightfully so), wrote him off a few weeks back.

 

[Android1974]

Same here.
His long passing was terrific and in many instances I thought it was a midfielder making passes to our attacker...then the commentator would say Lindelof's name.
The other this which surprised me was that he went from playing like an 18 year old, only a month ago, to playing like a confident senior player, so quickly.
Were it not for A.Young's wonder goals, Lindelof would've been the MOTM, which is insane, when you think that some of (and rightfully so), wrote him off a few weeks back.

The thing I've noticed is he gets allowed to do those passes because we're playing three at the back. I was annoyed how he would get the ball in defense against Brighton and just pass it to Matić right in front of him, like he was Smalling, probably because Mourinho thinks he hasn't got enough cover behind him if he fails the pass.

 

[Siorac]

We have scored more points in our current season, at this stage, than we have in the last 4 seasons (since SAF left).
We are doing better than we have for long time.
Had MCFC not been flying in a way that is extremely rare, we'd be leading the league.

People need to get some perspective and stop moaning about us scoring 4 goals repeatedly and being in 2nd place.

Well yes and no. We had 29 points out of 13 before the Watford game which would have put us top in two out of the previous seven seasons. In most seasons we'd be second, exactly like right now.

 

[svn]

Well yes and no. We had 29 points out of 13 before the Watford game which would have put us top in two out of the previous seven seasons. In most seasons we'd be second, exactly like right now.

Where are you getting that data from? I've been looking for some sort of historical week by week table and couldn't find anything.

 

[sunama]

Well yes and no. We had 29 points out of 13 before the Watford game which would have put us top in two out of the previous seven seasons. In most seasons we'd be second, exactly like right now.

What about after the Watford game?

Oh and to put some balance to all the negativity in here:
We saw 4 goals, of the highest quality.
In particular, Lingard's and Young's free kick would be worthy of being in a World Cup or CL final and being shortlisted for goal of the tournament.

It is astounding that after seeing such fantastic goals that anybody could moan.

 

[Siorac]

Where are you getting that data from? I've been looking for some sort of historical week by week table and couldn't find anything.

You can check it on the official Premier League site. Set the season you want and the matchday you want, it will show you how the table stood on that day.

For example, last season Liverpool and City had 30 points, Chelsea were top with 31 points after 13 games. We would have been fourth.

 

[haram]

Marco Silva used the difference in the club's resources as an excuse in his post-match. I don't remember him using the same reasoning when they were tonked at home by City.

Is every manager just gonna use this excuse then?

 

[Siorac]

Is every manager just gonna use this excuse then?

Our fans are using the exact same excuse regarding us and City so we can't really preach about this.

 

[OnlyTwoDaSilvas]

Our fans are using the exact same excuse regarding us and City so we can't really preach about this.

Are they? I've personally not seen it, but I tend to avoid the moaning, where possible. I've seen plenty of suggesting that Guardiola has bought much better, but I don't really believe the media meddling that we are limited in the transfer market anyway, considering the amount we've continually spent since LvG's first season.

If we lose to City, I doubt we'll be crying about how much money they have. More that they have used it better in some cases.

 

[haram]

Our fans are using the exact same excuse regarding us and City so we can't really preach about this.

That's a good point.

 

[AkaAkuma]

I can only watch the games on play back and have just finished the first half. It doesn't really reflect alot of the comments in here - it was a scrappy game against a strong midfield with us set out tactically to forgo midfield and play long balls - Lukaku was poor with his hold up, but we took advantage of some breaks to score some decent goals.

Watford have decent set of players in doucoure, cleverley, hughes and richarlison

 

[BenjaminP]

Miki is certainly useless.
But Mata can do some good things.
But Lingard's goal was out of this World. If Messi scored that goal, it would be all over social media.

If Messi scored that kind of goals, there would be tackles flying in, defenders trying to grab him down and try to foul.
Watford defenders never even touched Young once. Would never be that easy for Messi.

A great goal, but really equally bad defending.

 

[PieCrust]

Hope Matic isn't significantly injured. We have zero cover for his position. Jose said the injury was "important", so whatever that ends up meaning I guess we'll see.