[Moriarty]

I actually paused the match and took a nap at halftime and I'm sure I've never done that in 16 years being a fan.

One thing I've noticed the past few matches is we are not moving the ball with as many one touches so our build up is becoming slow like in January and February. However, I think part of that is the fact teams are parking the bus and most players have time with to receive, take a touch and pass.

I watched it online and felt like falling asleep myself. It was like watching 11 crabs on a beach moving in unison at times. It's not as if we lack pace; we just don't seem to use it. The ball goes from side to side, and the defenders follow it. I can't recall many balls knocked past their back line for our players to run on to. If we're going to use Fellaini as a target man, it would help if we had a striker in and around the big man to pick up what he knocks down.

 

[paulscholes18]

The players need to wake up, it's a bit like what's happening at newcastle, the players think there job is done when it's not the case, lack of urgency is clear for all to see

 

[AngeloHenriquez]

Please do not compare Young to Beckham.

Why? Beckham had a lot better delivery but Ashley is better defensively, while Beckham is a better player, they shared similar qualitiea

 

[Red Stone]

I actually paused the match and took a nap at halftime and I'm sure I've never done that in 16 years being a fan.

One thing I've noticed the past few matches is we are not moving the ball with as many one touches so our build up is becoming slow like in January and February. However, I think part of that is the fact teams are parking the bus and most players have time with to receive, take a touch and pass.

That last point had me raging today. Van Persie is a serial offender. You'll see him receive the ball with a poor first touch, and the one-touch pass opportunity disappears and he'll look stranded with the ball, poking it five or six times until he plays a nothing ball backwards or wastes possession with a hopeful Hollywood pass. He's been doing it all season and it's such a killer for any pace we have going forward. It's no coincidence that our best run this season happened when RVP was injured. He doesn't deserve to play. It was grinding my gears at the start of the season and he's still at it. The fact that he gets to play 90 minutes is an absolute mystery.

It does my head in that he's praised for his "good" link-up play. He can receive the ball and play it on without losing possession, but he spends fecking ages doing it.

Of course, he wasn't the worst player on the pitch at any point, but in any decent United side a performance like that should have been a stand-out poor performance.

 

[Todd]

I turned it off after RVP missed the penalty.

Not sure at this point if I'll watch the final 3 games, my weekends are precious and if they're gonna play like cowards it's not worth my time.

 

[ManUSarge]

Just finished watching the match. I am trying my best not to think that Van Gaal's philosophy is a bunch of garbage. Of course if I did, I am sure the notion would be written off a "knee jerk" or something along those lines. Possession does not equal fantastic football. 80% of the possession and we could not score at home. We looked so much better with RvP up front and then he is back with Herrera for the 2nd half. I don't care how much of the ball we have, if all we are doing is passing it from wing to wing and then backwards...that is not United football. If we are not careful, we will throw away CL football.

 

[Sean_RedDevil]

Actually i wanted to come online after i was back at home from Old Trafford but it was good i haven't done that because i would've written a lot of frustrating posts.

I'm pleased (Not happy) with Van Gaal but hopefully he blames only himself for that performance today!!!
He has said yesterday "We will see a positive reaction tomorrow after what has happened against Everton" but there wasn't a positive reaction and that makes me really angry.
Some of his decisions during the game were totally crazy and stupid.

But however i've said after the Everton match "It's better to lose 3-0 than 1-0 because it shows much more that we are still too away to have a chance to win the league and we must buy a lot of quality players over the next months".
So if we can take out anything positive from this result and performance today then it shows at least the whole coaching team has to improve their work over the summer (That we had no plan B against West Bromwich was alarming) and we must buy a lot of quality players over the next months!!!

I also don't think Carrick would have made a big difference in this match but still we need him back to have a leader on the pitch and to play everyone again in their best positions.

 

[SalfordRed1960]

I turned it off after RVP missed the penalty.

Not sure at this point if I'll watch the final 3 games, my weekends are precious and if they're gonna play like cowards it's not worth my time.

Geordie fans had a banner today "we don't demand we win, we demand we try". Thought of that after our match. Certain players not giving their all for even 45 mins.

If there was a desire to win, I think we would of had more urgency.

 

[marlowe78]

Some people here mentioned that they fell asleep during the game, after the first 20 minutes I was exasperated.

You could see how this game was going to end by the way West Brom set up (similarly to Chelsea and Everton) and how laboured our buildup was. We're back to that slow passing nonsense in the area just before the final third, passing it back and forth with no real intent. We were so static when set up on attack it was ridiculous. I was waiting to see us feck up on a counterattack and it was the familiar sequence of counter-free kick-GOAL that finished us.

LVG has been lacking against sides that play like this, which is a big worry because the majority of clubs in the PL will take a defensive approach against clubs like United. We lack the players ATM to get through 8 or 9 defenders sitting back, so we have to figure out a way of creating solid chances in the box - solid chances, not relying on a 20-year-old CB to score off a corner. All we did was bring on DiMaria and lob crosses in, while LVG sweated on the bench.

CL looks very doubtful to me.

 

[Nickosaur]

Some people here mentioned that they fell asleep during the game, after the first 20 minutes I was exasperated.

You could see how this game was going to end by the way West Brom set up (similarly to Chelsea and Everton) and how laboured our buildup was. We're back to that slow passing nonsense in the area just before the final third, passing it back and forth with no real intent. We were so static when set up on attack it was ridiculous. I was waiting to see us feck up on a counterattack and it was the familiar sequence of counter-free kick-GOAL that finished us.

LVG has been lacking against sides that play like this, which is a big worry because the majority of clubs in the PL will take a defensive approach against clubs like United. We lack the players ATM to get through 8 or 9 defenders sitting back, so we have to figure out a way of creating solid chances in the box - solid chances, not relying on a 20-year-old CB to score off a corner. All we did was bring on DiMaria and lob crosses in, while LVG sweated on the bench.

CL looks very doubtful to me.

Come on buddy. BELIEVE.

 

[mattsville]

Negative, cautious anti Manchester United tactics, end of. The best right full at the club Rafael not getting a game instead of an out of position one dimensional out of form winger, Jones taking corners, Roo and RVP in midfield today 2nd half when we need a goal, launch to Fellaini, what happened to "total football LVG", Di Maria, the club's record signing on the bench again, should we not be building our attack around marquee signings like that, what is the point to looking forward to new signings, Falcao is a World class striker again we don't play to his strengths, what is the point in signing these players if we are not going to use them properly. Today was a marker, LVG and what he currently believes in is not a good fit for our club.

 

[Sam]

Today was an utter disgrace as far as I'm concerned. It was quite obvious after about half an hour that we were going to lose. We could still be playing now, and we wouldn't have scored.

Its been nearly 12 hours and I'm still livid.

 

[XdanielredX]

Lol, just as we looked to have secured top 4.

3 losses in a row.

Nice.

 

[11101]

I also don't think Carrick would have made a big difference in this match but still we need him back to have a leader on the pitch and to play everyone again in their best positions.

I disagree on that. I think we overrate Carrick sometimes but today he would have made a difference.

Every time Herrera or any of the defenders brought the ball forward they dithered before passing sideways and going back to their positions. There was never anyone in front, it was either RVP on the centre backs or the wingers out wide. With LVGs emphasis on defensive solidity they all came forward slowly and none of them wanted to risk getting caught so they played it safe.

With Carrick in the team the defenders know he is dropping in to cover them, and Herrera can move forward far faster, both on the ball and when positioning to receive the ball.

Its not so much what Carrick does that we missed, but what the other players do when they know he is covering them.

 

[KiD MoYeS]

Not good enough. Again.

First time doubt has crept in for me regarding van Gaal to be honest. Also I'd sell di Maria and really push for Bale.

 

[Sam]

I'm still angry. I can't actually remember being this angry after a defeat for a long time.

 

[Feed Me]

Some people here mentioned that they fell asleep during the game, after the first 20 minutes I was exasperated.

You could see how this game was going to end by the way West Brom set up (similarly to Chelsea and Everton) and how laboured our buildup was. We're back to that slow passing nonsense in the area just before the final third, passing it back and forth with no real intent. We were so static when set up on attack it was ridiculous. I was waiting to see us feck up on a counterattack and it was the familiar sequence of counter-free kick-GOAL that finished us.

LVG has been lacking against sides that play like this, which is a big worry because the majority of clubs in the PL will take a defensive approach against clubs like United. We lack the players ATM to get through 8 or 9 defenders sitting back, so we have to figure out a way of creating solid chances in the box - solid chances, not relying on a 20-year-old CB to score off a corner. All we did was bring on DiMaria and lob crosses in, while LVG sweated on the bench.

CL looks very doubtful to me.

I think that's just you being (understandably) pessimistic after a dreadful run of results. Given that we have a buffer of four points and a vastly superior goal difference over Liverpool, and the fact they have Chelsea away next, I reckon that a win against Palace will basically secure it.

I hope that the squad can rouse itself for one last push. It's strange, but it feels like the squad went into holiday mode after beating City. Not sure how anyone within the club could've thought we had qualification sewn up.

 

[Amir]

It's strange, but it feels like the squad went into holiday mode after beating City. Not sure how anyone within the club could've thought we had qualification sewn up.

I really doubt this is what happened. And anyway, you need to be an utter idiot in order to think top 4 is good and that finishing in the top 3, thus avoiding the qualifying round, is meaningless.

I just feel mental issues are regularly a good excuse for football failures.

 

[Feed Me]

I really doubt this is what happened. And anyway, you need to be an utter idiot in order to think top 4 is good and that finishing in the top 3, thus avoiding the qualifying round, is meaningless.

I just feel mental issues are regularly a good excuse for football failures.

I think the team has taken their foot off the pedal. In retrospect, the feel good factor after the Chelsea loss probably lulled us into a false sense of security when it came to facing sides who sit deep, set up compact and counter.

Carrick's injury has killed us too. Pathetic that our squad, after the huge outlay, is still so imbalanced that him being out basically ruins us in four senses - the actual loss of Carrick, having to play Herrera at the base of the midfield, having to play Rooney in midfield, having to play anyone who isn't Rooney up front.

 

[Castia]

Just imagine we dont get top 4 now, LvG will probably be sacked for a start.

 

[Loon]

We seem to be turning more corners than (the former television motoring journalist) Jeremy Clarkson.

Have to admit this result has bummed me out when I was quite philosophical (bad word selection, I know) about the previous two results, esp. Chelsea.

 

[Feed Me]

Just imagine we dont get top 4 now, LvG will probably be sacked for a start.

We'd be in even more of a mess if that happened.

Although he'd deserve it if we feck this up.

 

[yamo123x]

Valencia is not a right back. No positional sense.
Blind is not a left back. No pace no positional sense.
Herrera is not a holding midfielder.
Rooney is not a midfielder.
Fellaini is not a forward.
RVP is not an attacking midfielder.
Mata is not a right winger.
Young is not a left back.

Over half the team playing out of their natural positions.
No pace in attacking areas and no aggression to any of our play.

We need to invest heavily this close season time to move on those who don't want to be here, di Maria having a joke with Jacob at the end made my blood boil.

We need a centre Half, right back, central midfielder, 2 quick wide players and a striker.
Move on nani Evans di Maria, falcao, Hernandez, Valencia.

 

[iHicksy]

Why? Beckham had a lot better delivery but Ashley is better defensively, while Beckham is a better player, they shared similar qualitiea

They are nothing alike?

Beckham

• Best crosser in the world
• Fantastic range of passing
• Had little pace so more often than not crossed from deep
• Defensively wasn't great
• Always played right wing
• Guaranteed 8+ goals a season from set plays

Young

• Tries to cut inside to shoot/cross constantly
• Defensively very solid
• Tries to beat his man (or used too)
• Plays left wing
• Limited range of passing

 

[Ixion]

Beckham worked very hard defensively, I wouldn't say Young is any better in that regard. And obviously there is no comparison at all who the overall better player is.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Geordie fans had a banner today "we don't demand we win, we demand we try". Thought of that after our match. Certain players not giving their all for even 45 mins.

If there was a desire to win, I think we would of had more urgency.

Who did you think wasn't giving their all?

 

[SqueakyWeasel]

Another difference:
Beckham didn't invite me to his 40th Birthday
Ashley … hint!

 

[Ish]

We won the possession!

 

[Stretford End Phil]

Just imagine we dont get top 4 now, LvG will probably be sacked for a start.

Sadly I don't think that will be the case even if we fail. Although a short period contract enables easy sackings, the board looks set to give him another season. I don't like and never have but OT board won't sack him before the end of next season. The odd glimpses of good football have sealed his survival and these latest horrors will convince them to buy a couple of players in the summer. I fear for for what he leaves behind after he's gone.

 

[POF]

We found a formula for success, the opposition adjusted, and we have failed to adapt beyond that. It's a failure in management to persist with the same tactics and the results show it. Zero goals in three games.

I think this sums it up pretty well. United's style looks great when they're ahead. Then it's "controlling the game". When behind it's "all possession with no penetration". There has been no successful plan B throughout the good run.

Herrera playing deeper really hurts United's ability to play through the middle. Adding more technical ability centrally in midfield was obviously the reason for switching RVP & Fellaini. The reasoning was good but I don't think it was the right way to accomplish it.

Hopefully some good recruitment in the summer will mean 1 or 2 injuries or any mid game changes won't completely unbalance the team. Only one of the systems played all season has shown any degree of balance.

It's a real shame how the season is ending. A run of wins and a 2nd/3rd place finish would have carried great momentum into next season.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

I think this sums it up pretty well. United's style looks great when they're ahead. Then it's "controlling the game". When behind it's "all possession with no penetration". There has been no successful plan B throughout the good run.

Herrera playing deeper really hurts United's ability to play through the middle. Adding more technical ability centrally in midfield was obviously the reason for switching RVP & Fellaini. The reasoning was good but I don't think it was the right way to accomplish it.

Hopefully some good recruitment in the summer will mean 1 or 2 injuries or any mid game changes won't completely unbalance the team. Only one of the systems played all season has shown any degree of balance.

It's a real shame how the season is ending. A run of wins and a 2nd/3rd place finish would have carried great momentum into next season.

I can understand that, unfortunately it then leaves you with technical ability up front. Apart from the penalty RvP looked better than he has.

 

[POF]

I can understand that, unfortunately it then leaves you with technical ability up front. Apart from the penalty RvP looked better than he has.

I agree. I thought Van Persie looked really sharp today.

Taking Fellaini out of midfield was the right move. Putting him up front was the mistake. I'd have moved Blind into midfield and pushed Herrera forward.

 

[Amir]

Carrick's injury has killed us too. Pathetic that our squad, after the huge outlay, is still so imbalanced that him being out basically ruins us in four senses - the actual loss of Carrick, having to play Herrera at the base of the midfield, having to play Rooney in midfield, having to play anyone who isn't Rooney up front.

Hard to know which of everything that has happened in the last three games is due to Carrick. The four injuries we suffered prior to the Chelsea match forced a big reshuffle (like Rooney in midfield). Also, Mourinho played us in a way our previous opponents did not, and after him everyone is at it.

Carrick's injury played a part, but surely it can't be that huge. He's not Robson.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Hard to know which of everything that has happened in the last three games is due to Carrick. The four injuries we suffered prior to the Chelsea match forced a big reshuffle (like Rooney in midfield). Also, Mourinho played us in a way our previous opponents did not, and after him everyone is at it.

Carrick's injury played a part, but surely it can't be that huge. He's not Robson.

He isn't, but he is as vital to how this particular team plays as Robbo was to that team.

 

[Loon]

For the more knowledgeable among us, who would you say is a realistic, obtainable deputy/successor to Carrick?

 

[Feed Me]

Hard to know which of everything that has happened in the last three games is due to Carrick. The four injuries we suffered prior to the Chelsea match forced a big reshuffle (like Rooney in midfield). Also, Mourinho played us in a way our previous opponents did not, and after him everyone is at it.

Carrick's injury played a part, but surely it can't be that huge. He's not Robson.

Carrick's injury clearly isn't the only factor in our poor run. But I don't think it's unreasonable to suggest we'd have had at least three more points had he been fit, which would've basically sealed our Champions League position.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Carrick's injury clearly isn't the only factor in our poor run. But I don't think it's unreasonable to suggest we'd have had at least three more points had he been fit, which would've basically sealed our Champions League position.

It isn't the only reason, it is a big reason as it disrupts the side in a big way. However, having CB's who can't stay fit and a LB who can't stay fit either are a major factor as well. Oh and strikers who cannot atm put the ball in the net is another.

 

[Raoul]

We've gone back to being a bit predictable in the final 3rd. Opposing managers are happy to allow us a lions share of possession and focus on defending and countering. LvG needs to keep hammering on the psychology and confidence of scoring goals and we should have a breakout performance soon.

 

[Litch]

if ever there was a game against an counter attacking team you didn't want to play against, it's crystal palace away.

 

[SalfordRed1960]

Who did you think wasn't giving their all?

I thought Rooney was very lazy, just going through the motions. I thought the defense did OK, but they played within themselves. Paddy as an example started to go forward and then just did the simple pass to Blind in most cases. Blind and RVP were off the pace, but I put that down to coming back from injuries. I thought Young was too stop/start. Has periods of high involvement and then goes missing. Thought he could have done more to get involved. Fellani seemed to just stroll about, again, had a few moments where he had some real effort.

As I mentioned earlier I do not think any one player was bad, I think they just were not at the races today, bit like at Everton. I always pick on Rooney as I have such high expectations of him, but for a leader he did sod all yesterday to get people to raise their tempo.