SL Benfica vs. Manchester United

Decent half. The midfield has been fine, just been lacking some cutting edge deep in the opposition half. Giggs didn't show himself enough but delivered a moment of magic.
 
I don't understand how people can rip into Giggs who is playing in the hole when Carrick and Fletcher have done feck all but pass sideways, backwards or giving the ball away.

What's next? Blame Rooney for not getting enough shots on goals? How are attackers to blame when the midfield looks sloppy and unable to provide the movement and passing to release attacking players.
 
The number of guys out there who havent played matches recently is showing. we need to be better.
 
I reckon only Evra / Lindegaard / Smalling can be pleased with their performance so far. Fletcher was skinned on the wing for the goal and Evans had no idea where Cardozo was for any of the move. Giggs was awful for 40 minutes, Fletcher can't find a pass or tackle an opponent. Valencia got around the back in the opening minute but hasn't had a plan B since. Park runs but isn't going to unlock the defence and Carrick is going long unsuccessfully.

The ref has been shite too. No booking for the early dive, no 2nd yellow for Aimar, ridiculous Rooney yellow.
 
Ive had the opinion that this is his last season before the season even started. This game or any other future game wont change my opinion.


I never said this game is why i think he'll retire. You assumed.

Then you're a stubborn git. You should leave enough room to change your opinion when proved otherwise. Doesn't make you small in any way.
 
Yup. It's sorted now but there was this spell when it was stuttering. Mind you, it could have been my Tatasky.

I thought something was wrong at my end. something is wrong with the channel since the signal is breaking up for me also and i dont have tatasky.
 
feck Ten Action is pathetic. Carrick has also been rubbish so far, I've always been his defender, but has uncharacteristically given loads of passes away.
 
We look too predictable once we venture over the halfway line, no surprise our goal came after a turn of pace.
 
Is there any centre back in the world who passes back to the keeper as much as Evans?

Every time he gets the ball, he looks confused, takes a look around, performs a slow 360 and passes back to whoever is keeping for us on a particular match day.

:lol: so true. Excellent observation. Acknowledging his improved form this season but still can't shake being the most awkard defender with the ball I've seen at united!

He skinned 3 of their players to set us on a counter attack just before HT, but don't let that stop you. He's terrible on the ball.
 
Johnny Evans getting the blame from Keane.Can't argue with that of all the defenders he's yet to really convince me.
 
Hahahaha keane said it....

United.... Because WERE so sloppy!!

He loves us still!
 
:lol: @ itv coverage, love keano though

Southgate "it's a great goal isn't it Roy?"

And then just silence, keano not replying to southgate probably thinking 'feck off you useless cnut'

:lol::lol:
 
Johnny Evans getting the blame from Keane.Can't argue with that of all the defenders he's yet to really convince me.

He is a weak link but that's expected from a squad player. Did ok apart from the goal I think.
 
Keane, Southgate and Chiles. You couldn't have put together a more random bunch of blokes even if you tried.
 
So far a typical European night compared to our league start. Nothing different from last seasons games in the run to the final trying to keep it slow and making it tight for the other team. So everyone trying to compare the league to this tonight i wouldn't bother as we are going to have more nights like this with lots of changes and a different tempo to how we will treat the league back home.
 
Too much hoofin going on, mainly from Carrick and Fletcher. Need to keep it short and on the deck as we have done so far this season. Not sure if Parks the best outlet on the left, would probably prefer Nani there. Be good to get a striker on in the second half and drop Rooney back where he can get more involved.
 
The biggest downside of the first half was the lack of concentration in our passing. Loads of lazy long balls. Fix that and shift up a gear and this should be a victory.