Uh huh.
Varchester City 18/19 discussion
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) is joined by CEO Duncan Drasdo and Financial Director Andy Green from the Manchester United Supporters Trust for a special episode on all things behind the scenes at Old Trafford including a brief history of MUST and their aims today, views on INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe so far, and the Old Trafford regeneration.
Uh huh.
It wasn’t 6-1, it was 5-3 big difference and Bayern had lots of injuries that year similar to when Barca had lot of injuries in the 2013 matchup against Bayern.
And yes, he outclassed Fergie in 2009 as well.
I do worry about our defence on Thurs. I know Walker had a stinker vs Palace but he’s relatively solid 95% of the time and his pace will be useful so I’d see him back in. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Kompany and Laporte back two and hopefully with Fern back in front of them we can remain more solid than the last month.
We’ll create chances though. I can’t remember the last time we were just above 2.00 odds to win at home in a PL league game. David Silva just brings me a little bit of confidence in these types of games. Must win game.
We’ll create chances though. I can’t remember the last time we were just above 2.00 odds to win at home in a PL league game. David Silva just brings me a little bit of confidence in these types of games. Must win game.
All joking aside, anything less than a win for your lot on Thursday all but guarantees Liverpool the title. It's win or bust for City (and United)
I'm going for 2-1 City.
I do genuinely fear that he's our modern day Rodney Marsh.
Constantly dribbles down a blind alley and loses it or cuts inside and crosses into the first man. I might have a seizure the next time he pulls out of a 50:50 as well. And as you say, the biggest crime is that he's disrupted the Sane/Sterling wing duo.
The pundits are so knee-jerky. Prior to three games ago, they'd have given City the win over even an in-form Liverpool. Now that City have finally hit some patchy form, suddenly Liverpool will go to Etihad and roll over City. It's the very definition of knee-jerk. "I'll go for whoever is winning right now".
For one thing, it's not at Anfield. In addition, law of averages dictates that eventually Liverpool have to start dropping some point (unless they're planning on doing the invincibles), so, now is as good a time as any to break that duck. Regardless of how poor city have been lately, it's still City, they're still the best team in the league and they're still at home. Poor form or not for City, you'd have to be crazy to think that the Scousers are favourites in an away game that big.
For one thing, it's not at Anfield. In addition, law of averages dictates that eventually Liverpool have to start dropping some point (unless they're planning on doing the invincibles), so, now is as good a time as any to break that duck. Regardless of how poor city have been lately, it's still City, they're still the best team in the league and they're still at home. Poor form or not for City, you'd have to be crazy to think that the Scousers are favourites in an away game that big.
Liverpool haven't dropped a single point against the bottom 14 in the league. That certainly doesn't indicate a side that's built on momentum.
Unfair to say we haven't had 'blips' too. We went 4 games without a win in September and our performances were more 'functional' than anything up until the end of November. Belgrade, Naples and Paris away were 'blips'.
They had two games in hand, so the lead was effectively one point. Not sure how that's a stronger position.
I view Thursday as somewhat of a free hit. Win and we're in wonderland - draw and we're in a fantastic position with just Old Trafford to visit out of the top 6. Lose and we're also still in a fantastic position which I would have absolutely bitten your hand off for even a month ago.
The pressure is almost entirely on City to drag themselves back into this race. For them to be 7 points off the top at this stage despite having a side worth a small country's GDP and Jesus' descendant as manager himself is hugely underwhelming.
All we can do is take each game as they come. It won't be easy and it was never going to be against this record breaking side, but we're doing well.
Unfair to say we haven't had 'blips' too. We went 4 games without a win in September and our performances were more 'functional' than anything up until the end of November. Belgrade, Naples and Paris away were 'blips'.
They had two games in hand, so the lead was effectively one point. Not sure how that's a stronger position.
I view Thursday as somewhat of a free hit. Win and we're in wonderland - draw and we're in a fantastic position with just Old Trafford to visit out of the top 6. Lose and we're also still in a fantastic position which I would have absolutely bitten your hand off for even a month ago.
The pressure is almost entirely on City to drag themselves back into this race. For them to be 7 points off the top at this stage despite having a side worth a small country's GDP and Jesus' descendant as manager himself is hugely underwhelming.
All we can do is take each game as they come. It won't be easy and it was never going to be against this record breaking side, but we're doing well.
All this seems to come from the Mendy thing which is weird, how a LB can effect a RW, but Pep seems to have this thing where, if we're having the LW cut in, the RW should do the same. Once Mendy was fit and he was the guy Pep wanted outside, Sterling became the first choice LW, this meant for some reason Mahrez had to play on the right Pep doesn't fancy Leroy there and our wingers have to be mirror copies of each other.
The bolded part is the annoying thing about him, he presses half heartedly, he's not up for a fight. He just wants the ball and to do a few step overs. He's a talented player but how he was indentified as a player for our system I'll never know. No way Klopp would stand for his work rate. Him and Gundogan half heartedly "fighting" for the ball is my biggest irritant this season. They are talented players but both seem to have the heart of an Ozil. Cowards, seems injury has done it to Gundo as he was never like that at Dortmund.
I'd prefer to see anyone other than Gundo in midfield on Thursday night, I'd genuinely rather see Stones, Zinchencko or Delph play the holding role if Fern wasn't fit.
I think we needed two wins and a draw from Chelsea (h), Palace (a) & Newcastle (h) to win the league in 2014. City needed to win all five of their remaining games to have a chance of doing it.
There's still 18 games to go and the gap might only be four points after Thursday. To me I'd argue we were in a stronger position after 35 games in 2014 than we are now after 20 games at the end of 2018, even if this is a stronger Liverpool squad with a stronger back line/GK.
Yea fully agree, I forgot about the additional Mendy issue as well. Hope he goes with Sane/Sterling on Thursday given that work rate is so important against Liverpool, we can't afford a passenger. I also prefer the traditional wingers now we have Silva (and maybe KDB) back because having the wingers stay very wide gives Silva and Bernardo/KDB more room to operate.
Also agree on Gundogan. He's talented but his mobility is a problem (I'll be kind and say it's mobility due to injuries not a lack of work rate/fight). Let's hope Fernandinho is fit. For the rest of the season, if we're in a situation where Silva/KDB/Bernardo are injured/rested, I'm going to be very frustrated if Guardiola continues to pick Gundogan over Foden in that creative "8" role.
That's crazy talk. Utd supporters of all people should know that a 7 point lead with 17 to play can easily be overhauled.
Need I mention an 8 point lead with 6 to play?
Interesting but I can see Pep being quite picky about details like that. Sane was maybe the best attacker in the league last season and now he can’t start a game. It’s only a matter of time though. Even Pep can’t be that stubborn. You are clearly a lot more effective with wingers providing width instead of cutting inside. Ironically, I thought that the biggest reason City was unstoppable last season was due to wingers staying wide.
Traditional wingers has been the winning formula for United for so many years. It worked for City last year. Strange to see a manager change the style of play that clearly was working.
I think the standard is different now. Lets say it stays at 7 points after Thursday. You'll have only dropped 8 in the first 21 games, so if things go pear shaped what would you drop another 15 for the season? So if you don't lose Thursday, at worst you are dropping approx 23 points for the season. Thats you finishing with 91 points. You are not finishing with less.
Now lets look at us at City. If its a draw, we are on 48 points from 21 games. To make over 91 points we need 43+ points from 17 games. Thats 15 wins, or 14 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses or 13 wins and 4 draws. If we don't win Thursday, we pretty much need to be perfect from now till the seasons end.
So basically draw on Thursday and you only need 12 wins from 17 games to get the job done or set us a pretty much impossible task. I really don't see you losing 5 games or dropping 15 points with that kind of momentum. Win Thursday and its over. Draw Thursday and its 95% likely you are getting the title. It would take an incredible meltdown to not win if you get through Thursday unbeaten.
I know you guys are playing things down (I did the same last year) but like Chelsea the season before, get the job done Thursday and you'll be coasting home.
You're right. It is much too early. The season isn't even half over. City have Fernandinho and KDB coming back of full fitness. Liverpool have avoided key injuries. How the season unfolds from a fitness/injury perspective will be a big factor for the league title winner.
Funnily enough they should've signed Fred and us Mahrez.
I am a staunch Liverpool fan but have suffered lot of heartaches, the Rafa rant and the Gerrard slip. I taunted my Chelsea friends about the Ghost of Garcia and his ghost goal on the eve of that match and had to be in a hiding for few months to endure the pain but that ride was surreal but it was like a dream. The team was imbalanced and we were on a 11 game winning streak to even match City.
This year, I am cautious as it ain't over till its over, Istanbul taught me that. I was one of those guys who switched off at half time thinking who can claw back a 3 goal deficit against that Great Milan side, it might be the greatest ever star studded Milan side I saw on a pitch.
We can never say it is over but I am more confident than 2014, that being said, we have been helped on the injuries front - none big for us and 2 of the best players of city on the table for them.
It also makes me wonder how this win if we win will be taken as? Will people say KdB and Silva were not fit along with Fernandinho, or else it would have been different case. I do not know.
But I am sure, Pep is a tactician like none but we have shown last year that pace and directness can cause them trouble. How will he nullify our forward line given the defensive issues would be great to see. Also, I foresee that they will double up on our full backs and we need back tracking and defensive work from the midfield 6's we deploy to support Robbo and Trent.
I see a high scoring game and may the best team win but the Red in me says LFC has to win or wish for it.
It will be the 1st title in my lifetime of support for LFC if we win it. I hope we nick this time, lot of pain and agony has been endured till now for fans like us.
There are few idiots of fans everywhere, that does not mean we are all bad. Friendly banter is fine and welcome I suppose.
This year, I am cautious as it ain't over till its over, Istanbul taught me that. I was one of those guys who switched off at half time thinking who can claw back a 3 goal deficit against that Great Milan side, it might be the greatest ever star studded Milan side I saw on a pitch.
We can never say it is over but I am more confident than 2014, that being said, we have been helped on the injuries front - none big for us and 2 of the best players of city on the table for them.
It also makes me wonder how this win if we win will be taken as? Will people say KdB and Silva were not fit along with Fernandinho, or else it would have been different case. I do not know.
But I am sure, Pep is a tactician like none but we have shown last year that pace and directness can cause them trouble. How will he nullify our forward line given the defensive issues would be great to see. Also, I foresee that they will double up on our full backs and we need back tracking and defensive work from the midfield 6's we deploy to support Robbo and Trent.
I see a high scoring game and may the best team win but the Red in me says LFC has to win or wish for it.
It will be the 1st title in my lifetime of support for LFC if we win it. I hope we nick this time, lot of pain and agony has been endured till now for fans like us.
There are few idiots of fans everywhere, that does not mean we are all bad. Friendly banter is fine and welcome I suppose.
Good call. January swap deal?
Totally agree! I like having proper wingers on the byline, and it obviously creates space for our creative central midfielders (Silva x 2, KBD) to work their magic. Playing inverted wingers with Mahrez just narrows everything and I think is easier for teams to defend against. We score so many goals with Sane/Sterling making overlapping runs, getting to the byline and crossing low for tap-ins in the 6 yard box.
They have Chelsea, Arsenal and Wolves within the next five games? All at the Erihad, which is key.
Like you have a choice. We are looking at overtaking those two.
I watched the City match with a mate and cheered when they scored. Them winning the title is annoying. Liverpool winning it is unacceptable. For Leeds to get promoted same season would be a horrible year.
Am I trapped in the 1970's?
Am I trapped in the 1970's?
No Derby County or Nottingham Forest playing at the top level, so not yet!
You will have to swallow the bitter pill where you say goodbye to CL football next season. Unless you're planning to trounce PSG.
Dark times call for dark wishes. Edit: actually it's win win for you isn't it? City win and you get closer to qualifying?
I love Forest. That guy should manage England.
Mental that of those 3 Wolves I'd say will be the toughest and that's next
Yeah City beating Arse and Chelsea is very helpful to us.
And a win-win overall, too, they get closer to the title (ahead of Pool) and get us closer to 4th.
Kompany is genuinely a liability at this point. He gets away with a dodgy lunge every time I see him play.
Receiving a shite pass from Stones might have had a lot to with his foul on this occasion. Of course, Kompany of today isn't a member of the best starting eleven at City, but he's mostly doing well under Guardiola whenever being selected. Even though he has a tackle like that every second game.
How did Sane not go to the World Cup. His speed is frightening and his decision making is getting better and better.
Thought his decision making was utterly shite vs you tbh, but he is rapid and a terror to any fullback, so should clearly have gone as an option. I much prefer City when they start both Sterling/Sane, the speed, width and directness they offer is extremely dangerous, Mahrez is a very talented player but they lose that when he starts imo.
Yeah, this also applies to the Germany NT. It only took a disaster of a world cup for Jogi to see reason. Even if he is wasteful and frustrating for 60-70 minutes like yesterday, he still can go on that one run or take that one shot to change a game.
Agree on both counts. Goal aside Sane wasn't great last night and yep Mahrez has effected the fluidity of the City attack when compared to it last season
7 goals today
Another 7 on Wednesday
Players back from injury
A couple new signings this month.
Come on now Pep, you have had your little laugh, time to get this title wrapped up!
Another 7 on Wednesday
Players back from injury
A couple new signings this month.
Come on now Pep, you have had your little laugh, time to get this title wrapped up!
Brahim Diaz sold to Real Madrid for £22 million. Not bad for someone they bought for £200k 3 years ago!
I wonder if Malaga will see any of that dosh (if they got a sell on clause when they sold him to City)?
I wonder if Malaga will see any of that dosh (if they got a sell on clause when they sold him to City)?
Now sold two of their most promising youngsters (Sancho and Diaz). All that money spent on the academy for what? To generate some revenue for a club with the richest PL owners?
You did almost answer your own question. The academy is serving two purposes: 1) developing players for City's first team; 2) generating revenue. Certainly true that it's been more successful with the latter than the former so far though.
We've made well in excess of 100m over the past couple of years with the sales of Iheanacho, Angelino, Maffeo, Unal, Denayer, Gunn, Ntcham, Sancho, Diaz, etc. That's not small change for FFP purposes. Sancho and Diaz are the exceptions in that list, because City wanted to keep both of them. The challenge was that both players' contracts were running down and they refused to sign new contracts. So our only option was to sell.
It's always going to be tough for a top club to provide a pathway to the first team, but clearly we need to do a better job. If I'd have been Diaz I'd have been annoyed too when City signed Mahrez, because that blocked his pathway. I don't think City did too much wrong with Sancho though, he was a 17 year old kid who wanted assurances on first team appearances, and went on strike when the club couldn't offer that. Fair play to him for what he's done at Dortmund though, it's proved to be a good move for him.
What's clear now is that City as a club is riled to a new level. Strained every sinew on Thursday to scrape to victory. For once there was even something resembling noise in that Pyrex bowl they call a stadium.
22 million on a guy that’s barely played. Only Madrid.