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The 2021-2022 Football Thread
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It was Kinnear, though Googling him I see now that he was diagnosed with dementia in 2015, which makes the whole thing far less funny. He was probably suffering from the early stages when he took the job at Newcastle.
I think the major issues facing any manager that goes to Man U is that they'll have an overpaid, over-indulged superstar that they MUST pander to and then a squad of decent individuals that simply seem incapable of playing as a team.
And they'll also have Maguire, who continues to steal a living as a footballer.
Then, of course is the expectation from Man U "fans" around the world that believe they should be atop the league and the CL simultaneously because they're the greatest club to have ever existed. Which is partly why I can't stand Man U.
And they'll also have Maguire, who continues to steal a living as a footballer.
Then, of course is the expectation from Man U "fans" around the world that believe they should be atop the league and the CL simultaneously because they're the greatest club to have ever existed. Which is partly why I can't stand Man U.
In addition to Jonathan Wilson's excellent piece (in the Guardian, cited by @Lord Blackadder above), another piece in the Guardian worth perusing (on the topic of Manchester United) is that by Jonathan Liew on Saturday (October 23). Well worth a read.
I was honestly amazed Man U had Ronaldo back. I know its a good story and it made everyone feel good but a club of United standing and wealth should be signing the next Ronaldo not the near 40 year old one.
It was a dreadful piece of business and seemed to be driven by getting one over on City.
Not wanting to defend Ronaldo, but the problems with Utd were there before he signed. They need to build a team. Not a squad of talent that don’t want to play together. KDB would be a good example of a very skilled footballer who is a great team player. Name one in the Utd squad?
No you’re right Robaldo isn’t the issue but his singing is a symptom.
Maguire has looked good on international duty recently, as has Pogba and Fernandes. Good players don’t turn into terrible players overnight. But a lack of coaching can make it appear that way.
Ronaldo was always a fairly short term solution. United were thin up top with Greenwood being still a bit too young to rely on exclusively, Cavani missed a lot of time last season, and Martial is just useless nowadays. United weren't going to pay through the roof for Kane, and Haaland isn't for sale quite yet, so Ronaldo for a couple of years made sense on paper. Next summer Cavani will move on and we'll see what happens in the Haaland sweepstakes.
I think the real problem is Ole put his trust in Mike Phelan. It's no coincidence that United played the worst football of Fergie's reign when Phelan was the top assistant. Wish they could just sack him.
Now it looks like Ole isn't going anywhere, as the available options to replace him aren't looking so appealing to the board. It makes sense to try for the better long term fits in the summer, such as Ten Hag or Poch, but how much damage will be done in the meantime?
I think the real problem is Ole put his trust in Mike Phelan. It's no coincidence that United played the worst football of Fergie's reign when Phelan was the top assistant. Wish they could just sack him.
Now it looks like Ole isn't going anywhere, as the available options to replace him aren't looking so appealing to the board. It makes sense to try for the better long term fits in the summer, such as Ten Hag or Poch, but how much damage will be done in the meantime?
[Hypothetically] Under Ferguson the Ronaldo purchase might have worked out - Ferg would use him as he saw fit and neither the player, nor the club, or the fans, would question him. Ronnie would be getting a goal per game as a super sub, showing off his abs to the crowd, and it would be hailed as a shrewd and popular move.
This summer could be a real seller's market for strikers, meaning Man Utd will have to pay a truly gigantic fee (even by 2022 standards) to land a top name.
It does look like Ole might hang around, and I agree there is a certain logic there - but only if a quality replacement is found in the summer. And even so, as you say, things could have become incredibly toxic at the club by then.
Agreed that the problems with Manchester United were there before Ronaldo signed, but, building the team around him is not the solution to any of those problems.
@Apple fanboy: There is a good piece about Moyes and West Ham by Jonathan Liew in today's edition of the Guardian; I think it is well worth reading.
If it’s 20 words or less I might squeeze it in before bed. Bad day.
Well, it'll wait until tomorrow, doubtless, but I think that you will enjoy it when you finally do manage to find the time and get around to reading it.
Commiserations on the bad day.
Still at my desk. 10:40 pm. Another hour or two yet. Reports to write, purchasing to do, my days emails to answer. It’s like being a Derby town supporter. You win a game and you still have no points. Mate of mine is and he’s not happy about the situation at all.
So...EFL Cup round of 16 played out today with some interesting and (I am biased) disappointing results.
Saints played up to their ability to draw with anyone and beat noone as they lost on penalties against Chelsea. So good to see our second string squad looking so comfortable against a far superior opponent. Shame we weren't able to capitalise on the excellent build-up play and solid defence, but as usual, just couldn't get the ball in the net often enough.
Good win for The Arse against a decent Leeds side. Looks like they may have turned a corner.
And great to see Sunderland doing good things on the pitch - although next round is likely to be tough.
Saints played up to their ability to draw with anyone and beat noone as they lost on penalties against Chelsea. So good to see our second string squad looking so comfortable against a far superior opponent. Shame we weren't able to capitalise on the excellent build-up play and solid defence, but as usual, just couldn't get the ball in the net often enough.
Good win for The Arse against a decent Leeds side. Looks like they may have turned a corner.
And great to see Sunderland doing good things on the pitch - although next round is likely to be tough.
Rumors swirling that the dressing room has turned on OGS after the 'failure' of 'clear the air' talks with the squad.
Interesting to note that the media are portraying the upcoming games as tough make or break fixtures for OGS - mostly true, but why are Spurs seen as 'tough'? They have an inferior squad to Man Utd, are in equally bad form, and could be just what the doctor ordered for Ole in terms of getting a positive result quickly (even if it has little effect on the overall situation). Atalanta and Man City - especially the latter - are a different kettle of fish of course.
Interesting to note that the media are portraying the upcoming games as tough make or break fixtures for OGS - mostly true, but why are Spurs seen as 'tough'? They have an inferior squad to Man Utd, are in equally bad form, and could be just what the doctor ordered for Ole in terms of getting a positive result quickly (even if it has little effect on the overall situation). Atalanta and Man City - especially the latter - are a different kettle of fish of course.
So a good cup night for the Hammers. Beat Man City on pens. Probably get Liverpool next!
Thank you kindly. That’s the second Manchester club we’ve beaten in this competition this year.
I hope not. Not on your current form! Moyes would certainly love to beat 'Pool.
Liverpool are through after Liverpool B beat Preston B. Preston made a tough fight of it and probably should have scored at least one or two, but Liverpool's fringe players like Ox, Minamino, and Origi had enough of an edge to see the side through.
I'm a little concerned over Liverpool's defending at times, that could prove an issue in the knockout competitions. But at the moment the first XI's attack is so dangerous the moderate defensive shortcomings are flying under the radar a bit. Virgil is not back to 100%, though he is still in good form.