FA Cup Games | 5th Round | 28th Feb-3rd Mar '25

As a brief comment on last night's MU - Fulham match, had Fulham lost it would practically be a repeat of the mid August match, match day 1 of the current season. Had watched parts of that match, with Fulham arriving numerous times in United's box, only to fuck up in the final action. United stayed alive and found the winning goal on 87' (Zirkzee), Fulham could have taken all 3 points, ended up with nothing. Having watched parts of the Cup match last night, the impression was the same. It shouldn't have gone to penalties (always a lottery), and Fulham have only themselves to blame...

A Fulham supporter might argue that their wing play is relatively limited, for example. I agree -and the argument stands even with Adama on the pitch. But that is M. Silva's choice, for one, plus they do get wing play from their fullbacks. Most importantly, they can be strong in central areas (throughout the vertical line connecting the GK to their SC), which in turn provides a solid foundation for balance. M. Silva is obviously nowhere near Guardiola's level who has beaten all kinds of significant limitations in terms of personnel, nature included, for 4 consecutive seasons (the only thing, I repeat, the only thing the current season proves is that he cannot beat nature for a 5th year in a row, that's it -which apparently is hardly his fault). However, and given the amount of time he's been working there, the players at his disposal, his tactical choices (which affect decisions in terms of team architecture, lineups etc), and so on, there is much room for improvement...

Fulham could realistically have better control, better chemistry, more responsibilty and less errors in the circulation of the ball. And they definitely need decisive attacking patterns which will make them less conventional, less predictable, more competitive in the final third. Last night they almost had 60% possession, 88% pass completion (United's, of course, was garbage: 77%), yet their attacking activity led to 20-12 total shots (9-5 on target). From all their players operating in midfield and attack, only S. Rowe (in as a sub) and Lukic had more than one (2), Jimenez, for example, had none (all stats from whoscored.com). You compare those stats with the ones of the aforementioned match in August, yes, there is indeed progress, still I wouldn't be satisfied if I was M. Silva. Bottom line is you need to improve the quality of your game, that's what's all about, which in turn will improve your team in terms of personality, in terms of belief. Stuff that wins you games...

PS. It was expected that Amorim would sort of copy the approach that brought him success at Sporting (actually changing the history of Portuguese football). Another interesting case study in front of us regarding the factors influencing a team's strategy. Ask yourselves, what would be the rational process determining decisions such as formation, tactics, way of playing (with / without the ball) etc. Studying the existing material first (environment, players etc) or following prefixed ideas to which you feel familiar with? How has Amorim operated so far? The problems he's facing are there for everybody to see. Huge, no other way to describe them. Also extremely complicated. United haven't even improved in terms of defensive stability yet. Plus their young manager sets the bar too high, too soon. I'm sure it's what his employers want. But I'm not so sure about their patience (or how his players feel)...

PS2. Having watched the highlights from their homes, I wonder if people like Bruno, Dalot and Casemiro realise how ridiculous they appear to the public, following their penalties. I will never understand such behaviour, especially from experienced professional players. Those antics, what's the fucking point? Did they really believe they could actually have an influence to a team that stayed alive for 120' at OT (and should have already won if more determined)? Seriously? I do not remember a single Fulham player being provocative after his penalty. Every single one of them remained humble and went to encourage their GK, that's it. And in terms of composure, they were all excellent (by the way, with United shooting first, plus being successful in the first three, the pressure was on Fulham players, constantly chasing the scoreline): Raul and Willian were really comfortable, but Berge and Robinson were highly impressive! The only thing those antics reveal (and I'm being very serious), is the insecurity within the United squad: You are playing for the FA Cup, vs Fulham, at home. It's your last opportunity to somehow save a shitty season with domestic silverware. Naturally, it is you who are nervous -and a lot of posters have already pointed to the selection of the 5 penalty takers, speculating on people who perhaps avoided the procedure. It is you who are insecure, not the other way around. That attitude is simply ridiculous, not to mention embarrassing following the final outcome -but I guess some people will never learn...
 
Nelinho said:
As a brief comment on last night's MU - Fulham match, had Fulham lost it would practically be a repeat of the mid August match, match day 1 of the current season. Had watched parts of that match, with Fulham arriving numerous times in United's box, only to fuck up in the final action. United stayed alive and found the winning goal on 87' (Zirkzee), Fulham could have taken all 3 points, ended up with nothing. Having watched parts of the Cup match last night, the impression was the same. It shouldn't have gone to penalties (always a lottery), and Fulham have only themselves to blame...

A Fulham supporter might argue that their wing play is relatively limited, for example. I agree -and the argument stands even with Adama on the pitch. But that is M. Silva's choice, for one, plus they do get wing play from their fullbacks. Most importantly, they can be strong in central areas (throughout the vertical line connecting the GK to their SC), which in turn provides a solid foundation for balance. M. Silva is obviously nowhere near Guardiola's level who has beaten all kinds of significant limitations in terms of personnel, nature included, for 4 consecutive seasons (the only thing, I repeat, the only thing the current season proves is that he cannot beat nature for a 5th year in a row, that's it -which apparently is hardly his fault). However, and given the amount of time he's been working there, the players at his disposal, his tactical choices (which affect decisions in terms of team architecture, lineups etc), and so on, there is much room for improvement...

Fulham could realistically have better control, better chemistry, more responsibilty and less errors in the circulation of the ball. And they definitely need decisive attacking patterns which will make them less conventional, less predictable, more competitive in the final third. Last night they almost had 60% possession, 88% pass completion (United's, of course, was garbage: 77%), yet their attacking activity led to 20-12 total shots (9-5 on target). From all their players operating in midfield and attack, only S. Rowe (in as a sub) and Lukic had more than one (2), Jimenez, for example, had none (all stats from whoscored.com). You compare those stats with the ones of the aforementioned match in August, yes, there is indeed progress, still I wouldn't be satisfied if I was M. Silva. Bottom line is you need to improve the quality of your game, that's what's all about, which in turn will improve your team in terms of personality, in terms of belief. Stuff that wins you games...

PS. It was expected that Amorim would sort of copy the approach that brought him success at Sporting (actually changing the history of Portuguese football). Another interesting case study in front of us regarding the factors influencing a team's strategy. Ask yourselves, what would be the rational process determining decisions such as formation, tactics, way of playing (with / without the ball) etc. Studying the existing material first (environment, players etc) or following prefixed ideas to which you feel familiar with? How has Amorim operated so far? The problems he's facing are there for everybody to see. Huge, no other way to describe them. Also extremely complicated. United haven't even improved in terms of defensive stability yet. Plus their young manager sets the bar too high, too soon. I'm sure it's what his employers want. But I'm not so sure about their patience (or how his players feel)...

PS2. Having watched the highlights from their homes, I wonder if people like Bruno, Dalot and Casemiro realise how ridiculous they appear to the public, following their penalties. I will never understand such behaviour, especially from experienced professional players. Those antics, what's the fucking point? Did they really believe they could actually have an influence to a team that stayed alive for 120' at OT (and should have already won if more determined)? Seriously? I do not remember a single Fulham player being provocative after his penalty. Every single one of them remained humble and went to encourage their GK, that's it. And in terms of composure, they were all excellent (by the way, with United shooting first, plus being successful in the first three, the pressure was on Fulham players, constantly chasing the scoreline): Raul and Willian were really comfortable, but Berge and Robinson were highly impressive! The only thing those antics reveal (and I'm being very serious), is the insecurity within the United squad: You are playing for the FA Cup, vs Fulham, at home. It's your last opportunity to somehow save a shitty season with domestic silverware. Naturally, it is you who are nervous -and a lot of posters have already pointed to the selection of the 5 penalty takers, speculating on people who perhaps avoided the procedure. It is you who are insecure, not the other way around. That attitude is simply ridiculous, not to mention embarrassing following the final outcome -but I guess some people will never learn...
Click to expand...
I note you open with “As a brief comment” before continuing for 5 significant paragraphs.

I haven’t read it all, but I salute your industry pal.
 
It's rare I agree with American ideas on the game but I prefer their old system of resolving drawn games to penalty shoot-outs.
Attacker starts with the ball 35 yards out and has five or six seconds to score against a keeper who starts on his line. Far more skill involved than penalties.
I think the Americans used this method for all draws, but sane and sensible nations would only use it for drawn cup games.
 
East Level 2 said:
It's rare I agree with American ideas on the game but I prefer their old system of resolving drawn games to penalty shoot-outs.
Attacker starts with the ball 35 yards out and has five or six seconds to score against a keeper who starts on his line. Far more skill involved than penalties.
I think the Americans used this method for all draws, but sane and sensible nations would only use it for drawn cup games.
Click to expand...

The modern game is all about stats, So like in boxing after 12rounds let's go to the cards
 
Nelinho said:
As a brief comment on last night's MU - Fulham match, had Fulham lost it would practically be a repeat of the mid August match, match day 1 of the current season. Had watched parts of that match, with Fulham arriving numerous times in United's box, only to fuck up in the final action. United stayed alive and found the winning goal on 87' (Zirkzee), Fulham could have taken all 3 points, ended up with nothing. Having watched parts of the Cup match last night, the impression was the same. It shouldn't have gone to penalties (always a lottery), and Fulham have only themselves to blame...

A Fulham supporter might argue that their wing play is relatively limited, for example. I agree -and the argument stands even with Adama on the pitch. But that is M. Silva's choice, for one, plus they do get wing play from their fullbacks. Most importantly, they can be strong in central areas (throughout the vertical line connecting the GK to their SC), which in turn provides a solid foundation for balance. M. Silva is obviously nowhere near Guardiola's level who has beaten all kinds of significant limitations in terms of personnel, nature included, for 4 consecutive seasons (the only thing, I repeat, the only thing the current season proves is that he cannot beat nature for a 5th year in a row, that's it -which apparently is hardly his fault). However, and given the amount of time he's been working there, the players at his disposal, his tactical choices (which affect decisions in terms of team architecture, lineups etc), and so on, there is much room for improvement...

Fulham could realistically have better control, better chemistry, more responsibilty and less errors in the circulation of the ball. And they definitely need decisive attacking patterns which will make them less conventional, less predictable, more competitive in the final third. Last night they almost had 60% possession, 88% pass completion (United's, of course, was garbage: 77%), yet their attacking activity led to 20-12 total shots (9-5 on target). From all their players operating in midfield and attack, only S. Rowe (in as a sub) and Lukic had more than one (2), Jimenez, for example, had none (all stats from whoscored.com). You compare those stats with the ones of the aforementioned match in August, yes, there is indeed progress, still I wouldn't be satisfied if I was M. Silva. Bottom line is you need to improve the quality of your game, that's what's all about, which in turn will improve your team in terms of personality, in terms of belief. Stuff that wins you games...

PS. It was expected that Amorim would sort of copy the approach that brought him success at Sporting (actually changing the history of Portuguese football). Another interesting case study in front of us regarding the factors influencing a team's strategy. Ask yourselves, what would be the rational process determining decisions such as formation, tactics, way of playing (with / without the ball) etc. Studying the existing material first (environment, players etc) or following prefixed ideas to which you feel familiar with? How has Amorim operated so far? The problems he's facing are there for everybody to see. Huge, no other way to describe them. Also extremely complicated. United haven't even improved in terms of defensive stability yet. Plus their young manager sets the bar too high, too soon. I'm sure it's what his employers want. But I'm not so sure about their patience (or how his players feel)...

PS2. Having watched the highlights from their homes, I wonder if people like Bruno, Dalot and Casemiro realise how ridiculous they appear to the public, following their penalties. I will never understand such behaviour, especially from experienced professional players. Those antics, what's the fucking point? Did they really believe they could actually have an influence to a team that stayed alive for 120' at OT (and should have already won if more determined)? Seriously? I do not remember a single Fulham player being provocative after his penalty. Every single one of them remained humble and went to encourage their GK, that's it. And in terms of composure, they were all excellent (by the way, with United shooting first, plus being successful in the first three, the pressure was on Fulham players, constantly chasing the scoreline): Raul and Willian were really comfortable, but Berge and Robinson were highly impressive! The only thing those antics reveal (and I'm being very serious), is the insecurity within the United squad: You are playing for the FA Cup, vs Fulham, at home. It's your last opportunity to somehow save a shitty season with domestic silverware. Naturally, it is you who are nervous -and a lot of posters have already pointed to the selection of the 5 penalty takers, speculating on people who perhaps avoided the procedure. It is you who are insecure, not the other way around. That attitude is simply ridiculous, not to mention embarrassing following the final outcome -but I guess some people will never learn...
Click to expand...
Nicolas-Cage-Laugh.gif
 
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