Manchester United (A) - Pre Match Thread

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

Sorry, but Foden will not be able to cope physically against that scummy midfield, they would relentlessly target him, knowing he could lose possession easily with the slightest of nudges. By all means bring him on in the latter stages of the game, if we're winning comfortably, otherwise, just no from me.

Don’t agree. I think he’s shown he can more then cope physically. Besides his game isn’t about that anyway.

 

[SWP's back]

So that means a guaranteed win, right? Unfortunately not as it's a derby and form can go right out of the window.

Myth.

 

[Eaglechief]

Don’t agree. I think he’s shown he can more then cope physically. Besides his game isn’t about that anyway.

My only problem with Phil is that because he's so inexperienced at this level, we need to allow him to grow into the role expected of him over the next season.
Putting Phil in against Spuds was a brave move by Pep and it paid off, but this next game might be a step too far for Phil and the team, right now we need experienced players for such a high pressure game.

 

[northstandgiveusasong]

My only problem with Phil is that because he's so inexperienced at this level, we need to allow him to grow into the role expected of him over the next season.
Putting Phil in against Spuds was a brave move by Pep and it paid off, but this next game might be a step too far for Phil and the team, right now we need experienced players for such a high pressure game.

Can't win anything with kids. ;)

 

[Henkeman]

I really think people should be careful not to underestimate how motivated an opponent United will be. They're desperately fighting for that Europa League spot, they'll be up for this.

 

[M12Blue]

Yeah, they’ll even start comparing him to Marcus ;-)

Marcus Bent , you sure he’s that good

 

[kaz7]

For me Gundoğan has started to eclipse Fern, who is starting to creak a little. We also have no hope of physically competing with Pogba in the centre, he's like peak Yaya in that sense, so let's surround him with our fast passing midgets and do him that way.
Walker will have to stay cautious because of the threat posed by Martial on the left, so I'd include Mendy in this one.
Leroy will need to be up for this.

Ederson
Mendy
Laporte
Kompany
Walker
Gundoğan
D Silva
B Silva
Sterling
Aguero
Sané

Pogba like yaya? head meet wobble

 

[Charlesfarsbar]

Biggest derby since 2012

That game was the most nervous I’ve been watching a football match, I sense we are on for a repeat. Based on yesterday’s game I’m worried about the ball over the top into their quick forwards, we need a team to press hard so they can’t get their heads up for the long pass

On this basis I would play foden again , with Bernie out wide. I would also be tempted To play Jesus as neither of their centre backs are good on the ball , he can run himself into the ground for 60 mins then bring aguero on

Ederson

Walker stones Laporte mendy

Fernandinho

Gundogan foden

Bernardo Jesus Sterling

 

[dickie davies]

Whilst a great number of rags would happily chuck this game to help stop Liverpool winning the league, if Liverpool don't win today then that scenario goes out of the window as the rags can beat us and we'd still be top with it in our own hands

Personally I'm with the posters who say bring Mendy back for this for his pace and physical attributes and although he's been a bit out of form, I'd still have Dave in for this one along with Kompany for his leadership and Fern as he's always up for a battle

......................Ederson
Walker........Komps....Laporte.......Mendy
....Bernie...........Fern.......David
...Sterling...........Kun..............Sane

 

[paulchapo]

After yesterday's game I am a little more worried. They only really had Son up front with pace and they got him and Moura in on goal about four times with the long ball over the top. Obviously the rags will have watched that and Rashford and Martial will start and that will be their main tactic. Stones for me can't start. Yesterday he was awful. Nervous, sloppy, outpaced and outmuscled with no positional awareness. Vinny or Otta have to come in.

 

[Tb1981]

He'd play in a more advanced role though like David Silva, making runs into the box. I'd welcome those nudges. ;)

David Silva looks better with sane
Played well together for last year
Think he’s suffering from sane not playing much

 

[Luke The Blue]

I really don’t believe d silva warrants a start. :-(

Only threat Utd have is the pace of martial & Rashford get our defence right we will be fine.

Foden, mendy, sane should start for me.
We need pace & energy.

Leave sterling & d silva on the bench. Both look shattered and great subs to bring on.

All down to selection this game. Please pep no Jesus or Mahrez but I honestly see him playing one of them if not both.

I'm sorry but I wouldn't leave Sterling out of our most important game of the season now....

 

[FantasyIreland]

We won't beat then easily at all.

It will be as tough a game as they come,they will be well up for it as they will be desperate to secure 4th spot.

 

[Andouble]

Stomach already in knots thinking about this game.

 

[MillisleBlue]

Are they still able to rely on at least 1 penalty and at least 1 opposition player being sent off in big games? Always remember Wenger flagging that up.

 

[Blu1]

I'm sorry but I wouldn't leave Sterling out of our most important game of the season now....

I just wouldn’t start him. He looks exhausted and what a threat to bring him on in the second half for 25 mins.

 

[Blu1]

I can understand no Mahrez, but why no Jesus?

I don’t dis like Jesus but he’s just not good enough. He’s constantly off side or working that hard outside the box we have nobody in the middle. I would rather have sterling central than Jesus.

I can actually see Jesus starting as aguero looks like he’s still not 100% fit.

I have a feeling pep is going to select a strange side for this due to recent games & have a very strong bench.

Que a Jesus 94 min winner! Hope so.

 

[kaz7]

I don’t dis like Jesus but he’s just not good enough. He’s constantly off side or working that hard outside the box we have nobody in the middle. I would rather have sterling central than Jesus.

I can actually see Jesus starting as aguero looks like he’s still not 100% fit.

I have a feeling pep is going to select a strange side for this due to recent games & have a very strong bench.

Que a Jesus 94 min winner! Hope so.

Sergio has to start,they aren't afraid of gabby and he is nowhere near the goal threat

 

[chestervegasblue]

I don’t dis like Jesus but he’s just not good enough. He’s constantly off side or working that hard outside the box we have nobody in the middle. I would rather have sterling central than Jesus.

I can actually see Jesus starting as aguero looks like he’s still not 100% fit.

I have a feeling pep is going to select a strange side for this due to recent games & have a very strong bench.

Que a Jesus 94 min winner! Hope so.

I’d personally rather not have to wait until the 94th minute for the winner.

 

[Fordyboy46]

We have to keep playing Sergio no matter what, Jesus doesn't cut it for me whenever he starts a game. Sergio is probably totally knackered but there isn't another alternative, he just has to keep going. Phil for Merlin is another strong possibility as well, how much would he be up for this one, a lot more than Merlin?.