Mancini's selection and tactics

[gio's side step]

We need to beat Fulham because arsenal and chelsea play each other (as do Utd and Spurs) and so when big clubs take points off each other its vital we beat the likes of Fulham

Yes, I see what you're saying. For me though, United will walk past Spurs and Arsenal will beat Chelsea. I would hate to see those two teams opening up any sort of a significant gap against us.

It's also vital we win because we are the champions and champions react after a defeat. Utd have shown that over the years. We need to make a statement.

 

[DenisLawBackHeel74]

5 games in, give it time.

We are getting into our stride.

Well, I must say it's a poor imitation of a team getting into their stride. I got the impression from last night that Mancini had accosted some of the passengers from the 6.45 from Euston and asked them if they wanted a game, so obvious was the lack of familiarity between some of the players.

Thats an interesting point and reminds me of AJ's comments to the press last season. He said if you were not in Mancini's first 11, then you were dead to him..

I do wonder how true that is when we see a second string made up of very good players that would probably walk into 50% of PL sides, play like strangers...

 

[Anonymous]

It's also vital we win because we are the champions and champions react after a defeat. Utd have shown that over the years. We need to make a statement.

The reaction I expected was on Sunday against Arsenal after losing to Madrid but we didn't get one. In fact we looked like we had a hangover from Madrid. Same again last night with totally different players. Craven Cottage is a fucking tough place to go. I'm not confident if I'm honest because I'm beginning to worry that Mancini is second guessing himself too much in his own team selections.

 

[Pam]

A clean sheet from somewhere would be nice.

 

[Marvin]

We need to beat Fulham because arsenal and chelsea play each other (as do Utd and Spurs) and so when big clubs take points off each other its vital we beat the likes of Fulham

Yes, I see what you're saying. For me though, United will walk past Spurs and Arsenal will beat Chelsea. I would hate to see those two teams opening up any sort of a significant gap against us.

It's also vital we win because we are the champions and champions react after a defeat. Utd have shown that over the years. We need to make a statement.

Utd have been playing even worse than us, but Spurs are in mess too. I can't see Spurs getting anything at Utd. Arsenal and CFC could be a draw as I don't think either has a good forward line.

By November it should be turning into a City v Utd title race again, but we need to be careful that the wheels don't fall off in the next three games so I'd be a little more cautious and solid than usual at Fulham. Avoid defeat there, win our home games and the dip becomes a blip

 

[Soulboy]

Yes, I see what you're saying. For me though, United will walk past Spurs and Arsenal will beat Chelsea. I would hate to see those two teams opening up any sort of a significant gap against us.

It's also vital we win because we are the champions and champions react after a defeat. Utd have shown that over the years. We need to make a statement.

Utd have been playing even worse than us, but Spurs are in mess too. I can't see Spurs getting anything at Utd. Arsenal and CFC could be a draw as I don't think either has a good forward line.

By November it should be turning into a City v Utd title race again, but we need to be careful that the wheels don't fall off in the next three games so I'd be a little more cautious and solid than usual at Fulham. Avoid defeat there, win our home games and the dip becomes a blip

The problem with being "happy" with a draw at Fulham is that we could then be looking at a 6-8 point gap to the top of the table.

Okay, still 32 games to go, but we're then under pressure and the top team has to lose two more games than us for us to catch them.

It just puts unnecssary pressure on us, so it is vital that we go for the victory. Psychologically it would lift the club in readiness for the Dortmund game, but if not, then the knives will be out in the media for Mancini.

Why take the risk? Just go out to win on Saurday. Most important game of the season so far.

 

[jollylescott]

It's also vital we win because we are the champions and champions react after a defeat. Utd have shown that over the years. We need to make a statement.

The reaction I expected was on Sunday against Arsenal after losing to Madrid but we didn't get one. In fact we looked like we had a hangover from Madrid. Same again last night with totally different players. Craven Cottage is a fucking tough place to go. I'm not confident if I'm honest because I'm beginning to worry that Mancini is second guessing himself too much in his own team selections.

I agree we need to go back to the basics. Pressing high up the pitch, keeping the ball with a nice short passing game, keep it nice and tight. The best eleven needs to run out this week. Come on David it's time for merlin to return.

Speaking of hangovers I reckon Madrid have had the same problem in la liga after winning the title last year.

 

[Marvin]

It's also vital we win because we are the champions and champions react after a defeat. Utd have shown that over the years. We need to make a statement.

Utd have been playing even worse than us, but Spurs are in mess too. I can't see Spurs getting anything at Utd. Arsenal and CFC could be a draw as I don't think either has a good forward line.

By November it should be turning into a City v Utd title race again, but we need to be careful that the wheels don't fall off in the next three games so I'd be a little more cautious and solid than usual at Fulham. Avoid defeat there, win our home games and the dip becomes a blip

The problem with being "happy" with a draw at Fulham is that we could then be looking at a 6-8 point gap to the top of the table.

Okay, still 32 games to go, but we're then under pressure and the top team has to lose two more games than us for us to catch them.

It just puts unnecssary pressure on us, so it is vital that we go for the victory. Psychologically it would lift the club in readiness for the Dortmund game, but if not, then the knives will be out in the media for Mancini.

Why take the risk? Just go out to win on Saurday. Most important game of the season so far.

The risk is not not winning, but losing. 6 point deficit in October is not important if we regain our composure and that should be what we aim to do in the next 10 days

Of course we set up to beat Fulham, but maybe we don't throw our fullbacks forward at every opportunity and we play with some defensive cover which looks like Garcia

 

[crystal_mais]

I'd like to also add a lack of leadership on the field. Vinnie looks to be carrying a weight on his shoulders

From what I gather De Jong was a massive personality in the dressing room and one of the lads. All seemed to look upto him. Do we have another character like him???

 

[Prestwich_Blue]

My worry with the managers like Mancini who seem to espouse the "my way or the highway" philosophy, is that when you need your players to dig in, go the extra mile and feel like they're doing it for you, then they don't bother.

Malcolm Allison knew that you had to apply a different approach to each player to get the best out of him. Even baconface knows this, although everry player knows there's a line you don't cross.