United (A) - League Cup SF | Post-Match Thread

[Homar]

Really happy with the overall performance of the team. Having said that, it is clear that the centre-back pair won us the game. I also thought that Fernandinho was exceptional. Conversely, I didn’t see anywhere near enough from Mahrez and Sterling in terms of offensive output.

The issues in attack still persist. But, ignoring those issues which have been consistent throughout the season, this was by far the best performance yet. It was much better than against Chelsea. We conceded only a couple half-chances and created far more goal scoring opportunities than United.

We should be able to take a lot of confidence from the last two games. If we can somehow get Sterling back to his best and a good run of fitness from Aguero then the title is there for the taking. That is remarkable given how awful we’ve been on the whole. We’ve got the best defence in the league right now. That was unthinkable just a short while ago.

 

[SWPISHOME]

Yes;

Haha brilliant!

 

[jimharri]

Most odd. People at work who were eager to talk football with me don't want to talk this morning. I can’t figure it out at all.

 

[bondsman]

It is simple, we were better than them, we kept the ball better, we defended better, in every department we were better and we had players missing. Its a wake up call to the the rag cunts that whatever they have done of late, they are not on our level.

This time last year defensively we looked shot, now we don't look like we will ever concede. The Stones and Dias partnership has an astonishing record, I think its 1 goal conceded in 9 games they have played together. I think we all thought Stones was finished at City, for him to turn it round speaks volumes about his character. Dias looks an amazing signing. To come from the Portuguese league to England and play with so much authority , calmness, commitment and skill makes him look an absolute bargain buy. To think we have Laporte and Ake as well and we now have superb defensive cover.

Shout out to Cancelo and Zincho as well, i thought both were superb last night, they defended well and used the ball well, always offering us an option.

In the midfield, we dominated them, that carthorse Mctominay was made to look like a carthorse who needs putting out to grass, he never got near Gundo or Ferna, how i wish we had a 23 year old Ferna, what a player that lad is.

Sterling and Mahrez worked there socks off, not the most productive night for them, but they never let the rag fuckers settle and both worked back which is something I don't really expect from Mahrez, but he put in a shift and if it wasn't for that amazing save he would have scored one of the great derby goals.

Phil and Kev scared them to death, they were so much better than there supposed rivals, Fernandes and the rag younger ones. Fernandes was anonymous, Pogba was shite, Rashford was never in it, their MOM was their keeper.

Young Zack looks a good un too, i was nervous about him playing, but had no need to be, he is quality and will be pushing Ederson big time.

The biggest difference of all though was we wanted it more, the togetherness of our players on a very emotional night for our club was a joy to behold. They loved it and did the King proud.

Great summary. Agree with every word. Dias impact on the other defenders is the most impressive thing for me. He’s added aggression and a desire to defend that has been lacking for sometime. You can see in him and stones that they are enjoying tackling. Not nicking the ball back but physically dominating opponents. Great to see.

 

[Sir peace frog]

There are a lot of professional defensive midfielders earning 100 grand a week who can't plot a run to effectively block our play, I think anyone who thinks the referees can do it deliberately are giving them far to much credit.

its one of the silly conspiracy theories we have on bluemoon

 

[blue cigar]

In years to come people will ask..
Where were you when big Jonny Stones cocked one in at the far post?

 

[Petetheblu]

Ruben Dias is on track to become the worlds best CB if he isn't already.

We FINALLY have a VK replacement that is more than worthy.

Dias and Stones are colossal together.

Laporte must be v worried.

Don't forget he's only 23....l

 

[herrock]

All of a sudden we have leaders all over the pitch! Dias Stones Dinho, Walker Kdb Gundogan and even Foden all shouting and organising.

 

[the blue panther]

In years to come people will ask..
Where were you when big Jonny Stones cocked one in at the far post?

For the fun of it, we should have had a lengthy VAR enquiry, with relevant lines drawn, revealing that his dick was offside
;-)

 

[fulabeer]

There are a lot of professional defensive midfielders earning 100 grand a week who can't plot a run to effectively block our play, I think anyone who thinks the referees can do it deliberately are giving them far to much credit.

No conspiracy from me. Just factual what happened in this game. Older refs sometime preempt play to allow themselves time to get into position. Even younger fitter refs do it as they pride themselves to be in good positions to make calls.
I would imagine they are praised for good positions in their post match assessment by their bosses.
However, a good ref knows to hang back abit. Most even know how a team play and adapt to be invisible.
At no point should a ref put his personal plans/needs ahead of the football being played.