United Thread 2014/15

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MaineRoadmcfc said:
Considering Liverpool almost won the title last season I see no reason why United who have a much stronger squad than them cant challenge.
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Although I wouldn't argue with the general sentiment of that remark, its only half the picture. There was also a context to Liverpool last season which is hardly likely to be repeated.

Leaving City and Chelsea out of it, lets take Liverpool first. They have lost Suarez and are obviously much weaker for it, but have added some players and are nowhere near as bad as they were the season before last. So United might 'do a Liverpool', but Liverpool are unlikely to 'do a United' and be bad enough to drop to seventh, even with CL distractions. That means its harder for United this season even if there was nothing else.

Arsenal last season added Ozil at the last minute and then had lots of injuries. This season they added earlier and, although they still haven't addressed defensive mid, they are better than they were.

Spurs can't possibly be as bad as last season. They are likely to be better. Possibly much better.

Everton are about the same as they were, but the manager has a full year's experience at the club now.

Southampton were strong much of last season, and, surprisingly, look like they may be as strong or stronger again. Newcastle were good for a lengthy spell from the start of last season and although it looks like they are imploding Swansea seem to have kicked on and are going to be no pushover.

So all in all the league in general is going to be harder this season than last for a team looking to rise from outside the Euro places into the top spots.

I can see United fighting for fourth, but I wouldn't bet on them getting it.
 
Aside from the obvious, and understandable, hatred in here, I just wanted to ask a genuine question.

How many people think United will actually follow the path of Liverpool a few years back and regress / stagnate for a period?

I know it's something you'd all like to see, but I'm asking if you genuine believe it?

They've signed the likes of Di Maria & Falcao this window - two established world class players whichever way you look at it. Herrera & Blind are decent players, albeit not worldbeaters by any stretch, and Luke Shaw who could well be England's LB for the next decade.

They have, however, failed to address a glaring inadequancy at the back, particularly in the centre, and that may well be what could hold them back.

In my personal opinion, the title is not a realistic aim this season, and top 4 is about as good as it can get. But i dont think I share the same opinion as a few of those in here who believe last season's 7th placed finish is the start of a long, slow decline.

Of course it's imperative they get CL football again next season - something which I think they'll achieve in place of Liverpool, and if that happens, I can only see them challenging yourselves and Chelsea for the forseeable again. I also think that next summer may well see a few more big names go to United which will obviously strengthen them further, possibly a couple of centre backs and another central midfielder. Ronaldo even?

I'm not expecting you to go all soft here BTW - I fully appreciate the immense hatred you hold for them and I dont deny you that view in the slightest - but I'm interested to hear what you genuinely believe and why.

I dont for one second believe they will be in any financial trouble whatsoever - something of which I have seen a few references to in this thread more than once.
 
sjk2008 said:
Aside from the obvious, and understandable, hatred in here, I just wanted to ask a genuine question.

How many people think United will actually follow the path of Liverpool a few years back and regress / stagnate for a period?

I know it's something you'd all like to see, but I'm asking if you genuine believe it?

They've signed the likes of Di Maria & Falcao this window - two established world class players whichever way you look at it. Herrera & Blind are decent players, albeit not worldbeaters by any stretch, and Luke Shaw who could well be England's LB for the next decade.

They have, however, failed to address a glaring inadequancy at the back, particularly in the centre, and that may well be what could hold them back.

In my personal opinion, the title is not a realistic aim this season, and top 4 is about as good as it can get. But i dont think I share the same opinion as a few of those in here who believe last season's 7th placed finish is the start of a long, slow decline.

Of course it's imperative they get CL football again next season - something which I think they'll achieve in place of Liverpool, and if that happens, I can only see them challenging yourselves and Chelsea for the forseeable again. I also think that next summer may well see a few more big names go to United which will obviously strengthen them further, possibly a couple of centre backs and another central midfielder. Ronaldo even?

I'm not expecting you to go all soft here BTW - I fully appreciate the immense hatred you hold for them and I dont deny you that view in the slightest - but I'm interested to hear what you genuinely believe and why.

I dont for one second believe they will be in any financial trouble whatsoever - something of which I have seen a few references to in this thread more than once.
Click to expand...
They won't be allowed to go the way of Liverpool. That will never happen.
 
malg said:
sjk2008 said:
Aside from the obvious, and understandable, hatred in here, I just wanted to ask a genuine question.

How many people think United will actually follow the path of Liverpool a few years back and regress / stagnate for a period?

I know it's something you'd all like to see, but I'm asking if you genuine believe it?

They've signed the likes of Di Maria & Falcao this window - two established world class players whichever way you look at it. Herrera & Blind are decent players, albeit not worldbeaters by any stretch, and Luke Shaw who could well be England's LB for the next decade.

They have, however, failed to address a glaring inadequancy at the back, particularly in the centre, and that may well be what could hold them back.

In my personal opinion, the title is not a realistic aim this season, and top 4 is about as good as it can get. But i dont think I share the same opinion as a few of those in here who believe last season's 7th placed finish is the start of a long, slow decline.

Of course it's imperative they get CL football again next season - something which I think they'll achieve in place of Liverpool, and if that happens, I can only see them challenging yourselves and Chelsea for the forseeable again. I also think that next summer may well see a few more big names go to United which will obviously strengthen them further, possibly a couple of centre backs and another central midfielder. Ronaldo even?

I'm not expecting you to go all soft here BTW - I fully appreciate the immense hatred you hold for them and I dont deny you that view in the slightest - but I'm interested to hear what you genuinely believe and why.

I dont for one second believe they will be in any financial trouble whatsoever - something of which I have seen a few references to in this thread more than once.
Click to expand...
They won't be allowed to go the way of Liverpool. That will never happen.
Click to expand...

What do you mean (I hope you aren't referring to an Agenda)?
 
sjk2008 said:
Aside from the obvious, and understandable, hatred in here, I just wanted to ask a genuine question.

How many people think United will actually follow the path of Liverpool a few years back and regress / stagnate for a period?

I know it's something you'd all like to see, but I'm asking if you genuine believe it?

They've signed the likes of Di Maria & Falcao this window - two established world class players whichever way you look at it. Herrera & Blind are decent players, albeit not worldbeaters by any stretch, and Luke Shaw who could well be England's LB for the next decade.

They have, however, failed to address a glaring inadequancy at the back, particularly in the centre, and that may well be what could hold them back.

In my personal opinion, the title is not a realistic aim this season, and top 4 is about as good as it can get. But i dont think I share the same opinion as a few of those in here who believe last season's 7th placed finish is the start of a long, slow decline.

Of course it's imperative they get CL football again next season - something which I think they'll achieve in place of Liverpool, and if that happens, I can only see them challenging yourselves and Chelsea for the forseeable again. I also think that next summer may well see a few more big names go to United which will obviously strengthen them further, possibly a couple of centre backs and another central midfielder. Ronaldo even?

I'm not expecting you to go all soft here BTW - I fully appreciate the immense hatred you hold for them and I dont deny you that view in the slightest - but I'm interested to hear what you genuinely believe and why.

I dont for one second believe they will be in any financial trouble whatsoever - something of which I have seen a few references to in this thread more than once.
Click to expand...

I think the best they can finish this season is third, if Arsenal screw up badly. I predicted that they will finish 4th, pipping Liverpool to it, who I think the last CL spot will be between. I can't see Spurs or Everton finishing there.

As for what they'll do long term, I still think they'll win stuff and challenge for the title, but I feel they won't be as dominant as they were under Ferguson, and had the likes of Giggs, Scholes, etc. They've lost that core of stability which made them so dominant, and they're now in the same boat as everybody else. While Chelsea chopped and changed managers, Arsenal lost key players without replacing them, and we were just emerging, they had a core of stability, which was a massive advantage. You have to hand it to Ferguson. They still kept rolling on, getting victories, even in games where they played poorly. Even after losing Ronaldo, and not replacing him, they were still winning titles. Now however, I can't see them being as consistent as they were under Ferguson. From 2007-2009, they won the title 3 years on the spin, and in that period reached the CL Final 3 times in 4 years, winning it once. I don't feel its going to be as straightforward as that now. They're going to chop and change managers, like Chelsea and City. Some will be flops, like Moyes, others will be more successful, but may have relatively short stays. There will probably be bigger player turnover too.

I enjoyed watching their struggles last season, but I'm realistic, and expect that to be of an exception then a norm.
 
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