European: Lets Talk Football [Archive] - Page 22

honeykid

08-20-23, 12:13 PM

I can see why the red card was given, though I don't want to see that given as a red card, as it looks like all six studs on the shin.

Another misfiring performance from United, can anybody head a ball? Rashford looks even less comfortable up front this season than he did last, which is going some. I understand he wants to play Garnacho out wide, but he's not performing there at the moment and it's Rashford's best position, so play him there and get the most out of him. The midfield is still not working and doesn't look like it's going to anytime soon (is Casemiro as unfit as he looks? He doesn't look like he's done a pre-season?) so for now I'd put Mount out on the right, in place of Anthony, and play McTominay alongside Casemiro as we've sold Fred. Amrabat can't come soon enough, if he comes at all. I'd put Rashford on the left and, say it quietly, I might play Sancho up front as a false 9 type forward. I feel slightly dirty for having even suggested a false 9, but that's how desperate we look up front until we can see what Hojlund can do. If he's not back until after the international break in September, he's going to be walking into a world of pain at United unless he scores that first game or two, if we don't sign another striker and turn the form/performances around, which is the last thing you want to do to a young striker who's made such a big step up. Again, it might be a knee jerk reaction, and last season after two games we were in a worse position, but it feels really bad at the moment. Hopefully the new players settle in quickly and we can start stringing some results together to build the confidence to knit them into a team.

A quick word on the Women's World Cup final, it was a pretty good game, especially for a final, but I think the result was the most likely with Spain winning 1-0. I don't know what the bookies were offering but I guess those were the shortest odds unless the money was overwhelming for England. At the elite level it's all about small margins and they just had enough of them go their way to make the difference. It was a tough watch, especially as an England fan, as you knew Spain would have the vast amount of possession and it'll be up to England to hit on the counter and take the chances when they fell to them and it's that second part which just didn't happen today.

Stirchley

08-21-23, 02:01 PM

A quick word on the Women's World Cup final, it was a pretty good game, especially for a final, but I think the result was the most likely with Spain winning 1-0. I don't know what the bookies were offering but I guess those were the shortest odds unless the money was overwhelming for England. At the elite level it's all about small margins and they just had enough of them go their way to make the difference. It was a tough watch, especially as an England fan, as you knew Spain would have the vast amount of possession and it'll be up to England to hit on the counter and take the chances when they fell to them and it's that second part which just didn't happen today.

Dang! :eek:

honeykid

08-26-23, 09:25 AM

Where do you even start with this? Not that I'm surprised by the acts, but this latest twist is something else.

Luis Rubiales: Spanish football federation will take legal action over Jennifer Hermoso 'lies'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66626410

kgaard

08-26-23, 08:44 PM

Ha ha, I’m at Red Bull Arena for the Red Bulls-Miami match and Messi isn’t in the lineup for Miami. Lotta disappointed Messi fans out here.

kgaard

08-27-23, 12:55 AM

Ha ha, I’m at Red Bull Arena for the Red Bulls-Miami match and Messi isn’t in the lineup for Miami. Lotta disappointed Messi fans out here.

He came on as a sub and, no surprise, scored a goal. It was a weird atmosphere, though, more like a Beatles concert than a football match.

WrinkledMind

08-28-23, 05:04 AM

Messi is single-handedly forcing me to follow MLS. I am not watching their games, but watching highlights of their team.

As for my team, what a mad, mad game. Only Liverpool know how to do that.

Trent's first yellow was down to new rules but rather stupid. Gordon literally pushed him. However, Trent should have got the second yellow & the Red. Ref bottled it.
Van Dijk's was a clear Red. Can't understand Carra's mental gymnastics around it.

Joelington not getting booked for a series of fouls was baffling. Howe going defensive against ten men was daft. Barnes being selfish was brilliant for us. Could have killed the game.

We remained in the game, because we defended well & because we have a World Class Goalkeeper. Probably the best. He does that in every game.

Klopp made top subs. Elliott was brilliant, & Jota showed why he is regarded as such a smart player. Nunez doing Nunez things. Class finishes on both, but he probably would have missed them if they were easy chances.

There's a reason why Klopp prefers Gakpo over him. But fairplay to the Uruguayan yesterday. I hope he gets more starts.

I really hope we sign a CB, considering Konate has muscles issues regularly.

Stirchley

08-28-23, 01:25 PM

honeykid

08-31-23, 03:00 PM

As a woman, this entire thing is so dumb IMO. He kissed her. Big deal. :rolleyes:

Interesting. I kind of get where you're coming from, but you don't see sexual assault as a big deal?

FTR, I don't think for a minute that's the case, I'm just asking because that's what it was and if we take it from there, then is it ok for anyone to kiss anyone on the lips as and when they feel like it?

Stirchley

09-01-23, 01:37 PM

Interesting. I kind of get where you're coming from, but you don't see sexual assault as a big deal?

FTR, I don't think for a minute that's the case, I'm just asking because that's what it was and if we take it from there, then is it ok for anyone to kiss anyone on the lips as and when they feel like it?

How can you ask me if I don’t see sexual assault as a big deal? I’m not even gonna answer that.

The guy made a mistake. I see no need to crucify him. He’ll never do it again.

honeykid

09-01-23, 05:13 PM

How can you ask me if I don’t see sexual assault as a big deal? I’m not even gonna answer that.

As a woman, this entire thing is so dumb IMO. He kissed her. Big deal. :rolleyes:

See bit in bold. You'd already answered it.

I'll reiterate that I also said

FTR, I don't think for a minute that's the case, I'm just asking because that's what it was and if we take it from there, then is it ok for anyone to kiss anyone on the lips as and when they feel like it?
BIB

By all means disagree, be outraged for being challenged or see that you made a mistake and concede that point, but don't give me the 'I can't believe you'd suggest such a thing' protestation after you'd literally suggested such a thing.

I'm sure Liverpool fans will disagree but I think you're mad to turn down £150 million for Salah. That's crazy money for a player for whom this is probably his last top season. Unless the thinking is, "let's see where we are in January and if we're fighting for the title and Champions League, and if we look off the pace we'll sell him then probably for about the same amount" then I just don't see it. Even if it's a kind of pride thing of 'we don't sell our best players' you've got the replacements already there so you can just spin it as it was a great offer and it's time for these players to make the step up. Salah's been a great servant and thank you.'

City's purchase of Nunes seems a little expensive, but I guess that's just the market now for a backup midfielder. Everyone's been circling him for years so be interesting to see what happens now someone's bought the trigger on it and if anyone's gonna make it work it's Pep.

I think there'll be more than a few City fans unhappy at the sale of Palmer, especially to Chelsea, as well as a lot of mixed feelings if he does well there. I am interested to see if he can make it iand hold down a place in the team though, as quite a few City fans were thinking this season will be his breakthrough season.

Does anyone know why you need didn't go for Cucurella? And we've brought in Reguilon? I can't say a massive fan of either, but at least Cucurella has form from his Brighton days, when he really did look quality on occasion. I don't think I've ever seen Reguilon have anything better than a decent game. But maybe that's the point, as we only really need him for six to eight weeks (with luck) why pay, what I'm sure is a lot more money every week, for Cucurella to sit on the bench for the rest of the season?

If Altay Bayindir becomes anything like the play he does on FM 22 I'll be more than happy as this will be a steal. I guess is that the real world will be a little different.

Amrabat I'm not sure about. I hear he's great, I saw how good he was in the World Cup, but I heard almost nothing about him before and very little since which does make me wonder if he's one of these 'World Cup buys' where you buy a guy who had two or three weeks of his career on the big stage and that's the last time you see it. We need someone there though who can do that job, so at least he will be there for that,I'm sure.

The Jonny Evans deals a bit weird too, just in that it feels a little bit like the Paul Scholes returning deal, although unlike that deal I don't think he'll be the best player in his position still even at that age and, Pauls case, months after retirement. I do think he'll be good around the place and, I'm assuming, ETN. still thinks he can do a job in an emergency.

Lastly, what's happening Forest? It's 9:00 p.m. now when they're still making deals, having already brought three or four in today, I think? It could be more, I've lost count. I'm interested in seeing Callum Hudson-Odoi settle in, as Bayern offered £40 million for him a couple of years back and were knocked back by Chelsea and now he's gone to Forest for under five. He's always looked to really erratic to me, but then I guess you would when you don't really get a run in the team.

Stirchley

09-04-23, 01:22 PM

By all means disagree, be outraged for being challenged or see that you made a mistake and concede that point, but don't give me the 'I can't believe you'd suggest such a thing' protestation after you'd literally suggested such a thing.

“Challenged”, “made a mistake”, “concede”, “protestation”.

I think you’re getting yourself in a tizzy because I disagree with you about a one-time kiss.

I’ll give you the last word since I don’t have the time to hit this back & forth.

WrinkledMind

09-06-23, 03:58 PM

Regarding Salah, we will still make loads even if we sell him in the next summer transfer season. For the Saudis he is not just a player but a symbol of Arab pride, which won't lessen next June.

I also think Salah is like Cristiano in the sense that he cares about personal records, trophies & a legacy. He is still in top shape, & with our side should get 20 odd goals again. So there's a reluctance on his part to leave, when there are still prestigious trophies on offer.

I personally feel he will deliver till his mid 30s, & maybe then decline. Not that I want him till his 35, but he will most probably take stock of the situation in the next summer. What might also change his stance is how this new team is shaping up, & the early signs are promising. Especially how quickly the new midfield has gelled. We still have Bajcetic, Thiago & Gravenberch to come in.

If the team sustains the good start, then we do have a realistic chance of trophies. That might convince him to stay for a longer time, but there is also FSG who might give him a nudge if an obscene offer comes in next summer.

As for Nunes. We heavily scouted him & were interested in him. He showed good in flashes in an average Wolves side. He will most probably come good at City.

United do look a mess with the off field issues. Sancho & Antony could go really wrong.

I thought they were unlucky against Arsenal. Not the offside decision or any other call - which were correct - but overall there wasn't much to choose between them & Gunners. I like the look of their new striker.

It's the off the field issues you have to worry about. Similar to Spain FA who have made right mess. The coach is gone now, but the head should have gone a week ago.

On a side note, horrendous interview by Henderson. Should have just been honest about the move being about money & kept quiet. But he just couldn't.

honeykid

09-07-23, 10:04 AM

As for Nunes. We heavily scouted him & were interested in him. He showed good in flashes in an average Wolves side. He will most probably come good at City.
I largely agree with everything you said regarding Salah, including that there's a Muslim angle to buying him. There are rumours if a £200m January bid which, if true, I'd guess means that you'll get at least what you turned down this summer next summer.

As for Nunes, everybody's scouted him and watched him for years. I'll just be interested to see if he can be the player so many have thought he could be for so long and I find it interesting that it's City who have pulled the trigger, as I have supposed they're the ones who can afford it to go wrong the most, both on and off the field.

United do look a mess with the off field issues. Sancho & Antony could go really wrong.

I thought they were unlucky against Arsenal. Not the offside decision or any other call - which were correct - but overall there wasn't much to choose between them & Gunners. I like the look of their new striker.

It's the off the field issues you have to worry about. Similar to Spain FA who have made right mess. The coach is gone now, but the head should have gone a week ago.

On a side note, horrendous interview by Henderson. Should have just been honest about the move being about money & kept quiet. But he just couldn't.

I agree with you about us against Arsenal. Until that last 15-20 minutes it was two, not particularly well playing teams, not playing particularly well. I agreed with all the decisions, except the Hojlund penalty which I thought, even on replay, still look like a penalty (but not to the point where I feel we were robbed)

Sancho and Anthony's problems, whilst obviously personal, are symptomatic of the whole problem at United which is the owners and it's management. Fergie got rid of Pogba, in part, because of his agent and his attitude. Other extremely talented players didn't have the right character for United and weren't bought for that reason. I don't know about Anthony, but Sancho probably wouldn't have been bought by Fergie unless he'd seen real change behind the scenes from the kid who left City.

I'm very much one for the saying The fish rots from the head down, and that's what's been happening at United ever since they bought it. While you had Ferguson and Gill in place they were able to protect United because they were like gatekeepers. They'd been there for a very long time, they trusted each other, and knew how to do their respective jobs properly (even with the Glazers above them making huge cutbacks behind the scenes which meant they couldn't do their jobs in the way that they had before the Glazers took over and siphoning off money) but once they both left in the same summer the club has not only been a ship without a rudder, but one without a Captain and a ship's wheel. There's no overarching plan at United, at least not one that anyone can see. Fletcher and Murtough are now technical director and director of football but neither of them have experience in either of those roles, they're just in house United employees trying to do the best they can and learning on the job.

ETH seems to be trying to implement his type of football this season, as he tried to last season but had to abandon it after the first two games when it became obvious they just couldn't do it, but he still doesn't have a team of players who can play as he wants them to. And, until he has at least six or seven of those players who can do what he wants them to do at the level he wants them to do it, will continue to struggle for form and performances because now he's started for real I can't see him turning back.

Also last weekend continue to see the good form of key members of the "Players HK would like to see at United" with JWP, Madison, Michail Antonio and Fornals all continuing their good start to their season.

honeykid

09-07-23, 10:06 AM

“Challenged”, “made a mistake”, “concede”, “protestation”.

I think you’re getting yourself in a tizzy because I disagree with you about a one-time kiss.

I’ll give you the last word since I don’t have the time to hit this back & forth.
I wasn't going to address this again whether you answered or not, but seeing how you answered I will, one last time.

Firstly I'm not in a "tizzy", secondly sexual assault.

WrinkledMind

09-20-23, 03:54 AM

I am enjoying United's troubles, but you gotta feel bad for Ten Hag. Almost 150+ million worth of wide players unavailable for off the field issues & he has also injuries to deal with.
Kane will be licking his fingers in anticipation.

I watched Newcastle's game against Milan. They were very fortunate to get that point.

honeykid

09-21-23, 09:33 AM

More than that when you include Greenwood. It's an absolute mess isn't it? 4-3 last night and that's the most flattering score line we've had all season, because even the most myopic United fan would have struggled to argue that if we'd been beaten 6-0 or 6-1 it wouldn't have been deserved.

We appear to be the lethal combination of the United of a couple of seasons ago (where the moment we concede the goal all the heads drop and none of the players believe that the same movie won't play out again in front of them) and last season's Liverpool (where a non-existent midfield left an unprotected defense which was constantly chopping and changing, without its best defender, and conceding goals for fun.) United and Chelsea in a relegation battle? I'm joking, but it doesn't feel as funny as it usually would.

And then just for fun, Onana throws one in de Gea style and derailed what, until then, was a fairly competent performance against a Bayern side who aren't firing yet and look a lot like the side which last year almost lost the league (but didn't of course because they're Bayern and Dortmund aare Dortmund). I thought he did well to come out and take it on himself and admit that his mistake is what derailed the team, but that the team is derailed by a goal is a really bad sign.

I guess what we'll find out now, is whether ETH does what he did last season when he saw that he didn't have to players to play the football he wanted (i.e made us defensively solid and hit on the break) or continues to try and train and coach what he wants them to do in a race against time to get back the players he's lost and hope that he can put his first team out and that they will turn things around before people start calling for his head. Normally I would say that he definitely has this season, at least, because of what he did last year and the amount of injuries and off field problems that he already has had this year. But when you're run as badly as United are, I can't really be sure of that.

Stirchley

10-04-23, 01:28 PM

Hell, yes, I am gonna watch this. Hoping Victoria doesn’t insert herself too much as her husband is the star of this 4-part series.

95444

Stirchley

10-06-23, 01:19 PM

Hell, yes, I am gonna watch this. Hoping Victoria doesn’t insert herself too much as her husband is the star of this 4-part series.

95444

Halfway through & enjoying this. Fisher Stevens (American) seemed an odd choice of director to me & at first I didn’t care for his little interjections. Then I realized he played the very funny character of Hugo in Succession so I like him better now.

Stirchley

10-06-23, 01:21 PM

I had no idea that Bobby Charlton is still alive. Born in 1937. Wowser.

honeykid

10-08-23, 09:51 AM

Yes, there'll be a real day of mourning when he passes. Especially at United.

Stirchley

10-09-23, 01:10 PM

Yes, there'll be a real day of mourning when he passes. Especially at United.

Heck, yes.

Stirchley

10-09-23, 01:13 PM

95539

Loved the mini-series.

Looked up why he has never received a knighthood. Seems there were some past questions about taxes & finances, but all cleared up now. Is it very cynical of me to wonder if that was why he queued so many hours to see QEII lying in state?

If there’s one person who would love & cherish a knighthood it would be David.

honeykid

10-13-23, 08:27 AM

Stirchley

10-13-23, 01:11 PM

Not at all, it's what most of us did. :D

Sorry to hear that.

honeykid

10-14-23, 09:28 AM

I meant most of us thought that's why he did it, Stirchley

Stirchley

10-18-23, 11:41 AM

I meant most of us thought that's why he did it, Stirchley

I know. I understood what you were saying.

honeykid

10-22-23, 10:37 AM

The day which comes for us all one day, came for Sir Bobby Charlton yesterday.

R.I.P. to a true legend. We miss you already Bobby.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62989801

https://solutionsfm.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Bobby-Charlton-1.jpg
https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/9D4E/production/_126807204_bobbycharltonworldcup_getty.jpg
https://e0.365dm.com/23/02/1600x900/skysports-sir-bobby-charlton_6057258.jpg?20230214154856

Stirchley

10-23-23, 01:51 PM

WrinkledMind

10-26-23, 03:49 PM

A legend & good person.
RIP.

Taz

11-17-23, 04:01 PM

Everton hit with a -10 point deduction by the EPL, via the recommendation of an independant commission.

Obviousl they are going to appeal this, and they do have grounds. After all, the situation has been brought about by the pandemic initially and then the war in Ukraine, as the UK government suspended all Russian business and investment in the UK, which killed a £200m deal that Everton had with a Russian company who were going to be the sponsor (indl naming rights) for the new stadium that Everton are building.In light of all this, Everton had been working with the EPL with regrds these matters and had pretty much a zero spend in terms of signing new players over the last 2 transfer windows as a result.

The penalty seems high because of this, but alswhen Portsmouth went into administration in 2009/10 they were only docted -9 points, when so many people lost jobs and all sorts. So to be pegged even more than that seems odd in a historical context, but there are reasons, it would seem,

The EPL and the independant commission was set up for not just this matter, but to show that the game is being governed properly and independant of requiring government oversight, but also as there are much larger and much more damning cases in the wings being lined up against Man City and Chelsea. Everton were open with the EPL about their situation while both of those clubs have refused to co-operate at all, and if found guilty on all counts those 2 not only face points deductions but potentially direct relegation. But even if that isn't the case, at this point there is zero interest for those clubs to be open with the EPL about their situations (or any other club in future for that matter) instead of obfuscating and delaying, when seen whats happened here, even when someone does comply with the EPL.

Think the EPL is also being hardline about this Everton case in that they were shown to be weak and ineffective when the news broke about the Euro Super League, that Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, Man U & Spurs had conspired to defect to leave the EPL to be part of that competition and only backed down by fan pressure by the fans of their own clubs in concert with the overall backlash against them. They got out of that scot free and without a single scrap of punishment by the EPL, simply by paying a nominal combined £22m 'to the goodwill of the game'... that amounts to less than £4m on average across those 6 clubs, which is a proverbial drop in the ocean at those clubs.

So the EPL taking this current stance I suspect is in a large part both to show they have teeth and depending on how they proceed in those aforementioned cases against Man City and Chelsea in mind and the potential for even bigger penalties to come in those.

The curious thing to note about this Everton decision also is, they only just narrowly avoided relegation last season, so will be interesting to see the reaction of Leicester in partucular, but Leeds also, both of whom were relegated and that 10 point deduction happening last season would've seen Everton finish below them both (but still ahead of Southampton).

There are a lot of moving parts here, but don't think we've heard the end of this.

LavidDynch

11-17-23, 05:34 PM

This feeels like EPL wanting to show everyone that they still are an authority, while barely punishing the big clubs for trying to leave the EPL. Everton already had a tough time last season, wonder if theyre gonna survive this season.

WrinkledMind

11-28-23, 04:06 AM

Everton & City things are completely different issues.

With Everton it's a case of stupidly overspending money, despite the warnings of the authorities. They actually bet on finishing 6, when they hired Rafa. Eventhough they only gave him peanuts for transfers.
It's a case a massive mismanagement.

Is their punishment a bit too harsh? Yes.
Will they survive? Most likely, because the three promoted teams are the weakest promoted teams I have seen for a long while. There's always one or two bad sides. This season all three of them are rubbish.

Now City have actually indulged in criminality with their finances. They escaped UEFA punishments because their laws are time bound, & the period to punish them expired. There is no such time scale with the league.

In a just world City should be relegated & stripped of their titles.
In this world they will at the most get a bigger points penalty, which they might successfully appeal against.

WrinkledMind

12-26-23, 04:49 AM

honeykid

12-26-23, 02:30 PM

Good Christmas news for honeykid with Ratcliffe getting the minority stake.

However, Mark Ogden on ESPN was saying that until his move is ratified by the league (by Feb), he won't be able to make any changes in the club. He added that the transfer window will not see any major moves.

I'd agree with that. No chance of anything happening before the Summer in terms of transfers down to Ratcliffe. People are also forgetting that one of United's big problems is FFP because they pay far too much, too often and usuall sell for a lot less, therefore the amount they have to spend is mostly down to their off field activities.

My guess is that he/they'll spend the next 3-4 months going through the personel of the club and deciding who'll stay and who'll go and who they can get in. I've heard that he's looking at about £250m to improve the stadium, which is desperately needed, but also no enough to do what's necessary.

WrinkledMind

02-12-24, 04:14 AM

Posting here for the first time since the news was announced. I geniuely felt he would leave in 25-26, so was kinda prepared for it, but it still feels horrible.

Probably the best manger during my time as a supporter, with Rafa at second. Will be incredible hard to replace Klopp.

Alonso sounds like a perfect name, but the only thing that worries me is that his brand of football is more Pep's Barca than Klopp's. Might take time for the team to adjust.

Also, it would hurt me if my all time favourite player fails as a manager.
Still a far better choice than the others. He will also be given more time than others, because of his connection as a former player.

On a last note, I really hope we win the league for Klopp. But City look unbeatable.

honeykid

02-15-24, 09:53 AM

I know how you feel, WrinkledMind, I was the same when Fergie left. I think you're also lucky that you have better options around this summer than when Fergie left. The timing for Fergie leaving was a big part of the problems of the first few seasons, at least, after he left.

Plus, Klopp's leaving a better team with more potential than Fergie's last stand.

From a personal pov, I also wouldn't like to see another mini Pep and his style. Obviously I hate Liverpool and don't usually watch them (unless I think they'll lose) but at least they play entertaining football.

WrinkledMind

04-14-24, 11:24 PM

Well, that's it then. Terrible couple of weeks for the team.

First Alonso said no. Then we crash out of the FA Cup against the worst possible opponent, who then somehow draw against us in the league.

Horrible performance & result in the midweek, which has virtually guaranteed an exit from Europa & yesterday was the cherry on top.

It was such a bizarre game. So many clear cut chances were missed by us.
City are going to win this now with ease. Again. Cheating doped up bastards.

On a side note, amazing achievement from Leverkusen. Hopefully Bayern don't strip them off their main players.

honeykid

04-20-24, 11:22 AM

Well, that's it then. Terrible couple of weeks for the team.

Terrible, funny. All depends on your POV. :D

Seriously though, this isn't unexpected. As soon as it was announced he was leaving I thought you'd do incredibly well to win anything, let alone a treble. It just changes too much behind the scenes, even if/when it doesn't feel like it. I remember Fergie saying he was leaving in, I think it was Sept/Oct 2001? Not sure of the date but he said he'd be leaving and we were crap. He changed his mind in January (I think) and we went on to win the title. Even good teams with a winning mentality and medals in their pocket change when that happens. I couldn't see why Klopp's Liverpool wouldn't be the same? But, combined with last seasons troubles and a team reaching the end of it's cycle/already in a rebuilding phase, it felt likely that this would happen.

How awful is it to be hoping for an Arsenal title win? I mean, other than you lot, they're the worst to have winning as the fans are insufferable, but it's better than you or City. :(

Up the Villa! :D

Stirchley

04-22-24, 12:18 PM

Up the Villa! :D

Yay, my hometown. :D

honeykid

06-15-24, 10:33 AM

I'd just like to thank the Switzerland fan who had the sign reading Fondue is better than Goulash. Good work. :D

WrinkledMind

06-26-24, 06:43 AM

I have not followed Euros as much as I would have liked, because my focus has been on the T20 cricket world cup.

But from the few matches I have watched, I dont think most big teams are performing.
Portugal do seem like the best bet, just for sheer talent they have up front. But that ageing defence & having Martinez as your coach will be a detriment.

I was impressed with Austria yesterday, but it was also down to the Dutch being extremely poor and porous in the middle & back. The goalkeeper in particular had a poor game.

Glad I gave the England game a miss.

Tugg

06-26-24, 07:03 AM

The only half time England played well was second half against Slovenia, even if they didn't score a goal.

I think Spain is performing the best so far.

WrinkledMind

07-06-24, 06:34 AM

Not the best of games yesterday, but shame to see both Germany & Portugal go out.
France look just a tad bit undercooked.
Spain look good.

honeykid

07-10-24, 10:36 AM

Stirchley

07-10-24, 12:58 PM

I've decided that England won't win tonight. I got it into my head that if France didn't win, then England wouldn't either (as they both play boring, safe football enlivened by individual skill to get them over the line) so I'm prepared tonight for a Dutch win which, while I'd prefer England to do it, will make for the better football game in the final.

Trying to figure out how to stream this match. FoxSports it looks like. I will have a fit if the game starts & I haven’t figured out where to stream it. Used to be ESPN & now it’s Fox?

I reckon England could win this one. Will be disappointed if they don’t.

kgaard

07-11-24, 10:49 AM

Good result for England! Spain will certainly be favorites but England have improved game over game.

I took my kid to the Argentina-Canada Copa America semi-final on Tuesday. Not the greatest game, but it was a fun atmosphere (90% Argentina fans) and we got to see Messi move into second place on the all-time international men's goals scored list (behind you know who). A fun night even if the transportation to the stadium is sort of a nightmare.

WrinkledMind

07-12-24, 04:30 AM

Congratulations to the English for reaching another final. Spain will be strong favourites, but anything can happen in the final.
Spain are inexperienced, which could work in England's favour.

As for the Copa America, absolute mad scenes there after the game against Uruguay & Columbia. Darwin Nunez jumping into he crowd and got punched in the face. He later tried to throw a chair into the crowd.
Bentancur threw a glass bottle into that crowd but hit his own staff member and left him bleeding from the head & Suarez tried to bite a player yet again.

Apparently the families of the Uruguayan players were attacked by the Columbian fans. I can understand the Uruguayan players going there to defend or reacting like that, but I still expect bans for Nunez & Bentancur.

honeykid

07-12-24, 09:36 AM

Happy to be wrong but another game where they were there for the taking and we just didn't/couldn't do it until that last minute of inspiration. But if we do it again on Sunday, I won't be complaining.

Spain have looked good all tournament but the French should've beat them (both on the pitch and because they have the better players) so I'm hoping that England take their chances. The first half against the Dutch was encouraging (but only once we went a goal down as usual) but the second half reverted to the norm, but at least he took off Kane and Bellingham, neither of whom looked like doing anything in that game.

It feels a bit like the last Euros, so I'm hoping that if the final unfolds similarly, we'll take advantage of it this time. England should be clear favourites for it, but surely its Spain who most expect to win?

Stirchley

07-12-24, 01:26 PM

Stirchley

07-12-24, 01:28 PM

Trying to figure out how to stream this match. FoxSports it looks like. I will have a fit if the game starts & I haven’t figured out where to stream it. Used to be ESPN & now it’s Fox?

I reckon England could win this one. Will be disappointed if they don’t.

Yikes, just as the first half ends FoxSports says we can’t watch any more with them. WTH! Turns out we then had to select our internet carrier & mine is xfinity so back to the match.
:rolleyes:

Tugg

07-14-24, 05:57 PM

Spain deserved to win. It is the best team in Europe.

Stirchley

07-15-24, 12:28 PM

Major disappointment from England. Ruined my evening. :mad:

Nausicaä

07-15-24, 02:59 PM

At least you are not this idiot:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cw0y92zr77do

FilmBuff

07-15-24, 03:28 PM

Spain deserved to win. It is the best team in Europe.

¡arriba España!

WrinkledMind

07-15-24, 04:18 PM

The best team of the tournament won in the end. Sadly most senior England players had an off day.

This Spanish team, though good & full of great potential, is nowhere near their glorious past teams under Del Bosque.
Both Germany & France had their moments against them, & England as well.

Euros was an average tournament. Now we can concentrate on important things, like the silly transfer season.

At least you are not this idiot:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cw0y92zr77do

Yep thats daft, but he is still a smaller idiot than the city fan who tattooed Rooney on his back, when there was a bit of rumour of Rooney leaving United possibly for City.

That was peak football tattoo stupidity.

honeykid

07-21-24, 09:34 AM

Major disappointment from England. Ruined my evening. :mad:

No one watches England to have fun. ;)

Spain were the most entertaining, they deserved the win, but both Germany and France should've taken the chance to put them out and didn't. I pretty much agree with WrinkledMind observation with the exception of England who, as usual, had moments because they're a moments team. That's not a bad thing, it's just unpredictable and relies on taking those moments rather than building momentum.

Southgate has done a great job though, he's just the wrong manager for this group of players, but that's not to say someone else will finally take it that step furither.

With the international stuff over (or the bit which tides us over until the proper football starts as I think of it) it's transfers and the build up to an important season for United. Signs so far are good, so long as you're not expecting up to challenge for the title or anything. I'll take 4th and a decent run in Europe right now and be thankful for it.

Stirchley

07-22-24, 12:49 PM

No one watches England to have fun. ;)

I do. But every time I watch a game England loses. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

honeykid

07-23-24, 09:52 AM

I do. But every time I watch a game England loses. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
That's because you only watch them play good teams. :D If you want a good chance of watching England win, watch them in qualifying.

WrinkledMind

08-10-24, 05:57 PM

Here's to another footie season.

A season of transition for us. I will be happy with a top 4 finish & a good run in any one of the cup competitions.
Not really worried about the lack of signings (LFC is the only club in the league that hasn't anyone), though expect a DM incoming.

City will be city. Arsenal have made their strong defence stronger with the Italian. United have made couple of decent singings. Spurs too.

With Villa in the mix as well, I expect a decent top four battle.

honeykid

08-12-24, 10:23 AM

I have no idea how this season's going to turn out for United. De Ligt and Mazraoui are having medicals at United today so, unless something is found (I'm not expecting so but they do both seem to miss quite a lot of the season through injury which does worry me), I'd expect those deals to be done by this evening or tomorrow morning at the latest. There's talk of Evan Ferguson for around £50m, but I think that's largely paper talk. Certainly unless we sell a few others I can't see it being anything but. He's obviously showing a lot of promise, but I think if we're going to spend that money I'd rather see Ivan Toney come in, although not for £50m, as I think that's a little too much and it doesn't appear that there's much of a market for him at the moment. I just feel if we're going to buy a striker, then we need someone you expect to hit the ground running with a proven track record. Ferguson feels a little too much like Hojlund, with Zirkzee already in and with a similar age and experience profile, an older, more experienced striker who will get the goals immediately is the better bet. But Ferguson does feel more like an ineos buy.

But at this moment, I think we're weaker than we were last season (and it feels similar with players already injured), although De Ligt and Mazraoui will go some way to redress that. Obviously I'd take top four right now, but I've said that every season since Ferguson left and we've only managed it about half the time. :(

A fond farewell to Aaron Wan-Bissaka as well. My kind of defender, but not what ETH wants. I wish him well and I'm sure he'll do well wherever he goes (probably West Ham).

Stirchley

08-28-24, 12:56 PM

Loved this documentary. Seen it twice. There’s something very likable about Becks.

100643

WrinkledMind

09-02-24, 01:24 PM

https://i.giphy.com/UHxqxhDhN8Huw.webp

Always a great feeling to win the fixture. More so to win at Old Trafford.

I thought United started well, but kinda disappeared after the Trent disallowed goal.

Early days & just three games in, but I can see visible changes in the way we are playing. More control. FBs, especially Robbo, not bombing forward. Defensively we are looking less open.

Honestly didn't think Ravenberch would be this good as a DM. He isn't your typical yard dog DM, but more like a less special version of Busquets. Which explains why the club wanted Zubimendi & are keen on selling Endo.
Interesting to see how Gravenberch plays against City or Arsenal, but the lad has been amazing so far.

This 4-2-1-3 in possession is also bringing out the best of Dominic, whon is almost playing like a second striker at times.

Again it's all early days, but I'm all in with Slotball. Dude himself is so laid back in interviews, despite all the constant annoying Klopp comparisons.
Anyways don't want the team to get carried away, & top 4 is still the goal, but good signs to see.

honeykid

09-05-24, 10:27 AM

I thought United started well, but kinda disappeared after the Trent disallowed goal.
We were starting to slip about that time and the goal was coming but after that it was all one way.

Early days & just three games in, but I can see visible changes in the way we are playing. More control. FBs, especially Robbo, not bombing forward. Defensively we are looking less open.
I've only see that game and highlights of your others but it's far more controlled than the 'heavy metal' football of Klopp.

Again it's all early days, but I'm all in with Slotball. Dude himself is so laid back in interviews, despite all the constant annoying Klopp comparisons.
Anyways don't want the team to get carried away, & top 4 is still the goal, but good signs to see.
I'd be stunned if you didn't make top 3. For me that's Arsenal, City and yourselves in whichever order it happens. We need top 4 this year but I'll be surprised if we get it. I said last year we'd finish anywhere from 4th-9th with 5th or 6th being most likely and we ended up 8th. I do think, with a properly fit team, we can be 6th or maybe higher if someone else has a underpar season. But I think this season is all about getting behind the scenes correct.

Just a bit about that because there's been all the screams about EtH getting sacked and how long has he got left but I've not heard anyone say what I've been thinking and I think it's fairly obvious. Which either means it is and people are missing it (on purpose in the media?) or it's so wrong that I'm a moron (and I've always said football exists to make me look a fool.) So here goes.

Obviously they were looking to replace EtH. Everyone knows that, including him because they were very open about it. Everyone knows (or should) than the hierarchy and structure at United has been/is a mess and that's a big part of the reason why so much money has been spent/wasted. The whole place has been stripped bare, hollowed out and left to run down almost since the Glazer's took over until Fergie left. Even since, the money has been spent hugely on signings and wages as the Glazers think that as starving the club of money created the problem, flooding the team with signings will solve it. The last 10 years have shown that's not true.

For whatever reason they didn't go with any of the few managers they interviewed/spoke with (my guess is they didn't feel they could work with them or they have someone/a type of manager in mind who wasn't available) and, rather than pay off EtH and his team and install a new manager they weren't sold on (and his team) only to sack them when they fail, because no one can succeed with things the way they are/have been, they decided to extend EtH's contract (which cost no money) because they think that, once the behind the scenes stuff is sorted/a year further along, that United can start to build to a real challenge and that'll mean extra money available next summer. It also means you don't 'burn' through another manager and have another failure when you're trying to be the new broom. If EtH does OK (top 4 or maybe another trophy?) then it could be him. Otherwise it will be someone else. Of course, if it goes stupidly poorly or the OT faithful turn on him, he could get sacked before the end of the season. Should that happen, I'd expect RvN to take over until the end of the season unless the person they want is available and they think they've got the behind the scene stuff sorted.

It's not been a good start for United (obviously) but we have the amount of points I thought we'd have (we could've drawn with Brighton but I thought a loss was the most likely result) and so, while the way we lost at Brighton is a worry, we are where I thought we'd be after 3 games and 3-0 was a better result than I thought we'd get (4-0) and a lot better than it should've been if everyone had scored (6-2).

The injuries are still a problem. We haven't played with a forward yet (Zirkzee isn't really a striker. He calls himself a 9 1/2 I think?) we have no midfield (we only have 5 midfielders and one of those is Mason Mount who's constantly injured) and Ugarte hasn't played yet. I think Rashford's done at United but he plays better with Shaw at LB and that hasn't happened since February. I can only assume that EtH is playing him so that, when he eventually drops him, he can say to him/the press that he's been given chances but not impressed. But as I don't think anyone would even argue, that's probably not the reason he's still playing him? Maybe it's just about taking pressure of the younger players as we also have the amount of points he expected us to have?

Yoro's young and will make mistakes but hopefully his pace and positioning will mean he can step up. I'm still not sold on Martinez (I just can't have a 5'9" CB) but he gives everything for the club and we missed that a lot last season. I'd have been tempted into moving him to an inverted wingback and coming into midfield to tackle and make an extra man, but I think Ugarte will mean that isn't necessary (and Eth Wouldn't have done it anyway) I don't think it was a surpise that we looked at our best with Varane and him as the CB pairinig. I can't even remember if they played together with Shaw at LB? It might've happened a few times? We shouldn't have been that bad last season, but we could be this as others have improved and, if we don't get together as a team, mid table could beckon. High midtable, I'll grant you (8th or 9th) but still nowhere we want to be.

honeykid

09-11-24, 10:17 AM

Anyone see the England games? Thoughts? Early and against poor opposition but I thought it was quite encouraging. Far too early to make any decisions, but he's got 4 (?) more games against 'lesser' opposition so he doesn't really have the chance to show it can be better. All he can do is win them and in a way which shows progression/a style the fans like.

If I had to make a decision now, I'd go with him if only because who else is out there that you'd get? He knows the players, he's been in the England set up for years, the FA will obviously be happy with him and it does feel like a step forward from Southgate (who I've never been a big fan of so will admit bias there) especially as he's 'been in the machine' longer than Southgate was and, therefore, play football more like the FA want it to be.

WrinkledMind

09-18-24, 05:34 AM

Yeah I did. England did look much more progressive. If he plays Trent & Rico/Hall as FBs, your side instantly becomes much more balanced.

The Trent in midfield stupidity needs to be quashed. He can come in at times, but he shouldn't be starting as a midfielder.

If you have a decent RCB & DM who don't mind covering the space on right, then Trent is a far better option than Walker.

Also, with the national teams it's better to promote someone from within than bring in a foreign coach, who might take years to just adapt.

WrinkledMind

11-01-24, 05:19 PM

Happy with the appointment, honeykid?

Taz

11-01-24, 06:31 PM

I get most of you probably don't care or are not interested, but there is a real story developing in Scottish Football. Celtic are being Celtic as expected, R****** are 9 points off the pace and have problems out the wazoo again, but it is Aberdeen that are getting the headlines and deservedly.

They are going toe to toe with Celtic so far this season, with just goal difference seperating them. The Dons have not lost a game since mid-March, and under their new manager Jimmy Thelin this season, they are P16 W15 D1, with the 1 draw being when they fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 v Celtic at Celtic Park, a couple of weeks ago.

Tomorrow they go head to head once again in League Cup Semi-Final, just a few days after they beat R******, 2-1, but it could've and probably should've been more like 4-1, so dominant they were. Bookies keep underestimating them, and yet they keep finding a way to win. Considering the relative resources, it's pretty incredible really.

Still early doors, anfd obviously a long, long way to go in the season, but just a whiff of 2015/16 Leicester in the EPL... Not to mention it's great for the Scottish game, to have a real contender from outside of Glasgow at the top of the table for the first time since the early 90's, and potentially the first time a team from outside of Glasgow could be champions since 1984/85, when a certain Alex Ferguson was still the Dons manager.

honeykid

11-02-24, 10:50 AM

Happy with the appointment, honeykid?

Erm, it's tough to be completely happy considering everything since the end of last season. I mean, if they asked and he just wouldn't come before now, then there's probably nothing they could've done about that and so it's OK.

But nothing else makes sense. If he wasn't interviewed back then (which I don't think he was) then why is he right now? If he was and wasn't right, the same question. We all knew they were looking to replace EtH at some point this season (probably before Christmas) unless it all clicked, so why spend so heavily in the summer on players? As I understand it, De Ligt just isn't going to work out in a 3 and it's the one thing that Amorim won't shift from. So if Anorim was being thought of and EtH's future not long, why spend that money on a player your 'new' manager won't want? Unless he sells in January, I can't see there being any/much money to spend so he'll have to use this squad until the summer.

There's other stuff but, am I happy with Amorim as manager? Yes. Will he be the answer? The answer is United being right behind the scenes and, with the exception of his appointment, I've still not seen much evidence of that. We've had 3 elite managers since Fergie left (Mou, EtH, LvG) and they've all won cups, but only Mou finished 2nd and that was a very distant 2nd. Until the club works properly and improves throughout (scouting/training/medical/recruitment, etc) he'll 'fail' just like the rest of them.

What I like most about him is that he won a two horse league with a different horse. That always catches my eye. Sadly, he'll probably be compared to Fergie because of it, but the fact remains that it's very encouraging.

Hopefully this board will recognise where United actually are now and, to an extent (because it's almost impossible with a club as big as United) limit expectations to what can currently be achieved and not what used to be achieved, because United aren't there anymore and weren't there even before Fergie left, no matter what the table said back then or current ex-United pundits say.

kgaard

12-03-24, 10:35 PM

My local team (NY Red Bulls) made it to the MLS Cup final (shockingly, as it’s the first time we’ve made the final since 2008 and we were 7th seed) so I’m going to the match on Saturday. We are heavy underdogs but who knows?

honeykid

12-07-24, 09:46 AM

Good luck kgaard.

kgaard

12-07-24, 09:45 PM

Good luck kgaard.

Thank you! Sadly we did not win. But by god we showed up for the team. The front office bought and distributed about 3000 tickets so we filled up over half the upper deck. Next year!

WrinkledMind

03-24-25, 02:28 PM

Now would be a good time to comment on Arne Slot & the season.
Yes it was disappointing losing to PSG & less so to Newcastle. I expected the latter because the team looked absolutely drained & the Geordies were comfortably the better side. Newcastle deserved the win, but we should have done better against PSG.

Still overall the season has exceeded my expectations. That is if we don't blow the league, which to be fair is not impossible but not happening. The team will win it.

To win the league in his first season is an exceptional achievement, despite City having a shocker & Arsenal being Arsenal.

Slot has made the team defensively tighter. Tactically he is very flexible, which I like. However I wish he would trust the fringe players more. Took him a long while to trust Endo & Elliott. I hope he uses Chiesa more going forward. The Italian has looked better than Jota (who has regressed shockingly this season) & Nunez (who has failed at the club & needs to be sold). You have to also credit Slot for restarting the careers of Gakpo & Gravenberch.

Going forward I am quite optimistic. Don't think it will easier to win the league next season. I expect City to spend more. I just pray that we are able to sort out contracts of Van Dijk & Salah. I expect Trent to leave, but I am not concerned. Young Bradley is a quality replacement.

ScarletLion

03-25-25, 08:01 AM

honeykid

03-25-25, 11:50 AM

It feels a bit like Liverpools last title win in that they've won the league already (ok they haven't, but it'd be the bottle job of all bottle jobs if they don't) and now seem to have mentally shut off a little and are unable to turn it on for 'the games that matter' and coasting to the end. PSG are good and were unlucky the lose the first leg, but that being as it was they should've been put away at Anfield. That said, a title in his first season is a good start and, probably, the one which Liverpool fans would be most happy with? It might be old fashioned these days, but for me, the league is more important that any other trophy and it's only after a few wins and it becomes something you expect to win/seriously challenge for that the CL starts to be desired more.

Nothinig new at United and the seasons gone fairly well as I'd expect considering the team, when the manager joined and how he's strictly stuck to his system regardless. The hope is that we start to see the green shoots of new growth next season (we've had some decent results recently but nothing I'd actually class as progress beyond the actual result and increasing confidence) but unless we manage to have an exceptional transfer window, and that means getting players out as well as in, I'd still think that to qualify by league position for European football season would be a good season. Perhaps a very good one. :( The Lyon tie might give a better indication as to where we really are atm? Barring a catastrophe, those are the only games that really count for United now.