[Bwuk]

I'd rather play Tuanzebe than Darmian at cb.

 

[top1whoisman]

If they're resting players and getting hammered, doesn't really show much depth to their squad. That's three defeats on the spin now. I'm not too concerned about them to be honest.

Without injuries to key players and having them fresh, they don't really need depth.

 

[RedPed]

Without injuries to key players and having them fresh, they don't really need depth.

What if those 'key' players got injured or suspended in the first leg, which is not inconceivable?

 

[top1whoisman]

What if those 'key' players got injured or suspended in the first leg, which is not inconceivable?

Of course it's not, but considering the bookings were wiped out for this, and those key players getting rest, I'd say it's much more likely that we have some more players missing from the 2nd leg.

 

[RedPed]

Of course it's not, but considering the bookings were wiped out for this, and those key players getting rest, I'd say it's much more likely that we have some more players missing from the 2nd leg.

I guess so. Anyway, whatever they do on Thursday, it's all about getting as many away goals as possible and staying within reach of them. But as I said, I'm not too concerned about them.

 

[Cathy Ferguson]

I'd rather play Tuanzebe than Darmian at cb.

I prefer to play an Italian international in a very important semi final in EL away from home. Tuanzebe has not started a game for us has he? He has superior physique but do Celta offer an aerial threat?

 

[minoo-utd]

If we have a healthy squad for this we would beat them , but without Bailly,Rojo, Ibra and the mystery absences of Jones and Smalling I think a draw will be a good result to take back to O.T, and if we can score an away goal that will be very important, hopefully if we have a good result there then resting key players in the league is a must now, I think Thursday is our biggest game of this season, but unfortunately there's no trust in the team as players looked so casual and not caring vs Swansea and of course are tired too.

 

[Crossie]

I'm not interested in their league form, or lack of - Leicester were getting tonked every weekend in the league but were somehow doing the business in the CL at the same time. These guys are apparently game-raisers who have been resting key players for this EL semi-final so I'm expecting a torrid game. As previously stated, I'm expecting a 2-0 loss to be honest, I just think this is a bridge too far for us with the injuries we have and the fatigue.

That's one of the wisest sentences in the entire thread. It's also worth noting that football is a team sport and more often than not the best unit wins, not the more impressive names.

I think almost anything can happen in these semi finals, from United thrashing Celta to Celta going deservedly through and everything in between.

 

[Todd]

Well, this match is our season. Absolutely vital we get a goal to bring back to the Theater of Draws.

 

[jackofalltrades]

They're merely resting their best players. They knocked RM out of the King's Cup over two legs. The way we're playing, we could easily cock up, especially if we underestimate their desire to win, this is the furthest they've ever got in European football so their mentality will be "just two more games and we're through". Not to mention their ability.

I think we might need need two goals in this one. 0-1 would be fine but better would be 1-2 or even 2-2 to get through. 1-1 would mean they only have to score once to win the tie. Only just made it against Anderlecht and maybe extra time would really see us off. With our poor performances this season, playing the first leg away doesn't seem to give the advantage it should.

 

[Cathy Ferguson]

Well, this match is our season. Absolutely vital we get a goal to bring back to the Theater of Draws.

Yup, and an away goal is vital. 0-0 would be a poor result, for once I would be happy with 1-1.

 

[horsechoker]

I would take a score draw if you offered it to me.

 

[Hugh Jass]

They're merely resting their best players. They knocked RM out of the King's Cup over two legs. The way we're playing, we could easily cock up, especially if we underestimate their desire to win, this is the furthest they've ever got in European football so their mentality will be "just two more games and we're through". Not to mention their ability.

I agree. We have to be careful.

 

[RedPed]

Yup, and an away goal is vital. 0-0 would be a poor result, for once I would be happy with 1-1.

A 0-1 or 1-2 would be much better. We were very lucky against Anderlecht. A 1-1 is not much better than a 0-0, as we would still need to win the game with those results (as we found out against Anderlecht) to be sure of going through. They would only need to nick a goal at OT, which to be honest, every team has been doing this season to put us in a very precarious position. Anything other than a win or a 2-2 will not be enough to be 'safe' at Old Trafford.

 

[Bwuk]

I prefer to play an Italian international in a very important semi final in EL away from home. Tuanzebe has not started a game for us has he? He has superior physique but do Celta offer an aerial threat?

One is a centre back. The other is a left wing back.

 

[khoazany]

I prefer to play an Italian international in a very important semi final in EL away from home. Tuanzebe has not started a game for us has he? He has superior physique but do Celta offer an aerial threat?

From what I've seen over the years playing an average player out of position usually cost more than playing an inexperienced one. Darmian will play CB though, and that left us with Young at LB again. Could be ugly.

 

[WhoDaGOAT]

From what I've seen over the years playing an average player out of position usually cost more than playing an inexperienced one. Darmian will play CB though, and that left us with Young at LB again. Could be ugly.

Darmian has played centre back for Torino lots of times. He's one of our form players right now, and didn't put a foot wrong when he came on against Swansea.

I'd play a back three consisting of Blind, Darmian and Tuanzebe if I were the manager.

I'd be livid if someone like Carrick started over Tuanzebe, but can't complain about Darmian.

 

[parisite]

Athletic bilbao won 0-3. Celta's players will be under huge pressure to win against us now.

And I thought that they were just freewheeling through their remaining league fixtures, comfortable mid table without much else to play for, apart from the EL that is.

 

[Hugh Jass]

A 0-1 or 1-2 would be much better. We were very lucky against Anderlecht. A 1-1 is not much better than a 0-0, as we would still need to win the game with those results (as we found out against Anderlecht) to be sure of going through. They would only need to nick a goal at OT, which to be honest, every team has been doing this season to put us in a very precarious position. Anything other than a win or a 2-2 will not be enough to be 'safe' at Old Trafford.

Yea a 2-2 is better than a 1-1. 1-1 is very dangerous.

 

[Garethw]

Darmian has played centre back for Torino lots of times. He's one of our form players right now, and didn't put a foot wrong when he came on against Swansea.

I'd play a back three consisting of Blind, Darmian and Tuanzebe if I were the manager.

I'd be livid if someone like Carrick started over Tuanzebe, but can't complain about Darmian.

Tuanzebe will not be starting against Celta mate. Carrick has the big game experience that Tuanzebe could only dream of.

You don't drop an untested youth player into the centre of defensive for your most important game of the season.

 

[WhoDaGOAT]

Tuanzebe will not be starting against Celta mate. Carrick has the big game experience that Tuanzebe could only dream of.

You don't drop an untested youth player into the centre of defensive for your most important game of the season.

Carrick is 36 in a few weeks and too similar to Blind as it is. Having both of them as part of any defensive unit together is a recipe for disaster.

It's a two legged tie btw. He will never be ready without exposure. Playing him in a back three would minimise any exposure. There are managers who believe in youth, and then there is Mourinho.

 

[ManRed]

Tuanzebe will not be starting against Celta mate. Carrick has the big game experience that Tuanzebe could only dream of.

You don't drop an untested youth player into the centre of defensive for your most important game of the season.

Doubt Carrick will start 3 games in 1 week. Probably be a midfield 3 of Herrera, Pogba and Fellaini.

 

[Sterling Archer]

I'd rather play Tuanzebe than Darmian at cb.

I prefer to play an Italian international in a very important semi final in EL away from home. Tuanzebe has not started a game for us has he? He has superior physique but do Celta offer an aerial threat?

Darmian has played centre back for Torino lots of times. He's one of our form players right now, and didn't put a foot wrong when he came on against Swansea.
.

This. Even if he hadn't played there before why do people not trust the manager's decisions with our defensive lineup? Attacking side ok I get it. But we have been pretty good. Rojo went from maligned to indispensable. So it's not like Jose doesn't have a keen eye for this sort of thing.

It is absolutely baffling to me that in one of the two most important games of what's left this season that so many would prefer the untested youth player. If Tuanzebe were ready and undoubtedly better than Darmian it would have shown in practice and Jose would have used him more already. Jose may yet rate him and likely can become better than the Italian. I just don't think this is the match to play that gamble.

 

[efraim]

Anyone know if Bailly will be available?

 

[LawCharltonBest]

If United do win this, it's a foot into the final. Absolutely huge game which could play a huge part in a successful season

Anyone know if Bailly will be available?

Out apparently. Hopefully back for the second leg

 

[Godfather]

We better go out there all guns blazing. I want the lads to absolutely run their socks off. This is our make or break for the season. If we start off like we did against Swansea then god help us.

 

[Longlivekeano]

---------Romero---------

Valencia-Bailly-Blind-Darmian

------Herrera--Fellaini-------

-----------Pogba--------------

-Rashford--Martial----Mhki--

 

[efraim]

Out apparently. Hopefully back for the second leg

Dammit! So we basically don't have any options for the CB-position? Knowing Mourinho we'll probably park the bus and try to knick a goal in this game.

 

[KiD MoYeS]

Expecting a draw, 2-2 will do nicely.

 

[LawCharltonBest]

Dammit! So we basically don't have any options for the CB-position? Knowing Mourinho we'll probably park the bus and try to knick a goal in this game.

That's why i think starting DDG is crucial. On form, he's a defense by himself!

Romero behind no recognised CB is asking to be beat

 

[Android1974]

A 0-1 or 1-2 would be much better. We were very lucky against Anderlecht. A 1-1 is not much better than a 0-0, as we would still need to win the game with those results (as we found out against Anderlecht) to be sure of going through. They would only need to nick a goal at OT, which to be honest, every team has been doing this season to put us in a very precarious position. Anything other than a win or a 2-2 will not be enough to be 'safe' at Old Trafford.

Anderlecht were the ones lucky in the first leg, where we should have buried the tie, really. We completely dominated them away, with a midfield two of Carrick and Pogba, mind you, and I'm expecting something similar to happen Thursday, although probably without Carrick.

 

[Manny]

Could we assume Jose will have one eye on the Arsenal game and will be looking not to get beat at Celta Vigo?

Romero
Valencia Darmian Blind Young
Fellaini Carrick Pogba
Mkhi Martial Rooney​

 

[Android1974]

Could we assume Jose will have one eye on the Arsenal game and will be looking not to get beat at Celta Vigo?

Romero
Valencia Darmian Blind Young
Fellaini Carrick Pogba
Mkhi Martial Rooney​

I don't think he will, although I agree he might rest Herrera. No way Rooney is starting this nor Rashford to be left out, though.

 

[AXVnee7]

Our defence is suffering, but if we have Pogba back there's no excuse for not scoring at least 1 goal, given our midfield and attack will be fairly strong. Of course we want to go back to OT in a favourable position, but we also have enough quality to hurt them. Here's hoping our defence plays a blinder.

 

[Leftback99]

Could we assume Jose will have one eye on the Arsenal game and will be looking not to get beat at Celta Vigo?

Romero
Valencia Darmian Blind Young
Fellaini Carrick Pogba
Mkhi Martial Rooney​

We'll be playing the best team available. We should be playing the youth team against Arsenal, it's irrelevant at this point.

 

[Gerald G]

Tuanzebe is a decent prospect but there's no way I'll start him in this match.

 

[Hugh Jass]

Carrick is 36 in a few weeks and too similar to Blind as it is. Having both of them as part of any defensive unit together is a recipe for disaster.

It's a two legged tie btw. He will never be ready without exposure. Playing him in a back three would minimise any exposure. There are managers who believe in youth, and then there is Mourinho.

Playing Tuanzebe would be madness. Totally not ready for such a game.

 

[Android1974]

A pair of Carrick-Blind center-backs won't allow us to play a high-defensive line, would it? So a more cautious counterattacking 4-3-3 could happen instead of the 4-2-3-1 possession based with Anderlecht away.

 

[Ban]

People, forget about playing Tuanzebe in such an important game. Just forget it.

 

[Zoo]

Mata has to start, he brings maturity and intelligence to our play in the final third and is one our most reliable goalscorers. You never what you're going to get from Mkhi, Martial & Rashford right now.