[Santoryo]

It’s a bit of the standard CAF stereotyping and not actually watching what was happening. First half only he and Pogba looked like they would create anything or get a goal, he was good, beating people trying some very nice passes which maybe just got cut out or fell short but he was one of the only creative sparks. Saw people calling him lazy again but not sure what game they were watching. 2nd half he went up a gear and the things he was trying were starting to work and he was getting support and again looking like a creative spark. He was by no means perfect but CAF readers gonna CAF when it comes to Martial.

Yeah, the Caf can be a really annoying place. It's all about narrative, hive mind and hyperbole.

Saw Martial gassed toward the end of the game yet was still trying and going at it but you have your resident Catfard claiming that he was lazy and how garbage he was prior to his goal, I mean some people just sit around and write complete fiction.

Not only was he the catalyst to our comeback as he won us the freekick that led to the first goal, he still showed willingness and skills to play in the final third which is what was needed.

Also Mourinho needs to give him a role that wouldn't require as much defending as he does. It clearly consume too much energy from him, he's best used in that final third.

 

[Annihilate Now!]

Where is the bad decision making? Some passes not coming off but most of the time its also because of his team mates not being good enough or being on the same wavelength.

Well for a start the amount of times he crossed the ball from poor positions...

When he started using the people around him instead of randomly throwing the ball into the box, he improved massively

 

[Foxbatt]

Well for a start the amount of times he crossed the ball from poor positions...

When he started using the people around him instead of randomly throwing the ball into the box, he improved massively

That's when Lukaku moved from the centre to the right and Sanchez came on.

 

[sglowrider]

Huge irony in him and Pogba, both who have been treat like shit over the last few weeks by both Mourinho and a section of the fans, were by far the two key players in dragging us back into that farcical game.

They are the French Luke Shaws -- need to be bollocked before performing.

 

[Fracture90]

Huge irony in him and Pogba, both who have been treat like shit over the last few weeks by both Mourinho and a section of the fans, were by far the two key players in dragging us back into that farcical game.

Apologists running out of excuses now considering the effort those 2 are putting in.

 

[ForestRGoinUp]

Weird thing but I find myself defending Fellaini more and more these days. He was immense in that fight back.

I feel you on Fellaini lately and understand why guys like him play a role. Problem is the trifecta of him Lukaku and Matic and really Young/Valencia and Smalling are part of it too. That group of players is incapable of playing quick technical football in tight spaces. And often they’re taking up half the positions on the field.

 

[UncleBob]

They are the French Luke Shaws -- need to be bollocked before performing.

Roy Keane called, he wants his management style back.

There doesn't appear to be much that backs the impression that Martial needs a bollocking to perform. Imo, it's much more about confidence and feeling that the manager trusts him.

This match might be a one off from Martial, or it could be a sign that if we play to his strengths we can consistently get key performances from him. The only way of finding out is by playing him consistently, if he has a poor performance then accept it and play him in the next match as well, if he's unable to improve his overall level then it's pretty clear that he should move on at the end of the season.

 

[Foxbatt]

If we play to his strengths he will deliver. We move the ball so slowly by the time he gets it everyone is back in place and he has no space.
Yesterday we played so fast that by the time he got the ball Newcastle was still all over the place.

 

[Matt007a]

I think it’s largely confidence with him. It’s very difficult when you’re in and out of the team so much to play yourself back into form. He needs a run of games.

You could see the transformation in him during that second half. The confidence started to come back and he became a real threat in the last half an hour, after a host of misplaced passes and poor decisions in the first hour or so.

I hope he starts the next few games and builds on that because the talent is clearly there, even if we don’t see it anywhere near enough.

 

[Black Adder]

Loved the way he was heavy breathing after full time whistle, don't think he played whole match in this tempo before

 

[Harry190]

There were moments in there where he reminded us he can be quite something. When he puts in a shift, a different beast entirely.

 

[Foxbatt]

He should start the next match for sure.

 

[Bobski]

When the play is quick and he can find those combinations with talented players he can be lethal. Good luck trying to get that speed of play off guys like Matic and Fellaini or the ability to play a one two off Lukaku.

 

[Foxbatt]

Why include Fellaini? He can play the quocq passing game for Belgium with Hazard and KDB.
Now lukaLu, I agree with you.

 

[Bobski]

Why include Fellaini? He can play the quocq passing game for Belgium with Hazard and KDB.
Now lukaLu, I agree with you.

Not really, Belgium just bypass him and use him in much the same way as Utd do, as a shock tactic sub or a specialized aggressive role. He doesn't have the technique to play that style and most of Utd's best play came from Mata, Martial, Sanchez and Pogba combining. Maybe the first pass goes to a Fellaini or Lukaku but after that they are best used as finishers and staying away from the creation beyond simple things.

 

[Sayros]

watch martial's goal again and see Sanchez's movement to block dubravka's vision. That's why martial was able to score at the near post.

That's the most reaching I've ever seen an attempt to make it seem Sanchez had an impact before his goal. If anything, Sanchez almost blocked it for the goalkeeper, Fellaini and a Newcastle defender blocked the view far more. I'm not giving Sanchez any credit for Martial's goal.

 

[GM K]

That's the most reaching I've ever seen an attempt to make it seem Sanchez had an impact before his goal. If anything, Sanchez almost blocked it for the goalkeeper, Fellaini and a Newcastle defender blocked the view far more. I'm not giving Sanchez any credit for Martial's goal.

I think Sanchez did have an impact before the goal. Much of football is psychological. The three changes affected the team very positively in my opinion - especially the last two changes. They gave the team a lift and told everyone we were going on an all out attack. In terms of actual play, Sanchez's movements created threats and I felt that added something to our game. Rashford was clearly not in great form and that must have weighed down the other players in attacking terms. But let's assume Sanchez brought nothing to the squad before the goal, the reality is that that goal was absolutely invaluable and timely. I can live with him doing nothing but scoring such decisive goals game after game.

 

[Foxbatt]

I have seen Belgium play long before the WC. Fellaini can play football. He might not be as creative as the other players they have but he was a regular before Martinez arrived.

 

[Sayros]

I think Sanchez did have an impact before the goal. Much of football is psychological. The three changes affected the team very positively in my opinion - especially the last two changes. They gave the team a lift and told everyone we were going on an all out attack. In terms of actual play, Sanchez's movements created threats and I felt that added something to our game. Rashford was clearly not in great form and that must have weighed down the other players in attacking terms. But let's assume Sanchez brought nothing to the squad before the goal, the reality is that that goal was absolutely invaluable and timely. I can live with him doing nothing but scoring such decisive goals game after game.

Oh, I'm not trying to downplay the goal Sanchez scored. I just didn't feel he did much before that point but perhaps it's a good point about the movement, I don't remember much sticking out but it definitely felt that as soon as Mata and Sanchez came in, the fluidity was much better. They're definitely more technical than Rashford or Lingard (though I like Lingard as an impact sub), and I would like to see more of the same. The problem is Mourinho never shows any consistency in his starting XI and players like Martial need a run of game, and feel some trust from the coach. I think it did him wonders to realize all three subs were used and he was still on the field, he seemed to really shift to another gear at that point.

 

[GM K]

Martial was VERY impressive in the second half of that Newcastle game. I absolutely loved his game. Reminded me there's still a gem in there somewhere. The movement before his goal was sublime. If he can play that way more consistently, then I can start getting more confident about the season.

His first half was rather average though. I felt he was not threatening enough and was a bit too casual. But going forward, on the strength of the second half of the Newcastle game, Jose has to play him. He has been anyway considering the fact that Martial has started in three of our last four games and was a substitute in the fourth one. Looking forward to good days ahead.

 

[Sayros]

Martial was VERY impressive in the second half of that Newcastle game. I absolutely loved his game. Reminded me there's still a gem in there somewhere. The movement before his goal was sublime. If he can play that way more consistently, then I can start getting more confident about the season.

His first half was rather average though. I felt he was not threatening enough and was a bit too casual. But going forward, on the strength of the second half of the Newcastle game, Jose has to play him. He has been anyway considering the fact that Martial has started in three of our last four games and was a substitute in the fourth one. Looking forward to good days ahead.

He just seemed scared to try anything daring, probably with the fear of getting hooked first like he usually would. Once he knew he wasn't going to be benched, he seemed more free and willing to try. Again, I don't know for sure if I remember it correctly, but I think his goal was his first shot attempt.

 

[GM K]

Oh, I'm not trying to downplay the goal Sanchez scored. I just didn't feel he did much before that point but perhaps it's a good point about the movement, I don't remember much sticking out but it definitely felt that as soon as Mata and Sanchez came in, the fluidity was much better. They're definitely more technical than Rashford or Lingard (though I like Lingard as an impact sub), and I would like to see more of the same. The problem is Mourinho never shows any consistency in his starting XI and players like Martial need a run of game, and feel some trust from the coach. I think it did him wonders to realize all three subs were used and he was still on the field, he seemed to really shift to another gear at that point.

Good points there.

Tinkering with a squad can be tricky. While on one hand, it can be seen as essential when a team is getting bad results and the manager (especially one whose job is at stake) cannot afford to endure certain costly errors from certain players, on the other hand, like you rightly pointed out, tinkering doesn't help a team to be consistently cohesive and the players to grow in confidence.

 

[Red_Ramirez]

Martial was VERY impressive in the second half of that Newcastle game. I absolutely loved his game. Reminded me there's still a gem in there somewhere. The movement before his goal was sublime. If he can play that way more consistently, then I can start getting more confident about the season.

His first half was rather average though. I felt he was not threatening enough and was a bit too casual. But going forward, on the strength of the second half of the Newcastle game, Jose has to play him. He has been anyway considering the fact that Martial has started in three of our last four games and was a substitute in the fourth one. Looking forward to good days ahead.

EVERYONE was impressive in the 2nd half. The effort and desire was evident

1st half everyone was shit

 

[Darkhorsez]

Loved the way he was heavy breathing after full time whistle, don't think he played whole match in this tempo before

I noticed that too! I think it was due to his relief than being gassed though!

 

[Foxbatt]

Mata came on in the 18th minute. It was Fellaini who came on halftime that created the problems.
Sanchez of course if a very good player and his movements created more problems for Newcastle.

 

[Isotope]

Martial was VERY impressive in the second half of that Newcastle game. I absolutely loved his game. Reminded me there's still a gem in there somewhere. The movement before his goal was sublime. If he can play that way more consistently, then I can start getting more confident about the season.

His first half was rather average though. I felt he was not threatening enough and was a bit too casual. But going forward, on the strength of the second half of the Newcastle game, Jose has to play him. He has been anyway considering the fact that Martial has started in three of our last four games and was a substitute in the fourth one. Looking forward to good days ahead.

Yeh. Game like that just make me want us to have a manager who is attacking minded, ala Sir Alex.

On paper, our attack is actually mouthwatering. But for years, the sum is always lesser than the individuals. Which is a reverse to what we had under Sir Alex.

 

[Decomposing In Paris]

Yeh. Game like that just make me want us to have a manager who is attacking minded, ala Sir Alex.

On paper, our attack is actually mouthwatering. But for years, the sum is always lesser than the individuals. Which is a reverse to what we had under Sir Alex.

I don't want to downplay anything Sir Alex achieved, but let's not suggest that Lukaku, (2018's) Sanchez, Rashford, & Martial, is comparable in quality to what we had 10 years ago... or 20 years ago.

We also had a better midfield and defence back then.

 

[Santoryo]

I don't want to downplay anything Sir Alex achieved, but let's not suggest that Lukaku, (2018's) Sanchez, Rashford, & Martial, is comparable in quality to what we had 10 years ago... or 20 years ago.

We also had a better midfield and defence back then.

This is not true at all.

We currently have a far better midfield than SAF last midfield, in fact some of the most ardent complaint during his tenure from people was his lack of investment in midfield. We had the likes of Cleverly, Anderson filling our midfield. So let's not start rewriting history.

As for the attack in his latest years, SAF didn't posses some sort of fully stacked wold class attack or anything outrageous. We had Valancia, Chicharito, Welbeck making the bulk of our attack. In fact when Alex Fergus on won the league last the only world class attacker he had in his possession was Van Persie yet he made it work.

If we want to compare what SAF had in his latest years with us compared to now we have a better attack and midfield, without a doubt.

Your post is pure revisionism.

 

[Di Maria's angel]

He showed even more drive and desire once he saw he was going to stay the full game. It's almost as if young players do better when they're shown a little bit of confidence from their manager.

Alternatively, if he shows the drive and desire from the 1st minute, he won't be taken off.

 

[Di Maria's angel]

Huge irony in him and Pogba, both who have been treat like shit over the last few weeks by both Mourinho and a section of the fans, were by far the two key players in dragging us back into that farcical game.

Where's the irony in two employees doing their jobs?

 

[Aloysius's Back 3]

Alternatively, if he shows the drive and desire from the 1st minute, he won't be taken off.

Alternatively - a player shows more drive & desire playing in his best position & a role that manages to get the best out of him.

Asking Martial to cross when he isn't David Beckham & Lukaku himself can't make a run leads to a person on a downward spiral.

 

[Di Maria's angel]

Alternatively - a player shows more drive & desire playing in his best position & a role that manages to get the best out of him.

Asking Martial to cross when he isn't David Beckham & Lukaku himself can't make a run leads to a person on a downward spiral.

What's his best position? He played mostly wide-left in his first season and was sensational. Lukaku has scored over 100 PL goals, why would Martial start up front over him?

It's similar to the rubbish excuses made for Pogba and, yet, on Saturday, from what looked like the center-back position, Paul Pogba ran the show. It's as simple as the two of them, extremely talented footballers, putting in the effort.

But no, lets carry on making excuses.

 

[Smores]

This is not true at all.

We currently have a far better midfield than SAF last midfield, in fact some of the most ardent complaint during his tenure from people was his lack of investment in midfield. We had the likes of Cleverly, Anderson filling our midfield. So let's not start rewriting history.

As for the attack in his latest years, SAF didn't posses some sort of fully stacked wold class attack or anything outrageous. We had Valancia, Chicharito, Welbeck making the bulk of our attack. In fact when Alex Fergus on won the league last the only world class attacker he had in his possession was Van Persie yet he made it work.

If we want to compare what SAF had in his latest years with us compared to now we have a better attack and midfield, without a doubt.

Your post is pure revisionism.

It's definetly true and you've pulled out odd examples to argue against tbh.

 

[DWelbz19]

They are the French Luke Shaws -- need to be bollocked before performing.

Or they’re just very talented players who have been bizarrely mismanaged?

 

[Aloysius's Back 3]

What's his best position? He played mostly wide-left in his first season and was sensational. Lukaku has scored over 100 PL goals, why would Martial start up front over him?

It's similar to the rubbish excuses made for Pogba and, yet, on Saturday, from what looked like the center-back position, Paul Pogba ran the show. It's as simple as the two of them, extremely talented footballers, putting in the effort.

But no, lets carry on making excuses.

Because there is no policy in the world that requires us to play with only one man up at the top.

Playing as a LF for LVG is different than playing as a LM for Jose with the intention of getting the best out of Lukaku.

That type of specific nature of getting the best out a very few players didn't happen under LVG & Martial played as a forward could score goals from us at that time by drifting to the left & finding the ball at his feet in space.

Same thing for Pogba - less of a focus of getting the best out of some players & free type of game allowing him to go defence to attack & control the game with the team all around him being free and looking for space.

 

[Devil may care]

Where's the irony in two employees doing their jobs?

That's not where the irony is but I think you already know that, Mourinho has treat both players disgracefully, in particular Martial with the constant public scapegoating, and yet they are the two most responsible for his sorry ass still being in a job after Saturday.

 

[Arka_BleedingRed]

What's his best position? He played mostly wide-left in his first season and was sensational. Lukaku has scored over 100 PL goals, why would Martial start up front over him?

It's similar to the rubbish excuses made for Pogba and, yet, on Saturday, from what looked like the center-back position, Paul Pogba ran the show. It's as simple as the two of them, extremely talented footballers, putting in the effort.

But no, lets carry on making excuses.

Played Wide left for LVG? Did you even watch him during LVG? Martial was initially played as a striker, then was moved to a LW Forward. Scoring goals cannot be the only criteria for a striker of Manchester United, otherwise the likes of Benteke, Defoe etc. would also deserve a look-in. Fact is, other than his above average scoring record, Lukaku has always looked extremely limited in most aspects of the game as a striker.

The style that Mourinho uses is outdated right now(used in some midtable clubs only nowadays), so he has had difficulty finding the right striker. He bought Lukaku thinking he could play like a Mourinho striker, but has disappointed in the extreme. Under any attacking manager, Martial/Sanchez would be much better option than Lukaku due to their superior link-up play, ability to play in tight spaces, better movement.

 

[JohnnyKills]

Alternatively, if he shows the drive and desire from the 1st minute, he won't be taken off.

That's exactly the sort of man-management Fergie used with Ronaldo, Beckham, Rooney et al wasn't it.

 

[Rossa]

I think the game against Newcastle showed why he doesn't work that well for us, and also that he can be a real asset. He struggles when he is isolated against very fast fullbacks and expected to run past or dribble past them. That has been a recurring theme even when he was tearing it up. On the other hand, he is great at small interplays in and around the box where he can use his technique and dribbling to find small pockets of space. He is also a very good finisher coming in from the left.

I just don't think we can expect him to be a young Ryan Giggs running down that flank, up and down through 90 minutes. He just doesn't have the energy, nor do I think he has the outright sheer speed to do it - very fast in bursts, but not over long distances. I also don't think he's a Hazard type that can do a whole lot on his own. He needs teammates around him, and then he can unsettle defences by dribbling past a player. His great close control is a real asset in and around the box as well.

 

[Santoryo]

It's definetly true and you've pulled out odd examples to argue against tbh.

Odd examples? Go ahead name those players in SAF latest years that were so much better than out current midfield and attackers.

One of the main complaints during those times was the fact that SAF negkected his midfield which for the most part was made by the likes of Cleverly, Anderson etc. Carrick was the only top class player we had in midfield.

As for our attack, Van Persie was the only world class player we had, the rest weren't.

I'd like you to name these players that SAF possessed in his latter years that made his team far better than our current one on an individual level.