[GM K]

On point.

 

[Sultan]

United cannot just turn up and roll teams over. This was a good result in isolation. Start moaning if United fail to succeed in getting through to the semi-final.

 

[Jig1234]

When did Mourinho become so bad at substitutions?

Lost count of the number of times we've conceded a late goal immediately after he makes subs.

 

[Name Changed]

Is this team ready to go up against Europe's elite in the CL next season?

Need 2 more big signings IMO.

2?

 

[Sultan]

Most of the people here agree that our 2nd half was bad. There's no point in dominating teams and drawing matches everytime. Maybe your definition of dominating is different.

Managing the opposition away from home, and limiting them to one chance is pretty good in my book. If anything, fingers should be pointed at strikers missing chances on a consistent basis.

 

[Name Changed]

Well it wasn't great but it's the same old story.

* The manager does not know how to get the best out of the players.
* The manager is criticizing them on a regular basis which can only affect morale and confidence.
* The manager consistently makes bad team selections and awful substitutions.
* A lot of our players are completely overrated.
* Some of our players aren't performing to their abilities.
* We rely far too heavily on a 35 year old enigmatic striker.

Can say all that for at least half our games this season.

 

[MadMike]

Most of the people here agree that our 2nd half was bad. There's no point in dominating teams and drawing matches everytime. Maybe your definition of dominating is different.

No, it's just that you are really struggling to judge individual performances in a team sport. Carrick and Pogba were excellent yesterday. The attack became largely impotent in the 2nd half, when Martial and Fellaini were introduced. Pedestrial and not creating enough clear chances in the final 3rd. That's not exactly Pogba's and Carrick fault though. They definitely controlled the midfield and provided very good passing and shielding throughout the game.

 

[Name Changed]

Managing the opposition away from home, and limiting them to one chance is pretty good in my book. If anything, fingers should be pointed at strikers missing chances on a consistent basis.

It may be good statistically but considering we draw game after game after game then it really isn't working as it should.

It doesn't help that Mourinho slags off the strikers on a consistent basis. Strikers are at their best when confident. I don't know how any player can be confident listening to Mourinho. (Barring Zlatan of course, as he doesn't give a shit what anyone says).

 

[SachinJ22]

2?

We need a CDM and a player who can score goals. Our defence has been good enough. Pogba and Herrera have done well most of the times. We can't sign 4 players every season and just hope it works. When we bring in new players those players need time to get used to Jose's tactics or time to get used to the physical nature of PL. You tell me how many players we need? 4? 6? 8? 11?

 

[Catt]

Really good performance? It was a crap performance. If we want to be elite, this was embarrassing. If we want to be average shit houses, top performance, mint!

First half half was good, second not so much.

 

[Sultan]

It may be good statistically but considering we draw game after game after game then it really isn't working as it should.

It doesn't help that Mourinho slags off the strikers on a consistent basis. Strikers are at their best when confident. I don't know how any player can be confident listening to Mourinho. (Barring Zlatan of course, as he doesn't give a shit what anyone says).

Managers have different ways of working and getting best out of players. Mourinho, without doubt, has been mostly successful with his way managing. Sir Alex succeeded and hardly ever criticised players openly. Take your choice.

Obviously, we have to accept that's the Mourinho's way manages his teams and the board were aware prior to hiring him.

 

[AndyJ1985]

It may be good statistically but considering we draw game after game after game then it really isn't working as it should.

It doesn't help that Mourinho slags off the strikers on a consistent basis. Strikers are at their best when confident. I don't know how any player can be confident listening to Mourinho. (Barring Zlatan of course, as he doesn't give a shit what anyone says).

The best players will have confidence in themselves without needing to have their arse licked by the manager in public. If we have wet flannels that fall apart after a little criticism then they aren't the type of players we need to get us back to where we want to be. I can guarantee if the likes of Neville, Giggs, Scholes, Ronaldo, Keane, Beckham (I could keep going here) were criticised for a poor performance they would be motivated to up their game the following week. That's the kind of group mentality that dominates leagues and competes for the CL.

 

[Alabaster Codify7]

Again, I predicted the exact score. Too obvious nowadays.

Absolute gash, again. I keep saying, this is now our level so let's just accept it. We are not a big team anymore, we're a top 6 PL team who, on their day, can be a good cup side. That's all we are since SAF left and until I see something to prove me wrong, that's all we are going forward.

Shockingly average performance from a team that is supposedly 'all in' with this competition. We are not winning this cup. We'll scrape a win at home but we're going out in the semis regardless of who we play, IMO.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

When did Mourinho become so bad at substitutions?

Lost count of the number of times we've conceded a late goal immediately after he makes subs.

Everybody has been whining that Martial has not been starting, then lo and behold when he comes on he is rubbish. That was the only attacking sub he could make. That left Fellaini, as the only option to bring on to try and put some sort of pressure on the opposition. They both let him down. He put out an attacking side that most were happy with and they were toothless for the most part. That is down to the players. How many chances do they have to miss.

 

[Roger777]

2?

Exactly... We will end up an absolute laughing stock in the CL if we do end up qualifying for it. There is absolutely nothing about this team which excites me.

 

[Zoo]

Again, I predicted the exact score. Too obvious nowadays.

Absolute gash, again. I keep saying, this is now our level so let's just accept it. We are not a big team anymore, we're a top 6 PL team who, on their day, can be a good cup side. That's all we are since SAF left and until I see something to prove me wrong, that's all we are going forward.

Shockingly average performance from a team that is supposedly 'all in' with this competition. We are not winning this cup. We'll scrape a win at home but we're going out in the semis regardless of who we play, IMO.

You'll be in for a pleasant surprise as we'll reach the final.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

You'll be in for a pleasant surprise as we'll reach the final.

I hate it when ones who predict a bad performance then come on and expect a pat on the back for their predictions. We should have won easily last night. What let us down was the same thing that has let us down all season, the finishing. Jose knows it, he was not happy and will try to do something about it in the summer. Some need to get over themselves.

 

[Crimson King]

Exactly... We will end up an absolute laughing stock in the CL if we do end up qualifying for it. There is absolutely nothing about this team which excites me.

I would still rather be in it and be rubbish than have to settle for Europa again.

Besides, a lot of our top targets may turn us down in the summer if we have no champs league a second season running.

We're a better team than Leicester and they've managed okay in Europe this season.

 

[AndyJ1985]

I hate it when ones who predict a bad performance then come on and expect a pat on the back for their predictions. We should have won easily last night. What let us down was the same thing that has let us down all season, the finishing. Jose knows it, he was not happy and will try to do something about it in the summer. Some need to get over themselves.

After almost every draw we hear the line "should have won easily"

Our performances are as predictable as Arsenal's season.

 

[Roger777]

I would still rather be in it and be rubbish than have to settle for Europa again.

Besides, a lot of our top targets may turn us down in the summer if we have no champs league a second season running.

We're a better team than Leicester and they've managed okay in Europe this season.

True. But to be fair, Leicester's CL has been more of a fairytale experience. There's been no pressure on them as nobody's expected them to get very far, let alone the quarters. I can just see what'll happen with us though. We'll qualify, make a couple of signings in the summer and the expectation will be the usual ramped up nonsense and will fall flat on our arses...

 

[DomesticTadpole]

After almost every draw we hear the line "should have won easily"

Our performances are as predictable as Arsenal's season.

We are drawing because we are not taking our chances, so giving the other teams a glimmer of hope. Ibra has been great, but misses loads. Was he the right choice? Rashford looked good last night and I have great hopes for him. Mkhitaryan I think will be better next season. Martial is too flaky a personality for me. Players will always get some sort of criticism even if it is kept in the dressing room. He seems to take it too much to heart and does not seem capable of doing anything to prove the manager wrong. Jesse needs to be more proficient at scoring the easy chances. The Mata injury has lost us a good option.The club thinking Wayne Rooney would make any contribution is a massive mistake and I hope he is gone in the summer.

 

[Sultan]

The best players will have confidence in themselves without needing to have their arse licked by the manager in public. If we have wet flannels that fall apart after a little criticism then they aren't the type of players we need to get us back to where we want to be. I can guarantee if the likes of Neville, Giggs, Scholes, Ronaldo, Keane, Beckham (I could keep going here) were criticised for a poor performance they would be motivated to up their game the following week. That's the kind of group mentality that dominates leagues and competes for the CL.

Exactly.

Just yesterday I was watching an old United game. Keane completely lost it with Neville G for a bad pass in front of all the cameras and crowd. They went off laughing together.

Everybody has been whining that Martial has not been starting, then lo and behold when he comes on he is rubbish. That was the only attacking sub he could make. That left Fellaini, as the only option to bring on to try and put some sort of pressure on the opposition. They both let him down. He put out an attacking side that most were happy with and they were toothless for the most part. That is down to the players. How many chances do they have to miss.

Very good point.

 

[Crimson King]

True. But to be fair, Leicester's CL has been more of a fairytale experience. There's been no pressure on them as nobody's expected them to get very far, let alone the quarters. I can just see what'll happen with us though. We'll qualify, make a couple of signings in the summer and the expectation will be the usual ramped up nonsense and will fall flat on our arses...

I pretty much expect the same mate.

But we have to be wrong sooner or later...right? RIGHT?!

 

[Terminator]

Does Mourinho do anything else but scapegoat players? All he does is deflect blame off him. The worst part is most supporters are naive and are backing his stone age methods. We have a good squad(3rd best in the league IMO), they just are not performing well.

 

[shield]

As a visual experience, I find our matches to very dull with almost 'scream in frustration' like experiences. It is not a visual treat and only the result matters. You would be happier just looking at the scoreline.

The difference is quality is more noticeable if we have just been watching CL football. That attack looks in shambles at the moment. Shots fluffed, passes misplaced, crosses to nowhere, inaccurate shots. It is maddening.

Also, I see people mentioning things like "dominated" and "created lot of chances". We definitely did not "dominate" the match and we also definitely did not create a lot of chances. Just pinging the ball in to penalty area where it connects with a teammate who then takes an impossible shot does not stand as a chance. There has to be some intricate play, movement or good dribbling displayed to create a "lot" of chances. We did not do any of these. There was just the Zlatan miss, then the goal and I think another one in the second half which come to my mind. That is it.

However, seeing the state of the squad and the fact that more than half the team looks like they need to be replaced, this can be expected. We need to tolerate these performances till the end of the season.

 

[SachinJ22]

The best players will have confidence in themselves without needing to have their arse licked by the manager in public. If we have wet flannels that fall apart after a little criticism then they aren't the type of players we need to get us back to where we want to be. I can guarantee if the likes of Neville, Giggs, Scholes, Ronaldo, Keane, Beckham (I could keep going here) were criticised for a poor performance they would be motivated to up their game the following week. That's the kind of group mentality that dominates leagues and competes for the CL.

The manager has the right to criticise the players but doing it in public might not work for every player. Each player is mentally different, criticising Mkhi or Shaw might make them play better but the same thing might now work for Martial or Rashford or some other player. Even the best players need motivation sometimes and its the managers job to find out how to motivate each player. I'm not saying the manager should lick their arse in public, but he shouldn't criticize players who are already low on confidence in public.

 

[Garethw]

I actually think that his approach in the second half last night (parking the bus at one nil up) was due to the fact that he has absolutely no faith in our attackers to score the necessary goals.

It's obvious to me that he has more faith in the teams ability to nullify the opposition than he does in us blowing teams away with our goal scoring exploits.

Hopefully Mourinho can bring in two or three attack minded players in the summer and duds like Martial can also step it up.

 

[Hugh Jass]

Spent the whole of last night twisting and turning in agony trying to sleep I was so frustrated.

A 2-1 to us would have been a much better result.

Need a few early goals in the return tie to settle the nerves. I would rest a few players for the Chelsea game.

 

[Cnaiür urs Skiötha]

What I just do not see is a masterplan how we want to Play and set up. Most of the top Teams do have a certain style and the best line-up for this.
There are a lot of Teams who seem to be a lot better than the sum of ist parts. We are the opposite.
Players like Pogba and Mkhi have been the best Players in the German and Italian league. I cannot believe they turned to average Players.
I cannot even say which Players I would like to see us go for in the summer as I don`t know what should be the Overall plan.
One Thing that is clear for me is that we should not rely on Ibra for another season.
Thanks king Zlatan but we Need to move Forward.

 

[SalfordRed1960]

I actually think that his approach in the second half last night (parking the bus at one nil up) was due to the fact that he has absolutely no faith in our attackers to score the necessary goals.

It's obvious to me that he has more faith in the teams ability to nullify the opposition than he does in us blowing teams away with our goal scoring exploits.

Hopefully Mourinho can bring in two or three attack minded players in the summer and duds like Martial can also step it up.

Well his faith is misplaced then as nearly everyone he tries parking the bus at 1-0 we concede.

 

[SuperiorXI]

It's amusing that people still expect us to be "elite" this season. Have you seen our football this season? It's been average nearly throughout. That's not suddenly going to change in the Europa league. We're poor in attack and it shows nearly every week.

But I'm surprised with the reactions in this thread. We played quite well last night. Unlucky to draw. Like everyone I'm not happy with where we are as an attacking side and think Mourinho should have done much better. But we still played pretty well and should have won that game. Considering the way we've played all season, that's not a disappointing peformance.

It is not acceptable though. The level at this club needs to be much higher, so you can't really call performances like last night good. Maybe if we were Everton.

1-1 draws away from home are the norm in the Champions League but even that competition has teams in we should be putting away home or away. The fact is here we were 'okay' up until the second half. We then went to sleep and it's a rot that has set in from mediocrity over the last few years. The players think it's acceptable because they play like they think that. I could see their equaliser coming a mile off and it's a shame because they didn't deserve it.

 

[Garethw]

Well his faith is misplaced then as nearly everyone he tries parking the bus at 1-0 we concede.

I'm totally with you mate. The amount of draws we get coupled with the lack of goals we score is starting to create a bit of a crisis situation.

I don't know whether it's on Mourinho or the players but something needs to change and quick.

 

[togg]

Spent the whole of last night twisting and turning in agony trying to sleep I was so frustrated.

A 2-1 to us would have been a much better result.

Need a few early goals in the return tie to settle the nerves. I would rest a few players for the Chelsea game.

Don't let football do that to you! I bet the players slept ok!

The good thing about football is that the next game is just around the corner.....for us to go through it all again

 

[GM K]

"We have to kill matches. We had chances, control, but we don’t score goals; we risk. There was lots of space to kill, good chances. Lots of chances that we don’t get because of a bad touch, sloppy touch, a flick, bad decisions in the last third. There was a team with good organisation at the back, but one mistake and we were punished.

In my poor English I cannot find a better word [than sloppy]. You have to play more seriously. Put the performance of two or three of our attacking players together and you squeeze not much juice out of it. Rashford, Lingard, Ibrahimovic, Martial. They were very similar. But the people behind: very solid, very focused. The defenders did the serious work but the people who had to kill the game didn’t. We start the game at Old Trafford in front, but we had all the conditions to kill the game." - Jose Mourinho after the game in Belgium.

It reads like something someone here posted. It's clear that Jose sees what a lot of us see. There is nothing in his analysis that people have not pointed out here.

Good to know that hr is aware of the issues and as upset about them as some of us are. Let's hope he fixes the problems.

 

[TonyMarshall]

Some lads would want to get a grip of themselves. Disappointing not to kick on in the 2nd half an stick a few more past them after the dominant first half but it wasn't an awful performance or awful result.

We'll finish them off in the 2nd leg.

 

[montpelier]

2nd leg is likely to be very dull, dunno about anything else. Anderlecht have to come out eventually because they need to score at some stage within 90mins, but the tie should be over. Frustrating & disappointing.

 

[Esquire]

Spent the whole of last night twisting and turning in agony trying to sleep I was so frustrated.

A 2-1 to us would have been a much better result.

Need a few early goals in the return tie to settle the nerves. I would rest a few players for the Chelsea game.

Yip. Play for the draw.

 

[Desert Eagle]

Bunch of crybabies if you ask me. Still favorites to progress and complete our trophy set. Already won the league cup and still in with a shout at top 4. We are playing much more entertaining football than last year too. The draws will become wins once we sign another 20 plus goals a season player imo

 

[Hugh Jass]

Bunch of crybabies if you ask me. Still favorites to progress and complete our trophy set. Already won the league cup and still in with a shout at top 4. We are playing much more entertaining football than last year too. The draws will become wins once we sign another 20 plus goals a season player imo

I agree.

 

[GM K]

I don't think there was any deliberate plan or tactic to defend the 1-0 lead. I have noticed many people reached this conclusion after seeing the team's play in the second half and I think it is a wrong notion. How could Jose have told them to defend a one goal lead at half time? His comments after the game show that he was as disappointed in the way the team failed to score more as we all are. And it was not the first time he spoke about the failure of his team to kill off games when leading.

Bringing in Martial was supposed to make the team attack more but the opposite happened. He kept giving away the ball leading to greater pressure on the team. Maybe that's why he decided to tighten up by bringing in Fellaini.

I think the mentality of the players has to change. They need a killer instinct and they need to do a whole lot better finishing chances created in front of goal. Making these happen is Jose's toughest challenge.