[antohan]

Unpopular opinion. I'm not entirely happy with Amorim so far. (Although i support him full time). I understrand what he wants from the team, I get that his favourite formation is 3-4-3 but... He should see that he does not have the right players for that. At the moment 3-4-3 seems like some kind of suicidal formation with Malacia, Antony (khm....) and whoever else on the sides. Luckily our opponent was the 42 million euro Bodo/Glimt so we could score some goals (was nice to see Hojlund finally being fed by the others) but the defense was just as tough as a wet sponge. Against a better team (not to mention a top team...) it could have been a disastrous loss too. As they say the squad determines the tactics not the other way round, and forcing to play 3-4-3 with players who don't fit and will be sold as soon as possible maybe not the wisest of idea.

Well, he addressed that in his press conference, didn't he? That stuff about taking risks to be in a better place in 12 months rather than "optimise to squad/results" and waste a lot of time that could be used to coach with the future in mind.

Far better than "you got me here because I was doing this and that but I've decided I'll do something completely different".

Wingbacks are an issue? Let's see it clearly, address it, see how it starts clicking, etc.

 

[Ibi Dreams]

Thought we dominated the match really. Done on the counter, but I think they were a bit fortunate with worldie finishes. After going down 2-1 they hardly had a sniff. Saw big changes in our play and it was quite positive - so much higher up with the press and we were good at it

 

[justsomebloke]

Poor finishing second half made the game closer than it should have been.
Malacia just done for pace and strength, but De ligt should have committed earlier instead caught in no mans land.
Malacia was decent in attack but if he cannot improve physically he is not going to be useful as a wing back.
Hoijlund showing what he can do in a real system.
Antony worked hard but really offers nothing other than hold up play.
The negatives, we still look leggy, and things are not quite there by instinct
The positives, our passing is faster and tidier, pressing more as a unit, actual patterns of play and clear chances being created.
I would say Bodo are on par with Ipswich certainly better than the bottom of the prem teams, we looked better today if not 100% we at least showed signs of significant improvement.

Was Malacia decent in the attack? Zero end product.

 

[kopviolator]

We get ripped to pieces playing like that against a top top team.

 

[Trophy Room]

We get ripped to pieces playing like that against a top top team.

With 72% possession? Things to work on but let’s not be so dramatic. This is the most organised and systematic we have been for 11 years.

 

[George The Best]

Ugarte and Mazraoui are massive signings for us. Thought Mount did well too. Pleased for Hojlund, that should boost his confidence. Can’t see how Antony & Rashford ever fit into this system again. Need another CB fit so that Maz can move to RWB. Overall it was the result that mattered. Like to see the running stats.

 

[sglowrider]

A lot of players need to be sold to make way for better players

There's a familiar ring to this!

 

[horsechoker]

12th in the prem. 12th in the Europa.

Twelve Hag!

 

[always_hoping]

8 pages on the post match thread in one hour after Sunday's match that United didn't win. Was told it's because Amorim in charge and will attract more discussion, yet tonight after a win just 4 pages in one hour after the match.

 

[kopviolator]

With 72% possession? Things to work on but let’s not be so dramatic. This is the most organised and systematic we have been for 11 years.

No drama, we’re just to open on the counter. Stuff to work on but it seems a long way to go. We’ll get there, some positive stuff too

 

[quadrant]

Bodø/Glimts narrow shape was what generated a lot of space for the wide attackers. Smart choice too, given how poor Malacia and Antony was.

Well, yes, the formation drives that response by keeping the full backs occupied with the two number tens. It's bound to happen, since the alternative is leaving the tens free, which is probably more dangerous, even with better wingbacks.

 

[r0663664]

Overall, dominating for most period. Lack of concentration by giving away balls that almost let the opponent in. Can't see how Antony fit in so the position is fully Amad to lose. Mount presses well but when Rashford comes in, you can see he doesn't want to press. Garnacho is selfish and wasteful, need to give a serious thought of selling him if this continues. Hoijund will score if he is given ball in the right position. Maybe Maz will become rwb, Amad and Mount as AM, Bruno and Ugarte as CM. Garnacho as RWB but he really needs to improve decision making and finishing.

 

[wolvored]

We should have won that easily the chances missed. I hope Ruben sticks to his principals, even if we lose heavily in a couple of the upcoming games. You can already see pattern of play and style. Some of these players will never be able to adapt, but some are already improving in their positions. I can see Ruben experimenting in another few games to see who can play the system well and who can't.
Exciting times.

 

[OldTrevil]

We were able to dominate the ball in the second half mainly because Amorim changed our build up positioning, with Dalot always going in the ten and Garnacho at LWB. But there is this weird dislike of Dalot going on from some people who will only be shouting at the few plays he got wrong no doubt.

I really hope Amorim stops this Garnacho at 10 business, he's completely lost in there and all his weaknesses are accentuated. He should only play at LWB in my opinion.

Overall that game was enjoyable, even though nervy at times in the first half.

We already knew Rasmus can finish and is a powerful runner. Once he masters a suitable back to goal game and fully controlling his body in duels, he will be very good.

Mount was a standout for me, he basically makes the third goal. But overall his movement of the ball and positioning were very good. He makes good decisions and just needs players around him who are as progressive and smart in their play. If he stays fit he easily becomes a key part of this team long term. I'd love to see him next to Amad with Mainoo behind them, could be really tasty.

Mazraoui has the footballing level that should be a minimum for all our defenders ideally. He continues his brilliant performances for the season.

I'm not fussed with Malacia's game as he's been out for so long. He got beat for pace but that can happen to anyone. At least he was more involved in the game and tried to be positive, unlike Anthony whom the less said about the better.

Bruno had a more disciplined game today and it was good to see. He'll always have his limitations technically but if he can be sensible on the ball, then I've always said his engine can be useful to the team. I still don't think he makes our best team long term though, we certainly don't challenge for the league with him as a mainstay in our midfield.

Ugarte was good but there's definitely more to his play.

We can definitely all see Amorim's idea and its just a matter of seeing how he goes about the team and individuals. Interesting times ahead I'd say.

 

[dogwithabone]

Better. Nowhere near the levels we ultimately need to be at but that was a step in the right direction. Ugarte, Højlund, Mount and Mazraoui all very good. Rashford a bit careless with the ball and both Amad and Garnacho have to play more instinctively inside the box - too much dithering with the ball and all too often making the wrong pass.

 

[Hoof the ball]

 

[JediSith]

Huge stepping stone from Ipswich. Against Ipswich we were actually good for 20 minutes, as in you could see what the plan was but then it went to crap. Today for the majority of the match we played with a plan.

Long way to go to perfect it. Will be like watching a future world class goalkeeper, winger and striker rolled into one starting out at 18 then getting better and better until they are hopefully become world class. With all the highs, lows, excitement and frustrations that come with it. I’ll say that again using Apple intelligence concise feature “will take patience”.

What is becoming obvious is that certain players are not suited to the system and others are not good enough. So that will be the next step in the summer.

Great to finally start seeing us play with a vision and an identity start to emerge.

 

[Tincanalley]

We were able to dominate the ball in the second half mainly because Amorim changed our build up positioning, with Dalot always going in the ten and Garnacho at LWB. But there is this weird dislike of Dalot going on from some people who will only be shouting at the few plays he got wrong no doubt.

I really hope Amorim stops this Garnacho at 10 business, he's completely lost in there and all his weaknesses are accentuated. He should only play at LWB in my opinion.

Overall that game was enjoyable, even though nervy at times in the first half.

We already knew Rasmus can finish and is a powerful runner. Once he masters a suitable back to goal game and fully controlling his body in duels, he will be very good.

Mount was a standout for me, he basically makes the third goal. But overall his movement of the ball and positioning were very good. He makes good decisions and just needs players around him who are as progressive and smart in their play. If he stays fit he easily becomes a key part of this team long term. I'd love to see him next to Amad with Mainoo behind them, could be really tasty.

Mazraoui has the footballing level that should be a minimum for all our defenders ideally. He continues his brilliant performances for the season.

I'm not fussed with Malacia's game as he's been out for so long. He got beat for pace but that can happen to anyone. At least he was more involved in the game and tried to be positive, unlike Anthony whom the less said about the better.

Bruno had a more disciplined game today and it was good to see. He'll always have his limitations technically but if he can be sensible on the ball, then I've always said his engine can be useful to the team. I still don't think he makes our best team long term though, we certainly don't challenge for the league with him as a mainstay in our midfield.

Ugarte was good but there's definitely more to his play.

We can definitely all see Amorim's idea and it’s just a matter of seeing how he goes about the team and individuals. Interesting times ahead I'd say.

Good post except for the horse manure assessment of Bruno.

 

[The Purley King]

Mount my Motm.
Constantly on the move, intelligent little flicks and took care of the ball very well.
Had lost a bit of hope for him but if he continues like this I think he could be pivotal in our new structure.
Malaria looked like a guy who hadn’t played in 18 months.
Hoijlund with a mention as well. The first goal may as well been his plus the second was awesome touch and finish.
Limited opposition yes but some good signs overall .
The big negative we still don’t have a proper structure from playing out of the back. Too often it’s backwards and backwards and then we lose it or it’s an aimless hoof.
Early days though.

 

[JediSith]

Where’s the players ratings?

 

[Tincanalley]

Where’s the players ratings?

And next match? You okay @Niall?

 

[Still ill]

Oh defo taking shape though, right? Loads of good stuff there. Maz majestic, Mount, Hojlund, Ugarte very good, manager making changes as soon as he's not happy, having a look at everyone, clear style....I'm delighted with that after a disappointing first half.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

Game control is improving. So is the understanding of the pentagon press. Supply to the cf was better. Long may it continue.

 

[Von Mistelroum]

Really interesting game. You can finally see what a United manager is trying to achieve. He will need financial backing somehow though, to make it fully work.

We have some players who can work in this setup and looked good tonight, Mazraoui, Ugarte, Hojlund, and Amad can too.

We'll need to really look at players like Rashford, Casemiro, and even Garnacho though. Just can't see where they fit in.

 

[moodyred]

Unpopular opinion. I'm not entirely happy with Amorim so far. (Although i support him full time). I understrand what he wants from the team, I get that his favourite formation is 3-4-3 but... He should see that he does not have the right players for that. At the moment 3-4-3 seems like some kind of suicidal formation with Malacia, Antony (khm....) and whoever else on the sides. Luckily our opponent was the 42 million euro Bodo/Glimt so we could score some goals (was nice to see Hojlund finally being fed by the others) but the defense was just as tough as a wet sponge. Against a better team (not to mention a top team...) it could have been a disastrous loss too. As they say the squad determines the tactics not the other way round, and forcing to play 3-4-3 with players who don't fit and will be sold as soon as possible maybe not the wisest of idea.

To be fair, he did switch formation when he realised it wasn't working. It will take time but good to see he is not hard up on the formation but does what is necessary to win. I know....its only Bodo.

 

[Herschel Krustofsky]

Unreal to see Malacia back. He was very involved first half too. Unfortunately got burned on pace for one of their goals, but hopefully that's because he's rusty

Was great to see him on the pitch, really pleased for him.

Suspect lack of match fitness did for him, normally quite quick

 

[moodyred]

Overall, dominating for most period. Lack of concentration by giving away balls that almost let the opponent in. Can't see how Antony fit in so the position is fully Amad to lose. Mount presses well but when Rashford comes in, you can see he doesn't want to press. Garnacho is selfish and wasteful, need to give a serious thought of selling him if this continues. Hoijund will score if he is given ball in the right position. Maybe Maz will become rwb, Amad and Mount as AM, Bruno and Ugarte as CM. Garnacho as RWB but he really needs to improve decision making and finishing.

He is only 20. Give him a break. At least he tries. Rashford plays like he can't be bothered.

 

[Squeaky_Bum_Time]

So much more like it. We created chances for fun. This game should’ve finished 4-2 or 5-2 really.

At the back, we need some work, especially our players’ positioning when we’re pushing up. Teams that counter fast (think Liverpool) can get us quite easily the way we’re setting up. It was also the same issue under ETH (for different reasons)

 

[Niall]

Update the Match Day thread, pleeese

And next match? You okay @Niall?

Match thread fixed and this thread also. Bad night at the races, soz.

 

[The Irish Connection]

Great to see Hojlund doing well. Hope he goes on a run now. Excited to see Mainoo and Yoro involved in this system. Still issues there though of course.

 

[justsomebloke]

Well, yes, the formation drives that response by keeping the full backs occupied with the two number tens. It's bound to happen, since the alternative is leaving the tens free, which is probably more dangerous, even with better wingbacks.

I think that's too simple. Ipswich did not do this, and there are other ways of covering the 10s. They were clearly happy to let United move the ball out to the flanks, and then to quickly press the WBs with several players once they had the ball. Worked a treat against Antony, less consistently on the other side. But they really only got trouble from the WBs for the first 15 mins or so of the second half, when Garnacho and Dalot in effect switched places when in posession in the oppo half.

 

[Who's Kissing Cameras?]

Mazraoui is stupendous. Rolls Royce. Bayern letting him go over a few tweets is mental. We need to keep him fit

 

[Isotope]

8 pages on the post match thread in one hour after Sunday's match that United didn't win. Was told it's because Amorim in charge and will attract more discussion, yet tonight after a win just 4 pages in one hour after the match.

It was a 3-2 home win against a team that majority here already forgot the name without reading the thread title.

 

[Jazz]

Was at the game. Mazzz soooo good.

Don't know what to think about us in front of goal. Should have been out of sight.

I thought the players looked a little lack luster in the first half (except Mazz). It was nice to see they started the 2nd half with more urgency. I guess Rueben does good half time talks!

Anyway, really pleased that we won and he got his first win.

 

[DRJosh]

For the level we are at now, it was a decent performance. Quite clear what the manager wants to do. Defensively we need more mobility. And Malacia needs a few more games (as a sub) to get into the swing of things.

 

[always_hoping]

It was a 3-2 home win against a team that majority here already forgot the name without reading the thread title.

The point was you can be sure it would be double the amount of pages on this thread had United not won.

This is a Man United forum and shouldn't copy other mostly anti United social media sites whereby any negative result in a match gets more discussion than a win.

 

[JoseM4]

A lot of players need to be sold to make way for better players

Who needs to sold? Who will buy them?

 

[JoseM4]

You can see facets of the system starting to take shape

Now we need to see it against quality opposition.

 

[themanguydude]

You can clearly see a style emerging,

I think Martinez might be the most under threat when Yoro is fit because Mazraoui is brilliant.

I don't think the CBs are interchangeable. All 3 players that have played in the LCB positions are left footer

 

[themanguydude]

Unpopular opinion. I'm not entirely happy with Amorim so far. (Although i support him full time). I understrand what he wants from the team, I get that his favourite formation is 3-4-3 but... He should see that he does not have the right players for that. At the moment 3-4-3 seems like some kind of suicidal formation with Malacia, Antony (khm....) and whoever else on the sides. Luckily our opponent was the 42 million euro Bodo/Glimt so we could score some goals (was nice to see Hojlund finally being fed by the others) but the defense was just as tough as a wet sponge. Against a better team (not to mention a top team...) it could have been a disastrous loss too. As they say the squad determines the tactics not the other way round, and forcing to play 3-4-3 with players who don't fit and will be sold as soon as possible maybe not the wisest of idea.

I feel if that were the case, INEOS would've gotten a back 4 manager, like Liverpool opting for Slot

3-4-3 isn't just his favourite formation, it's his specialty, it's literally the only system he has used in his entire coaching career.

You do not hire a specialist manager and make him play another formation.

And let's be honest, looking at the previous managers that were linked to replace ETH in the summer (Frank, Southgate, Tuchel, Nagelsmann), all of them uses a back 3 formation. It's clear that this is the direction INEOS wants to move towards. Even if Amorim wasn't hired, it's likely another back 3 manager would've been chosen.

No drama, we’re just to open on the counter. Stuff to work on but it seems a long way to go. We’ll get there, some positive stuff too

That's just the reality of any teams that uses high line.

There's no way to fix that unless you're ok with parking the bus