[hbgreg]

I agree, I don't think Rooney had a bad game other than the penalty and the offside traps. He held the ball well and had a few good passes although one or two were missed placed but who doesn't do that. Thought he was unfairly criticised at half time in the match day thread.

He had a poor game, a lot of their chances early in the game came from his mistakes.

 

[Vato]

I know we wouldn't get the best out of him with our system but I'd rather we'd sign him than de Gea right now. The guy's fecking class. On and off the pitch.

 

[Vato]

I know we wouldn't get the best out of him with our system but I'd rather we'd sign him than de Gea right now. The guy's fecking class. On and off the pitch.

Edit - Talking about Mata. I thought I was in the Mata thread.

 

[Offside]

Rooney should have let Mata take the pen. A hattrick at Anfield as a United player wouldn't have been a bad thing to reflect on when he retires...

 

[darko]

A tale of two managers. One gets his tactics arseways, blames the players (we didnt make a tackle) and tells them to get stuck in for the second half, and to take less crap from these latin type midgets. He ends up defending the stamper Skyrtle, that didn't get sent off, and waffles on about the other stamp master in the post match. Note that Mata and Herrera were at the recieving end of Gerrard's boot (anyone else think the 'tackle' on Mata was a foul, too?). The other manager role plays the referee in preparation for the derby atmosphere. LVG had read the script, and deserves serious credit for strategic thinking.

Absolutely, that was a foul on Mata. Skyrtle needs to be punished, as well. That was an absolute disgrace. Two stomps in one match.

 

[markhrad]

We are fighting for a CL spot so every victory we get is fantastic especially against 'pool. Our present level of play will hopefully change next season. I have never seen us, in the history of the premiership, be so non-creative. We controlled the game well in the first half yet created only 3 chances. Mata's goal, a blocked Rooney attempt from around 25yards out and a good kick from Carrick from outside the box in extra time. The Rooney attempt was not even a proper chance.
Mata scored two great goals but really he did not do much more than his usual side and back passes. He had a great opportunity to slide a pass obliquely forward to Falcao in the box but instead decided to pass it backwards.
DiMaria was his usual careless self but at least he tries to set up goals for others.
When I get the time I will check out the number of shots/ shots on goal per game we have had this season because I am sure it must be an all-time premiership low.
No striker would look good in a team with such low creativity.
Anyway despite my ranting I will except the status quo for the rest of the season if it means we will make the top 4.

 

[Billy Blaggs]

Best. Day. Ever.

That about sums it up :-)

 

[Lawman]

Haha, I partly blame myself as I thought the match was kicked off at 16:00 and ok'd the dinner. Didn't have the balls to back off even though my supermodel wife gave me an opportunity to do so.

Lol fair enough if have faked illness the night before or a quick rush of diareha if it was a last minute thing. Failing that refuse point blank and offer divorce ha ha

 

[Lawman]

We are fighting for a CL spot so every victory we get is fantastic especially against 'pool. Our present level of play will hopefully change next season. I have never seen us, in the history of the premiership, be so non-creative. We controlled the game well in the first half yet created only 3 chances. Mata's goal, a blocked Rooney attempt from around 25yards out and a good kick from Carrick from outside the box in extra time. The Rooney attempt was not even a proper chance.
Mata scored two great goals but really he did not do much more than his usual side and back passes. He had a great opportunity to slide a pass obliquely forward to Falcao in the box but instead decided to pass it backwards.
DiMaria was his usual careless self but at least he tries to set up goals for others.
When I get the time I will check out the number of shots/ shots on goal per game we have had this season because I am sure it must be an all-time premiership low.
No striker would look good in a team with such low creativity.
Anyway despite my ranting I will except the status quo for the rest of the season if it means we will make the top 4.

Wow you must be on the wind up where is the white text? The first 45 was the best I've seen United in a long time in the premier league in a big game. The second half was muddled by the sending off and Liverpool turning it into a battle as they couldn't match us with football. I agree about your striker comments but it is a balancing act with the defence that we have yet to master. If we played this formation from the start of the seadon we would be challenging for the title (good signs going forward)

 

[Mali_Zeus]

We are fighting for a CL spot so every victory we get is fantastic especially against 'pool. Our present level of play will hopefully change next season. I have never seen us, in the history of the premiership, be so non-creative. We controlled the game well in the first half yet created only 3 chances. Mata's goal, a blocked Rooney attempt from around 25yards out and a good kick from Carrick from outside the box in extra time. The Rooney attempt was not even a proper chance.
Mata scored two great goals but really he did not do much more than his usual side and back passes. He had a great opportunity to slide a pass obliquely forward to Falcao in the box but instead decided to pass it backwards.
DiMaria was his usual careless self but at least he tries to set up goals for others.
When I get the time I will check out the number of shots/ shots on goal per game we have had this season because I am sure it must be an all-time premiership low.
No striker would look good in a team with such low creativity.
Anyway despite my ranting I will except the status quo for the rest of the season if it means we will make the top 4.

You're the glass half empty kind of guy?

 

[lalloyd]

What a turnaround! I have to admit, I have been extremely pessimistic over the last two months or so, and up until the Spurs match I was expecting us to get a drubbing at Anfield. Delighted to eat my words yesterday, what a performance. Control, creativity, competence across the whole pitch. Seems like after much trial and error LVG has found the right formula. Huge games from now until the end of the season, but I suddenly fancy us against City and Arsenal, and I think we can definitely get a point at Stamford Bridge. Slip ups elsewhere need to be minimal, but let's hope Arsenal beat Liverpool next weekend. 8 point cushion would be very nice indeed going into that horrid fixture list!

 

[DomesticTadpole]

This might of been posted already but



Everyone knows that volleys are banned

This guy can't be serious? Can he?

 

[Escobar]

We just beat Liverpool (currently one of the most in-forms teams) at Anfield, playing a brilliant first half with Gerrard getting a red card after 45 secs. 2nd half was nervous as hell but nevertheless, they hardly created any chances.

 

[MDFC Manager]

Did anyone notice the 4 or so Man United supporters in the front row of the Liverpool section after Mata scored? They looked to be about 20 seats or so away from the United supporters behind the goal. I wonder how they got out of there in one piece.

Yup that was brilliant

 

[Tincanalley]

Yeah I noticed that, one actually held his arms up. Maybe that's who Rooney was talking about.

Did they lose a bet?

 

[MancFanFromManc]

Goooooood morning everyone. And how the devil are we all on this fine fine day x 10

What a buzz. Just when you think the season is over in March and everything is going to fizzle out the footy gods offer up the old enemy for a titanic fixture. And boy did it deliver. Fantastic performance in the first half, and great drama in the second. Even late on they couldnt grabbed a draw. Great stuff

I came on to make an observation, but just needed to vent a little happiness first

LVG is obsessed with possession. Keep the ball at all times. Against lesser opposition this has been frustrating, as we're keeping the ball, but not always doing anything with it. Attack Attack Attack has been a common chant. But......... I watch us against Spurs and against Liverpool, and it makes a lot more sense. When you take on a opponent who wants the ball themselves, and you deny them that, you control the game. You frustrate them, then you impose your authority and that leads to goals

You know, its almost as if LVG knows what he's doing after all. Who knew

You never know it might even work in Europe too - we're going to playing in that again right

 

[Tincanalley]

We are fighting for a CL spot so every victory we get is fantastic especially against 'pool. Our present level of play will hopefully change next season. I have never seen us, in the history of the premiership, be so non-creative. We controlled the game well in the first half yet created only 3 chances. Mata's goal, a blocked Rooney attempt from around 25yards out and a good kick from Carrick from outside the box in extra time. The Rooney attempt was not even a proper chance.
Mata scored two great goals but really he did not do much more than his usual side and back passes. He had a great opportunity to slide a pass obliquely forward to Falcao in the box but instead decided to pass it backwards.
DiMaria was his usual careless self but at least he tries to set up goals for others.
When I get the time I will check out the number of shots/ shots on goal per game we have had this season because I am sure it must be an all-time premiership low.
No striker would look good in a team with such low creativity.
Anyway despite my ranting I will except the status quo for the rest of the season if it means we will make the top 4.

Side and back passes can sometimes be a very good idea. Being able to manage this level of moaning after an epic United stuffing of Liverpool at Anfield (and plenty of creativity in individual play, as a team, and tactically) is mind-bending.

 

[comlag]

Get in!!!! This hangover i'm nursing only reminds me of what happened yesterday, so long may it continue.

Can we start getting a bit of belief back in here now? Next season is gonna be good'un I can feel it.

 

[comlag]

We are fighting for a CL spot so every victory we get is fantastic especially against 'pool. Our present level of play will hopefully change next season. I have never seen us, in the history of the premiership, be so non-creative. We controlled the game well in the first half yet created only 3 chances. Mata's goal, a blocked Rooney attempt from around 25yards out and a good kick from Carrick from outside the box in extra time. The Rooney attempt was not even a proper chance.
Mata scored two great goals but really he did not do much more than his usual side and back passes. He had a great opportunity to slide a pass obliquely forward to Falcao in the box but instead decided to pass it backwards.
DiMaria was his usual careless self but at least he tries to set up goals for others.
When I get the time I will check out the number of shots/ shots on goal per game we have had this season because I am sure it must be an all-time premiership low.
No striker would look good in a team with such low creativity.
Anyway despite my ranting I will except the status quo for the rest of the season if it means we will make the top 4.

feck me mate that was the best we've played at Anfield since I can remember and you're still having a go? You need a reality check whenever we got anything against the scouse in their back yard under Fergie it was always smash and grab and clinging on for dear life so i'll accept 60 mins of control and pressing with a couple of beautiful goals and then a bit of nervousness and loss of tactics in the last 3rd over owt else. Cheers.

 

[predator]

Great performance from United. We really look like we are starting to click. The whole club seems to be in such a positive mood lately. If you look at what the players put on twitter, Facebook etc you can see just how much they love winning and how special the club is to them. Rooney seems at a much much better place under LVG than he did under Moyes or even Fergie. I think playing under our current manager is very enjoyable for almost every player. I've always said the talent is there in our squad but the chemistry isn't. Once the team build up that chemistry then we will be in for something special.
Even Falcao, who gets a lot of stick atm (and rightly so) looks desperate to stay. The only issue in the squad at this moment is Di Maria. He doesn't look settled and the reports aren't promising regarding his career at United. However he isn't even in the top 3 of best performers at the club this season so if he did go there is no need to worry. losing Ronaldo was terrible because he was by far our best player. Selling Di maria could actually result in us bringing in a better suited player.
Special mention to Mata who is possibly the nicest man in football, it is impossible to dislike him. He is incredible on the field though, so intelligent on the ball. Must start every game.

 

[kafta]

I just love that we passed it around them during that first half, after some liverpool posters on here were saying our best chance of to hoof it up to fellaini all game long. Also, its fitting that sterling had such a stinker, after all the talk of how he was gonna terrorize our left flank, we had him defending all game long.

 

[Stretford End Phil]

My only concern is the way we back off from finally burying an opponent. Instead of going in for the kill we tend to linger, almost in doubt over what to do next. We need to sustain a strong performance for 90 minutes. We held the Scouses by the throat and let them go, when we should have wiped the floor with them. Now we have to wait until next season to finish the job.

 

[Mali_Zeus]

My only concern is the way we back off from finally burying an opponent. Instead of going in for the kill we tend to linger, almost in doubt over what to do next. We need to sustain a strong performance for 90 minutes. We held the Scouses by the throat and let them go, when we should have wiped the floor with them. Now we have to wait until next season to finish the job.

First step was get us playing better, now we're getting that, next step will be to punish opponents when we dominate them.
Still need to get a big win there, proper vengeance for that 4-1 defeat.

 

[finneh]

We are fighting for a CL spot so every victory we get is fantastic especially against 'pool. Our present level of play will hopefully change next season. I have never seen us, in the history of the premiership, be so non-creative. We controlled the game well in the first half yet created only 3 chances. Mata's goal, a blocked Rooney attempt from around 25yards out and a good kick from Carrick from outside the box in extra time. The Rooney attempt was not even a proper chance.
Mata scored two great goals but really he did not do much more than his usual side and back passes. He had a great opportunity to slide a pass obliquely forward to Falcao in the box but instead decided to pass it backwards.
DiMaria was his usual careless self but at least he tries to set up goals for others.
When I get the time I will check out the number of shots/ shots on goal per game we have had this season because I am sure it must be an all-time premiership low.
No striker would look good in a team with such low creativity.
Anyway despite my ranting I will except the status quo for the rest of the season if it means we will make the top 4.

To be honest the lack of chances was mainly down to Rooney having an absolute mare, particularly first half. Three or four times he was loitering in an offside position which either prevented the pass from being made or meant the move broke down. On a few occasions he also didn't anticipate Fellaini flicking on the ball and didn't seem to make as many runs as he would usually make. We saw what one perfectly timed run resulted in for the first goal, it's a shame we didn't see more of that kind of movement.

I think if Rooney played like he did against Spurs the score would have been very similar to that game. Plus it's very rare to get more than 3-4 great chances against a quality team away from home.

 

[bishblaize]

My only concern is the way we back off from finally burying an opponent. Instead of going in for the kill we tend to linger, almost in doubt over what to do next. We need to sustain a strong performance for 90 minutes. We held the Scouses by the throat and let them go, when we should have wiped the floor with them. Now we have to wait until next season to finish the job.

I wouldnt worry. Our record at anfield over the years suggests that was never likely to happen. We've only beaten them by more than 1 goal on two occasions since 1970 (both times in 1997) so it's not like its a new thing. I'm happy that we even turned up & played well at all, since even that happens less than half the time.

 

[Roosney]

Hey, I just got the memo that it was our 4th win in a row. Get in!

 

[markhrad]

Side and back passes can sometimes be a very good idea. Being able to manage this level of moaning after an epic United stuffing of Liverpool at Anfield (and plenty of creativity in individual play, as a team, and tactically) is mind-bending.

I admit, I appear far too critical even cynical. There is nothing more in this world I love more than beating 'pool and beating them at Anfield makes it even more special. Next time I will keep that grumpy old man part of me in check. Apologies to all.

 

[WyoManU]

We are fighting for a CL spot so every victory we get is fantastic especially against 'pool. Our present level of play will hopefully change next season. I have never seen us, in the history of the premiership, be so non-creative. We controlled the game well in the first half yet created only 3 chances. Mata's goal, a blocked Rooney attempt from around 25yards out and a good kick from Carrick from outside the box in extra time. The Rooney attempt was not even a proper chance.
Mata scored two great goals but really he did not do much more than his usual side and back passes. He had a great opportunity to slide a pass obliquely forward to Falcao in the box but instead decided to pass it backwards.
DiMaria was his usual careless self but at least he tries to set up goals for others.
When I get the time I will check out the number of shots/ shots on goal per game we have had this season because I am sure it must be an all-time premiership low.
No striker would look good in a team with such low creativity.
Anyway despite my ranting I will except the status quo for the rest of the season if it means we will make the top 4.

And I thought I was negative and a defeatist. Gary Neville even stated himself that he has never seen United so dominant at Anfield as we were in the first half. I think he has the first hand experience to know...

That being said, I do not disagree that we have not created as much this season as we need to, but I do feel that with a few more big names brought in this summer we can really push on for next season and compete for the title instead of sweat out top 4.

 

[Eriku]

Side and back passes can sometimes be a very good idea. Being able to manage this level of moaning after an epic United stuffing of Liverpool at Anfield (and plenty of creativity in individual play, as a team, and tactically) is mind-bending.

Absolutely agree... Was this person here during Fergie's reign? We NEVER get shit out of Anfield except through a smash and grab. I can't recall many convincing performances there. This was sure as hell one of them, and mainly BEFORE the red card, which says a lot. Heck, at times it even looked like they weren't sure how to go about pressing us and attacking us, and we dictated the play. At the best of times that's not straight-forward away from home, let alone at Anfield, with us being in direct competition for crucial CL spots.

This is brilliant, and hopefully it kickstarts a hell of an end to the season. I might start making crazy noises about a possible league title if our winning streak includes 3 points at Stamford Bridge.

 

[RedStarUnited]

 

[Barca84]

We were magnificent in that first half.

I now think we can genuinely take on anybody in the EPL and be confident of getting a result - not something we've been able to say until now but after Spurs and this latest performance I don't think thats an overreaction. If we'd kept it together better in the second half we could've put four past Liverpool and really buried their season.

If we continue to perform as we can we have every chance of overhauling Arsenal and City now. We play them both at home and we've no reason to not think we can't get 6 points. I'm also quietly confident we can get something at Chelsea

The runners up spot is there for the taking I reckon.

 

[Oneunited26]

That is interesting analysis, which concerns me for one or 2 reasons in this country. All 3 do have that mentality that speed and athleticism would be a big factor in the game at anfield, no one ever looks at our ability to keep the ball for long periods, we probably are one of the best possession teams in the game today. You look at united they do not have great deal of speed, but there is far more reliability on using the brain than having loads of speed, but they play the game in a very technical way. What all 3 failed to factor in, united also have a some physical elements of they're own, fellaini rooney jones, smalling in some ways, and the way VG used our midfield where carrick fellaini Herrera young mata just out numbered Liverpool was pretty smart. Also, why do allot of pundits have this mentality we are that bad at the back, we rely on DDG. I think they still relying on that Leicester collapse has a stepping stone to say we are that bad at the back

 

[ForlansHair]

Not buying the nonsense that Liverpool didn't turn up. It's funny how both Spurs and Liverpool failed to turn up, we just made them look pants. Only 2 shots on target against in 180 minutes against those 2 is really good going.

If you look at our first goal, 4 Liverpool players are pressed up on to our defenders and Carrick, trying to implement that press. Henderson tries to close down Fellaini but runs the wrong way, while Moreno does the same to try and press Valencia. van Gaal knew that to beat a high press, you keep the ball, draw them on and then hit them. Pressing is good in theory but you can beat them with clever and incisive passing, when they're out of position and massive gaps appear. We had the perfect foil for that in Fellaini and I didn't think Smalling, Jones and Valencia could produce that kind of patient passing around the back (without fecking it up). It was really good from United and van Gaal.

 

[Oneunited26]

Not buying the nonsense that Liverpool didn't turn up. It's funny how both Spurs and Liverpool failed to turn up, we just made them look pants. Only 2 shots on target against in 180 minutes against those 2 is really good going.

If you look at our first goal, 4 Liverpool players are pressed up on to our defenders and Carrick, trying to implement that press. Henderson tries to close down Fellaini but runs the wrong way, while Moreno does the same to try and press Valencia. van Gaal knew that to beat a high press, you keep the ball, draw them on and then hit them. Pressing is good in theory but you can beat them with clever and incisive passing, when they're out of position and massive gaps appear. We had the perfect foil for that in Fellaini and I didn't think Smalling, Jones and Valencia could produce that kind of patient passing around the back (without fecking it up). It was really good from United and van Gaal.

What is pleasing we are dominating the big games, I have always wanted united to hold the ball better, and we are now doing that with a cutting edge. Also this element that has been drilled into the team if we make the top 4, could prove a vital element for europe

 

[SirFergie]

What is pleasing we are dominating the big games, I have always wanted united to hold the ball better, and we are now doing that with a cutting edge. Also this element that has been drilled into the team if we make the top 4, could prove a vital element for europe

Agreed. There is an element of fear returning to our play. I personally can't remember a 35 minute start like the one we had yesterday to a game at Anfield where we had 65% possession.

 

[Barca84]

Agreed. There is an element of fear returning to our play. I personally can't remember a 35 minute start like the one we had yesterday to a game at Anfield where we had 65% possession.

Yep and 65% of good possession. It doesn't matter how good the opposition is if they can't get the fecking ball. I fancy us against anyone if we continue to play like this

 

[Oneunited26]

Agreed. There is an element of fear returning to our play. I personally can't remember a 35 minute start like the one we had yesterday to a game at Anfield where we had 65% possession.

I said this for a good while, this is probably the most talented midfield we have had for a long time, and VG should be doing better with this type of quality, which he is starting to do now. We had carrick Herrera fellaini young mata starting yesterday, that is a very strong midfield, and that is without Di Maria, that is scary. And the way VG is drilling the team NFL style, if we make the top 4, this team could hold they're own at in Europe with a very big asset of our possession game which suits Europe to a T

 

[bosnian_red]

Edit - Talking about Mata. I thought I was in the Mata thread.

Out of interest, how was he rated as a youngster at Madrid? Was at Valencia when I first started hearing about him and all that.
Also, feck off, you're not getting anyone

 

[Vato]

Out of interest, how was he rated as a youngster at Madrid? Was at Valencia when I first started hearing about him and all that.
Also, feck off, you're not getting anyone

No idea, mate. He was at Valencia when I first heard about him too. I don't follow our youngsters at all.

 

[Mali_Zeus]