[sglowrider]

Jose took the big picture approach:

Too many players injured. Not many options in view of the number of matches we have played and have to play. The objective would be to get a goal to win or at least not lose.

So the approach was to soak up the pressure and then break fast to get a goal if the opportunity arises.

We did well soaking up the pressure but especially in the 2nd half, we were very poor at holding on to the ball to enable us to attack. I suspect that Pagba's absence has a lot to do with this.

We didn't get into the Top 4 but on the positive side, we are within shooting range of the Scousers.

The best possible result wasn't achieved but a point is good.

 

[BigBebe]

Slightly off topic. That was the first time I have watched on BeIN. Not sure who the commentators were but they seemed to be overwhelmingly anti-united last night. Am I just being paranoid?

 

[Castia]

Considering our injuries and the fact we had a man sent off away from home a point is a decent result.

Pogba would have made a big difference here, we lacked any connection between defence and attack, he could have got on the ball and either found a pass or gone on a run.

 

[Clas Sified]

We missed Lingard today. He would've been good at stretching their defence somewhat and pressing them more than Mkhitaryan did today.

 

[Manny]

Slightly off topic. That was the first time I have watched on BeIN. Not sure who the commentators were but they seemed to be overwhelmingly anti-united last night. Am I just being paranoid?

Well the way the game was panning out, can you blame them?

 

[Lawman]

Slightly off topic. That was the first time I have watched on BeIN. Not sure who the commentators were but they seemed to be overwhelmingly anti-united last night. Am I just being paranoid?

It's the same all the time to be fair.

 

[wolvored]

The thing is when Ibra was fit folks said we would be better with Martial and Rashford as Ibra slows the play. With Pogba playing folks said Pogba holds onto the ball too long and is inconsistant. When Miki didnt play folks were moaning why dont we play him hes top player. When Carrick wasnt being picked folks were saying why isnt he being picked hes our best midfielder etc With the defence which did its job last night albeit at times it was 10 men. So its a moot point about injuries.
Usually a point at City would be looked at as a good result, but ffs at least have a resembelance of looking as though we want to make a game of it. It was a poor city team compared to 3-4 years ago not prime Barcelona.

 

[wolvored]

Slightly off topic. That was the first time I have watched on BeIN. Not sure who the commentators were but they seemed to be overwhelmingly anti-united last night. Am I just being paranoid?

What positives could they have said last night?

 

[BigBebe]

What positives could they have said last night?

They should be able to commentate on a game without being so obviously pro City - it was really noticable.

Anyway, I think I may watch the game again with a proper, Paddy Crerand commentary attached.

 

[NotQuiteManc]

Better performance defensively than offensive wise. Bailly is hitting form at the right time after went off form after the AFCON recently. Just immense. Mou needs to find the right partner for him, a'la Vida-Rio I feel. Rojo has done very well after many thought he would be gone in the summer.

I like Fellaini on how he coped with being booed by United's own supporter at times, but he still not a United player to me. At least, not as first choice. More like Plan C if anything.

 

[wolvored]

They should be able to commentate on a game without being so obviously pro City - it was really noticable.

Anyway, I think I may watch the game again with a proper, Paddy Crerand commentary attached.

Now that IS biased lol. When we have played well BEIN havent 'been' too bad. (excuse the pun)

 

[G-manc]

It was an awful game to watch.

There was a lack of ambition from ourselves but the overall quality from both teams was very poor.

Bailly was excellent.

 

[iKeano]

We missed Lingard today. He would've been good at stretching their defence somewhat and pressing them more than Mkhitaryan did today.

I think the layers were under instruction to sit tight and not press/stretch. Was a disciplined performance and I'd have taken a draw before the game.

Herrera should have buried his chance, as should Mhiki. Aguero could have bagged two as well.

All overshadowed by a tall Evertonian showing his limited technical ability yet again, taking bait and showing that he's only ever a big man against small men.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

I'll admit I'm probably being hyperbolic, and yes accumulatively we've had worse games, but you can't tell me that was anything approaching an acceptable performance going forward? We won the same game last year with a near identical team (all Mikhi & Matas being equal) so the idea our injury crisis is an excuse for spending 90% of the game in our own half doesn't wash with me.

Hell, we gave them a good game with 10 men for an hour the season before. And nearly won it!

I'm not close to turning on Jose or anything, but I can't deny that was pure, unadulterated ugly football 101. If I was an oppo, I'd be all over it as a Mourinho anti-football masterclass. I was at both losing CL finals, where we were bitchslapped by Pep, and possibly the greatest team of all time, and yet we put on far better displays than we did tonight - where we were playing a side a whole whopping one point above us.

There are 15 teams below us in the league, most of whom don't even have half the "injury ravaged" side we put out tonight. Yet I doubt that many of their travelling fans would be that thrilled by the prospect of watching them struggle to get out of their own half for a full hour, let alone go an entire half without a single promising attack. And none of them are fecking Man Utd!

You are being hyperbolic and yes, I agree we we were poor going forward overall and got worse as the game went on. A combination of some unimpressive individual performances from our attacking players, ferocious pressing from City, a referee who was happy to allow Rashford and Martial have the shit kicked out of them with impunity and (yes) a clear game-plan from us that prioritised not conceding over allowing the game to open up in the hunt for a goal.

You cut your cloth to fit your needs, though. We've recently lost our number one and two highest scorers, the player with the most assists, the most chances created and most passes. So it seems churlish to get overly worked up about grinding out a draw, away from home, in a fixture where we've regularly had our arses handed to us.

I don't care about last season. That was a freak result. City were in diabolical form. They'd recently been played off the park by Stoke fecking City. Be curious to hear from someone who was at the game but I reckon our travelling fans are perfectly happy with shutting down City the way we did. Our away form has been superb all season and the fans have a blast every match regardless.

So all in all, I don't see the need for any of the hyperbolic negativity in this thread. It seems very entitled and unrealistic. If we played like that in every game, maybe. But we don't. We don't even play like that in every big game ffs. You literally only need to cast your mind back two fecking matches to remind yourself of that!

 

[Pogue Mahone]

What positives could they have said last night?

One of the best defensive team performances of the season, obviously.

 

[OLLY ORANGE]

Stupid red card and needless. As soon as he walked our chances of winning that game left the pitch with him.
Definately a second yellow even with the minimal contact. Possibly would have got away with a straight red if he had a skin head, that stupid hair cut exaggerated everything.
Hope Jose insists on a number one all over as a punishment.
Before the sending off you could see Rooney coming on for Mikhi and trying to pinch the winner. Typical Jose style.
With the big games still coming up the only one game you would bank on Fellaini being useful in and being nuisance is the Arsenal one.
His lack of discipline could really cost us again.

 

[RedTillI'mDead]

I think it's just that his screwups haven't been so frequent as much as high profile. What reaction would you have preferred... for him to cower passively like Herrera when he allowed that player to carry him? If he flinches or backs away from Aguero... he's a laughing stock memorialized in a permanent meme. If he leans forward slightly he becomes a brute not fit to wear the badge. It's the same way I felt when people were calling the loss of Ibra a blessing in disguise... no gratitude from the fans for a season of hard work and only just a few injuries and goalposts away from competing for the title.

I feel like you are mixing two very distinct things here.

Regarding Fellaini first maybe you are right about profile, rather than volume, but as a man in commercial finance I know as well as anyone that profile is key. Better to make mistakes that fly under the radar. And Fellaini doesn't bring enough to make up for the screw ups.

Rooney had temperament issues back in his younger year's, but he was a beast of a striker so you let it slide just a little more.

Don't get me wrong anyone who gets sent off outside of a challenge is a straight up idiot.

Zlatan is a bad comparison. I know some said blessing, rather than blessing in disguise, but these are very distinct. Blessing is how I would refer to selling Fellaini and replacing him with someone better, which shouldn't be too difficult!

Blessing in disguise, is saying super sucks, but it might just work out. As it turns out Zlatan would likely have helped a lot last night as a strong target.

But the point of blessing in disguise was as much about the long run and younger players having the chance to prove their worth. Not saying that it is definitely a better outcome in the short term, just that it might work out and that certainly helps the long run.

 

[VanHaal'sRedArmy]

Time to try a 4-2-3-1

------------------------De Gea------------------------
Tony V------Bailly-------Darmian-----Shaw
---------------Herrera-------Blind-----------------
------Lingard-------Mkhi-----Martial----------
----------------------Rashford-----------------------

 

[Verbalkint]

We need to thank Aguero for his wastefulness at finishing. The game would have been killed off way earlier otherwise.

I think Fellaini has gone and fecked himself this time. Jose didn't seem happy with what he did and he had the audacity to deny doing anything. Such a big stupid lump. Aguero made the most of that headbutt but are we really going to blame him? Nah i don't think so, this is what footballers do these days. I'm guessing Mourinho would have changed his stance on Fellaini based on this incident. He really could have cost us a point which is valuable at this stage.

Went to bed happy; after that display we got the same number of points in the bag as City. Cannot complain really.

 

[GailSpaceWynand]

How good was Blind? You can see he's not physical and often doesn't go in hard for the second balls but his anticipation is top notch - the guy could spot passes and intercept them before City could even start their attack. Carrick, Darmian were good defensively. I think Mkhi had an off night, was tedious seeing him dribble through the jam-packed centre instead of laying on passes for our wide players. We missed Pogba's ability to stitch the mid and the forwards together and Zlat's hold up play which would have created more space for Rash/Martial. Good point under the conditions (injuries,etc) though.

 

[Handsome Devil]

Fellaini (the fool), was expertly stitched up by Aguero. To be fair to the cheating baastad though, if he hadn't reacted to the "headbutt" with his lightening reflexes and gone to ground, he could have had his immaculately coiffeured Barnet seriously messed up and had to be stretchered off to a late night hairdresser for remedial spraying and touch up. It was the most creative thing he did all night.

I am happy it was 0-0. Had it been 1-1, the angst and fear with City scoring first, or the false hope with us scoring first, would have been too much for my blood pressure which has taken a battering this season.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

I am baffled by some of the reaction on here. We have three really key players out. Key being the word. Rojo, Pogba and Ibra. It's as though some people think we can just magic a like for like replacement out of nowhere. It doesn't help that two of the replacements are also injured. Backups are called that for a reason otherwise they would be starters. The EL is the important thing now.

 

[sugar_kane]

A point is a fine result but our entire second half performance was disgraceful, the red card changed nothing.

It was bewildering because in the first half city only just edged it, with us having one or two periods of dominance also, but the second half we did zero.

If I was being charitable to mourinho I'd say he was let down by some piss poor passing whenever we got the ball which meant our counter attacking approach was just doomed to fail as we seemed to give the all back straight back to city any time we got near it.

Bailly was class, Rashford was decent when he got an opportunity, Mikki was anonymous as he often is in these games (would have preferred Lingard) and Martial was playing too deep to have any impact on the game, and also seemed intent on constantly giving the ball away. Our midfield failed to make an impact on the game and it seemed Carrick was really struggling with the pace, if we hadn't sidelined TFM all season this could have been the game for him but it wasn't to be.

We look like a different team without Zlatan or Pogba, no character. I'd have even had Rooney on just to help with that.

 

[Litch]

Jose took the big picture approach:

Too many players injured. Not many options in view of the number of matches we have played and have to play. The objective would be to get a goal to win or at least not lose.

So the approach was to soak up the pressure and then break fast to get a goal if the opportunity arises.

We did well soaking up the pressure but especially in the 2nd half, we were very poor at holding on to the ball to enable us to attack. I suspect that Pagba's absence has a lot to do with this.

We didn't get into the Top 4 but on the positive side, we are within shooting range of the Scousers.

The best possible result wasn't achieved but a point is good.

Spot on. The aim with 4 games to go is to give yourself a chance even if it comes down to the last game in the season. I guessing most after the 3 PL games and the Euro game would have taken 7 points and in the semi's....

 

[RedPnutz]

Can't believe fans are whining.

We have lost Rojo, Mata, Pogba and Ibra. Four of our most influential players this season and a squad that is going through probably the most grueling fixture schedule.

I am proud of our players for standing toe to toe with City today. The performance was bound to suffer and it shows.

It is a good result and seriously, ours fans should stop being so spoiled and critical and appreciate what the team and manager is trying to pull off.

 

[RedPnutz]

The thing is when Ibra was fit folks said we would be better with Martial and Rashford as Ibra slows the play. With Pogba playing folks said Pogba holds onto the ball too long and is inconsistant. When Miki didnt play folks were moaning why dont we play him hes top player. When Carrick wasnt being picked folks were saying why isnt he being picked hes our best midfielder etc With the defence which did its job last night albeit at times it was 10 men. So its a moot point about injuries.
Usually a point at City would be looked at as a good result, but ffs at least have a resembelance of looking as though we want to make a game of it. It was a poor city team compared to 3-4 years ago not prime Barcelona.

Well we made a game of it. We made City look inept as they couldn't break down a team who was exhausted with a packed fixture list and that had four key players out.

 

[Verbalkint]

How good was Blind? You can see he's not physical and often doesn't go in hard for the second balls but his anticipation is top notch - the guy could spot passes and intercept them before City could even start their attack.

Absolutely spot on. One player who never really gets much credit here..he's not big but much tougher than we think and is an intelligent lad. Shows up in the right places more often than not.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

We have had three defeats in the league all season. Next season turn some of those draws into win and we will be well set. Jose gets defences organised and makes his teams difficult to beat. A bit more flair wide and better finishing up front we will be a force to be reckoned with.

 

[ZAGREB RED]

We have had three defeats in the league all season. Next season turn some of those draws into win and we will be well set. Jose gets defences organised and makes his teams difficult to beat. A bit more flair wide and better finishing up front we will be a force to be reckoned with.

This. The foundations have been laid, hopefully United can take things forward next season.

 

[ClosetDevil]

All things considered, players deserve props for their resolute performance. Missing some very important players and they certainly tried (at least in the first half). Could have been 3 points with a bit more luck. Apart from that, I'm glad we fought for the point.

 

[jojojo]

The way I saw it, they both went for each other but Aguero fell like a ton of bricks as soon as he was touched. If Fellaini had the presence of mind to fall down as well he would not have gotten the red. Unfortunately that's football today.

Aguero played his part beautifully. He could see Fellaini was upset, he walked slowly up to him and got in his face. No move towards contact, just too close, a wind-up but not a headbutt. Fellaini was the one who moved fast (ironic really) and it didn't matter that it was minimal contract, Aguero got his timing bang on. Fellaini falling down would have been bizarre. Red for Fellaini. And if it had been me reffing a yellow for Aguero.

Mourinho was right after the match. Fellaini own goal with an Aguero assist.

 

[Munkehboi]

Team spirit was immense, Jose looked at the bigger picture and made sure that 4th place is in our own hands now and not having to rely on Liverpool fudging it up.

 

[shield]

That was very tedious to watch.

What happened to our ability to control the ball. Seemed like all we cared was getting the ball away from our danger area. Also, why did the players look so scared to move out of their defensive zone. I mean, we were playing City, not Barcelona.

The moment our players got the ball, they would move it towards their goal a bit, then lose it and then hastily track back. We need to start being a little more adventurous, take a few more risks. Maybe not in this match, but in matches against the lower teams at least, where I see a similar pattern to this match. The state of our attacking play is very poor.

I know we got the result, but it is hard to be overjoyed after seeing your team play like West Brom.

 

[acrebo]

Dreadful game all round - credit to our defence and in particular Bailly. I can't even remember if Sky awarded a MOTM (?) but he was mine.

However, I don't really have any issue in these displays away against the best teams. People seem to think this becomes the default Jose style for all occasions, but he's shown this season a variety of tactics and setups.

Sky's coverage has gone to shit. God knows what they're playing at this season with camera angles and inappropriately long / poorly timed replays.

 

[royboy16]

Not happy with the football we played but its a good result,clean sheet and still unbeaten.

 

[ferguson2]

Hearing to Guardiolas post match interview and seeing them at the end of the match congratulate each other...I think Mou and Pep getting best friends.

 

[Kostur]

How good was Blind? You can see he's not physical and often doesn't go in hard for the second balls but his anticipation is top notch - the guy could spot passes and intercept them before City could even start their attack.

He's as good as to when he makes some mistake/gets outpaced so the usual culprits can jump on his back calling him shit, slow, not a CB, should get rid of, etc.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

I think it's just that his screwups haven't been so frequent as much as high profile. What reaction would you have preferred... for him to cower passively like Herrera when he allowed that player to carry him? If he flinches or backs away from Aguero... he's a laughing stock memorialized in a permanent meme. If he leans forward slightly he becomes a brute not fit to wear the badge. It's the same way I felt when people were calling the loss of Ibra a blessing in disguise... no gratitude from the fans for a season of hard work and only just a few injuries and goalposts away from competing for the title.

 

[GM K]

Dreadful game all round - credit to our defence and in particular Bailly. I can't even remember if Sky awarded a MOTM (?) but he was mine.

However, I don't really have any issue in these displays away against the best teams. People seem to think this becomes the default Jose style for all occasions, but he's shown this season a variety of tactics and setups.

Sky's coverage has gone to shit. God knows what they're playing at this season with camera angles and inappropriately long / poorly timed replays.

This.

Good observation.

 

[Oscie]

I really don't understand the negativity. I swear years ago we never got this and were able to recognise a good, 'needs must', performance. If it was happening every week then I'd understand it but we usually play very good football, create craploads of chances (even if we struggle to convert many of them) and are generally quite a positive, attacking team.

I don't get how on the basis of one game half of our fanbase go into "But what did the Romans really ever do for us?" mode.

Swear this is a modern phenomenon. Remember digging out results at QPR in the 90s under Fergie and there was never anywhere near this level of despair. I wonder how genuine it is. Not to question anyone's motives but being noticed by other fans as being some who appreciates 'beautiful' football for some presumed kudos, is definitely a thing these days.