[Sunny Jim]

To be honest I'm not really that bothered that we lost. It is similar to the charity shield, it's just a glorified friendly.

I will never understand why so many people disregard Supercup or Charity Shield. In most countries it's a proper trophy.

 

[Paul the Wolf]

Who is the Cone?

The person who was rightfully replaced at half time and should never start

 

[NotQuiteManc]

Lukaku and Pogba needs to trust their teammates more. Then again, I think (hope) that it is only down to United being a really new team compared to Madrid, who are a well balanced team, with some of the best players on the planet, playing together for at least three seasons. That compared to United, we did witness the difference of team cohesion and understanding.

Madrid had their chances but so did United. Lukaku miss, Rashford's poor finishing in 1v1, Micky going through Real's defence only to trip by his own leg, Herrera's interception that would lead to another chance if only Lukaku trust his teammate more and get into position to be the finisher. Again, I am hoping it is just to lack of team cohesion and understanding. Better to do that sort of thing now rather than when the league and UCL campaign started. What better team to do and learn from your mistakes than against the best team in Europe?

 

[jackofalltrades]

First of all their first goal was clearly offside and that had a great impact. On the other hand it came after ten shambolic minutes of United play where we could neither play out of defence without losing the ball nor wallop it out to create a counterattack. The final 25/30 minutes of the first half were dismal.

Then RM dropped back after the second goal, which allowed us to pressure them. Here our faults from last season came to the fore - poor finishing, lack of creativity, inaccurate crosses, Pogba not turning up, dire mispasses by players under no pressure and the reliance on DDG to keep us in with a chance. Had Rashford scored, and he absolutely should have, we might have got a victory.

 

[KirkDuyt]

Last half our was very good. If it get's physical United can run with the best in Europe. Few times especially in the first half Real was far on a different level, but that's no shame really, they have such talent, it's mouthwatering.

 

[Siorac]

I will never understand why so many people disregard Supercup or Charity Shield. In most countries it's a proper trophy.

Most countries don't give a feck about their version of the Super Cup.

 

[TimScoreboard]

Game of two halves.

A game of a start, a middle and an end for me. We started ok and ended ok, but struggled in the middle.

We gave them too much respect and didn't ask them the questions offensively we could and should have; but the biggest thing for me... was yet again wasting golden opportunities.

 

[Eire Red United]

The person who was rightfully replaced at half time and should never start

Only saw the last 15 mins or so but I'm assuming Lingard?

 

[Ramshock]

Guess i should have said even though Madrid were without Ronaldo, we didn't look like winning at any point.

Deary me, we were outclassed for the vast majority of that match and couldn't string passes together for large periods.

How is it not terrible when a team can't 'catch' another team? when a team opens a team time and time again?

Everyone is outclassed by Madrid ffs

 

[buckooo1978]

Thicko of the game award nominations:

Paul Pogba - trying to directly beat an opponent and then score from 30 yards out when TWO team mates were waiting for an easy pass through on goal

Paul Pogba - After Real Madrid apply constant pressure for about 10 minutes, picking up the ball deep in his own half, and instead of passing or clearing it to relieve pressure, deciding to dally around and then try to beat opposition players by walking slowly backwards up the pitch, and then losing the ball.

Paul Pogba - making a massive fuss and risk of creating space for himself on the edge of his own area, so he could....deliberately pass the ball off the pitch for a throw about 5 metres from where he was stood.

Romanu Lukaku - Running out of position to get to a ball a team mate was very obviously going to get to anyway, in order to get himself caught offside, in preference to potentially scoring a goal.

Rumanu Lukaku - Not being able to take a throw in correctly

Antonio Valencia - Throwing a second ball onto the pitch when a team mate is about to take a free kick using the ball that was already on the pitch and in fact never left the pitch


We might have actually won last night, albeit undeservedly, if it wasn't for the two more prominent names above and theirn constant brainfarts.

In Pogba's case it isn't even a surprise anymore. He just wont accept that a football game is actually about more than him trying to show off.

yes to all this

Pogba has all the ability in the world but he needs to start thinking of the team rather than himself at times

did you notice after he had that shot from 30 yards when he had 2 great passing options Mourinho was clapping wildly on the sidelines?

Modric, Kroos and Isco's decision making was infinitely better than Pogba's

 

[Paul the Wolf]

Only saw the last 15 mins or so but I'm assuming Lingard?

Correct

 

[Offside]

Brilliant last 30 minutes but annoyingly missing chances again. Rashford really needs to work on his one on ones.

 

[buckooo1978]

at the top level you need two things we didn't have last night

technical ability on the ball and good decision making

who from our team exhibited these skills last night?

Matic, Fellaini (however limited) and Rashford? Mhiki when he went centrally?

Valencia is one of our better players but can only use one foot.

the 2 things that stood out for me was the poor passing and crossing - what's the point of playing directly with land of the giants in the last 20 mins if you can't beat the first man

 

[RooneyLegend]

Everyone is outclassed by Madrid ffs

Not Bayern or Barca

 

[VorZakone]

Not Bayern or Barca

Barca seems to do well in one-off games against Real, sometimes they win and sometimes they lose but one can't say Real dominates them. Bayern however has had huge troubles with Real lately.

 

[arthurka]

Ratings

• Lingard neither is and never will be a player good enough to be at united. He is championship quality at best -2/10

• Rashford i think can be a backup but thats it, people claiming him to be next something are too biased towards academy. Quality is missing so is composure. Speed without brains.-5/10

• Matic was a class apart, he will be a huge difference to us and he will make Herrera redundant at Dm - 8/10

• Pogba had a poor game and tried to do too much, needs to mature now. -6/10

• Lukaku scored but he got little service and should have buried another one. 6.50/10

• Lindelof improved in a back 4, unlucky to be on end of a bad decision 5.5/10

• Mkhi can create magic and chances and also nutmeggs but needs to effect the game a lot more. 6/10

• Fellaini is a warrior and some pussy players would have gone off, its things like this managers trust him and he pays it back. 7/10

• Valencia/Darmian average games from average fullbacks. Nothing more expected, nothing more given.6/10

• Smalling is midtable defender who can be a good back up defender but doesnt have talent to be a great defender, cant play from the back,can defend no doubt but we need more and that he does not have. 6.5/10

• Herrea had an average display, needs to play in a 4-3-3, in a 3-5-2 he is not useful -6/10

Have a quiet word with yourself.. He isn´t 20 years of age but apparently he isn´t going to do much.. Even if he didn´t have his best day yesterday he showed some moments of class..

 

[Annihilate Now!]

I thought we did pretty well all things considered. Gave Madrid more of a game then the majority of teams they'll play this season will. They're the best team in world football by a distance and we had a decent go at them - had just as many shots and carved out a bunch of decent chances.

 

[Rob]

The best team won.

That said, I actually thought you did okay. You were playing the best team in the world and in the second half you actually made it a decent game.

Fellaini had a good game and Matic looked like he could become a big player for you this season.

 

[Ramshock]

Not Bayern or Barca

Okay

 

[noodlehair]

yes to all this

Pogba has all the ability in the world but he needs to start thinking of the team rather than himself at times

did you notice after he had that shot from 30 yards when he had 2 great passing options Mourinho was clapping wildly on the sidelines?

Modric, Kroos and Isco's decision making was infinitely better than Pogba's

Pogba did improve in the second half I thought, and he was clearly trying, but he's in his mid twenties and he still acts like he thinks he's the best/coolest kid in the playground.

I'm guessing Mourinho was clapping at the break away in general. Though it's annoying as Pogba does seem to have this special licence to dick about in games, and unless you're Ronaldo or Messi and scoring 40+ goals a season, I don't get why that should be a thing.

Isco was the best player on the pitch by a mile to be fair. Real are on a different level to any English team so it wasn' the easiest game to judge us on, but regardless of the opponent, we need to stop being so bloody thick during games. It takes away a chance of scraping a win against a superior opponent like Real. Similarly it can turn what should be comfortable home wins, into 1-1 draws.

 

[Pavl3n]

I asked how much better Real Madrid are versus United last year, I. E. How many players would we swap with Real Madrid for example and I think the answers were right, pretty much all of them except DDG.

Pogba is not a £90m player. Matic is fine, but no Modric or Casmiro or Isco.

And obviously conversation doesn't even need to be had about forwards. Benzema, Bale and Ronaldo are a dream away from what we have. Maybe Lukaku can be talked about as productive as Benzema but certainly not as all round brilliant.

The wing backs are amazing at Madrid. If Shaw wasn't disabled we might have that and Valencia is still decent.

Our defenders today lack the steel of Madrid, but first choice for me is Bailly and Rojo or Jones who are all a lot stronger than Smalling and Lindelof.

So yeah basically it's sad how limited our team are in comparison.

I think Smalling was quite solid throughout the game. 1st goal was down to Lindelof, who was neither trying to offside trap Casemiro, neither marking him well. It showed that he's raw.
2nd goal again he got caught short and on top no one was tracking Isco, which should've been done by Valencia or Herrera.

Lukaku and Pogba needs to trust their teammates more. Then again, I think (hope) that it is only down to United being a really new team compared to Madrid, who are a well balanced team, with some of the best players on the planet, playing together for at least three seasons. That compared to United, we did witness the difference of team cohesion and understanding.

Madrid had their chances but so did United. Lukaku miss, Rashford's poor finishing in 1v1, Micky going through Real's defence only to trip by his own leg, Herrera's interception that would lead to another chance if only Lukaku trust his teammate more and get into position to be the finisher. Again, I am hoping it is just to lack of team cohesion and understanding. Better to do that sort of thing now rather than when the league and UCL campaign started. What better team to do and learn from your mistakes than against the best team in Europe?

It was quite obvious throughout the entire game. Xavi and Iniesta's dominance as the best midfield partnership has been overtaken by Kroos and Modric. On top Madrid were a bit behind with overall preseason preparation, yet they still bossed us.

I am happy that we managed to create chances, score and push for equalizer. This is something that, is a positive and we should build on top of that.
I am also happy that we got so well found out in a truly competitive game before the first kick off of the league. There were quite a lot of takes, which I would like to list.

Lingard is not a heavyweight player. He is instrumental for our attack, but his qualities fade away quite easily when he comes against the top teams. He is a good squad player and I stand behind him to be in the team. However he's only useful against the likes of Everton, West Ham, Arsenal, Celta, Ajax etc. He shouldn't be first choice vs the likes of Madrid, Barca, City (which I think will improve immensely with their new signings), Bayern, Juventus.

Left back is an area we need improvement, whether we bring a new LB or Shaw steps up, we need improvement. Darmian is playing to the full potential of his abilities, yet that roof is slightly below 'Manchester United par'. And we are not looking for par, are we? Both times Madrid hit the bar happened after Darmian couldn't take control of the situation. Not being able to mark Casemiro and dragged out of position for Bale's chance.

Pogba's ever invisibility in big games starts to worry me. I was worried for the bigger part of last season, excluding towards the end, when he was giving possession quite cheaply and not being effective or instrumental enough. We saw that last night one more time. He needs to be the dirigent in the team, not only vs the bottom 10, but against the top 5 in Europe.

Lindeloff is quite raw and he'll need some time to slot himself in the team and definitely raise his level. Both goals last night came through his area.

There might be more things, that aren't on top of my head right now or I have missed, but in general that was my take.
We will challenge for the title this year, but it will be far away from a walk in the park. Competition from City, Chelsea and Tottenham will be immense. We are still short of quality and depth in two or three positions, but the puzzle pieces for the team's spine are there.

I would very much like us to line up like this at least once this season:
---------------------------DDG---------------------------
TonyV---------Bailly--------------Smalling/Rojo---Shaw
------------------Matic----------Pogba-------------------
Rashford---------------Mikhi---------------------Martial
------------------------Lukaku----------------------------

 

[shabadu84]

I was just curious why the prior poster thought we are attaining stability with Mourinho when in his entire career he hasn't stayed longer than 3 full seasons in the same club.
My thoughts are that, despite past performance not being an indicator of future results, Mourinho will be gone after next season. His negative brand of football will not endear him to many United fans, and as soon as success on the field stops (or is not attained) he will be gone.

That's possible, certainly given his track record. But I think you're still drawing far too many conclusions from a single match. We were cautious against an all time great Real Madrid team in a one-off for a trophy we haven't won since 1991. Is that really that hard to believe?

I'd be more inclined to look at the other things he's done, such as largely buying and playing a relatively younger team whom he continues to speak very highly of. That, to me, does suggest stability is a goal. I can't see him losing the fans support, not this year anyway.

 

[Jeffthered]

Hey guys.. and welcome to the new season. I'm fairly optimistic, let's see how we go. We are still in transition, and Mourinho has had time at the club now. I do sense the competition for places now, and I like that. Last night was a good work out. Madrid are a settled, mature team with fantastic quality so no shame there. For us, a first full outing under such competitive circumstances. We should have scored more. They could have, and it's a friendly really. Matic looked great, and i was happy with what I saw really.

However, i do feel, like last season, that a lot, a LOT rests on the input of Mikithariyan (just frustrating sloppy, and doesn't command the game as I would expect of a player of his ability. Plays on the fringes. Like Mata. Like Lindgaard, who in my opinion needs to grow up. Add Martial to that mix, and we have four players with lots of potential, but too often, far, far, far too often, flatter to deceive. Frankly, I am beginning to wonder whether they can improve. Fellani (for his faults...) has improved and is ore focused. Herrera has improved so it can happen... If those four mentioned do not perform, we will not compete for the league, let alone CL because we need these attacking players to take pressure off Lukaku, and Herrera and Pogba. Lindgaard frustrates the nuts off me.

 

[Stacks]

The impressive thing about Madrid is that Modric, Kroos, Isco and Casemeiro cost the same as Pogba. They have amassed a quality midfield for next to nothing. Same as Bayern when you add the costs of Vidal Thiago Martinez and Kimmich. These fees have risen too much too fast.

 

[RooneyLegend]

Barca seems to do well in one-off games against Real, sometimes they win and sometimes they lose but one can't say Real dominates them. Bayern however has had huge troubles with Real lately.

Bayern werent outclassed by them last season.

 

[RooneyLegend]

Okay

You thought either of those teams were outclassed by Madrid last season

 

[VorZakone]

Bayern werent outclassed by them last season.

Not 'outclassed' by any means but I didn't had the feeling that Bayern was their equal.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Go on then, explain that mess of a shape of it wasn't supposed to be 352.

Hint: We played with a back four.

 

[TwoSheds]

Hint: We played with a back four.

Hint: Not in the first half. Valencia and Lingard were wing backs. Which is why Darmian and Lindelof kept getting exposed by Bale and why Valencia was nowhere to be seen. Darmian actually looked half capable when he was put back to LB when Rashford came on.

 

[El Zoido]

We were outclassed, but Madrid are better than anyone. Had Rashford finished that chance at 2-1 we might have won the game, and we were at least the better team for a period so it's not all doom and gloom.

We're not the finished article by any means, if these lads all stay together for a few years and we add a couple more quality players we're going to be up there with the very best.

 

[barmyarmy]

The impressive thing about Madrid is that Modric, Kroos, Isco and Casemeiro cost the same as Pogba. They have amassed a quality midfield for next to nothing. Same as Bayern when you add the costs of Vidal Thiago Martinez and Kimmich. These fees have risen too much too fast.

Real have recently been pretty smart in transfer market instead of going for Galacticos as they usually do they are signing good talents. I don't how much role Zidane played in this matter.

 

[Rusholme Ruffian]

Moaners setting their stall out early for the season ahead I see. Thought it was a decent performance against the best team in the world, in searing heat that even Real admitted they were more suited to due to similar summer conditions in Madrid.

Excited for season ahead but already weary at the sniping from those who will never accept Mouirnho as manager.

 

[Jeffthered]

Relax Rusholme, this is a discussion forum, one should share opinion. Not necessarily moaners, just observations. I'm looking forward to the season, I just feel we have a few players who need to step up. Mata, lindgaard, Martial, Mikhi... be great if they could get say, eight PREMIERSHIP goals each right? they all have that ability, just application for me. None of them tackle for toffee....

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Moaners setting their stall out early for the season ahead I see. Thought it was a decent performance against the best team in the world, in searing heat that even Real admitted they were more suited to due to similar summer conditions in Madrid.

Excited for season ahead but already weary at the sniping from those who will never accept Mouirnho as manager.

It's tiresome. I don't think it's exclusively people who will never accept Mourinho as manager. There's also a hefty contribution from the sort of perennial moaners that belly-ached throughout Fergie's reign as well as a bunch of (younger?) fans who demand instant success and are unable to cope with anything other than instant gratification.

Where it gets even more complicated is that there are bound to be legitimate reasons to complain about decisions taken by the manager over the course of this season. Even if he is the right man for the job.

At this early stage it's a little easier to sort out the whinge-bags from the reasonably disgruntled. That will get harder as the season progresses, bar an unprecedentedly serene progression to domestic and European success.

 

[Rusholme Ruffian]

It's tiresome. I don't think it's exclusively people who will never accept Mourinho as manager. There's also a hefty contribution from the sort of perennial moaners that belly-ached throughout Fergie's reign as well as a bunch of (younger?) fans who demand instant success and are unable to cope with anything other than instant gratification.

Where it gets even more complicated is that there are bound to be legitimate reasons to complain about decisions taken by the manager over the course of this season. Even if he is the right man for the job.

At this early stage it's a little easier to sort out the whinge-bags from the reasonably disgruntled. That will get harder as the season progresses, bar an unprecedentedly serene progression to domestic and European success.

True! Especially the bolded bit

 

[ghagua]

Live in hope that one day we can go toe to toe with Real Madrid and Barcelona. Not just a few minutes here and there claiming moral victory, but for an entire 90 minutes. We have spent a shite load of money, but still cannot compete with them when it really matters, in competitive matches.

 

[Manny]

Mourinho has built a defensively strong, physical side with some very talented young attacking players but the combined technical/tactical level of the midfield and defense is shockingly poor for one of the biggest clubs in the world. In this regard, I'm talking about passing ability, vision, and movement off the ball to receive passes. Playing against Madrid accentuates this contrast since they're so strong in these regards but its not like the issue is only there when playing them.

The biggest problem this creates is that you look totally inept if the other side has the courage to press you high up the pitch. Two things changed after the second Madrid goal - Zidane called off the dogs and they didn't press so aggressively and Mourinho put on Fellaini for Herrera, which allowed you to advance the ball quickly by bypassing midfield (he is truly excellent at winning long balls).

But unless you're going to play Fellaini from the beginning of matches, you can't expect both of those things to be true in general. Weak teams in the Premier League will still fear to press you, preferring to fall back and play for draws of course. But you're going to have a consistent problem against the stronger sides.

Agree. Especially the bold. It might just be enough in the PL but it's going to take more buys or young players really stepping up to close the gap with the best teams in Europe.

I feel like we have way too many specialists who can do one thing well but are severely lacking in other areas. The likes of Fellaini, Darmian and Smalling fall into this category and it confines the level the rest of team can reach and puts limitations on how we can play at any moment in the game.

 

[POF]

The team showed great fighting spirit to get back in the game but the gulf in class between the teams is my take away from the game. United's lack of quality to create chances in general play (without the Fellaini plan B) is really concerning. The only little signs were Herrera sliding balls in to Mkhitaryan around the box. Other than that, it was long ball or counter attack.

I really dislike the 3-5-2 system. With that personnel there is just nowhere near enough attacking quality in the side. There was absolutely no outlet and United could hardly get out of their half at times in the first half. The formation didn't make the defence any more solid either.

The goals conceded were terribly soft, set pieces were dreadful at both ends and Pogba's decision making was so bad it seemed like he was doing it on purpose.

I can see "the Fellaini" being used regularly this season. I'm not a huge fan of playing that way but if it's effective it's a perfectly valid approach. The lack of quality of the set piece delivery is extremely frustrating. Rashford's set pieces are dire.

You cannot fault the effort and spirit of the squad. They seem like a really united group. I am hoping that can take them a long way this season but there is a real lack of attacking cohesion in the side.

 

[Rusholme Ruffian]

Guys, this Madrid side have been together for years now - and it showed. This United team has been pieced together largely over the last 12 months - with three of last night's starters joining this summer. What exactly were you expecting?!

 

[Djemba-Djemba]

The only thing that legit pissed me off last night was starting Lingard.