[MZX7]

No. I don't think he needs to improve. He did his job today, not to mention he already has 4 goals in the league. That chance at the end wasn't so easy to score.

He isn't to blame for today's result. Our defense is.

So, according to you Lukaku doesn't need to improve? He is at his best? Is he the best striker in the world? No? Then he better improve for his own self. At least work on it. Until he comes close to being counted as one of the best strikers in the world. If this is the best he's got, I'm pretty sure he won't be too well remembered in history.

 

[DevilRed]

Par for course coming back off a break. We did well. Just two individual errors have done us in.

Better delivery from the wings and we could have scored more.

Not the end of the world but imperative we get back to winning with two home matches up next.

 

[AshRK]

We have to start grinding out results in fixtures like these. Jose was spot on when he said you have to defend for your lives while defending a corner after such a wonderful save by de gea. It's sad that save never even got time to be appreciated because of our foolish defenders.

 

[I Believe]

we needed a MTOM performance by De Gea to salvage this one point!

I agree, feelings of Deja-vu.

We would have lost today without De Gea. Stoke are not a brash and brawling team like they used to be, but we still could not put them away. Darren Fletcher had a field day for them, like to know who was supposed to be marking him? Or perhaps we didn't think one of our 'cast offs' could cause us problems, we know different now.

Overall we have improved, but on todays showing not as much as we thought.

Mark Hughes won hands down in the tactical battle today and to add salt to the wounds he told us before the match he had found things about us he could exploit, Jose take note, not everything opposing managers say are part of the 'mind game' contest!

I know they talk of rotation and such like, but why do managers these days change a winning team, surely it cannot be rotation reasons this early in the season? If Jose changed the team today to foil Hughes plan, it clearly didn't work. When Mata came on he was the first United player to continually look for space, Tony Martial also came at the game seemingly more prepared than of late, he looked to exploit space.

I was disappointed in Herrera's contribution and Bailly probably had his worst game since he joined us, he seemed somehow off the pace/out of sorts!.

 

[crossy1686]

Typical post international break performance. Could have been better but also could have been worse. I'll take a point as long as we learn from this moving forward. That's the kind of game we could have used Zlatan in.

 

[TimScoreboard]

We stared edgy and looked awkward down the right, but once we settled, the goals apart; which were poor, we dominated without ever really hitting our stride. One of those games stoke has a habit of bringing out of us.

Their right, our left... Darmian and Jones

 

[cyberman]

Decent performance.
First time we dropped points was always going to be a shit show on here. It was either going to happen like it did today or we dominated and couldn't score and then posters would cry that we hadn't improved from last year.
Scored two, should have been 3 and conceded 2 goals that we probably won't concede again from now till Christmas.
It is what it is

 

[Snow]

Average performance but conceding two goals by unforced errors from both CBs will make your life a lot difficult.

That's nicely put. Would have been a no-nonsense victory otherwise.

 

[GazTheLegend]

One positive though:

Jack Butland was the man of the match for me.

We definitely created enough chances to win the game. Can argue about the defending at times but we definitely had enough chances to beat them.

 

[Klopp_De_Klown]

feckin hell whats the fecking point

The point is they were lauded for the first 3 wins by me included, today they need a kick up the backside.

Its 2 points lost not a point gained. There is no point sweetening the pill !

 

[Mike09]

I think a lot of our players weren't mentally prepared for this game especially Bailly.

 

[KirkDuyt]

Stoke away is never easy. Huge cliche but whatever. These away draws happen, still top of the league and Liverpool lost 5-0.

All in all 7/10 day

 

[Klopp_De_Klown]

I haven't watched the game yet, but were we really that bad?

Very average performance. A return to the slow stuff that didn't work last season

 

[Acole9]

One positive though:

Jack Butland was the man of the match for me.

We definitely created enough chances to win the game. Can argue about the defending at times but we definitely had enough chances to beat them.

Agreed, I thought he was excellent for them today, we should be looking at Donnarumma or him to replace De Gea when he leaves.

 

[Jim Beam]

we are back to playing slow shit football...

We need to railroad teams. They exposed our pushed on fullbacks all day.

But its good to get a bit of a knock, hopefully this will remind them we are far from the finished article yet
and they will need to work a lot harder than this and more clever with and without the ball.

In fact feck them, we demand and deserve better than this

Defensive errors cost us the game. Also, don't know what you mean by "exposed our pushed on fullbacks".

In fact, feck it, one confusing post.

 

[Marcky411]

Terrible game, tired of Pogba with his unnecessary twists and turns instead of going for the simple pass. People having been asking why no Herrera in the team the first 3 matches, well today we could see why, he made more backward passes than anyone else, he could just aswell have worn a white shit, contribution zero. To think we hated the LvG slow, very slow no penetration football, well Mourinho knows how to play that game too. Walking the ball out from the back, really and no pressure on Stoke at all when they had the ball. Compared to our first 3 games, this was a complete u-turn, no urgency and where was Fellaini in the last 10 min for the final push from United in the closing stages of the game?
Enough ranting from me, we were very very poor and we setup far to defensively and with no real game plan and that is fully on Mourinho. Lets hope that the Basel game isn't more of the same old cr@p we have had to swallow far to often, showing to much respect for the opponent and not playing our own game or to our own strengths.

 

[Inigo Montoya]

The moans on here are something else.

Feck me we drew a game at a traditionally tough venue. We could have played better yes but some posters suggesting this player and that are useless need to get their heads examined

 

[The Bloody-Nine]

Terrible game, tired of Pogba with his unnecessary twists and turns instead of going for the simple pass. People having been asking why no Herrera in the team the first 3 matches, well today we could see why, he made more backward passes than anyone else, he could just aswell have worn a white shit, contribution zero. To think we hated the LvG slow, very slow no penetration football, well Mourinho knows how to play that game too. Walking the ball out from the back, really and no pressure on Stoke at all when they had the ball. Compared to our first 3 games, this was a complete u-turn, no urgency and where was Fellaini in the last 10 min for the final push from United in the closing stages of the game?
Enough ranting from me, we were very very poor and we setup far to defensively and with no real game plan and that is fully on Mourinho. Lets hope that the Basel game isn't more of the same old cr@p we have had to swallow far to often, showing to much respect for the opponent and not playing our own game or to our own strengths.

 

[Treble]

One positive though:

Jack Butland was the man of the match for me.

We definitely created enough chances to win the game. Can argue about the defending at times but we definitely had enough chances to beat them.

With DDG having the best save today. It was phenomenal.

 

[Inigo Montoya]

Terrible game, tired of Pogba with his unnecessary twists and turns instead of going for the simple pass. People having been asking why no Herrera in the team the first 3 matches, well today we could see why, he made more backward passes than anyone else, he could just aswell have worn a white shit, contribution zero. To think we hated the LvG slow, very slow no penetration football, well Mourinho knows how to play that game too. Walking the ball out from the back, really and no pressure on Stoke at all when they had the ball. Compared to our first 3 games, this was a complete u-turn, no urgency and where was Fellaini in the last 10 min for the final push from United in the closing stages of the game?
Enough ranting from me, we were very very poor and we setup far to defensively and with no real game plan and that is fully on Mourinho. Lets hope that the Basel game isn't more of the same old cr@p we have had to swallow far to often, showing to much respect for the opponent and not playing our own game or to our own strengths.

Fellaini is injured mate, get a grip.

If you don't even know that one has to wonder if you even watch football let alone this match

 

[The Bloody-Nine]

With DDG having the best save today. It was phenomenal.

Agreed. It was ludicrous in real time. Dude could catch a bullet.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Not us sure I recall ref doing much wrong?

Non foul on Fletcher.

Stopping play in dying seconds for defender feigning injury.

Drop ball dictated by Stoke.

 

[Ramshock]

The point is they were lauded for the first 3 wins by me included, today they need a kick up the backside.

Its 2 points lost not a point gained. There is no point sweetening the pill !

Other teams have the right to play well and earn points too you know. Why do we never give other teams credit

 

[The Cat]

The moans on here are something else.

Feck me we drew a game at a traditionally tough venue. We could have played better yes but some posters suggesting this player and that are useless need to get their heads examined

Totally agree, for the most part I quite enjoyed the game particularly the 2nd half.

Does everyone have to pretend to be a purist to say they can't accept free flowing football all the time?

It was a good point and another little step forward. Jose couldn't really have made more attacking subs either.

Some people are just spoilt or delusional.

 

[R'hllor]

Watching full backs of other teams, our looking like league 2 level, crossing quality zero to none.

 

[U99ted]

De Gea man of the match for the first time this season, hopefully that won't be the case often. We need to vary our play more rather than look for Valencia on the right all the time. Not the best performance, but I expect a good response against Basel midweek and against a tired Everton side in the next 2 games. The horses will run freely again.

 

[Peanut Butter]

I have never understood why football fans:

1. Get extremely carried away after a few wins. "We're favourites for the league!" etc

2. Lose their heads after a draw at a ground where big sides always struggle.

3. Demand absolute perfection every single game.


I actually thought we were ok today. Jones at fault for equaliser. Bailly at fault for first Stoke goal.

It's football. Mistakes happen. Jose will go through these errors with both defenders and hopefully we see less of this as season progresses.

We definitely need a better CB to play next to Bailly long term. And if Shaw doesn't work out, we need a LB.

But we're looking good. 4 matches, 10 points. I would have taken that if offered back when fixtures were announced.

 

[Andersons Dietician]

That first goal was shocking. Valencia watches him run on the back of Bailly and does absoulutly nothing but stand with his hands in his pockets on the 18yarder. Actually worse he stands there claiming off side when there was like 4 players keeping him on and he's looking down the line. Jones then decides to check out of his run to the front post to block the cross before it's even getting to what's his face. Absolutely rubbish.

Stoke were decent tho and did open us up on a few occasions but we just looked like we lacked any ideas. For all the good running Rashford does he rarely releases the ball at the right moment. And Miki was quite poor in the game as he kinda often is but then gets something. Much like Zlatan last year, piss poor in the game but somehow makes something happen.

 

[prtk0811]

This was the game for Smalling s physical presence in the box. Jones gets dominated physically on set pieces.

Lapse of concentration from Bailly and darmian , poor pressing and tenacity by herrera.

Mkh really needs to adapt to play as a winger and provide width and quality from there , his movement as a winger is very easy to negate.

 

[Litch]

We won't win every game but I'd rather reserve those for games where we weren't in the races - not a game like this where we outplayed Stoke but we were sloppy to drop points.

Its not a science and you cant pick which games utd turn up for or not. What makes me sick is the army of people that soon as we win, we are the great then we draw at a place many are gonna lose and we become terrible. Tbh its typical of big club fans that expect everything to go their way, all the time. Its an absolute joke.....

 

[Treble]

I have never understood why football fans:

1. Get extremely carried away after a few wins. "We're favourites for the league!" etc

2. Lose their heads after a draw at a ground where big sides always struggle.

3. Demand absolute perfection every single game.


I actually thought we were ok today. Jones at fault for equaliser. Bailly at fault for first Stoke goal.

It's football. Mistakes happen. Jose will go through these errors with both defenders and hopefully we see less of this as season progresses.

We definitely need a better CB to play next to Bailly long term. And if Shaw doesn't work out, we need a LB.

But we're looking good. 4 matches, 10 points. I would have taken that if offered back when fixtures were announced.

Very true. But comparisons with other teams are inevitable and the other contenders looked arguably better today which worries some fans.

 

[Paul_Scholes18]

I have never understood why football fans:

1. Get extremely carried away after a few wins. "We're favourites for the league!" etc

2. Lose their heads after a draw at a ground where big sides always struggle.

3. Demand absolute perfection every single game.


I actually thought we were ok today. Jones at fault for equaliser. Bailly at fault for first Stoke goal.

It's football. Mistakes happen. Jose will go through these errors with both defenders and hopefully we see less of this as season progresses.

We definitely need a better CB to play next to Bailly long term. And if Shaw doesn't work out, we need a LB.

But we're looking good. 4 matches, 10 points. I would have taken that if offered back when fixtures were announced.

Optimism and pessimism bias. I do think we didn't play that well today. Although overall it was a similar game compared to the Swansea one. The extra man in midfield made us too defensive in my view and we couldn't really break them down. Got some chances through counter attacks though. I think a draw was a fair result as Stoke had a good game. Stoke won the midfield battle in my view which was really disappointing since Mourinho played with 3 in it.

 

[Inigo Montoya]

Very true. But comparisons with other teams are inevitable and the other contenders looked arguably better today which worries some fans.

Only City. Chelsea got a little lucky but are hardly impressive. Spurs won well but will drop points at 'home'

 

[prtk0811]

I think a lot of our players weren't mentally prepared for this game especially Bailly.

He had an awkward fall and then lapse of concentration for the goal , but elas he was decent.

 

[Peanut Butter]

I know. They do it even when we win.

Away to Stoke right after an international break isn't exactly going to be a walk in the park. We created the most chances and should still have won despite letting in two.

Our rivals will struggle to get wins there too. They are a very physical team and are well organised.

I should really avoid these threads after matches to be honest. Too many overreacting bell ends.

Well said. It's the nature of football forums though I guess.

I like how Utd are progressing.

I personally don't think we're going to win the league. We are still 1 or 2 players away. But we'll secure a CL place and win more trophies along the way.

It's all good.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

This was the game for Smalling s physical presence in the box. Jones gets dominated physically on set pieces.

Lapse of concentration from Bailly and darmian , poor pressing and tenacity by herrera.

Mkh really needs to adapt to play as a winger and provide width and quality from there , his movement as a winger is very easy to negate.

Think Herrera needs time to get up to speed. It is just like he is starting pre-season again. Mkhi is a No 10 to me. He contributes assists, which is great, but the other 80 minutes is so easy to deal with. Maybe we just have to put up with that for the goals he does create.

I was surprised he did not start Smalling like you and Lindelof needed minutes as well. I just hope Basel are not particularly good.

 

[Paul_Scholes18]

Only City. Chelsea got a little lucky but are hardly impressive. Spurs won well but will drop points at 'home'

I personally have not been that impressed with any other top sides. For that reason it was extra disappointing as we should have a chance to challenge really high this season. I think Chelsea look like they will improve now with Hazard back as well. Form is coming for them and Morata have got going. City have so much firepower, but Pep has not found the right team balance yet. Against 10 men Liverpool we got to see the full power of the City attack. I think City will have some days when they just destroy teams, but also a lot of frustrating games. Sadly this season they have had luck with them.

 

[Turkleton]

We should pick one formation and stick with it. Constantly changing formation and tactics is how you end up with 11 individuals rather than a team.

 

[SalfordRed1960]

I think a lot of our players weren't mentally prepared for this game especially Bailly.

Tend to agree. Bit of a meh performance, everyone waiting for someone else to do something special.

First time someone has had a go at us, and we weren't good at handling it. Made lots of mistakes. Miki anonymous, though a great assist, Damian and Bailly really poor. Hard to choose a MOTM, but don't get the DDG votes, did 1 good save, but hardly had much to do.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Stoke played well. We weren't great. Shit happens. Especially after an inter-lull. I've no major worries after that performance. Just a bit gutted Lukaku missed that chance. If he'd scored the winner the whole narrative would be completely different. Title-winning mentality against our bogey team. Blah blah blah. Ho hum. Fine margins.