[croadyman]

Eriksen looked physically finished last season after he returned from his ankle injury. Even before that he tended to struggle against teams that had a lot of energy and pressed us a lot, but after the injury it got significantly worse.

Hopefully he'll still be a good option against teams that sit off and give us time in the midfield, but the issue is that less and less teams are playing that way.

Yeah absolutely spot on

 

[NICanRed]

I don't know how they measure fitness but our fitness coaches do. Do you think they are happy with the fitness levels the players are showing?
I appreciate it is the beginning of the season and things will improve but our opponents seem to have more energy than our players. There was a lot of walking in the last ten minutes.

 

[RedDevil@84]

Unless Hojlund can magically improve us, it feels that the team hasn't improved at all. ETH will soon know the good will drains pretty fast in football.

 

[fps]

People saying we need to spend more money, that money has been the issue, are crazy. It’s how the money has been spent that’s the problem. But reading the meltdowns here is very amusing. The team will improve.

Mount is a bizarre signing though.

 

[RedDevil@84]

People saying we need to spend more money, that money has been the issue, are crazy. It’s how the money has been spent that’s the problem. But reading the meltdowns here is very amusing. The team will improve.

Mount is a bizarre signing though.

Spending is always relative to what others are doing and how much our team needs improvement on. If we need signings in say 6 positions and we get 3 expensive signings, that is not enough spending, just because we blew 6 player money on 3.
The alternative to this is believing that the spending and signings are adequate. Then that means the manager needs to do better or get replaced.

Coming to the meltdowns, we see it every season. A bunch of posters ready with pitchforks within 2 games and another bunch of posters saying that it is too early to hit the panic button. Then come 10 games, and if things don't improve, there will be a bunch of posters saying it is only 10 games. There are so many more to play. Guess everyone has their own benchmark after which they hit the panic button.

 

[croadyman]

People saying we need to spend more money, that money has been the issue, are crazy. It’s how the money has been spent that’s the problem. But reading the meltdowns here is very amusing. The team will improve.

Mount is a bizarre signing though.

Will only improve with better midfield,we are far too easy to push around in these games

 

[Still Going…]

Any potential title run is now out the door.

…I think we’re still bang in there, personally…

 

[LilyWhiteSpur]

Will only improve with better midfield,we are far too easy to push around in these games

thats where the game was lost/won you lack energy which is needed in football now. Bissouma and Sarr won that game for us, neither are overly defensive or offensive they just work for the full game. I’ve supported Spurs for 35 years and IMO this is the most excited I’ve been about a midfield 2.

 

[Partridge]

Sick and tired of these bullshit, schizophrenic, starts. 1st half good, second half, utter crap. 1st half crap, second half good..etc. It's mental. Never know which team is going to turn up. Team looks good on paper, but plays like shit. Its super tedious. It went on even under fergies management, but was far less obvious. Now its glaring. Some of these players have no balls..feckin nephalims.

 

[LilyWhiteSpur]

Eriksen looked physically finished last season after he returned from his ankle injury. Even before that he tended to struggle against teams that had a lot of energy and pressed us a lot, but after the injury it got significantly worse.

Hopefully he'll still be a good option against teams that sit off and give us time in the midfield, but the issue is that less and less teams are playing that way.

He is possibly my favourite player we had in my time supporting Spurs but yeah he never really was a player who would put a foot in. But having said that his vision and creativity overshadowed that. His work rate could never be denyed for me.

 

[Kopral Jono]

We need 500M to win the league. But 400M and 1 year should be more than enough to get some coherent play style.

At this rate giving him another billion wont solve the big problem. I dont believe our squad is so bad we cant ping 3 pass without resorting to long balls

To be fair to ETH all post Fergie managers seems to be reduced to a clown after 2 years managing us I dont know what's wrong with us. Maybe it's a curse

Illogical but I've always entertained this idea. Whether a curse or karma-induced pure rotten luck, to be stuck in a rut this long after spending so much is actually impressive. For the sake of covering all bases getting a feng shui master to visit Carrington or Old Trafford wouldn't be the worst of ideas, you know.

 

[mitchmouse]

I don't know how they measure fitness but our fitness coaches do. Do you think they are happy with the fitness levels the players are showing?
I appreciate it is the beginning of the season and things will improve but our opponents seem to have more energy than our players. There was a lot of walking in the last ten minutes.

I've been saying we look less fit than most other sides for more than two years now... it's part of why I think there is something rotting at the heart of the club

 

[mitchmouse]

Spending is always relative to what others are doing and how much our team needs improvement on. If we need signings in say 6 positions and we get 3 expensive signings, that is not enough spending, just because we blew 6 player money on 3.
The alternative to this is believing that the spending and signings are adequate. Then that means the manager needs to do better or get replaced.

Coming to the meltdowns, we see it every season. A bunch of posters ready with pitchforks within 2 games and another bunch of posters saying that it is too early to hit the panic button. Then come 10 games, and if things don't improve, there will be a bunch of posters saying it is only 10 games. There are so many more to play. Guess everyone has their own benchmark after which they hit the panic button.

trouble is it's been going on for a number of seasons now, so it's hardly surprising that people are "panicking". I'd say many are not, they are angry - and rightly so. It's a disgrace, for instance, that we haven't had a proper number nine for... well since Rooney and RvP left

 

[mitchmouse]

As a matter of interest, when was the last time we actually "transfer-listed" a player? It's time we showed some strength and let players know that if they don't perform, we'll show them the door. And right now, I'm thinking of the club captain, among more than one or two others

 

[Bosws87]

Shocking decision on the handball, that’s 2 games and 2 blatant handballs stopping shots on target. Getting absolutely nothing and it won’t be mentioned outside of the game.

Can’t win games missing the chances we did in the first half today. Rashford has resorted back to the one we all know and were on the verge of wanting rid of.

 

[predator]

Our midfield is weak, non existent almost. Our attacking options are wingers and not one single focal point (until Rasmus gets involved) and even then it's a waiting game.

Our defence are getting ripped apart because they are simply outnumbered by opposition midfielders and attackers and full backs.

Can't believe how easy players just breeze through us in the middle. I've yet to criticise ETH's judgement but this is becoming worrying.

 

[Lentwood]

It's concerning that we crumbled so badly in the second half but the first 40 minutes was very good - which at least gives me some hope this setup can work given time.

We should have had a penalty, Rashford missed a presentable 1 vs 1 and Bruno HAS to score that header. That's the type of chance top players don't miss. The difference between a good team and a great team is that great teams have players who are absolutely ruthless with their chances. They get one chance, they take it and they then proceed to win the game comfortably.

Also, Anthony hit the post at 0-1. Again, Salah scores that every time.

Personally I still think we can work this formation out and make it effective, but I do think it will take plenty more work

 

[jamesjimmybyrondean]

What on earth happened to the full backs in that second half giving Spurs so much space

 

[fps]

It's concerning that we crumbled so badly in the second half but the first 40 minutes was very good - which at least gives me some hope this setup can work given time.

We should have had a penalty, Rashford missed a presentable 1 vs 1 and Bruno HAS to score that header. That's the type of chance top players don't miss. The difference between a good team and a great team is that great teams have players who are absolutely ruthless with their chances. They get one chance, they take it and they then proceed to win the game comfortably.

Also, Anthony hit the post at 0-1. Again, Salah scores that every time.

Personally I still think we can work this formation out and make it effective, but I do think it will take plenty more work

That miss from Bruno was utterly ridiculous.

 

[Milos1817]

Our midfield is weak, non existent almost. Our attacking options are wingers and not one single focal point (until Rasmus gets involved) and even then it's a waiting game.

Our defence are getting ripped apart because they are simply outnumbered by opposition midfielders and attackers and full backs.

Can't believe how easy players just breeze through us in the middle. I've yet to criticise ETH's judgement but this is becoming worrying.

Many people here complain about our central midfield, but no midfield in the world would be able to handle the pressure they face when so many balls are lost, as is the case with our full-backs and offensively minded players. It's simply way out of proportion; the players act as if they constantly need to make the decisive pass, and everything seems frantic. There's NO patience in United's play, and we are making it easy for opponents to attack us because so many players are out of position when possession is lost. This issue persisted last year, and I can't understand why it continues.

A new central midfield player won't solve anything. It would be nice to have one, as we don't have many true ones, but the first thing I'd prioritize is a replacement for Anthony—a ball-playing, left-footed winger.

More importantly, we need to find patience in our play. Some people need to start understanding a basic principle in football: pick your moments, don't rush into things every time like headless chickens. Until we have a more composed team, I'd pair McTominay with Casemiro to better secure the back midfield. Currently, Casemiro doesn't stand a chance at cleaning up the mess from the players in front of him, which makes him appear slow and out of position most of the time. This has also been the case with Eriksen for a long time I believe, apart from the fact that Eriksen has never been a central midfielder; he is a pure AM. Speaking of Eriksen, I would put him in for Bruno. I think he offers more in terms of a less risky, possession-based approach.

 

[Red_Aaron]

We have to go in front yesterday, some really good play, couple of big chances and and a clear penalty (I assume Oliver will be reffing in the champ next week yeah?)

The collapse was crazy though and is again primarily about shape for me. Mount was far too high against wolves isolating case - we seemed to have fixed this yesterday as he sat deeper from the start and we were far better as a result. We lost the discipline though and again started leaving huge spaces for spurs to just walk through - the amount of space they had out wide on the first goal is shocking. He has time to take 4 touches on his way into our box without a player within 5 yards of him - simply unacceptable. The second goal was a farce

If I were to try to be level headed I'd say the players are still adjusting to the new shape and hopefully it'll click soon. Less level headed however I fear were still liable to mental collapse when things go against us and we throw all discipline out the window

We desperately need a good performance and comfortable score line next week ahead of arsenal away

 

[CtrlAltDeLigt]

No amount of money spent can improve the mentality of our current best starting players, who seem to think they’ve done more than enough after earning that final golden parachute like contract.

I would rather see some kids like Mejbri and Pellistri starting the next game, they atleast have something to prove and will show fight, and not just get turned over with simple touches by opposition all across the pitch.

The tactics might not be working, or even the team selection, but that shouldn’t be an excuse for sheer trying and adjusting

 

[AFC NimbleThumb]

I don’t always take what Keane says seriously but his United are the new Spurs line was perfect.

I’ve said it before & will say it again, Luke Shaw embodies exactly what has gone wrong with this club perfectly. He’s a supremely talented player who every season goes through bouts where he simply can’t be arsed & it doesn’t affect him. He’ll go from world beater to laziest full back in the league a few times in a season. It’s annoying because I like the guy but someone posted yesterday, 19 assists in 9 seasons or something - he simply isn’t it.

 

[Litch]

Cant deny it, Im worried for ETH. The team has gone backwards and Im hoping Anthony doesnt turn out to be his Harry.....

 

[Buster15]

Will only improve with better midfield,we are far too easy to push around in these games

Yes of course. But the current midfield could be better organised. Bruno is running all over the place leaving holes as does Mount. Casemiro can not do it all on his own in terms of defending.

 

[Buster15]

I don’t always take what Keane says seriously but his United are the new Spurs line was perfect.

I’ve said it before & will say it again, Luke Shaw embodies exactly what has gone wrong with this club perfectly. He’s a supremely talented player who every season goes through bouts where he simply can’t be arsed & it doesn’t affect him. He’ll go from world beater to laziest full back in the league a few times in a season. It’s annoying because I like the guy but someone posted yesterday, 19 assists in 9 seasons or something - he simply isn’t it.

He did not look lazy to me yesterday. Yes he was caught out of position but Garnacho does not know how to track back.

 

[NoPace]

Good post, it’s funny hearing another fans perspective, I watched the game and for the first 20-30mins I was panicking, you were the better side. If Rashford or Bruno had scored, basic sitters, you would have went on to win, we both lack an out and out striker. Hopefully we get one in before the window closes.

Yeah I felt fine with the early part of the game.

Agreed that Richarlison still looks lost.

Other Spurs thoughts taking into account that I watched their first game:

-Sarr looked a lot more useful in that Hargreaves/Ramires type role (CM without ball, RCM with it) than Skipp. I like Bentancur so imagine he’ll be first choice there.

-Maddison bit quiet, will be interesting to see how he does in big games. He might need a half season or year before he’s good in tougher games.

-Udogie was everywhere

 

[Baxquux]

Illogical but I've always entertained this idea. Whether a curse or karma-induced pure rotten luck, to be stuck in a rut this long after spending so much is actually impressive. For the sake of covering all bases getting a feng shui master to visit Carrington or Old Trafford wouldn't be the worst of ideas, you know.

Glazer negative energy is too powerful now that SAF's counteracting power consisting of sheer force of will has disappeared - they need to be exorcised.

 

[Melville Red]

Why even bother getting upset by this lot, if they couldn't be bothered why should we and its not like this kind of mentality hasn't happened before!

A bit how I feel this morning. Trouble is Utd and I go back a long time, fecking daft really but that’s football, it annoys and it also makes you happy and all in the same game.
First half yesterday was ok, it was a genuine entertaining match and how it was 0-0 at HT I don’t know. Second half was like Utd were a different team, bloody awful and when the first goal went in we went from bad to worse.
Feck it and bollocks to it, until the next game that is.

 

[Hughie77]

Same 11 that started v Wolves.. then you new it was same formation.... it doesn't fecking work.. let's hope he can see that NOW...

Mount is a player who he wants to start every game?.. Shaw looks not fit enough? Out of position loads of time caught out there goal came from that, Garnacho helps out he's caught again to far up pitch.. Antony bloody hell hopeless needs to be dropped....

Bruno not the same needs to be not in a 3 ..2 pivots seemed to work last season, ETH is going to persist with this formation if he does Rashford will have to play on the left...

Can see it getting worse before better..

 

[DJ_21]

Can’t believe how good bissouma was. The guy ran that midfield. He was awful last season… seems him and even his team are listening to their managers ideas… if only we could

 

[cpresc]

I've been saying we look less fit than most other sides for more than two years now... it's part of why I think there is something rotting at the heart of the club

the outdated training facilities perhaps..

 

[cpresc]

Same 11 that started v Wolves.. then you new it was same formation.... it doesn't fecking work.. let's hope he can see that NOW...

Mount is a player who he wants to start every game?.. Shaw looks not fit enough? Out of position loads of time caught out there goal came from that, Garnacho helps out he's caught again to far up pitch.. Antony bloody hell hopeless needs to be dropped....

Bruno not the same needs to be not in a 3 ..2 pivots seemed to work last season, ETH is going to persist with this formation if he does Rashford will have to play on the left...

Can see it getting worse before better..

Hojlund and Mainoo could potentially transform this a lot

 

[Bosws87]

All the hallmarks of the standard season under the glazers.

Not prepared players look off the pace - check

Don’t give the manager the players he needs - check

Play hard ball over players we need gone otherwise a toxic atmosphere will take over - check

Panic buy the player we need after a couple of disappointing performance - this one is about a week away.

Start off the league 4/6 points behind the league leaders and the title is already over before it begins - just waiting for post arsenal for that one.

Throw in the shambolic handling of Mason greenwood about to come to tipping point.

This seasons going to be poor, it does not take much to put that together.

 

[Redfrog]

We need 500M to win the league. But 400M and 1 year should be more than enough to get some coherent play style.

At this rate giving him another billion wont solve the big problem. I dont believe our squad is so bad we cant ping 3 pass without resorting to long balls

To be fair to ETH all post Fergie managers seems to be reduced to a clown after 2 years managing us I dont know what's wrong with us. Maybe it's a curse

We need competent people spending that money.
When people upstairs spend that much on Antony, it’s not ETH fault.
Instead of buying in full panic mode,
They should identify the needs and find several players who can do it and suggest them to the coach. They should use the scouting network and to their job.
But we are ruled by incompetent people at every level. It’s not on the coach, who can’t do everything.

 

[Ayoba]

I was at the game yesterday, here are my observations.

Firstly I have to say it's a world class stadium, amazing facilities and the spurs fans made one hell of a racket. Uniteds away fans were rather quiet.

On to the game itself, 1st half was even and I think we even shaded it. The defense was very good, varane in particular was impressive. AwB was decent too, good in possession and passing. Shaw made some good overlaps and worked well with Garnacho, who I thought had a good 1st half too.

2nd half we just didn't turn up. The attacking trio were no where, Antony in particular was brutal to watch. Everytime he got the ball, either he lost it or nothing happened, such a poor player. Casemiro was off the pace too, decent passes though. Bruno tried, works hard, passes well, I thought he was having an ok game but then Madison showed up 2nd half and ran the show. We had no answer for him, Cas couldn't get near him. That's how Bruno should be influencing game!
Mount, I don't think I even noticed him playing

The absolute worst thing however was that as soon as the 1st goal went in, I just knew we'd lose. This team, especially the forward players, weren't good enough to trouble spurs. Rashford was so ineffective playing upfront, Antony, I just can't stand him anymore.

Going forward, we need to play rashford on the left, Martial upfront until Hojlund returns and Sancho on the right. Anyone but Antony. In Midfield, ETH messed up big time. We shouldve gone for a powerful, ball carrying midfielder and not mount. Andre Onana or Ambrabat are a must. I'm also worried about Casemiro, I think he's legs are gone. But more importantly, I'm worried about our season and ETH. This team isn't good enough to challenge for the top, I fear we will struggle in the CL group games too. A change upfront and in midfield is really needed asap. I hope he gets it right.

 

[Blackbeard]

I've been saying we look less fit than most other sides for more than two years now... it's part of why I think there is something rotting at the heart of the club

The one common denominator during the rot. Glazers. Simple as that.

 

[Sky1981]

Illogical but I've always entertained this idea. Whether a curse or karma-induced pure rotten luck, to be stuck in a rut this long after spending so much is actually impressive. For the sake of covering all bases getting a feng shui master to visit Carrington or Old Trafford wouldn't be the worst of ideas, you know.

Something to do with SAF statue blocking a vital qi flow could have been the crux

 

[Swedish_Plumber]

Watched the first half and its really depressing how little quality we have in front of goal. Manchester United struggling to score goals is really something.

 

[Lentwood]

That miss from Bruno was utterly ridiculous.

It was and because football is generally such a low-scoring game of fine margins, you can't be missing that if you have aspirations of any kind of decent tilt at trophies.

It also seemed to knock the wind out of our sails, I thought we'd been excellent up until that point.

Again, if you look at City, Arsenal or Liverpool, they generally score the first "big" chance that they create - this isn't some perception bias, the "big chances converted" statistic shows that Arsenal in particular are ruthlessly efficient and we by contrast are wildly inefficient.

Talk about tactics and systems all you like, but if you don't convert your big chances, especially away from home, you will drop points