[RetroStu]

they are already shouting corruption over at rawk though

Good because it means they are worried about us. You saw almost no corruption talk from them last season.

 

[sport2793]

I'm not as impressed as some of you. If we had been playing Chelsea or City or even Arsenal and the second half went like it did then yes it would of been a hard worked win but it was West Ham at home. Being down to 10 men shouldn't suddenly make West Ham into Barca mrk.2, we should lose a bit of possession, maybe give away a couple of extra chances but we should still have the quality to atleast match them even with 10 men.

True but it was 3 points which is what you would expect to get at home to West Ham.

 

[OneUnited24]

well..people were saying it after QPR....and then......

TBF i think regardless of the results that was a turning point for us. Before that our players looked lost, poor and not creative. Now we play some good stuff and can score at will.

Defence is still a bit of a issue but i'm sure LvG will sort that in time.

 

[Ibi Dreams]

I like how Allardyce says that only a superhuman could have seen if that was offside. Firstly it's utterly irrelevant given that it was the correct decision, and secondly you see decisions like that every week in every league

 

[Isotope]

Good first half. Got nervous after they got it back to 2-1. Rooney got a straight red for anxiety and then the whole team bounced between nervous/determined for the rest of the match. McNair had a really nice debut. Apart from the goal you wouldn't really have guessed that 2 of the defence were making their debuts and another one was making his positional debut. Rafael/Herrera could become a really good combination.

With Liverpool's result and our defence, 3 points is mattered today. There's still a lot of naivety in their play, especially with just launching hoofballs to nowhere toward the end. And I'm still frustrated with Valencia who couldn't use his speed to his advantage against tired fullback.

 

[Raw]

I guess the good thing about a result like this is that it wasn't another false dawn. It still highlighted some problems in the team that need sorting out.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

they are already shouting corruption over at rawk though

Did we get Rooney sent off as well, just to solve LvG's striker conundrum for him?

 

[KeninDC]

Some boys became men today. Impressive, gutty performance. Blind's reaction after the game told me everything-United wanted this win.

Rooney had an inexcusable brain-lock, but the team picked him up-which was great to see.

 

[Get In Scholesy]

Aside from the red, I really can't say anything bad about our performance today. Especially given the circumstances of having only one fit centre half, McNair making his debut, playing with 10 men for 30 minutes against a robust and strong West Ham side and having 9 players out either due to injury or suspension. It was a great performance, nervy yes - but we toughed it out which was refreshing to see.

 

[SqueakyWeasel]

Allardyce actually used the word 'bollock'?!

Just so I know, can anyone say what the female equivalent of "dropping a massive bollock" is for when Sian Massey's running the line?

 

[TheRedDevil'sAdvocate]

Good response from the team when we went down to ten men, lots of team work and coverage of space on the pitch.

Imo man of the match today was Rafael, many things have been said about his lack of character when the going gets tough, but he was absolutely fantastic today. After Clattenburg's horrendous decision(s) against him last week, Rafael responded with a convincing performance. He provided a fine assist, attempted some very well timed overlaps while we were playing 11v11 and allowed WH to create very little from his side when we were all back defending our lead.

Good job from McNair at the back. He was put under real pressure today and he did just fine. Yes, he misplaced some passes and had some trouble with Valencia's pace at times, but his defending in the box was pretty solid. That head clearance of his should be in the match highlights. I think they formed a good pair at the back with Rojo. The latter, despite having his ups and downs during the match, had a good game overall. He showed urgency and composure and i believe he and Jones will soon become our first choice CBs this season.

Herrera was also very good, his defensive work was important and helped Di Maria spend more time up front and the whole team keep its balance in the midfield. Blind kept his calm after that odd back pass and did ok. Even Fletcher and Valencia played their part when they were brought on. For Shaw, i'd say it was a 50/50 performance. He looked good and promising in the first half, but he had problems with Sakho and Valencia in the second. All of WH's chances, (the disallowed goal included) came from his side.

On the other hand, it was an individual error that put WH back in the game once again. It could've been Blind, it was De Gea and it was a set piece again. We got away with it today but this isn't acceptable at top level. We were 2-0 up, we were trying to slow down the tempo and control the game and suddenly all hell broke loose.

Rooney should have been more careful. I'm sure he will receive way more criticism than he deserves here, but if you look at the replay again you'll see that we had committed many players up front and most of them were out of position. It was a "reasonable" decision, one we've seen being made all the time in football matches, but the execution was poor. He did score a sublime goal though. RvP did his job, scored a fabulous goal and chased every ball in the second half.

As a team we looked threatening while Falcao had the energy to chase balls, close down opponents and keep the opposition defenders busy with his off the ball movement and aggression between the lines. Rooney was also good playing in the hole, could have scored one more goal.

I also believe we could have kept the ball more and absorb the pressure but considering the lack of confidence and the fact that this was a must win game, i can understand why this didn't happen. We defended well in our box, after all, we got the three points and that's what counts in the end.

 

[Shamwow]

It's a game that we could easily have lost but 2-1 was the correct result. I've got to say as well there was some absolutely beautiful passing and control of the game in the first half. It was a joy to watch in a way that we didn't see last season with a fast tempo. Their goal was a brain fart from De Gea and didn't have anything to do with our control of the game.

Obviously Rooney's idiocy in getting the red card changed everything. It also ruined what was up until then a very good game for him. After that the defence did better but still not really good enough for where we want to be in the table. That offside - though the call was correct - was fortuitous. Of course we can't know what would have happened were it not for Rooney's mistake putting the defence under unnecessary pressure.

I also have to compliment McNair as many already have done. A player who can't have been expecting to get his first team start so soon and did admirably under the circumstances and were it not for Rooney he would (and should) have been the talking point of the match.

We're improving in the sense that at the end of last season everything was crap, our defence was fragile, we didn't know where the first goal was going to come from and there was no midfield. At least now we know where the goals are going to come from and the midfield is clearly improved in the attacking sense and isn't quite as porous as it used to be. Sorting out the defence should be well within the abilities of Van Gaal and his team but it is not being helped by all the injuries.

 

[Catt]

Lots of phewing here so lucky me missing second half. Thought we played some good stuff first half but as soon as WH scored I honestly thought that was it. Did the defense do well after the red?-McNair did well from what I saw.

 

[Catt]

Thanks to ReddDevilsAdcocate for the summary.

 

[Yorkeontop]

Down at 10, RVP was basically pointless, why not take him off ?

I'll just throw it out there...I thought our play a man down was for the most part very,very good. I thought Valencia did very well and Fletch did a good job organizing. I can't understand why no AJ for RVP though, RVP was gassed.

RVP is LVG's guy it seems. This is starting to worry me slightly. I know he scored today but down to 10 men he should have made way for some fresh legs. Maybe its because we didnt have a striker on the bench (did we?) and LVG didnt want to lose that threat understandabley.

 

[LLMU]

Massive win and some nervy moments when we went down to 10 men. Overall, I feel we should have done better and having RvP on the field when we were down to 10 men is like playing with 9 men.

 

[Sultan]

The first 35 minutes was the best football I have witnessed at Old Trafford for a number of years. It was a joy to watch Rafael, Herera, Shaw, and Di Maria linking up together. West ham scoring, and then sheer stupidity from Rooney got players nervous and the performance suffered. I've not yet seen replays but it seemed Rooney should have just been given a yellow unless it was high and dangerous.

 

[Sultan]

RvP definitely ran out of steam in the second half. However, he was there for his experience, and was organising the team together with Fletcher on the pitch once we down to 10 men. He was the only forward who could hold the ball once Falcao was subbed. Adnan was never coming on with having Valencia, and Di Maria already on the pitch.

 

[Slartibartfast]

TBH we murdered them for the first third & played some great attacking football, then let in a stupid donkey clogger goal which gave them push & hope until we calmed it down again - but a stupid red card for Rooney & another very lax for the opposition ref who failed to issue the the corresponding red led to a final third of magnificent defending - with a defence that has never played together & a with a lad who was making his PL debut - wonderful game to watch. It was not dissimilar to last week but this time without a team that had a miraculous 5 goals from 5 shots and a blatantly dodgy referee in tow.

 

[El Zoido]

After what happened last week we just needed three points. Grinding out a result is beneficial to the team and we showed a lot of spirit in Rooney's absence.

I agree with the thoughts regarding RVP, but you'd think he'd be capable of 90 minutes once a week.

 

[itso 7]

Great win and I hope we derive more from this, mentally. I think the whole team struggled as a result of the psychological impact of last week's loss and this win will be a huge lift. The way the season is shaping up we could be in for a third place finish.
However I believe we should look to use Januzaj more, especially in for Van Persie as we need something more unpredictable in forward areas.

 

[Dylan94]

Just got back from the game. For the first half an hour we were fantastic. It was attack, attack, attack, and we didn't give West Ham anything to sniff at. The first goal was pure sex from Rafael. I said it after the QPR game and have said it many times before; he makes such a huge difference to our, defence, attack and team in general.

Great finish from Van Persie to make it 2. We conceded a poor goal from the corner. Rooney's challenge was a red card. But we fought really well after that to preserve the win and it was great to see. LVG made good tactical changes straight away and personnel changes in bringing on Fletcher and Valencia. The crowd really got behind the team for the final half an hour. Paddy McNair played really well considering it was his debut. Shaw and Blind played well too. I like Shaw's speed and eagerness to get foward - I can see some of Evra in him already.

Man of the match was Rafael by far though. He was fantastic. And he is a great, great player. Overall a very good team win, and a much needed 3 points.

 

[ivaldo]

Missed the game (match highlights would be appreciated of anyone has them). It sounds as though we had dominated for large parts of the game and were comfortable until the second half, correcto?

 

[ghagua]

I thought McNair and Rojo had an excellent game at the back. Rojo looked like he was trying to get things organized at the back quite often, something that we had been lacking this season. Our midfield looked out of it once Rooney was sent off. They needed to take control of possession, but kept giving the ball away.

 

[bucky]

Missed the game (match highlights would be appreciated of anyone has them). It sounds as though we had dominated for large parts of the game and were comfortable until the second half, correcto?

https://www.redcafe.net/threads/manchester-united-videos.165623/page-93#post-16531232

 

[Sheikhy]

The first 35 minutes was the best football I have witnessed at Old Trafford for a number of years. It was a joy to watch Rafael, Herera, Shaw, and Di Maria linking up together. West ham scoring, and then sheer stupidity from Rooney got players nervous and the performance suffered. I've not yet seen replays but it seemed Rooney should have just been given a yellow unless it was high and dangerous.

I agree with you mate. Its something that we have really needed for a while. I guess Rooney wanted to bring him down, take the yellow and not put the defence under pressure but made a horrible decision on the type of tackle as it was extremely violent. Definitely a red there. Plus sides, players are linking up extremely well and we are looking extremely good. McNair played fantastic and so did Shaw. Negatives, no captain. Now a lot of people will say good..Mata will get his chance in his position. Biggest issue is Rooney will make him miss the Chelsea game. A game which we would need him in.

 

[siw2007]

Good first half performance, very nervy second half but all round a hard fought 3 points. After the criticism of the players over their poor defensive capabilities and their soft mentality, I think they showed a lot of character and guts in the way they battled for half an hour after Rooney's sending off and that needs to be commended.

Rafael was probably motm after he showed two sides to his game. In the first half he showed pace, desire, skill and a great final ball while in the second half showed real steel when we were against it including a fantastic block. Just forget him diving in when Enner Valencia had the ball.

Will be interesting to see how the supposed triangle of RVP, Falcao and Mata fair next week against a tougher Everton. Will need defenders back and to be on our A-game.

 

[SalfordRed1960]

RvP definitely ran out of steam in the second half. However, he was there for his experience, and was organising the team together with Fletcher on the pitch once we down to 10 men. He was the only forward who could hold the ball once Falcao was subbed. Adnan was never coming on with having Valencia, and Di Maria already on the pitch.

I thought RVP had one of his best games this season. Yes, his legs went a bit second half, but he was chasing when we were down to 10 and helped out in defense at corners. I felt sorry for Falcao as I think he offers us a lot up front that we haven't had before. By the time we meet Chelsea I think he will be fully match fit.

 

[Sultan]

Will be interesting to see how the supposed triangle of RVP, Falcao and Mata fair next week against a tougher Everton. Will need defenders back and to be on our A-game.

Yes. Lukaku will be a handful for our young defenders.

 

[siw2007]

Yes. Lukaku will be a handful for our young defenders.

I think Mirrales (forgive spelling) might be out so that is a plus.

 

[C'est Moi Cantona]

As much as 4-0 would have been great, was nice that we manged to see this game out especially with the 10 men, will hopefully stand us in good stead for future tight games.

Btw is there any chance of Jones been back for Everton?

 

[C'est Moi Cantona]

Yes. Lukaku will be a handful for our young defenders.

As much as it might come back and bite me, I have to say I thought Lukaku looked pretty average today, kept making the wrong pass, and turning into tackles.

 

[Sb_16]

Just got back from the game. For the first half an hour we were fantastic. It was attack, attack, attack, and we didn't give West Ham anything to sniff at. The first goal was pure sex from Rafael. I said it after the QPR game and have said it many times before; he makes such a huge difference to our, defence, attack and team in general.

Great finish from Van Persie to make it 2. We conceded a poor goal from the corner. Rooney's challenge was a red card. But we fought really well after that to preserve the win and it was great to see. LVG made good tactical changes straight away and personnel changes in bringing on Fletcher and Valencia. The crowd really got behind the team for the final half an hour. Paddy McNair played really well considering it was his debut. Shaw and Blind played well too. I like Shaw's speed and eagerness to get foward - I can see some of Evra in him already.

Man of the match was Rafael by far though. He was fantastic. And he is a great, great player. Overall a very good team win, and a much needed 3 points.

Nice to know that match going supporters appreciate Rafael. He makes such a difference to the team, doesn't he?

 

[walkinhop]

Today proved, once more, that Rooney is not a leader. I am sorry to say but he is not a captain material.
RvP, despite his 2 goals, is still kind of a passenger.
I am seriously missing Mata, despite his mistake last week, who played only a few minutes last time around.
Di Maria had his first bad game. And was still better than a lost our 2nd choices.
Blind was not that good. Can't put my finger on it but i felt he was not involved enough.
Januzaj needs more game time against such teams. No matter who of the top 3 he changes, he gives another dimension to our game.

Last but not least. Arrogance, arrogance and some more fecking arrogance. We need to smash teams. Defense? Who cares if you let 1,2 goals in. The point is to outscore the opponent.

PS: Rafael, when fit obviously is such an impactful player. He opens defenses in such an old school way. It looks simple but not many players have it.

 

[Mali_Zeus]

Didnt see the 2nd. How did we look? I heard apart from 2 chances West Ham wasnt that dangerous and we had a nice defensive display.

Were McNair and Rojo good. They had a very good 1st half imo.

 

[Dylan94]

Nice to know that match going supporters appreciate Rafael. He makes such a difference to the team, doesn't he?

He really does. A massive difference on both sides of the pitch as I said. Some people still underestimate that difference. And I also think that he's the most underrated player on our team.

 

[ivaldo]

https://www.redcafe.net/threads/manchester-united-videos.165623/page-93#post-16531232

Cheers bud

 

[Dylan94]

Didnt see the 2nd. How did we look? I heard apart from 2 chances West Ham wasnt that dangerous and we had a nice defensive display.

Were McNair and Rojo good. They had a very good 1st half imo.

Seen as though Rooney got sent off in tbe 59th minute, you can write most of the second half performance off as it was all about holding on to the lead. But they did do that very very well. LVG made good tactical and personel changes and they fought hard defensively to get the win. McNair played really well 2nd half and Rojo was good too. He was trying to organise people too which I liked a lot.

 

[surf]

The back 4 were good today on the whole and in the circumstances. We seem to have about 10 centre backs, none of whom are outstanding and most of whom are unavailable for any given match, so it's getting harder to predict the back 4 line up correctly.

 

[Mali_Zeus]

Seen as though Rooney got sent off in tbe 59th minute, you can write most of the second half performance off as it was all about holding on to the lead. But they did do that very very well. LVG made good changes

Glad to hear it. After a crazy result last week all we needed is a win and a good defensive display.