Real Madrid need to get ready for a terrible season | It’s happening

[Peyroteo]

you are enjoying this way too much.

I’m sorry but this whole thing is just hilarious. Breaking negative goalscoring records after selling Ronaldo and having players, fans and media outlets downplaying his importance to what Real Madrid was in the past few years is funny by itself.

Doing it with Flopetegui in charge just makes it too much fun.

 

[carvajal]

I’m sorry but this whole thing is just hilarious. Breaking negative goalscoring records after selling Ronaldo and having players, fans and media outlets downplaying his importance to what Real Madrid was in the past few years is funny by itself.

Doing it with Flopetegui in charge just makes it too much fun.

What players? and what press? because in the chiringuito is still Edu Aguirre crying for Cris and Marca dedicated him very beautiful covers after leaving.
I honestly do not think anyone has belittled him. Maybe there was excessive enthusiasm and optimism with other players. It is true that there is some resentment and there are angry fans because he left, in the coldest possible way.
He also did not have the courage to explain it in public.
That the top scorer of the club and the best with Di Stefano treat us with that disdain is completely out of place.
Then he started talking about how he had found "a family" in Juve.
It was at that moment when Ramos answered (I do not know if you mean Ramos when you talk about players).
To finish off the job he did not even bother going to the gala that rewarded his team mate (as well as the statements of Mendes).
Even you can´t believe the excuse of the game against Bologna.

As soon as he stops fooling himself with that behavior, I'm sure the compliments will begin

 

[RedRonaldo]

I still don't get it why they don't find a Ronaldo replacement. They are missing a gurantee 40-50 goalscorer per season and it is clearly showing it on the pitch.

 

[Daysleeper]

I still don't get it why they don't find a Ronaldo replacement. They are missing a gurantee 40-50 goalscorer per season and it is clearly showing it on the pitch.

And this spot on. If they even got someone like Cavani they’d comfortably be well ahead in La Liga. Ronaldo always started the past few seasons notoriously slow so even finding any type of replacement would’ve been enough

 

[SCP]

And this spot on. If they even got someone like Cavani they’d comfortably be well ahead in La Liga. Ronaldo always started the past few seasons notoriously slow so even finding any type of replacement would’ve been enough

Out of topic but were you there in Udinese stadium today?

 

[Daysleeper]

But, but, but .... everyone said the team were fine without Ronaldo and they'd kick on/win regardless?

It's almost like he DID actually contribute at Madrid. Who knew?

They still need someone, literally anyone to replace him with. If they even replaced him with a 20 goal a season scorer they’d be on top of La Liga

The issue isn’t just Ronaldo leaving, it’s having zero replacement which is one of the most baffling moves of the decade.

 

[Daysleeper]

Out of topic but were you there in Udinese stadium today?

Yes I was. Ronaldo had a nice goal
before the half. His dribbling was a bit off but the pitch was very wet. As much grief as I give Ronaldo it was very cool to see him in person. Several times it felt like the visiting Juve fans were louder than the Udinese fans. Scoreline really flattered Udinese.

Seeing Messi, Mo Salah and Ronaldo in the same week was very solid

 

[SCP]

Yes I was. Ronaldo had a nice goal
before the half. His dribbling was a bit off but the pitch was very wet. As much grief as I give Ronaldo it was very cool to see him in person. Several times it felt like the visiting Juve fans were louder than the Udinese fans. Scoreline really flattered Udinese.

Seeing Messi, Mo Salah and Ronaldo in the same week was very solid

I knew he would score in your face, but who is really impressing me aside Ronaldo is Cancelo, we have a fullback who is already top 5 in the world imo. Us I mean Portugal. Now Real Madrid and wonderful Floren and Julen, the Batman and Robin dynamic duo.

 

[Daysleeper]

I knew he would score in your face, but who is really impressing me aside Ronaldo is Cancelo, we have a fullback who is already top 5 in the world imo. Us I mean Portugal. Now Real Madrid and wonderful Floren and Julen, the Batman and Robin dynamic duo.

Cancelo has been fantastic no doubt about it. Will be curious to see how Portugal do with a full squad which I’m sure we will see in the next international break after this one coming up.

Ronaldo probably should’ve had two goals today has Bentancur knicked the first one from him

Also good to see Dybala back in the Juventus rotation

 

[SCP]

Cancelo has been fantastic no doubt about it. Will be curious to see how Portugal do with a full squad which I’m sure we will see in the next international break after this one coming up.

Ronaldo probably should’ve had two goals today has Bentancur knicked the first one from him

Also good to see Dybala back in the Juventus rotation

Meanwhile if you want to have a good laugh or understand Spanish...


They are starting to self implode. Julen will not sleep well during the international break.

 

[SCP]

It is true that there is some resentment and there are angry fans because he left, in the coldest possible way.
He also did not have the courage to explain it in public.
That the top scorer of the club and the best with Di Stefano treat us with that disdain is completely out of place.
Then he started talking about how he had found "a family" in Juve.

It wasn't against your fans. Florentino. Not saying he shouldn't but you know he always has been like this. But certainly he doesn't hate Real Madrid. Its only a battle of egos.

 

[carvajal]

Meanwhile if you want to have a good laugh or understand Spanish...


They are starting to self implode. Julen will not sleep well during the international break.

he is nervous days ago

 

[SCP]

@carvajal When I want to have a good laugh I just have to see Ronceros meltdowns. He is freaking out with tocar tocar y tocar. He represents the best or worst side of the periodistas hinchas if we can use a expression like that. And I was one here who thought maybe Lopetegui learned from his mistakes at Porto. It won't last much imo.

 

[carvajal]

@carvajal When I want to have a good laugh I just have to see Ronceros meltdowns. He is freaking out with tocar tocar y tocar. He represents the best or worst side of the periodistas hinchas if we can use a expression like that. And I was one here who thought maybe Lopetegui learned from his mistakes at Porto. It won't last much imo.

You were right about the rotations and I although I haven't seen enough probably you are also right about his stuborness.
A pity,his Spain played really well.
So,what would you do now? What coach would you bring?

 

[SCP]

You were right about the rotations and I although I haven't seen enough probably you are also right about his stuborness.
A pity,his Spain played really well.
So,what would you do now? What coach would you bring?

For Madrid? Difficult to answer because top level managers normally don't workout that well there like Mou or Capello, even if they do win titles there are problems like relation with the media or the fans.

Thinking about current Spanish managers there are always guys like Marcelino, Machin or Sétien. But again would the players or the Madrid media buy into their concepts? Internal solutions like Guti maybe would be better accepted, but is he good enough? Outside Spain would be crazy to pick Gallardo but would it be worse than Lopetegui? Who knows. But Florentino will go for the big name or internal option.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

I still don't get it why they don't find a Ronaldo replacement. They are missing a gurantee 40-50 goalscorer per season and it is clearly showing it on the pitch.

Is this a joke?

Surely?

 

[Peyroteo]

What players? and what press? because in the chiringuito is still Edu Aguirre crying for Cris and Marca dedicated him very beautiful covers after leaving.
I honestly do not think anyone has belittled him. Maybe there was excessive enthusiasm and optimism with other players. It is true that there is some resentment and there are angry fans because he left, in the coldest possible way.
He also did not have the courage to explain it in public.
That the top scorer of the club and the best with Di Stefano treat us with that disdain is completely out of place.
Then he started talking about how he had found "a family" in Juve.
It was at that moment when Ramos answered (I do not know if you mean Ramos when you talk about players).
To finish off the job he did not even bother going to the gala that rewarded his team mate (as well as the statements of Mendes).
Even you can´t believe the excuse of the game against Bologna.

As soon as he stops fooling himself with that behavior, I'm sure the compliments will begin

Ramos, Bale, Ceballos and others all made comments about Madrid being more of a team now thatnRonaldo isn’t there, etc. which is fine and obviously that’s what they have to believe in as players.

I’m not talking about just this season, during the past few years there has been a big part of the Real Madrid fanbase and media that loved to downplay his importance to the team.

Talking about a freed up Bale and a freed up Benzema having the season of their lives now that Ronaldo isn’t holding them back and that Modric was your most important player was just regular talk. How many times has it been said during the past years that scoring goals for this Madrid team was easy?? Then 9 games after he left, you go on the biggest goal drought the club has gone through in over 30 years... it’s too perfect.

Ronaldo calling Juventus a family somehow being turned to being a negative comment about Real Madrid... when he didn’t even mention Real Madrid at all. Him not going to the award ceremony being made out to be about Madrid when it didn’t have anything to do with that.

He’s said nothing but great things about Real Madrid since he’s left, you have an idea that he’s being cold about it because that’s the stories that sell. If there is a problem there, it’s between him and Florentino.

 

[Ecstatic]

Ramos, Bale, Ceballos and others all made comments about Madrid being more of a team now thatnRonaldo isn’t there, etc. which is fine and obviously that’s what they have to believe in as players.

I’m not talking about just this season, during the past few years there has been a big part of the Real Madrid fanbase and media that loved to downplay his importance to the team.

Talking about a freed up Bale and a freed up Benzema having the season of their lives now that Ronaldo isn’t holding them back and that Modric was your most important player was just regular talk. How many times has it been said during the past years that scoring goals for this Madrid team was easy?? Then 9 games after he left, you go on the biggest goal drought the club has gone through in over 30 years... it’s too perfect.

Ronaldo calling Juventus a family somehow being turned to being a negative comment about Real Madrid... when he didn’t even mention Real Madrid at all. Him not going to the award ceremony being made out to be about Madrid when it didn’t have anything to do with that.

He’s said nothing but great things about Real Madrid since he’s left, you have an idea that he’s being cold about it because that’s the stories that sell. If there is a problem there, it’s between him and Florentino.

When Ronaldinho left PSG, the remaining PSG players said the same things.

And when Neymar-M'bappé, the remaining players would pronounce the same BS.

 

[GatoLoco]

If some people downplayed Cristiano's importance to the team those were a very tiny minority, quite frankly. Ronaldo is a legendary player and is considered the greatest Real Madrid player ever just behind Di Stefano. End of.

Having said this, the squads Madrid has had past seasons, especially from 2014 until 2017 were absolutely amazing. In 2017 players like Lucas Vazquez or James would even stay at home because there was too much quality and Zidane couldn't count on every player everytime. In 2016, 2017 Isco was even considering other teams because he barely had playing time. In 2014 Marcelo or Isco parted form the bench. The squad Madrid has now is way older, has the belly full and is considerably weaker. If context is useful to understand the situation, it's even more helpful in the current circumstances.

 

[GatoLoco]

And of course, it's not about "being more of a team", but about having a more collective focus, which is quite different if you ask me.

 

[RedRonaldo]

And this spot on. If they even got someone like Cavani they’d comfortably be well ahead in La Liga. Ronaldo always started the past few seasons notoriously slow so even finding any type of replacement would’ve been enough

Won’t jump into purely hypothetical conclusion, but any striker better than Benzema and Bale would surely improve their current standing.

 

[FootyGirl88]

Have the white flags come out yet?

 

[Peyroteo]

If some people downplayed Cristiano's importance to the team those were a very tiny minority, quite frankly. Ronaldo is a legendary player and is considered the greatest Real Madrid player ever just behind Di Stefano. End of.

Having said this, the squads Madrid has had past seasons, especially from 2014 until 2017 were absolutely amazing. In 2017 players like Lucas Vazquez or James would even stay at home because there was too much quality and Zidane couldn't count on every player everytime. In 2016, 2017 Isco was even considering other teams because he barely had playing time. In 2014 Marcelo or Isco parted form the bench. The squad Madrid has now is way older, has the belly full and is considerably weaker. If context is useful to understand the situation, it's even more helpful in the current circumstances.

2016/17 was the peak for Real Madrid, that was an incredible team. Since then Perez has been fecking up time and time again.

Passing on Mbappe last season while needing a new forward after Morata left was bad enough, but James left too and then one season later Ronaldo leaves... and he only gets Mariano?

Pepe left in 2017 too and defensive depth has been a problem ever since, Vallejo started a CL quarter final last season and Lucas Vasquez started a CL semifinal as a rightback. Still didn't think there needed to be any additions.

Despite the obvious weak spots in the team, out of all the positions to buy a new player... you sign a goalkeeper.

Madrid's position in 2016/17 should have allowed them to build on that team for 5+ years. Instead, Perez got bored of winning and made the squad weaker just because he felt like it.

 

[JSArsenal]

Why do you consider that something surprising? Madrid have the tendency to sack their coaches very quickly if they fail to deliver expectations. And those expectations are winning the CL or at least the league. Also, all of these coaches named have cushy jobs and are adored by the fans. Why would they abandon them in order for them to get sacked in Madrid? Even if their stock wouldn't fall all that much (but it would, no matter what getting sacked is always a bad thing) they won't go back to their previous clubs and they'll be forced to look for new ones and start again.

The problem with clubs like Madrid and Chelsea is that eventually there comes a time in which their itchy trigger finger backfires and very few coaches are left who are willing to take the job. I'm actually quite surprised that Sarri left Napoli for Chelsea.

Its because of that tendency to sack coaches quickly that I think, generally, being sacked by Madrid isn't the end of the world. Never say never when it comes to returning. Mouriho went back to Chelsea after all. They all have cushy jobs and are adored. However if they go to Madrid they would get to work with far better players, a higher salary most likely and a better chance to win major trophies. Besides, I think managers like players, back themselves to succeed anywhere, at least the best managers do. So I think or would normally think that most managers would jump at the chance to manage Madrid. If you're coaching a Bayern or a Man Utd and say no, I can understand that. But the Spurs manager? That is a surprise.

Maybe they are wary of that itchy trigger finger as you describe it. But I still think the pull of Madrid/Chelsea should be too much. Worst comes to worst they are at least guaranteed a payout once when they are sacked.

 

[Synco]

Have barely watched Real this season - has Lopetegui tried to focus on changing Real's style more towards the collective, but it hasn't worked out so far? (Thinking of things like a tighter defensive shape, better pressing, or attacking more through the center.) Or does the team play a similar football like before, but simply without Ronaldo? That'd be a recipe for disaster.

 

[simplyared]

Said it before if this guy becomes a failure, I can see Roberto Martinez as the next manager at the club. That's if we (utd) dont get him first.

 

[Peyroteo]

Have barely watched Real this season - has Lopetegui tried to focus on changing Real's style more towards the collective, but it hasn't worked out so far? (Thinking of things like a tighter defensive shape, better pressing, or attacking more through the center.) Or does the team play a similar football like before, but simply without Ronaldo? That'd be a recipe for disaster.

They play possession football without having much of a goal threat. Lots of sideways passing, similar to Van Gaal's United but with better players. They were much more direct under previous managers.

It means they don't have to defend as much and I wouldn't be surprised if they actually end the season with less goals conceded than Barcelona for the first time in ages but offensively things don't look great.

 

[giorno]

Carvajal has many injuries, now he will be two months out. I think he thought that Marcelo wouldn´t lose his place and didn´t want to spend in another Theo.
Reflect on our next coach

My point is we don't need a young guy to develop behind dani, we need a ready made player who can give us 70-80% of dani's performance right away

For marcelo sure, go young. But go with a guy the manager trusts. 'Cause it's pointless otherwise. Theo was a mistake, it happens, that should not stop the club from going after another LB. We don't play anything without wingbacks

 

[giorno]

Madrid's position in 2016/17 should have allowed them to build on that team for 5+ years. Instead, Perez got bored of winning and made the squad weaker just because he felt like it.

This is where you're talking nonsense. How do you build on that team exactly? Which big player is going to accept being the new james or the new morata exactly? The problem is that 16/17 was the end of the cycle for that team. The CL last season was a lucky fluke. We needed to make big changes, particularly to a midfield that was never particularly well assembled, but worked as a great platform for marcelo and carvajal to dominate the wings, with the box presence of Cristiano+Benzema/Bale to mame it effective. If we don't occupy the box with multiple strikers and don't get penetration from the wings, that midfield trio becomes good for keeping and recycling the ball, and little else.

There was a recent article from el pais which claimed apparently Zidane wanted to sell the BBC, Isco, Modric and Lucas, and make big changes to the team, with only ramos, varane, marcelo, dani, casemiro and kroos considered untouchable. And he quit because Perez disagreed with that.

 

[Ridge Racer]

There was a recent article from el pais which claimed apparently Zidane wanted to sell the BBC, Isco, Modric and Lucas, and make big changes to the team, with only ramos, varane, marcelo, dani, casemiro and kroos considered untouchable. And he quit because Perez disagreed with that.

Diego Torres? you know the guy is always talking out of his ass. I doubt Zidane wanted to sell most of the team given his loyalty to guys like Benzema and the fact that he didn't bother to include the new signings the previous season

 

[giorno]

Diego Torres? you know the guy is always talking out of his ass. I doubt Zidane wanted to sell most of the team given his loyalty to guys like Benzema and the fact that he didn't bother to include the new signings the previous season

Ah damn, it might have been diego torres at that

Nevertheless i chose to believe it because it's what i would have done

 

[Adisa]

Lopetegui is a shit coach but what did Real think would happen when they sold a 50 goal a season player and didn't buy anyone?
Lopetegui is the worst possible coach for Madrid at this time. A team without a goalscorer is doomed under him cause his happy for his team to pass the ball endlessly.
This guy was laughed out of Porto ffs!
If they know what's good for them, they will invest in an attacker in January.

 

[Peyroteo]

This is where you're talking nonsense. How do you build on that team exactly? Which big player is going to accept being the new james or the new morata exactly? The problem is that 16/17 was the end of the cycle for that team. The CL last season was a lucky fluke. We needed to make big changes, particularly to a midfield that was never particularly well assembled, but worked as a great platform for marcelo and carvajal to dominate the wings, with the box presence of Cristiano+Benzema/Bale to mame it effective. If we don't occupy the box with multiple strikers and don't get penetration from the wings, that midfield trio becomes good for keeping and recycling the ball, and little else.

There was a recent article from el pais which claimed apparently Zidane wanted to sell the BBC, Isco, Modric and Lucas, and make big changes to the team, with only ramos, varane, marcelo, dani, casemiro and kroos considered untouchable. And he quit because Perez disagreed with that.

There's no way in hell that's true.

2016/17 was the end of a cycle for that team because Perez decided that was the case. It didn't need to be the end of anything.

In 2016/17 you lost Pepe, Morata and James who were replaced by absolutely nobody. Pepe didn't need to go and should have been given the 2 year contract he asked for. James didn't even need replacing with Asensio stepping up... you needed a Morata replacement and to inject new blood into a team that were obviously going to lack motivation after winning the double and a second CL in two years. Should have bought Mbappe, given him whatever he was asking for and benched Benzema instead.

Then you should have payed Ronaldo whatever he was asking too and you'd have the present and the future of the club guaranteed to be at a top level.

Mbappe was available, Hazard was available, Icardi was available... you didn't want to overspend despite probably being the richest club in the world but it's simply not true that there weren't options available.

As for the midfield, Isco will need to start playing as part of the midfield 3 often. Casemiro, Kroos, Modric and then either Ceballos or Isco is too much recycling of the ball and not creative enough. I think this will be Modric's last season as a Real Madrid player.

 

[Member 93275]

Maybe Real and Barca, with their aging teams, are just having trouble to cope with the new financial realities created by PL tv money and the likes of PSG. It is now much more difficult for them to build a team of galácticos. Even when they were financially securely on top, they paid top money to a couple of players, but there were also plenty of players earning less than 100k. The top player wages can now be matched or topped by others, and those earning less can possible earn more now elsewhere, while the transfer sums have gone insane. This will be a big financial challenge for them, and a fight they have been losing for the last two years or so. It just takes a while for the results to become visible, when it's already too late.

 

[Camara]

Just leaving the Lopetegui memes from the Porto era here

 

[GatoLoco]

@Peyroteo

The problem is that you will always be right on the sports analysis but the renewal of an ageing and triumphant squad in the middle of a very difficult situation in terms if finances takes some strategic analysis as well. But the strategic part you don't seem to worry too much about it, otherwise you wouldn't say things such as offering 2 year contract to Pepe just because "Real Madrid are very rich". Things don't really work like that. If Madrid have done things well in the last seasons that's because they have used money relatively well and not overspending. If Real Madrid sell Ronaldo, it's not because Ronaldo isn't absolutely amazing, but because they know that at some point he will start to decline due to his age. Also, in order to make this strategic analysis and evaluate its results you probably need more time. I know football forums give a lot of importance to what has happened in the last couple of months, but reality is quite different and way more complex than that.

 

[Peyroteo]

@Peyroteo

The problem is that you will always be right on the sports analysis but the renewal of an ageing and triumphant squad in the middle of a very difficult situation in terms if finances takes some strategic analysis as well. But the strategic part you don't seem to worry too much about it, otherwise you wouldn't say things such as offering 2 year contract to Pepe just because "Real Madrid are very rich". Things don't really work like that. If Madrid have done things well in the last seasons that's because they have used money relatively well and not overspending. If Real Madrid sell Ronaldo, it's not because Ronaldo isn't absolutely amazing, but because they know that at some point he will start to decline due to his age. Also, in order to make this strategic analysis and evaluate its results you probably need more time. I know football forums give a lot of importance to what has happened in the last couple of months, but reality is quite different and way more complex than that.

I don’t have any insight into Madrid’s finances but given the money the club gets from revenue, the money you got from all of the CL wins, the fact you’ve barely spent anything in the past few years and that you’re willing to spend 80 million on 2 Brazilian teenagers then I’m assuming there are no problems at all and that there is a clear lack of investment in key parts of the squad that everyone knew were necessary.

So either the lack of investment is due to Perez wanting to fulfill his dream of watching Neymar in the new Bernabeu or there are some big money problems behind the scenes.

Signing Mbappe for the 100 million he cost to PSG and giving him, Ronaldo and Pepe the contracts they wanted was not impossible in the slightest. It will cost you a lot more money to get this team back to the level they should be.

 

[carvajal]

Ramos, Bale, Ceballos and others all made comments about Madrid being more of a team now thatnRonaldo isn’t there, etc. which is fine and obviously that’s what they have to believe in as players.

I’m not talking about just this season, during the past few years there has been a big part of the Real Madrid fanbase and media that loved to downplay his importance to the team.

Talking about a freed up Bale and a freed up Benzema having the season of their lives now that Ronaldo isn’t holding them back and that Modric was your most important player was just regular talk. How many times has it been said during the past years that scoring goals for this Madrid team was easy?? Then 9 games after he left, you go on the biggest goal drought the club has gone through in over 30 years... it’s too perfect.

Ronaldo calling Juventus a family somehow being turned to being a negative comment about Real Madrid... when he didn’t even mention Real Madrid at all. Him not going to the award ceremony being made out to be about Madrid when it didn’t have anything to do with that.

He’s said nothing but great things about Real Madrid since he’s left, you have an idea that he’s being cold about it because that’s the stories that sell. If there is a problem there, it’s between him and Florentino.

Peyroteo,Cristiano doesn't stitch without thread.
What he said about "it has been nice to play here" or "I have found a family" has nothing spontaneous about it.
He perfectly measures his words and I think his coldness is prepared. Logically I know he means the president but the standard fan will think about the club and their fans.
You know we are a bit jealous.

Diego Torres? you know the guy is always talking out of his ass. I doubt Zidane wanted to sell most of the team given his loyalty to guys like Benzema and the fact that he didn't bother to include the new signings the previous season

I guess that Giorno means this article https://elpais.com/deportes/2018/10/03/actualidad/1538555437_404380.html
It seems that Florentino forgot the original plan.
D.Torres is a very particular journalist but remember he was also crazy when start talking about Iker/Mou/Ramos/Ozil.

 

[carvajal]

I don’t have any insight into Madrid’s finances but given the money the club gets from revenue, the money you got from all of the CL wins, the fact you’ve barely spent anything in the past few years and that you’re willing to spend 80 million on 2 Brazilian teenagers then I’m assuming there are no problems at all and that there is a clear lack of investment in key parts of the squad that everyone knew were necessary.

So either the lack of investment is due to Perez wanting to fulfill his dream of watching Neymar in the new Bernabeu or there are some big money problems behind the scenes.

Signing Mbappe for the 100 million he cost to PSG and giving him, Ronaldo and Pepe the contracts they wanted was not impossible in the slightest. It will cost you a lot more money to get this team back to the level they should be.

El mundo wrote days ago an article about the real reasons why he left Madrid.
For those that doesn't understand the article tells about a meeting with Mendes and laywer to talk about the treasury fine and how he was upset because the club always considered Di Stefano the number 1.
I don't know if It's truth but I am starting to believe that he had made his decision with or without renewal offers.
Who knows,maybe some years ago he could have got It(the club paying the fine) but with this atmosphere anti corruption...I agree about another contract for Pepinho
http://www.elmundo.es/cronica/2018/09/30/5baf5158ca4741a11b8b4586.html

 

[Synco]

They play possession football without having much of a goal threat. Lots of sideways passing, similar to Van Gaal's United but with better players. They were much more direct under previous managers.

It means they don't have to defend as much and I wouldn't be surprised if they actually end the season with less goals conceded than Barcelona for the first time in ages but offensively things don't look great.

A shift towards possession football doesn't sound like the worst idea for that team post-Ronaldo. Obviously not working at all - four games without a goal, wow.