Not really. Just play Jones and tell him to boot pretty boy into the stand at the first opportunity.
Real Madrid vs Manchester United
- Thread starter Interval
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Not really. Just play Jones and tell him to boot pretty boy into the stand at the first opportunity.
This feels like a final, the wait is agonising.
I honestly have no idea what to expect.
I honestly have no idea what to expect.
No idea what the result will be but I hope we go for it. While making plans for the opposition is important we must not inhibit our own attacking instincts like we did at the Etihad last year.
It's what we've done in all the big PL games this season and has served us well.
It's what we've done in all the big PL games this season and has served us well.
That sounds very promising indeed. Alonso in particular would be a big miss for them when we go on the attack at OT.
I almost hope Arbeloa doesn't get one, though. He's a definite weak link for them, and the alternative would surely be to push Ramos into RB and play Varane, which I reckon is actually a stronger selection given how well he's playing.
No doubt about it.
And no, Evans is not the equal of Rio...yet. Soon, no question about it. But when Rio is fit and properly rested he's an upgrade from Evans. None of which is to say that Evans is shite; he's fantastic, but not yet at Rio's level.
Fully agree Brightonian, Hope to see a back four of Ramos, Varane, Pepe and Marcelo.
Jones, if able to play, will be man marking "pretty boy". (If not Jones then perhaps Ando...but it's a steep drop going from Jones to Ando, at least for defensive duty.) For those who lamented the job Fellaini did on us back in August, imagine the wreckage pretty boy will do on us without proper attention. Get Jones on Ronaldo and if we can limit Ronaldo to one goal that's an excellent shift put in at the office.
who's arrogant here?
Alright Sueco, good to see some backup. Let's do these red deviled bastards ey!I'm torn on this one, seeing jones in recent games playing that defensive role in a 3 has had it's benefits and you can see it helping against ronaldo. But having said that I think he's still as you'd expect shown a lot of inexperience in that role and is still more of a reactor, he doesn't read the danger that well and it's one thing in the premier league but against the likes if ronaldo and ozil, any extra time you give them will cost you and also can see jones's style leading to lots of free kicks being concerned.
If we did go with him then I would play nani on one flank. He'll track back but I think he'll give us more in the counter and will give more natural width then a kagawa and more threat in general than Valencia.
I think though my preference woul be the same as we've lined up in most the big games with RVP leading and Rooney just ahead of clev and carrick, I think there's enough work rate there and also attacking threat. If kagawa plays on the left we can easily shift in to a 5 if needed.
On a side note does anyone know if we'll be able to you match choice on the sky sports 4 game to watch united on sky sports 2?
If we did go with him then I would play nani on one flank. He'll track back but I think he'll give us more in the counter and will give more natural width then a kagawa and more threat in general than Valencia.
I think though my preference woul be the same as we've lined up in most the big games with RVP leading and Rooney just ahead of clev and carrick, I think there's enough work rate there and also attacking threat. If kagawa plays on the left we can easily shift in to a 5 if needed.
On a side note does anyone know if we'll be able to you match choice on the sky sports 4 game to watch united on sky sports 2?
I'm already thinking about the return leg at OT. You just know we'll give Roni a hero's welcome. We know we shouldnt, especially as it'll only inspire him to play even better, but it's how it is.
Dream scenario: 0-0 over there, 3-2 at OT with Roni scoring a last minute, but pointless penalty!
Dream scenario: 0-0 over there, 3-2 at OT with Roni scoring a last minute, but pointless penalty!
Did you catch the moment he gave the ball away and started a counterattack by Everton? He needs to cut that out, against Madrid that would be a goal.
Yeah, he's got potential in that role but he's not there yet, don't think he reads things quick enough so would be a risk. But still could see Fergie playing him there.
If Fergie felt it necessary to man mark Fellaini...
How is us conceding goals a dream scenario? The 'dream' was Ronaldo using United as a ladder for his move to Madrid. I really don't get the love he still receives from United fans, he hasn't played for us for over 3 years, it's on par with RAWKs lover for Rafa.
Man marking will be suicidal in this game. They have other world class players, not shits bags like Dempsey or Anichebe.
This is the likely starting 11 according to Marca.
I would have this team too. But I suspect Jones and Valencia will start in place of Anderson and Nani. Our cautiousness in the CL in the last few years won't just stop overnight. We will only change to this formation if we lose 3 goals, IMO.
This is the likely starting 11 according to Marca.
Chances are Mourinho will stick Marcelo in for Contraeo and rush him back IMO
Even though I rate Coentrao aswell, I hope you are right.
Reading Madrid forums most seem worried about Di Maria and Arbeloa. They think that flank is extremely vulnerable and are worried about them bring exploited on the counter.
Coentrao before he moved was some player, but so far at RM he hasn't really hit the ground running, he has been quite average. Marcelo is a top player and a top left back, his only fault for me is that at times he can be a bit erratic and positionally suspect but only because of the attacking part of his game.
I think rightly so, neither Marcelo/Coentrao are particularly solid defensively, and ADM isn't a workhorse in terms of tracking back .. I would imagine SAF would look to target that
Just fecking realized I have midterm right after this match. I guess I won't be studying before the exam. YOLO!
At home, he doesnt need to worry too much about who plays left back. He wont risk Marcelo coming back soon. He may play the 2nd leg depending on the score.
It's going to be so fecking weird seeing Ronaldo attack us.
I thought it would be interesting to look at the teams we've put out in our biggest away matches so far this season.
In particular, I'm wondering if we're going to play 451, especially away. In past season I would say 'definitely' as that seemed to be a crucial to our success in Europe. However, that formation hasn't seemed to suit our players, and hasn't been the solution so far this season.
Seems to me that we've played 4231 in most big away games, and it's been up to Rooney to drop deep and be that 3rd man in midfield when needed.
After looking at the formations we've chosen in our biggest away games I suspect we'll play the 4231 in Madrid.
@ Everton (L 0-1) 4-2-3-1
@ Liverpool: (W 2-1) 4-2-3-1
@ Cluj (W 2-1) 4-3-1-2
@ Chelsea (W 3-2) 4-2-3-1
@ Braga (W 3-1) 4-2-3-1
@ Galatasaray (L 0-1) 4-2-3-1
@ City (W 3-2) 4-2-3-1
@ Spurs (D 1-1) 4-3-1-2? [missed this game]
In particular, I'm wondering if we're going to play 451, especially away. In past season I would say 'definitely' as that seemed to be a crucial to our success in Europe. However, that formation hasn't seemed to suit our players, and hasn't been the solution so far this season.
Seems to me that we've played 4231 in most big away games, and it's been up to Rooney to drop deep and be that 3rd man in midfield when needed.
After looking at the formations we've chosen in our biggest away games I suspect we'll play the 4231 in Madrid.
@ Everton (L 0-1) 4-2-3-1
De Gea
Valencia Carrick Vidic Evra
Scholes Cleverley
Nani Kagawa Welbeck
Rooney
Valencia Carrick Vidic Evra
Scholes Cleverley
Nani Kagawa Welbeck
Rooney
@ Liverpool: (W 2-1) 4-2-3-1
De Gea
Rafael Ferdinand Evans Evra
Carrick Giggs
Valencia Kagawa Nani
Persie
Rafael Ferdinand Evans Evra
Carrick Giggs
Valencia Kagawa Nani
Persie
@ Cluj (W 2-1) 4-3-1-2
De Gea
Rafael Ferdinand Evans Evra
Fletcher
Anderson Cleverley
Rooney
Hernandez Persie
Rafael Ferdinand Evans Evra
Fletcher
Anderson Cleverley
Rooney
Hernandez Persie
@ Chelsea (W 3-2) 4-2-3-1
De Gea
Rafael Ferdinand Evans Evra
Carrick Cleverley
Valencia Rooney Young
Persie
Rafael Ferdinand Evans Evra
Carrick Cleverley
Valencia Rooney Young
Persie
@ Braga (W 3-1) 4-2-3-1
De Gea
Valencia Smalling Evans Evra
Giggs Anderson
Nani Rooney Welbeck
Hernandez
Valencia Smalling Evans Evra
Giggs Anderson
Nani Rooney Welbeck
Hernandez
@ Galatasaray (L 0-1) 4-2-3-1
Lindegaard
Rafael Jones Carrick Buttner
Fletcher Anderson
Cleverley Powell Welbeck
Hernandez
Rafael Jones Carrick Buttner
Fletcher Anderson
Cleverley Powell Welbeck
Hernandez
@ City (W 3-2) 4-2-3-1
De Gea
Rafael Ferdinand Evans Evra
Carrick Cleverley
Valencia Rooney Young
Persie
Rafael Ferdinand Evans Evra
Carrick Cleverley
Valencia Rooney Young
Persie
@ Spurs (D 1-1) 4-3-1-2? [missed this game]
De Gea
Rafael Vidic Ferdinand Evra
Carrick
Jones Cleverley
Kagawa
Welbeck Persie
Rafael Vidic Ferdinand Evra
Carrick
Jones Cleverley
Kagawa
Welbeck Persie
De Gea
Rafael Vidic Ferdinand Evra
Jones-Carrick-Cleverley-Kagawa
Rooney
Persie
Rafael Vidic Ferdinand Evra
Jones-Carrick-Cleverley-Kagawa
Rooney
Persie
The rumors suggest that we'll be playing Phil Jones on the right hand side of midfield to nullify Ronaldo. Therefore I can see us lining up like this with Rooney lining up almost in midfield.
I don't like that team, no proper width. Will be asking too much from Evra and Rafael. We already can't over commit them due to CA threat from Madrid.
Ronaldo doesn't stay out on the left so I think that if Jones is tasked with marking him, he will stick to him wherever he roams. Even when he switches wings and plays through the middle as well.
I get the feeling that we will cede the majority of possession in this game to try to limit Madrid's opportunities to counter attack. I think we will let them have the ball for large spells then try to hit them on the break ourselves. It might seem negative and tough to watch us defending a lot at times, but I think allowing them to dominate possession reduces the risk of being hit on the counter which is Madrid's main strength. I think it might be how they have been exploited most in La Liga this season.
Its really hard to guess this team but I would go for:
I went for Nani in place of Kagawa because of his threat on the counter attack and his ability to play on both wings and provide crosses. I also think its a bit of a myth that Nani doesn't track back enough. If we were looking to keep possession Kagawa would probably be a better option but I don't think we will (I read an interview recently with Klopp basically saying that although Dortmund missed Kagawa in the BL, in the CL where they threaten on the copunter-attack, the pace and speed of Reus is a greater advantage than the mobility of Kagawa).
Most on here aren't overly keen on him but if Ashley Young wasn't just returning from injury I would want him in over both Kagawa and Nani because he's been great for us in the bigger games this season. He started against Chelsea away when just back from injury though this may just be a different prospect altogether!
I'm really excited for this and think we can edge a Madrid team who haven't consistently been firing on all cylinders this season.
I get the feeling that we will cede the majority of possession in this game to try to limit Madrid's opportunities to counter attack. I think we will let them have the ball for large spells then try to hit them on the break ourselves. It might seem negative and tough to watch us defending a lot at times, but I think allowing them to dominate possession reduces the risk of being hit on the counter which is Madrid's main strength. I think it might be how they have been exploited most in La Liga this season.
Its really hard to guess this team but I would go for:
De Gea
Rafael-Ferdinand-Evans-Evra
Jones-Carrick-Cleverley
Nani-RvP-Rooney
Rafael-Ferdinand-Evans-Evra
Jones-Carrick-Cleverley
Nani-RvP-Rooney
I went for Nani in place of Kagawa because of his threat on the counter attack and his ability to play on both wings and provide crosses. I also think its a bit of a myth that Nani doesn't track back enough. If we were looking to keep possession Kagawa would probably be a better option but I don't think we will (I read an interview recently with Klopp basically saying that although Dortmund missed Kagawa in the BL, in the CL where they threaten on the copunter-attack, the pace and speed of Reus is a greater advantage than the mobility of Kagawa).
Most on here aren't overly keen on him but if Ashley Young wasn't just returning from injury I would want him in over both Kagawa and Nani because he's been great for us in the bigger games this season. He started against Chelsea away when just back from injury though this may just be a different prospect altogether!
I'm really excited for this and think we can edge a Madrid team who haven't consistently been firing on all cylinders this season.
I'm actually very confident about this one.
the CBs is an interesting one you'd think with Rio being rested he's a certainty.the other is difficult to call. Evans has been our most prevalent, and indeed best defender all season. But Vidic is back fit, he's club captain and he's an important figure for us, a player of his stature must be expecting to play, he'd be gutted if he didn't. I'm a big fan of evans and think he deserves to start and yet for some reason if i had to pick the team i'd go with Vidic-Rio, there's a warm security in naming that pairing even though i know its best has long past
The whole side will be set up tight, we'll be sitting back cutting off all space and looking to contain. With that in mind i think Jones will be on Ronnie and the wings will be Valencia & Rooney, both hard workers who'll keep the shape and discipline but who can counter when the oportunity arrives. RVP up top on his own
DDG
Evra-Rio-Vidic-Rafa
Valencia-Jones-Carrick-Cleverley-Rooney
RVP
Attacking them is madness, it plays right into their hands. Frustrate them and their poor season and off-field rumblings may start to creep into their psyches, keep our patience and we'll get an oportunity or two. Providing we're within 2 goals, ideally with an away one of our own i think we win the tie at OT
The whole side will be set up tight, we'll be sitting back cutting off all space and looking to contain. With that in mind i think Jones will be on Ronnie and the wings will be Valencia & Rooney, both hard workers who'll keep the shape and discipline but who can counter when the oportunity arrives. RVP up top on his own
DDG
Evra-Rio-Vidic-Rafa
Valencia-Jones-Carrick-Cleverley-Rooney
RVP
Attacking them is madness, it plays right into their hands. Frustrate them and their poor season and off-field rumblings may start to creep into their psyches, keep our patience and we'll get an oportunity or two. Providing we're within 2 goals, ideally with an away one of our own i think we win the tie at OT
What happens when Ronaldo and Di Maria switch wings?
In Madrid? Well you shouldn't be.
We need to keep it tight and play on the counter. Not sure man marking Ronaldo is wise given the fact he likes to roam so it will unbalance us.
Scoring will be huge too. They WILL score at Old Trafford so we need to make sure we bag at least 1 on Wednesday night.
2-1 Madrid will be alright for us. I'd be fairly confident going back to OT with that shoreline.
Why not?
I'm very sure we can use our counter attacking plan to full effect. We have the quick passers in the team and the Madrid wingers aren't exactly famous for tracking back. We can really hurt them on the wings if we use our quick passing.
The key here is to score early, and not concede in the first 15 minutes. Remember the Chelsea game? Two early goals when Chelsea weren't really ready won us the game (disregard Hernandez's goal for argument's sake). Even if we draw 2-2, I'd be delighted if we got two away goals.
Btw, I still don't know you're a city fan or not
Really? That would mean us needing to put 3-4 past them, since you said they are bound to score at OT.
Why not?
I'm very sure we can use our counter attacking plan to full effect. We have the quick passers in the team and the Madrid wingers aren't exactly famous for tracking back. We can really hurt them on the wings if we use our quick passing.
The key here is to score early, and not concede in the first 15 minutes. Remember the Chelsea game? Two early goals when Chelsea weren't really ready won us the game (disregard Hernandez's goal for argument's sake). Even if we draw 2-2, I'd be delighted if we got two away goals.
Btw, I still don't know you're a city fan or not
I'll just be extremely surprised if we come away from Madrid with anything better than a draw and even a draw would surprise me to be honest.
Given Madrid's form this season I'm confident we can put a few past them at home.
Has Fergie been out there watching them? Or is he confident he knows how to stop them?
Mourinho's been watching us 2 or 3 times recently.
Mourinho's been watching us 2 or 3 times recently.
He mentioned he watches them every week on television. I'm sure he must have sent scouts over.
Seems like he's got it covered then. Just wondered. Perhaps Mourinho is more concerned about this tie than Fergie.