Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Manchester United

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Happy with that line up. Great looking back four although I would have preferred Evans. With Rooney out I'm sure Moyes had to put in a Valencia over a Nani if you get my meaning.
 
Sam said:
That lineup really does show up what a dire lack of quality we currently have at our disposal.
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Rooney, Kagawa, Nani not starting.

We have quality - we just not playing that well.
 
Sam said:
That lineup really does show up what a dire lack of quality we currently have at our disposal.
Click to expand...


Depth is very good, but there seems to be a reluctance to playing the best players in important matches and rather playing it a bit safe. I can understand Nani on the bench as he had two games in a row returning from injury. Welbeck on the left can also prove a smart choice with Evra providing an attacking outlet down that side and Welbeck covering in defence. What I don't understand is the omission of Kagawa in the line-up. Yes, he hasn't been outstanding for us so far, but if Valencia and Young were given and still are given the chances they've enjoyed, I see no reason why Kagawa shouldn't get more of a look in. He may not be the best defender, but he is good at pressing high up the pitch, which we've sorely been lacking. His short passing is also probably the best we've got and I think RVP would thrive from his passing and link-up play.
 
The Man Himself said:
Well, plan might be to bring him on after hour mark, keeping things tight till then. Lot of big teams have lost against Shakhtar away recently, and if by going gung-ho we lose, it is not only the points we are losing but opponent is gaining.. cliche but important. If we draw this, it might turn out to be a very important point in the end.
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I'd agree with that, Shakhtar away is probably our toughest game in the group. We don't know whether we're playing 4-2-3-1, or 4-3-3 with Valencia and Welbeck pushed further up and playing as wide forwards.
 
Bestie07 said:
A little part of me dies when I see that Valencia and Welbeck are our two best options for the wings in a tough away game. New recruits needed!
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They're not though. Although they seem to be Moyes' preference.
 
Irwinwastheking said:
Happy with that line up. Great looking back four although I would have preferred Evans. With Rooney out I'm sure Moyes had to put in a Valencia over a Nani if you get my meaning.
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Meh, I don't really see the need for Valencia AND Welbeck over him though, especially when we're already employing a three man midfield. It's a very defensive looking line up, on paper at least.
 
It was the perfect chance to see Kagawa play in Rooney's position. Opportunity well and truly wasted.
 
Eric Wynalda talking about how Rooney and RVP don't get along and he has examined the goal celebrations .... reminds me of quite a few posts on here.
 
Cina said:
Meh, I don't really see the need for Valencia AND Welbeck over him though, especially when we're already employing a three man midfield. It's a very defensive looking line up, on paper at least.
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I too would have preferred to see Nani or Kagawa in there but if we come out of here with a boring 0-0 then I'll be happy and Moyes will be vindicated.
 
Shimo said:
Eric Wynalda talking about how Rooney and RVP don't get along and he has examined the goal celebrations .... reminds me of quite a few posts on here.
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Admittedly, I did think the same. Although I changed my mind after a celebration that's happened recently. Who knows though?
 
a team to contain more than anything else....

Hope we have the balance to be right as unless Welbeck, Van Persie and Valencia play better than their last games we will seriously struggle to pose a goal threat....

plenty of creative options on the bench if it isn't working out
 
Rooney received a kick in the shin yesterday in training. He was going to be on the bench but further swelling has prevented him doing so.
 
One thing to be concerned with is the speed of their players. Counter attacks could be dangerous
 
Journo's said Rooney was out with flu or summit, right?

United's twitter says different
 
Cina said:
Most should be happy with a draw in this, it won't be a pretty one though.
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Their record against English clubs at home is top drawer, but they did lost a lot of players in the summer. Not sure what to expect from them at all.
 
I'd be happy with the draw. Get that result and we win our remaining two home games then we'll be fine.
 
Can our players please stop kicking Wayne in training? I know he pissed us all off again in the summer but it's not doing anyone any good!

I'd have played Nani instead of Valencia but I can understand Moyes' reasons. I also think Evans should play alongside Vida.
 
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