Top of the League!

We should definitely enjoy this, but there'll come a time when we'll need a sense of perspective again, so to intrude on the festive mood a little:

Following GW17 last season, Liverpool had 49 points, Leicester in second place had 39. United, in fifth, had 25. City, interestingly, had 35 points in third - which is the exact same amount they'll have this season, if they win both of their games in hand.

So, our 36 points represents real progress, and makes great inroads on the gap between Liverpool/City and us. But if we were facing the Liverpool of last season, we'd still be 13 points behind them at this stage. That's where we are, no more, no less.

Now, back to fun of being top of the league again, and enjoying the wonderful possibility of opening up a 6-point gap to Liverpool on Sunday. :)
 
The Liverpool of the last two seasons along with City are outliers in terms of points totals and that was compounded by the mid table sides rolling over continuously. This season the league this season is fundamentally more competitive further down and I expect total points will be lower. I think 85 points wins the league this year.
 
Most annoying is Citeh. How the feck do those pricks have 2 games in hand?
 
We didn't bottle it! Seasons past we usually bottle these opportunities.
 
tenpoless said:
Most annoying is Citeh. How the feck do those pricks have 2 games in hand?
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On top of their European involvement like ours and missing the opening week, their match vs Everton for 28th December got postponed, and they got a week and a bit off to come in fresh against Chelsea and us.

Annoyingly they’ve learned how to defend and be a bit more conservative at the price of being a bit more blunt up top.
 
Im happy we’re top but we’ve now had threads made when we hit the ‘top 4’ ‘top 3’ and now top. It is very very small time and kinda cringe. Stop it guys.
 
dinostar77 said:
Lets see where we are after 27 games then see if we can get excited. 17 games is just the halfway point. City have a run of fixtures against lower half of the league so i would expect them to come back into the title race by March.
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With City and the Scousers still in the race we are not favourites to be top at the end of the season so why not celebrate when we get there. top after 17 games enjoy the moment we haven't been here in seven seasons.
 
Leroy The Red said:
Im happy we’re top but we’ve now had threads made when we hit the ‘top 4’ ‘top 3’ and now top. It is very very small time and kinda cringe. Stop it guys.
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People like to think we are above it because we are Manchester united, but its not happened in 7 years. There will obviously and naturally be a thread made about it.
The only way to stop these threads is make it a usual occurrence so that it is not noteworthy.
 
If we pull this off, it would be our greatest title win and ole deserves a statue!

no I’m not reactionary, I mean it!:devil:
 
Redlyn said:
People like to think we are above it because we are Manchester united, but its not happened in 7 years. There will obviously and naturally be a thread made about it.
The only way to stop these threads is make it a usual occurrence so that it is not noteworthy.
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It’s not that I think we’re above it, more that it’s beneath us :)
 
This title race really would be tasty if the club went all in when Ole indentified Haaland as a key signing.

Think we are a key player or two away from going all the way
 
Leroy The Red said:
Im happy we’re top but we’ve now had threads made when we hit the ‘top 4’ ‘top 3’ and now top. It is very very small time and kinda cringe. Stop it guys.
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Sorry, but I can’t see the problem. Fans want to show their excitement and passion for the upturn in the team’s results. They can’t do it at matches so this is a good alternative.
I also believe it lifts any players who might follow the forum.
Maybe it is premature or uncool to some people, but you can’t criticise enthusiasm for a situation which probably no one expected when the season kicked off.
 
USREDEVIL said:
Feck ya! Feels good man. We are making progress, just need the Glazers to open up their tight wallets.
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Yeah need to address ideally three positions in the summer which are CB, CDM & LW/RW obviously attacking RB would provide useful cover like we have at LB but wouldn't say it's as important as the highlighted ones. I also agree we need to be looking at a younger no 9 than Cavani but think and see us still joining the race for Haaland despite a tweet today suggested dealing with Mino is putting us off.
 
Interesting “fact” doing the rounds on social media. Can anyone check this?

“If United hadn’t been awarded a single penalty this season we’d be second, a point behind Liverpoo.

If Liverpool hadn’t been awarded any penalties they’ be 10th - equal with West Ham”.

And Klopp has the gall to say WE get ”special” treatment....
 
U.N.C.L.E said:
Interesting “fact” doing the rounds on social media. Can anyone check this?

“If United hadn’t been awarded a single penalty this season we’d be second, a point behind Liverpoo.

If Liverpool hadn’t been awarded any penalties they’ be 10th - equal with West Ham”.

And Klopp has the gall to say WE get ”special” treatment....
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6 Penalties awarded for United.

1 missed/saved vs Newcastle
2 scored not as winning goal vs Leeds & Spurs
3 scored as winning goals vs Brighton, West Brom & Aston Villa

So instead of getting 9 points we would be getting 3 points. It’s not true. We’d be 3 points behind Liverpool.
 
UNITED ACADEMY said:
6 Penalties awarded for United.

1 missed/saved vs Newcastle
2 scored not as winning goal vs Leeds & Spurs
3 scored as winning goals vs Brighton, West Brom & Aston Villa

So instead of getting 9 points we would be getting 3 points. It’s not true. We’d be 3 points behind Liverpool.
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Thank you, sir, for checking
 
Be nice when where still top 6.30 pm on Sunday. That would put a marker down, give those players some more incentive.
 
We're a different animal with Bailly in the team it has to be said. If he can stay fit and maintain this form I think we're in with a proper chance. Lindelof is good, but just a bit soft at times.

What a feeling it is to be going into such a crucial game aiming to stay top of the table, and not having a must win game to put us in contention for a Top 4 place.

Regardless of Liverpool's injuries, Anfield has been such a fortress for them. Nervous about this one, but in a good way.
 
Disappointed the first comment wasn't 'we're having a laugh'

U.N.C.L.E said:
Interesting “fact” doing the rounds on social media. Can anyone check this?

“If United hadn’t been awarded a single penalty this season we’d be second, a point behind Liverpoo.

If Liverpool hadn’t been awarded any penalties they’ be 10th - equal with West Ham”.

And Klopp has the gall to say WE get ”special” treatment....
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Don't even give Klopp's comment the time of day - it literally makes no difference if we'd been awarded 100 penalties in 1 game or 1 in 100, as long as the decisions are correct it means absolutely nothing. It'd be like Ole complaining that Liverpool have had more throw ins.
 
U.N.C.L.E said:
Interesting “fact” doing the rounds on social media. Can anyone check this?

“If United hadn’t been awarded a single penalty this season we’d be second, a point behind Liverpoo.

If Liverpool hadn’t been awarded any penalties they’ be 10th - equal with West Ham”.

And Klopp has the gall to say WE get ”special” treatment....
Click to expand...
UNITED ACADEMY said:
6 Penalties awarded for United.

1 missed/saved vs Newcastle
2 scored not as winning goal vs Leeds & Spurs
3 scored as winning goals vs Brighton, West Brom & Aston Villa

So instead of getting 9 points we would be getting 3 points. It’s not true. We’d be 3 points behind Liverpool.
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I saw it in the Klopp thread earlier.

If there were no penalties at all awarded we'd be second behind City and Liverpool would be 9th.

 
Souness, thinks the scum still have enough to win on Sunday, because Utd have just been dogged in there wins, and the scum will be nervous first time for a while, it is a good time to play the scum. City where on another level when they won in semi, Utd wont win league No . City are the only challengers to the scum, and if every team had scums injuries etc etc etc. This guy is a twonk. Come lads get a result on sunday shut this git up. Didn't mention Pogba, Bruno had it of him this time. I think hes worried.
 
Spoony said:
Now... imagine us winning at Anfield!!!
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Mark Clatterburg has just put in his unwanted 10 pennorth worth to ensure that doesnt happen by claiming that he and other refs were intimidated by Fergie and always gave United decisions they shouldnt have got. If thats so he and the other weaklings should be kicked out of the game, the pathetic twat. Even if this was the case why didnt Clatterburg speak up about it when it happened?
 
redmanx said:
Mark Clatterburg has just put in his unwanted 10 pennorth worth to ensure that doesnt happen by claiming that he and other refs were intimidated by Fergie and always gave United decisions they shouldnt have got. If thats so he and the other weaklings should be kicked out of the game, the pathetic twat. Even if this was the case why didnt Clatterburg speak up about it when it happened?
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If true then Clattenburg has just admitted he’s a shite ref
 
U.N.C.L.E said:
If true then Clattenburg has just admitted he’s a shite ref
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I saw the report and have since found out it was from The Sun newspaper who are not the most reliable source, but even they wouldnt attribute a whole article to one, named person I shouldn't think. The entire article goes on to say that the bias towards Fergies teams ended when he retired.
 
Jim Beam said:
My way of saying go for the win there (with quick counters) constantly exploiting their space behind fullbacks. Or not play with your mind on 1 point.

Damn, good feeling waking up to. Could get used to this easily. :drool:
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Agreed.

Still have to show them respect. They're a good side and we're still far too inconsistent for my liking. Whatever happens this season, I'm just happy we are heading in a positive direction with our play. I don't care about trophies now. Those things will come with time. I'm just enjoying the feeling of knowing we are progressing on the pitch.
 
Weren't you top for a week or two in the last Van Gaal season or have I imagined that. Unless they just mean from January onwards.
 
FootballHQ said:
Weren't you top for a week or two in the last Van Gaal season or have I imagined that. Unless they just mean from January onwards.
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Think they meant from January onwards, good luck on Weds night but do worry about your fitness levels after all the COVID issues over the last couple of weeks
 
Stand behind the players. They need it the most now. Stay positive.
 
redmanx said:
Mark Clatterburg has just put in his unwanted 10 pennorth worth to ensure that doesnt happen by claiming that he and other refs were intimidated by Fergie and always gave United decisions they shouldnt have got. If thats so he and the other weaklings should be kicked out of the game, the pathetic twat. Even if this was the case why didnt Clatterburg speak up about it when it happened?
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Mark Clattenberg joined Liverpool on a pre-season tour. He was recused from Liverpool matches because of his close connections with the club. So when he makes up an substantiated claim on the eve of a United Vs Liverpool match, we'll take it with a grain is salt, unless he has a shred of evidence to indicate what he's saying is even remotely true.

Alex Ferguson's words in the media couldn't and didn't impel anyone to give favorable decisions to Manchester United because they don't have the power to do so. If Clattenberg is saying that he gave United some favourable decisions during those years, then he's essentially saying that he's an unprofessional, incompetent referee.

As far as his claim goes, we'll be waiting for him to back that up with evidence. Any evidence, whatsoever.
 
Someone did a check (not me) so I share it. It was Leicester City that are awarded most (10) but it was Liverpool that benefit the most this season, as most of LC PK was 3rd or 4th goal, not game changing.

LC - 10 PK, 8 in 2 miss, total 3 points net
MU - 6, 5/1, 6 pts
Br - 6, 5/1, 2pts
Fu - 5, 2/3, 2 pts
Ch - 5, 3/2, 0
Liv - 5, 5/0, 8 pts
MC - 4, 2/2, 0
 
Obviously it is a positive to be sitting in top spot, and at the very least we have put ourselves in a good position at CL qualification at the very least. At the same time, we are still two-three quality players away from genuinely being considered the best team in the premier league. Having the games two best chances against Liverpool probably glossed over the fact we were restricted to 34% of the ball and too many of our players performed poorly. Coming away from Anfield with an honourable draw is fine, but more a reflection on how our standards have dropped when we can be happy with a point after an ordinary performance overall.
 
croadyman said:
Yeah need to address ideally three positions in the summer which are CB, CDM & LW/RW obviously attacking RB would provide useful cover like we have at LB but wouldn't say it's as important as the highlighted ones. I also agree we need to be looking at a younger no 9 than Cavani but think and see us still joining the race for Haaland despite a tweet today suggested dealing with Mino is putting us off.
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Agreed but why do we need to wait till summer?

We're on a very BIG chance to win the title this year. If the board wants to win the title, we must buy now. If we fail to capitalise on this we'd definitely regret for years.

It's not like Liverpool would got all of their best CBs injured every year. And City will buy a striker to replace Aguero soon.
 
Strelok said:
Agreed but why do we need to wait till summer?

We're on a very BIG chance to win the title this year. If the board wants to win the title, we must buy now. If we fail to capitalise on this we'd definitely regret for years.

It's not like Liverpool would got all of their best CBs injured every year. And City will buy a striker to replace Aguero soon.
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Because we need Bonafide starters in all these positions ideally and you don't often see those kind of players moving during January transfer window.
 
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