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Against the inform Liverpool 24th October 2021

The hype was on but a loss was stacked up against Manchester United all through out. The current form, of the team, injury to defenders and pressure on the manager was not what the players wanted going int the game. First half Started with some hope with a good move by Manchester United but the final shot was skied by Bruno and then it was Liverpool all the way. Once Liverpool was in with the first, Manchester United was playing a formation that no one would understand or rather amateurs. Four players bothered about running forward and the other six trying to form a line in front of DeGea. No one was bothered about intercepting passes or even taken on the player with the ball...quite literally. Within no time it was 0-4 for the visiting team.  Second half The walk into the tunnel for Ole was the worst he has seen all this time in Old Trafford, a long lonely walk with words that he would have never heard from a ManUtd fan before that moment hitting his ears. A cruel position indeed ...
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Against Bielsa's Leads at Home

Almost the same quad from last season but with a higher level of confidence, two decent signings and the players with a fresh mindset. The mindset is definitely on the up...the crowds are in and the football sound is on. We all know how well Leads play, with their attacking mindset but with a touch of strategic class from Bielsa.  The lads seem to be a lot more confident with most of them having a good outing for their respective countries. Maguire and Shaw have made the two position their own. Lindelof's getting the captain's arm band for his country puts him in a much better state of mind. Wan Bissaka his usual self. McTominay, Fred occupying the middle Pogba flanking the left and Dan James on the right. Bruno attacking from the middle with Greenwood upfront.  Greenwood showing some good intent, Dan James better than last year but has more work to do apart from managing his phase. Pogba a shadow of himself when it comes to finishes but his assists are of course right up ther...

EURO 2020 - Buildup to the Finals

COPA AMERICA saw history made, where Argentina reigned over Brazil with Messi at last getting to lift a cup for his nation. That should put few debates to rest and personally a sigh of relief, who just might have a World Cup left in him.  The focus now shifts to another Continent, for a showdown between England looking to take it home and Italy wanting to take it to Rome . A lot in stake for both these countries. England with no major trophies for a long time and Italy wants to be back in its rightful place among the elite, putting to rest its abysmal elimination in the previous edition of the World Cup 2018 qualifiers.  The day when the media hype and fan frenzy can weigh upon the player’s shoulders than playing on the day’s game plan. Players may crumble under pressure and that would open up opportunity for opposition to exploit.  The Three Lions   England under Southgate have shown tremendous progress over the six matches that they have played in the EUROs. Few pl...

Against the Wolves - last one for the year

Ole has probably made some rotations. Pogba, Matic, Greenwood and Cavani getting a start. Bissaka back in again to the starting lineup. Can they go to second in the table before the end of 2020. Hopefully they will play with some confidence. Bailly is back in in the back four as well. Can the Red Devils get that win they are looking for? 4-2-3-1 against 3-5-2. First Half ManUtd with the possession but Wolves with the better chances. Rashford missing all his driving runs seems to be a worry and eventually moved from left to right switching places with Greenwood. Looks like Rashford is better off with Martial. Defence has held the phase of Wolves, but if the Red Devils continue to fail creating chances then its will be a difficult game. Traore seems to be a threat, even though the middle of the park has quite a few creative ones for ManUtd, they don't seem to be taking them on. May be a much more lively defensive midfield might help.  Second half Started off lively with Wolves trying...

Away against Leicester - 26th Dec 2020

A tricky one for the 2nd spot but The Red Devils have a game in hand. The results in the last 5 for ManUtd has been the best in the league with no losses and one draw closely followed by Liverpool and Mancity with two draws each. Was a little surprised that Pogba was left in the bench, Fred and McTominay take the defensive midfield. The formation was more like 3-4-2-1 with Shaw and James supporting the midfield. Bruno and Rashford supporting Martial upfront. Ole has just filled the midfield and the weak-link for me is the right side with James more a player upfront on the wings and this may expose Lindelof. First half The Red Devils started with a upper hand. Rashford missed a sitter in the 2nd min. Have seen this earlier, when a team misses chances upfront they are made to pay later on and fingers crossed, I was hoping this does not happen. Rashford made up for the miss and converted one around the 23rd min. One up, I haven't seen ManUtd loosing the game from here for sometime now...

Some historic game - Leeds United at home (20th Dec)

A surprise with five changes, no Pogba in the first eleven. 4-2-3-1, Fred and McTominay acting as cover for the defence. Dan James comes in to inject some phase upfront, Rashford on the other can attach with some phase. Fernandes the reliable one in the middle. Leeds on the other hand can inflict enough damage if ManUtd fail to convert. Leeds will provide a lot of changes but it will able create as many or more.    The Game Bielsa will never change his tactics against the best of teams. Attach, attach and attach, create as many chances and score as many as possible. But one thing that was lacking in the Leads game was the discipline in defence. McTominay scored twice in the span of 3 min and that changed the complexion of the game.  Number of shots 26 to 17 in favour of ManUtd Shots on goal 14 to 3 again in favour of ManUtd Position 41% to 59% in favour of Leeds Number of passes 347 to 471 in favour of Leeds and passing accuracy 77% to 83% in favour of...

Mid week against the Blades

Pre Match A mid week fixture, ManUtd travelling to South Yorkshire. The Blades haven't had the best of season so far. Not a particularly bad side, a very hardworking and the tide can turn its way in no time. The Red Devils are slightly settling into the league post their exit from the Champions league. Henderson at the goal facing his old side. 4-3-2-1, regular Tellas coming into the back, 5 in the middle with Matic and Pogba in front of the defence, Rashford, Fernandes and Greenwood supporting Martial up front. A good team on paper but can they with stand the aggressive Sheffield United team. First half Henderson fumbles in the 5th min and the Blades capitalise. The "conceding early" is becoming a regular for ManUtd and then it is catching up. One advantage was that the Blades will continue to hold a high line in defence and that was enough for Rashford to have a sublime touch and convert an over head pass. Followed by a exquisite pass by Pogba to find Martial.  Pogba lo...