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There’s been so much negativity surrounding United lately. Jittering, nervousness, negativity and clamour for new signings seem to pretty much be the state of the fan base.
But are things really as bad we think? Or are we making the situation appear worse than it really is?
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But are things really as bad we think? Or are we making the situation appear worse than it really is?
First, let’s talk about the first 11. For the first time in a while, there’s been an actual XI.
In attack, the front 3 of Gwood, Tony, Rash produced a total of 44 league goals in a combined 74 starts. For context, Liverpool’s front 3 produced a combined 46G in 99 starts b/w them
In attack, the front 3 of Gwood, Tony, Rash produced a total of 44 league goals in a combined 74 starts. For context, Liverpool’s front 3 produced a combined 46G in 99 starts b/w them
That’s a good goal contribution from United front 3 especially when you have to factor in things like injuries to Rashford and Martial, number of games started by Greenwood, etc.
In MF, Pogba, Matic and Bruno. There’s really not much to say about them. All exceptional players.
In MF, Pogba, Matic and Bruno. There’s really not much to say about them. All exceptional players.
In defence, a back 4 of Shaw, Maguire, Lindelof and AWB with DDG b/w the sticks. This DF conceded 36 goals in the league last season, just 3 more than Liverpool (who conceded the least amount of goals, 33) and kept 13 clean sheets, 4 less than Man City (who kept the most, 17).
This was pretty much the first choice XI when everyone was fully fit. This XI propelled a 5th place United, who were 8 pts off 3rd spot pre-lockdown, to a 3rd place finish. Winning 21 pts post lockdown in the remaining 9 games only behind City, who won 24 pts playing a game more.
As well as this team did (or XI, tbf), esp in that short period, there are obv areas which need to be improved, as we are in for a full 38 games season and not 9 games.
1. THE DEFENCE: As decent as they did last season, it’s clear to see that they aren’t the most convincing...
1. THE DEFENCE: As decent as they did last season, it’s clear to see that they aren’t the most convincing...
…on the field. The United defence problem is more a problem of CB pairings than that of a totally rubbish defence which needs an overhaul. The pairing of Maguire x Lindelof isn’t just complimentary.
Elsewhere, the LB has needed addressing for years now as Luke Shaw has proven to be very unreliable (fitness wise) for as long as I can remember.
Utd have been in the market for left back and a pacy & athletic CB this summer, (preferably left footed) in an attempt to sort that.
Utd have been in the market for left back and a pacy & athletic CB this summer, (preferably left footed) in an attempt to sort that.
The LB seems like it’ll be done before the window shut. However, the CB, if it doesn’t materialise, a fit Eric Bailly will definitely offer more balance in there than Lindelof and consequently improve that defence. Our season may just hang on him if we don’t sign.
2. FITNESS: United had terrible luck last season with fitness of key players. Rashford, Martial, Pogba, Shaw, etc all took turns on the injury bed. I do not know how Liverpool manage it but their key players almost never get injured (or at least not the way United’s did).
…Fitness of key players will be a big thing this season. If we somehow manage to keep everyone fit, we should have a better season.
3. SQUAD DEPTH: Simply an issue of quality rather than numbers. The end of last season more than anything proved that Ole pretty much did not…
3. SQUAD DEPTH: Simply an issue of quality rather than numbers. The end of last season more than anything proved that Ole pretty much did not…
…trust a lot of players outside his XI, and perhaps, rightly so.
The simpler solution is always bringing in new players to match or add to the quality of the XI. But there’s no way we’re making 4-7 signings this window, at least, not right now.
The simpler solution is always bringing in new players to match or add to the quality of the XI. But there’s no way we’re making 4-7 signings this window, at least, not right now.
Reality is some players in there underperformed last year and need to step it up this season if they remain. Even players in the XI need to do more. #MUFC front 3 scored 44 of their 66 goals. That should tell you every thing you need to know about everyone doing a bit more extra.
In summary, as much as the window has been a hard watch for United fans, especially having to watch sides we are competing with and sides we are ultimately trying to catch make signings & improve their sides, the situation isn’t as bad as we make it seem.
We have a very potent XI; a viable front 3, our CB situation can be temporarily fixed from within, VDB has been a welcome addition; a huge upgrade from Lingard and Pereira, the LB would 100% be sorted out before Oct 1st.
Also believe they are 100% working on adding another forward player but rn that is pretty much 50-50.
IT’S NOT THE BEST SITUATION BUT IT CERTAINLY ISN’T THE WORST!
I’m optimistic about the season and I think everyone should seriously be as wellhttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🙂" title="Leicht lächelndes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Leicht lächelndes Gesicht">
IT’S NOT THE BEST SITUATION BUT IT CERTAINLY ISN’T THE WORST!
I’m optimistic about the season and I think everyone should seriously be as well
