MANCHESTER UNITED

Rashford didn't look happy against Leicester.

Me thinks he wants a move

Missing driving his cars

man utd 110 on here in the without man city market, and you can lay 100 man utd outright ,  ( ok utd wont be near the top 2 , )

chelsea fav at ot

Should be ODDS
ON

Given we ve not scored from a set piece in years,add in the fact,various players hit the wall usually,or sky it.

Why don’t they just take the free shot to the keepers side of the net,at least it would be on target.

So the question is.

Why did you hop skip and jump whilst taking penalties for years Bruno.

Agree on that re free kicks, especially right on the edge of the box. Get some power on it without needing to go over the wall.

Just gone to 1-1, it's the same as the ten Hag games in terms of personnel and positioning - we look most threatening on the break or nicking possession.

Surely if the new coach is a 343/352 guy we should be trying/practicing this straight away?

why had the sending off market not in play anymore?

13TH place
7 points off the relegation
ZONE

A truly p!ss-poor game.

How on earth did anyone think Zirkzee was a Premiership footballer. He hasn't the pace for League 1

I've only watched Zirkzee this season but I'm unconvinced that he is a professional footballer at all let alone a footballer at a lower level, I'm wondering if he fooled United in much the same way Souness was fooled back in the day at Soton, admittedly his ineptitude is somewhat masked in amongst our other players as they are so bad but I've worked it out.

was very good for Bologna last season (5th Serie A)...

another one haemorrhaging confidence by the game once wearing the Utd shirt..

agree he's looked awful so far but clearly that isn't his actual ability..

add him to the list..it's a very long one...

There's always another drama at United, why isn't Amorim there now, on the one hand Ratcliffe and his sorry bunch of helpers want to look dynamic by acting quickly but then they immediately dither and we have to wait another three weeks to get him...there is a sum of money that gets him to OT now...pay it ffs!!!!!

They are pretty tight on PSR I'd imagine and Sporting were trying to take the pi$$ something they (Utd) are trying to get away from..

Ten Hag was quoted as around 13m ..Amorim around 9m and then they wanted another 4m or so for him to start immediately, agreed just under a million for him to be able to take his staff I think..

4m may have taken them above PSR or they didn't want to just get rinsed as usual in the past..

tbh I don't mind him getting to watch the team a few more times now he knows he's coming..to just land into the middle of it overnight would have been a very tough ask..

Amorim himself wanted to wait till summer didn't he? Might be as much down to him wanting to say his goodbyes and get his affairs in order.



Big question for me is: why only a 2.5 year contract? Doesn't exactly scream confidence (and I'm confident you've got the right man for once).

The release cause included a period he was contracted to work but as you say he would probably want to leave on good terms anyway given the relationship with the club and he may well be back there fairly quickly so best to not pi$$ on the strawberries on the way out I guess..

that said Sporting would have released him immediately for the 4m according to most accounts..and had that been agreed he'd have been virtually obliged to leave with immediate effect..

regarding contract length I'd imagine you just are committed to a lower payoff when he fails..er.. if he fails..

if he is a success he'd almost certainly get the chance to cash in big time on a golden handcuffs big money extension (given his age)..and only a few clubs that would hold appeal outside if it was going well @ OT.

Him wanting to wait until the Summer is something I do not like one bit, it doesn't give me confidence in him it strikes of someone wanting to bask in the idea of getting the job for a while before actually taking the job but not realizing that this course of action could only be a big negative.

On the one hand United could improve under RVN which would put the idea of Amorim under pressure or we could get even worse and the idea of our new manager sat in Portugal looking ever more ridiculous.

The fact he has considered this course of action is not a good sign, if you are in line to be United manager you should be wanting to get started right away.

On the one hand United could improve under RVN which would put the idea of Amorim under pressure or we could get even worse

fortunately we appear to have stayed exactly the same...

Good point

It's a possibility that if we'd have insisted on Amorim starting immediately he may have decided not to come. Obviously has very strong ties with Sporting and if he carried on the season as he's started then no doubt other offers would have come in towards the summer. It's a compromise to wait 3 or 4 games, both in terms of paying compensation and considering the wishes of Amorim and Sporting.

My main hope is that Amorim does things his way when he comes in, plays the style and players he thinks will do well and isn't dictated to by anyone. His reputation and standing are unlikely to get higher barring a miraculous and immediate turn around in form and results, so he needs to put some markers down pretty quickly.

If he was prepared to walk away from United because they wanted him immediately then he isn't the right guy, he's already being chosen despite being a completely unproven novice in a three team league, he should be realizing that and rushing to the job in the hope that United don't wake up to this fact until after he's in situ.

Who would you have had Duffy?

Looks like Man U might be in a relegation battle after all. His Sporting team can't defend for toffee.

not sure that would be the main take a way of the evening..

The new guy knows how to beat citeh?

I'd have wanted them to talk to the likes of Xavi, Nagelsman etc, experienced guys at a much higher level to Amorim, I'd have had Poch before ETH.

What's happening tonight will of course only serve to feed the narrative that Amorim is the second coming and have lots of United fans getting a bit giddy and he might be, but United appointing him remains a big gamble and I wonder if Ineos were fed up being slow to act and have reacted to the noise surrounding Amorim regarding everyone looking at him and have jumped a bit too soon.

What I still don't understand is how, when through the Summer they really were trying to replace ETH, I don't even recall his name even being mentioned.

What I do like is that he does appear to be a big enough character, has something about him, a bit of charisma, all non footballing stuff but I think it has its place going into a club like United and I very much want him to succeed.

Twitter

Viktor Gyokeres was 23 when Brighton let him go to Coventry for just £1m. Now he's the hottest striker in Europe at 26. Dan Ashworth was the Brighton sporting director who let him go, so might be a fun conversation if Ruben Amorim mentions him

Widely rumoured they did talk to Xavi (truth unknown by most of us I'd imagine)..

Poch left the market who probably was on the possibilities list at least in the summer..

Tuchel also had gone by the time ETH was sacked..

was apparent that Southgate was a NR with fans and I suspect Potter similar for most..

I'd be less worried about Utd fans crowning Amorim than the media..most of Utd's support is pretty realistic despite false rep..

City banged up and losing at B'mouth and Tottenham suggests they aren't exactly in mid season form..and Sporting been built over a few seasons but I'm sure if Citeh had battered him 4-0 it would have got some comment..

He should already at OT working, they went in hard and then dithered, the PSR stuff is used as an excuse half the time in order to spend less than they want to and likewise talk of United being tough with clubs trying to take them for a ride......Hello!!!!! Sporting are in one of the great moments in their history and we are nicking the guy largely responsible for it I don't blame them for wanting their pound of flesh....Ineos, stop messing about pay up and get him earning his money, there is no time to waste.

Watched the first half of Sporting v City out of curiosity last night, thought City dominated the ball and should really have been a couple up by half time.

A main problem of the back 3 is that without possession and against high wingers it is nearly always a back 5. That definitely happened last night and some defenders seemed a bit unsure of positioning. Didn't see the 2nd half so not sure if any change was made to turn the score around so drastically?

Assuming Amorim has one league game left with Sporting at the weekend and then he joins us on Monday with nearly 2 weeks to prepare for his 1st game (Nov 24th away to Ipswich)?

I've no real problem with him missing a few games tbh.
I'm sure he's been watching and maybe watching from a detached point if view might give him a better vision of our players.
What should always be the target the league is gone and top 4 is still achievable if difficult so two league games is not the end of the world if he's the right man,  if he's not then it doesn't matter how many games he's here for.

I watched the game out of curiosity too Don and was quiet impressed with them.
They were quiet aggressive but smart to be aggressive in packs and win second ball and then broke really fast.

Their workrate and tenacity was impressive especially the midfield and attack so Rashford will be an eye opener for him.

Any way can't be any worse than what we have become accustomed to.

As long as he doesn't watch our players and decide to change his mind

While a much higher league position is still achievable because of how many games are left, I'm more looking for improvement in how we play, structure, identity, obvious things that have been worked on, whatever you want to call it. First of all we shouldn't be soft touches in any game.

Just bear in mind, the likes of Klopp and Arteta came in and imposed their styles straight away even though the players weren't really suited - over time they eventually ended up changing most of the team and squad to get players that were suitable. Even Guardiola only kept top players (de Bruyne, David Silva, Kompany, Aguero) for more than a couple of years after he started.

the_don 07 Nov 24 08:41 
As long as he doesn't watch our players and decide to change his mind Laugh

Let's hope he's not watching this horrible borefest tonight then

Ruben and his coaches will be going through the squad and trying to find a formation that will work.

Tonight's defensive shocker was the unmarked man on the penalty spot!

Last night's first half looked like we had got a serious bolloking for being too greedy in the previous game.
No one wanted to take a shot .
Looked like it was addressed at half time.

Amad was the bright spark for me even without his goals.
Lovely movement and close control.

One thing noticeable with him again though was his legs were gone by about 65mins.
It's seems to happen every game so whether a run of games will solve it or whether it's him I don't know.

Bruno was also gone around the same time and it's very noticeable with him as he starts the hitting the ball blind first time thing.

The amount of minutes he's played over the last few years could be catching up and he really should be rested more.

Against a very weak team a lot of our players looked very ordinary last night.

Against a very weak team a lot of our players looked very ordinary last night.

Agreed. Let's hope under Ruben things change. But I don't see any future for Hojlund or Zirkzee.

I think we'll be having a clear-out in the next 2 windows and I doubt anyone is safe.

I think Hojlund has a future. Needs building upon imo. I would keep him, for now.

As many have said on here, clearing out is not an easy task these days. Good luck with that.

I imagine a few players will be write-offs. Just to save a few bob on wages.

Also the club need to generate income so Bruno, Rashford, Mainoo, Garancho & Amad could well be in the mix

Rubarb wont change jack s hit ,spend loads and pizz off just like the last 5 or 6

Yeah his track record has useless written all over it

Shameful that all the club's money has been p!ssed away on 2nd and 3rd rate players and now there is a rebuilding to be done with a Stockport County budget

In a league on par with the Scottish prem.

Stevie G would give a run for his money pmsl

No one can deny United are taking a big gamble on him, yes he's excelled but as some have said at a much lower level competition wise. I'd be much happier if he'd have come in to the prem at a smaller cub and done well and then United took him.

Now I'm not saying United should have gone for him but what is the difference between Amorim and what Iraola is doing at Bournemouth, I'll tell you the difference, it's that Amorim has been latched onto as the bright new shiny thing, the new fad and when that happens, the guy in question immediately gets fast tracked without serving his proper time climbing the ladder. United, frightened by all the noise and apparent attention have bitten down hard on him and taken a gamble on an unproven novice.

I come back to the question, where was all this noise in the Summer when we could have got him at a much lower cost, I just hope it isn't more a case of stopping City from getting him, if that's what they really wanted which could all be a ruse anyway, rather than considering whether he is really right for us.

Club going  no where with unknowns so at least he is young and hungry for success

Hope it works out for him and he gets a big move after a couple of yrs

or he ends up in a mental asylum

Like most trolls 11kv isn't as witty as he thinks he is.

I'd be much happier if he'd have come in to the prem at a smaller cub and done well and then United took him.

Poss you personally but how many fans would then say 'He's never managed a big club in a big league' (or similar), there's always a reason not to hire someone. I've no idea what his transfer record is and how good he is at spotting and signing but other than that if this one gets the support (he will) and it goes tits up then you might have to raize OT and go back to Newton Heath FC!

I'd be much happier if he'd have come in to the prem at a smaller cub and done well and then United took him.

I just don't think that has ever really worked in the Premier League. Pochettino (Soton to Spurs) and Brendan Rogers (Swansea to Liverpool) probably the only ones who've done a 'good' job at best. Can't think of anyone who's had success along those lines but can remember a few that have failed.

Your absolutely right Don.

Managers either hit the ground running or they fail.

Can you imagine Rashford, Sancho or Pogba listening to the former manager of Bournemouth or Crystal palace etc.

That's why I think it would be madness for Ruud to take the W Ham or Palace job as some are advising.

He'd be much better off going to a top team in a lesser league and gaining a reputation.

There us no big job coming from getting W Ham to 10th imo .

Kompany is a complete one off.

The learn your trade at a smaller club is total ballacks,for players and managers.

It’s virtually the same senario,conditions where ever you are.
So may aswell do it at a big club.

Big players will fall in line,if the guy is good enough,as he will win them over,buy into his logic.

Seems Deservi was offered the job
Probably didnt fancy the YANKS

Rvn done himself no harm for future jobs.

Rashford looks totally uninrested,let’s hope we draw Monaco in the europa cup,that might perk him up.

imo Rashford wants a move and this is his way of engineering one. My guess is London town.

Think he might want to play for Las Vegas city from what I’m hearing,or Monaco.

RVN has left OT
Perhaps The Hammers fancy a change!!

Poor ole nobsy head in the clouds,  still its grim oop north .

So the best 2 strikers in last 30 years do ok as manger but don’t get backed by board.

Think selling mctomniay was shocking,zirkzee dosent look good enough.

2 years at least,

New broom sweeps clean.

Absolute nonsense to appoint RVN and all those other coaches in the Summer when the board knew very well that within months they'd all be uprooted once the manager was sacked.

Still don't understand why they didn't get Amorim in the Summer, didn't we know he was the dogs bollox a mere few months ago? or hadn't City told everyone at that point

It's pretty clear that none of Sir David Brailsford, Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox & Dan Ashworth have a fcukin' clue what they are doing.

Ditto Big Jim Ratshit.

The blind leading the blind.

Well Amorim was clear, we will play a 3,4,3 formation.

While the players are still learning the system two things he does expect from players is hard work and a belief.

Couldn't have an easier game to start his United career.

I've just realised why Shaw hasn't been playing for about a year.
He's taken up darts and goes under the name if Littler now.

Same hair, beard, looks,first name,body shape and Littler only appeared once Shaw disappeared.

He's been moonlighting as a dart player the fecker.

Amorim's first starting XI, don't think anyone would have predicted some of these names.

Casemiro and Rashford will be well rested after not playing during the international break

And by the way, Luke Littler at age 17 has probably already played more matches than Shaw has in his whole career

Someone somewhere has just puked up their peas carrots and edam cheese

If he didn't already know how hard a job he had on his hands I reckon the first 30 minutes has shown him, got the goal, but can't keep the ball and are getting sprung on by Ipswich's pace and commitment, we are offering nothing at all....got to get Bruno and Garnacho involved, spectators at the moment.

Yeah, I'd say maybe half of this starting XI won't be featuring for too long. A few more likely options on the bench who must be considered not fit enough to start today.

Think hes lost the dressing room..

Agree duffy

3-5-2 won’t last long,it’s fine against a crap team,but prem games ,end to end.

You lose the benefit of the winger..

Plus any decent coach just tells his wingers to play high up the pitch,forcing the wing backs to sit deep.

3-5-2 has to be flexible to work, but for me it's a great start point.

Interesting to see how it stacks up in Premier league.

Quite a few teams been playing a nominal back 4 with one of fullbacks
pushing forward so other full back comes in to make a 3.

Not going to happen overnight.

Rome wasn’t built in day but on that
Going be long long road for Man U

Garnacho isn't fast enough for a counterattacking team

Brief synopsis, poor performance, no new manager bounce, no criticism of the manager (as you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear)) although you could wonder that if the players aren't able to raise a gallop on day 1 how bad could it be if things don't improve and they start asking....Ruben who??

CUBE

If he's given time to change the squad he will be good for United

The problem is the club is rotten behind the scenes, and a guy like Ten Hag gave up , which is not something you see from hard Dutch types in football

He will have no money if they are building a new stadium

duffy Ruben said he'd had the players for 2 days and he could see during the game they had to think about what to do and where they should be.

He also said they needed to physically improve to compete.

As Duffy said, if Amorim didn't know how much improvement was needed, he will now after the first game. He won't be used to not winning, especially against newly promoted teams and Ipswich probably shaded it - especially in terms of clear chances.

He has come in at the busiest time of the season with games coming every 3 or 4 days. Whether that's a good thing (will find out more quickly about a wider range of players) or a bad thing (no time to work on things in training) is a good question.....

Looks as though he's lucked in to the fittest squad in 3 years...

a week away from virtually everyone being available..

Wing backs were an issue today with both playing as inverted (unusual for that position and not his style @ Sporting) though with Amad being used in such an attacking way probably suited on that side for this game...not sure in the PL he'll get away with playing Amad in that role most weeks though the lad does put in a shift and has a serious case to be one of the 10's...

Shaw or Malacia @LWB would help improve the balance and then either Mazroui or Dalot on their natural side @RWB also..

Ugarte presumably only didn't start on back of late return and jet lag..for a manager that values intensity, Casemiro and Eriksen in centre mid is pretty unlikely beyond this game..both Mainoo and Mount in that equation and/or possibly Bruno playing deeper as he did after the subs.

Looked frazzled after one game...welcome to the club...

Looked frazzled after one game

At the moment Amad should be the first name on the team sheet, he is currently head and shoulders, not literally, above everyone else, he has a very rare talent these days in that his close control is exceptional and he beats players, he reminds me of Salah with the ball at his feet, high praise indeed!!!!! hallelujah for that!!!!!

Can see already that Amorim wants to take a look at as many players as possible. The wing backs can get into good positions so you can see why he wants players there that can take advantage - a winger rather than a full back.

There's also lots of flexibility within that 343 formation (as there is with any formation) in terms if player positioning and movement, without changing to the usual 4231 - apparently something a certain pundit couldn't get his head around last night!

  I thought he was going to self combust at one stage when Guarnacho pulled out wide.
Then spent 20 mins counting how many we had at the back at each play.

I'm really enjoying watching us at the moment.
There's much more team play both on and off the ball than before.

Can already see certain patterns , something I never seen under Eric.
We had 72% possession last night which is our highest of the season and we had the 4th highest against Ipswich.
So two of the top 4 down to Ruben in two games.

You can only see it getting better as they get more used to it.

I know it was only Bodo but that is the very sort of game we would have struggled in previously, ie. a strong direct physical team full of running.

I'm sure there will be tough days but he does seem to see the game as it happens and makes tweaks or changes as needed something that never really happened before.

It's nice to have a bit of optimism again.

im sure he will prove to be a decent appointment-was rumoured for a mumber of prem jobs including the liverpool job if you remember so he has to be highly rated.

i wish him well good managers always welcome to english football -- but not too well

The wing backs can get into good positions so you can see why he wants players there that can take advantage - a winger rather than a full back.

Malacia somewhat understandably after so long out (though not sure he looked that decent before) had some very opportunities from wide left..that were wasted.

the harsher realities of having players like Amad (or last night Anthony) and/or having to play defenders in those positions will be seen once they actually play anyone..rather than Ipswich and the Norwegian champions of course..

Very tough changing systems with so few training days so understandably some mistakes made in defensive reponsibilities but could easily have conceded 3 ir 4 last night so much work to do..certainly some of the interchanges of passing were better than we've seen - largely a fundamental of getting players closer together in the attacking third.

Biggest plus remains seeing a bench full or first team players rather than the usual of the last few seasons.

Another false dawn Everton pmsl

Don't be such a dick 11kv

No Manchester United fan is getting carried away tonight.

Chomp chomp nobby

That was pretty even until the first goal with Everton having some good opportunities which they didn't capitalise on. Good to see us going on to get more goals rather than having to hang on in the latter stages.

Zirkzee played better than he has done (ie he looked like a footballer) but Amad was the stand out player again.

I'm going to have to give credit to Amorim for pulling off the feat of making Zirkzee look like a professional footballer[, for 90 minutes at least

don,
Didn't see your post

I don't wish to sound over the top but Amad was electric this weekend. We haven't seen a player like that since Ronaldo was in his prime.

It wouldn't surprise me if Florentino Pérez now knows the name Amad Diallo.

Well I'm just glad you didn't sound over the top.

knob.

That was a good one PP to be fair