Rousseau

2-0, Goldson.

Goldson starts it, lays it wide for Tavernier then continues his run, and Tavernier picks him out with the cross to nod it home. 

You would think Edmundson has played every minute for us this season; so comfortable. 

Delightful lobbed ball from Ojo to the back post is side-footed onto the post by Defoe. 

Kamara, Barasic and Stewart have been very good today. 

I don't think Hamilton have left their 18 yard box.

Tom's saying that Defoe hasn't touched alcohol in his life.

Defoe's fitness really is sublime. He's 37!

Just now, Rousseau said:

DEFOEEEEEE!!!!

 

Wonderful through ball, and Defoe's chip goes in off the post. 

Was played through by Stewart. Beautiful ball. 

DEFOEEEEEE!!!!

Wonderful through ball, and Defoe's chip goes in off the post. 

Lively start from us.

29 minutes ago, compo said:

Right now what United need is someone to put the right pegs in the right holes and take a few aside and tell them a few home truths 

But their pegs and holes are made of shit.

22 hours ago, DMAA said:

Yeh when you look at their signings the past few seasons and consequent league performance you can see why. They paid circa £16m for that guy Celtic have taken on loan for example. I’ll choose to believe he’ll be a success at our level though. He has a wealth of experience and contacts and Ian up to speed with all the modern working methods used at the top level. 

I would actually argue his transfers have been pretty good -- although you could question the outlay, and an inability to replace core players, which has only been an issue recently, IMO -- whereas it's his managerial appointments that have been less than adequate. 

I liked, and still do like, Claude Puel, but I think he suffered from comparisons to Koeman and Pochetinno, which were outstanding appointments. I could see the reasoning behind Hughes, but it didn't work out -- it maybe should have been a short-term appointment, to avoid relegation, which he did, and then get someone else in. 

I do think Hasenhuttl was a very good appointment, though. 

Your last point is spot on, IMO: I think having someone to implement the latest working methods and technology, building on from the basic structure that Allen implemented is absolutely key. I'm drooling at the thought of our very own 'black box'... !!

Great to see Murphy included. On his day, he's a good option.

Edmundson is a surprise inclusion, but he's looked decent in the little time he's had on the pitch, so I'm not worried.

This game may suit Stewart too. 

I really do like how SG is rotating to suit the game.  

44 minutes ago, compo said:

Right now they can't be fussy 

Right now they need a rebuilder. 

If they had a decent team and set-up, then yes, Allegri would be a decent option. To go for him when they don't will be a disaster. 

54 minutes ago, compo said:

If United have any sense they should go for the ex  Juventus boss who's taking a bit of time off .

I don't think Allegri is a rebuilder. 

I wonder, if Pochettino gets sacked, would Man Utd make a move? 

2 hours ago, compo said:

I dont think our manager wants a director of football .

Nonsense. 

I had to correct the title: it was doing my head in! 

Going forward, I think Kent will replace Ojo in the team. We're almost 'forced' to play him at the moment. 

Jones is still missing too -- which completely slipped my mind until now. 

Gutted. 

I thought this would be a really tough game, but they did nothing. I've since learned that they were a tad depleted, I think? It was a good opportunity to set ourselves up well in the group. They'll be better in the reverse fixture, unfortunately. 

We defended well, to be fair, which is usually the case in Europe. I thought Helander and Barasic were superb; both suit the European game. Goldson was okay, generally; not great, but okay.

Ojo... there's a talent there, but...  

Arfield was good. I thought Stewart was decent too: he showed flashes of being able to create something, but it was not enough, however. 

Two brain farts sums it up. Strangely, I still wouldn't drop Tavernier. Yes, he's not been as good as last season, and he's always got a mistake in him, but he's just too important to the team. I can't explain it. 

My take aways are: Goldson needs to practice heading the ball DOWN, and Tavernier needs to practice defending long balls over the top.

And, Ojo needs direction: he needs to be told, roughly, what to do in any given situation, taking the initiative out of his hands. 

Gutted. 

Not a bad player in his day, eh?

5-0 now constitutes a 'pumping'.

Excellent.

Well--this is just lovely.

What a day to miss the game...

Stewart was a surprise inclusion, but it looks to have paid dividends. 

I always thought he was a crafty player, albeit perhaps lacking in physique and pace.