It's the defensive changes again - Fabio is the only defender playing the same position he played last week, and only Rafael is in the same position as against Liverpool. We really need to get a settled back four playing consistently during the run in - that will be the difference between 1st and 2nd in the PL this season imo.
Alright, our not606 first XI, should play in the next round if we can hold out for the remainder of the game. At least we'll show some heart on the pitch.
Yup - I'm beginning to think Swarbs theory about SAF deliberately making things difficult at times has something to it. The way we set up tonight just invited Ajax to play their game.
Home form from last season is completely gone. At least Cleverley match fitness is getting a boost. A consistent line up is needed.
I have never seen a Man U first eleven give the ball away so much. Just lucky Ajax had no finishers and De Boer took off their best two players. As for Young, am I missing something or is he massively overrated. I guess the best thing you can say is that you are through and rested some players.
Young is certainly no Nani who is certainly no Valencia. He pisses all over Downing though which is some consolation.
We were poor tonight. Once Scholes came on, we were keeping the ball for long periods but once they scored that 2nd goal, United players were shellshocked but great that we held on.
I think it was a mixture of Scholes and Jones shielding the defence as well as Ajax taking off Eriksen - if you could get him I think he is a really exciting prospect and would cost you less than Sneijder.
Dont rate Young much myself. He had some good games at the start of the season but hasn't really shone since. He's not terrible, but Nani & Valencia would always be my choice.
Well that was the worst European performance for a long time and if that's what we have to look forward to on a Thursday night, then I want my money back ! The whole team were poor but Nani was absolutely ****e. He gave the ball away almost every time he touched it and has been poor all season, home and away. Now Valencia is out for a month there is even less pressure on him to perform and don't get me started on Park, he is such a light-weight and it is easier taking the ball off him than taking sweets off kids. The only saving grace is that there were several regulars rested but God how we miss Rooney. I said a couple of months ago that it would be a massive achievement if we end up with a trophy this season and I saw nothing tonight to change my mind. Still like a mug I will be applying for my ticket for the trip to Bilbao but only because the "Tapas" are brilliant there !!!
There are no tapas in Bilbao...only Pintxos...but you are correct..they are fabulous!!..see you all there in the bars in Pozas. I recommend El Mugi,Josera,Le Panto and Okela,owned by Joseba Etxeberria who used to play for the Spanish Selection and Athletic. The players are not like premiership players in that,firstly they are out and about all the time like normal people,and secondly they don't get pissed up and create agro before urinating in the street on the way to their brothers wifes house/brothel. You will have a great time in Bilbao playing a unique club who only play Basque players and only have Basque fans and are also one of the three clubs never to have been relegated from La Liga..guess who the other two are?! I was chatting to my Father in law who was at the game and the fans are very excited at the prospect of playing you guys.Big tie for the club. I'm only 25% Basque but share his excitement,not least because Utd fans always behave themselves away from home.Against PSG shots were discharged to keep order and several Russians tonight were arrested..highly unusual events and caused by away hooligans. Athletic supporters are in no way confrontational...I have been to over a hundred games and never seen a row..in fact the Basque derby v Donostia results in both sets of fans drinking together pre and post match with absolutely no policing and zero problems...a really rare sight. United Since 63,you will have a ball,as will all the Utd fans,and believe me when i say you will never enjoy a trip away more and never experience an atmosphere like that inside The Cathedral.
Can I become a Bilbao fan? As an American I admire their Elitist attitude, and I can't stand Barca or Real. I need a team in Spain to loosely follow.
