Not writing Van Gaal off yet as he does famously start off slow but if all fails then Tony Pulis could be managing at the theatre of dreams.
No comment re: the Manure result from HAIG? I guess a taxi to the clinic was necessary somewhere between the second and third goal and when the fourth went in they decided to keep him in over night as a precaution.
Good point, but all this consideration of SAF's last Manure team, particularly in the media, completely ignores the "SAF factor". There is a completely incorrect assumption by the media and pundits that every place in the league is assigned by merit. Yet we all know that SAF was good for a number of points a season - the question is how many. I would argue far more than anyone else has admitted (and the media and pundits seem to suggest zero). But take this example - Young dives under LVG and gets (rightly) booked (IMO should be a straight red, or at least given after the match as a red but that's another argument), Young dives under SAF and gets a penalty. Penalties turn matches. SAF manages exactly the same team against Sunderland and comes away with a win, nobody sees any problems, all the media say (again, yawn) how "clever" Manure are for winning 0-1 when they are not playing well. How many times have we heard that? In other words one of the main problems for the current Manure problems are SAF, because his last team wasn't much better than this one, but nobody (except perhaps him) realised it.
Why are the media reacting to this as if there's been some sort of national tragedy or that we've all somehow been betrayed? The hacks would all be laughing their arses off it that was us being battered by a League One side, yet it's like they're in bloody mourning or something.
SAF was a big factor, but not in the way you suggest. LVG is a forceful personaity too so the explanation that refs fear one, but not the other, doesn't hold water. SAF played a system which was tried and tested and was familar to the players. His last team, whilst not vintage did include Evra, Vidic, Carrick & RVP, when all were fit and firing - he even had Scholes and Giggs still contributing. They are some of the best players to grace to the PL in the last 10 years. LVG has lost experienced players, has nine injuries in the squad, has had to play very inexperienced young players and has tried to introduce a system of play which is completely to all but RVP. Initially, in pre-season, it looked as if the players would adapt quickly to 3-5-2, but in competitive games it is proving much harder to grasp. But nobody would abandon any plan after two weeks of the season unless they were very unsure of themselves - which LVG clearly isn't. If a regular first XI is de Gea - Evans, Jones, Rojo - Valencia/Rafael, di Maria, Carrick, Herrera, Shaw - Rooney, RVP with Mata, Januzaj, Smalling, Fletcher, Welbeck, Hernandez, Young and others in reserve, then there should be enough quality to come good. This team may not be good enough to win the title at present, as City and Chelsea are clearly stronger, but that applies to Everton too, for example, yet they are perceived to be doing fine.
Van Gaal's personality is irrelevant, as was that of Ferguson. One has demonstrated his ability and willingness to intimidate refs in England, the other hasn't. I largely agree with your second point, apart from the parts about injuries, as you really don't have that many important players out. You're not missing much at the back, for example, but your defence looks absolutely dreadful, thin and weak. The system doesn't appear to suit the players and it certainly doesn't suit the squad, as you lack back-up in key areas and are overloaded in others. Man Utd have spent plenty of money and should be looking to bounce back into the top 4 this season, at least. The squad strength simply doesn't compare with the likes of City or Chelsea though, which shows a lack of longterm planning, for me. Edit: Over the past 4 seasons, including this one, Utd's net spend has been £300m higher than ours on transfer fees alone. Where are the 10 extra £30m players?
Palace to decide between Warnock and Clarke. Warnock is a poor man's Pulis and Clarke I would back as the best option to try and keep Palace in the league. He had West Bromwich playing some decent football and good defensive record until he went through a tough period so I hope they aren't swayed by Warnock and his extra large gob.
Warnock to Palace. Puncheon will be delighted! http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/j...tter-to-accuse-neil-warnock-of-being-crooked/
Yes bizarre appointment. A lot of better candidates out there who would be interested. Shame as I really like Palace under Pulis. Warnock is one of my least favourite people in football and I will be hoping they get relegated.
I think he had a point when Sheff U were relegated instead of Wet Spam that year. Sure Sheff U could have done better in the run in and Wet Spam performed way beyond expectations, but it was the league that stuffed it up by bottling the punishment. Wet Spam should have had a points deduction, but had a fine.
To be honest, when they appointed Pulis it looked like they were resigned to relegation, it looked like a signing with a view to getting themselves back up from the Championship the following season. I can't see lightning striking twice though, they'll do well to stay up with that berk in charge.
I know Alan curbishley reputation was dented by that issue he had with West Ham but he should be in management.
