Match Day Thread Manchester United vs Southampton 11.01.2015

And of course, as Robbie 'King of Research' Savage observed, it was great to see so many Academy players on the pitch across both teams' starting line-ups yesterday, especially between teams fourth and fifth in the Premiership. Nice of him to describe JWP in those terms...

 

Amazing how much attention and coverage you get all day long in the media when you beat (a poor, in general this season) Man U! It is actually pretty ridiculous – we’ve played better teams tons of times this season. Never seen us discussed so long post-game on Sky. Usually focus on how bad the big team was, or simply talk about one of the big four’s game the day before. Clearly this is how you become a bigger team in terms of international recognition, attracting bigger players etc. Just beat big teams away.

 

On tv here the commentators..Kevin Kilbane and Peter Drury...were actually whinging during the match about the opinion held by Saints fans that they're being patronized by the media...Drury in particular was crying that 'its just an opinion' they have.

The media coverage after this match has been ridiculous and for once actually crediting Saints somewhat which is a wonderful change. There does seem to be some slight shifting in seats from some pundits and alleged experts as they have either to alter their stance or try to explain away whats happening with our 'plucky club that just won't go away'

 

He also said near the end of the match that if ManU want to win anything this season or next then they have to have better CBs than Jones, Smalling and Blackett.

 

What, like Toby, Fonte, Yoshida and Gordos? Hands off!

 

Once I realised Shaw was in ManU's starting lineup I gleefully looked forward to the matchup between him and Clyne. Defensively, I think Nat got the better of it as well, although it was close, as Shaw has not become a bad defender just by being at ManU.
What Nat showed us was great attacking wing play and end result which Shaw can still only dream about.

I agree, although Shaw has not gone backwards, he has not progressed one iota at ManU either. Hope he's happy with his decision to move, because as we know, these things are always decided by the football career criterion.

 

Any news on Toby's injury..? I imagine he'll not take part on Wednesday, but will he be fit to face Newcastle, if required..? Suddenly we are down to two CBs..!

 

Don't expect to see him before Swansea.. It's a hamstring injury, even if it's minor it will be at least a fortnight..

 

I wonder if it`s the same injury he picked up at Aresenal ?

 

He seemed to be holding the front of his leg rather than his hamstring.

 

How is Morgan not in team of the week??? (oh yes, Garth Crooks, silly me)

is Alderweireld a hamstring? Looked more like adductor to me (still a couple of weeks out). If it was his hamstring, not a serious one

 

I thought he was definitely holding the front of his thigh, so hopefully not a hamstring.

 

I love Reed for one very important reason: He is exactly the player I would have been if I was any good! I used to play that terrier midfield role my whole Sunday League life. I was the little guy constantly winning the ball and laying it off. It's a role I really admire and that Reed excels in. Unlike me, he's pretty good on the ball too!

 

Love this picture:

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Tadic tried to throw his shirt into our section after the game but the OT stewards prevented him from doing so. Seemed a draconian approach to me as this is often quite common practice after games. We were singing so much at that stage that we didnt care though !

 

That badge kissing, fuzzy bearded, lying little gnome ****.

 

You had me at badge kissing. I'm sure that he doesn't actually think he made a mistake, but I would hope he casts a wistful glance at us and sees the fun he could be having and the pride he could have felt in our achievements.

 

Shaw is rubbish. The moment he was off and Blind put as the left wing back Man Utd instantly had great crosses coming in from the left. Yes he is good defensively BUT and it is an important BUT full backs in top sides in the modern game have to be very good offensive options. Being a decent defender is secondary these days in that position.

It would not surprise me if Van Gaal leaves him out permanently soon because Blind was instantly a much better option there.

 

Re Alderweireld: Even if he misses Newcastle, we got an international break after so he'll be fine for Swansea.

 

I reckon we can, but at the same time, if Man U lost yesterday to eg. Chelsea; and we beat eg. Leicester (to take random examples),, and went into third, I don't think so many people would be saying we could do this. It's the standard hype of beating a top four club away. Belief is strengthening yes, and I just hope the team themselves don't feel quite as elated as us, as this type of win makes our next games even harder. Looks at Spurs' last two results; and was only a game ago we couldn't get a home win against Ipswich. Mata putting his chances away - as he should - would have us all miserable today. I know Ron will be doing his best to hammer that home to our players, but must be a tough thing to do!