Well according to Gary Neville. That's right, Neville said something positive about United. There's hope for us all yet! He specifically praised Blind and how he's helped add some control into the defence. How as a unit it's been compact and performed as one rather than as individuals. Showed how since November last year, we've conceded just 23 goals. Incredible record on paper but we all know it wasn't half as easy as that suggests, last season anyway. Is he right?
Agree, it hasn't been as easy as the stats suggest. We haven't really been tested with Blind at CB so a bit premature to say we're well drilled. The addition of Schwein and Schneid as protection for the back 4 is a positive. And Darmian & Smalling are looking very good at the moment. But still early days. EDIT: And Shaw too tbf.
It's a good habit to have for the defence. Nobody can claim Villa tested us in any way and while Spurs had a few chances, we will face far more competent opponents in the coming months. There confidence will be high though, which will lead to more good performances hopefully. Keep a clean sheet again then it starts to look like it's not just a one off. A good defence is the basis of a great side. Hopefully as they prove their quality van Gaal will release the shackles, so to speak.
Aye. The team does look solid. In their rush for their usual macho criticism of United, the media pundits have glossed over that. Yes, it may only have been Spurs and Villa but at 1-0 the defence looked less panicky than they've been for a while. 12 -18 months ago we would have drawn these matches. The foundation is there. We now need to get the attack going. We just have to remember that even at 100% LVG's teams will never play with SAF's style.
Best defense since November last year http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...emier-League-November-solid-start-season.html
Ferries style changed so much in his final years. Less of the swashbuckling stuff, more reserved and built on solid foundations. Fergie learnt a lot in Europe back in the mid 90's and adapted us in Europe and away from home. Van Gaal needs to learn himself that in the PL the possession based game doesn't work unless you have the ability to create something at the end of it. Arsenal did it for years and got nowhere. I think he's learning and adapting a more counter attacking style (In his own unique way) to us. You could see it against Spurs, win the ball high up the pitch and break. It didn't work too well but it got us the goal and could have got more but for the rustiness. i think his game will suit us well in Europe, especially of the defence continues to give him confidence that they are up to the task.
Only tells half a story. At times it was a free for all but towards the end of last season and the start of this, it started to look like they actually knew what they were doi. It looks like a unit, rather than 5 individual players.
Morgan Schneiderlin will be a huge player for you lot. The main cog in Saints defensive record the last few years.
Just goes to show why you shouldn't pay any attention to the press who continually slate our defence, as our major weakness, when the stats suggest the complete opposite. It's just a case of everyone jumping on the ABU bandwagon, without actually watching the games themselves
Yep, last year it was the attack let us down but the defence held it's own. Chelsea for 73 against 32 City for 83 against 38 Arsenal for 71 against 36 United for 62 against 37
If only Fergie had had one last season, then we wouldn't have that unfit, over the hill, penny pinching scouse twat up front. we should have taken the chavs money when we had the chance
I still think he will get a decent amount of goals, he is never much good for the first half dozen games until he gets fit (not an excuse, just a fact of life). Would like to see Hernandez get a bit more game time, his movement is far better at the moment.
You would think when you pay someone 250k a week that they'd still keep in decent shape over the close season and when he's injured. This is why he won't play long into his 30s and probably won't last much longer, as you need to look after your body to get the best out of it in the long run. You can't balloon in weight everytime your not playing and expect to retain your fitness levels
I think he peaked between 16 and 23, do you remember the Rooney that used to shoot in anger from 30 yards out (and score). I miss that lad
Or the one who used to actually dribble past players... Agree he was much better as a youngster, this is the case with a lot of players these days.
Of course he was. Obviously. He also started playing top level first team and international football a good two or three seasons sooner than your average player would, which has a knock on further down the line. He's therefore at a stage where he's at an equivalent age of about 32. Again, obviously.
