I can Stolarcyk Thomas Okoli Nelson Justin Pereira El Khanouss Monga Fatawu Evans Mavididi Subs: Vardy Coulibally Skipp
I understand that, but so early in his managerial career did he need to jump at the poisoned chalice at Chelsea? He obviously thought he did but there’s every chance he’ll look a bit daft in a few weeks, not that he’d admit it.
That’s definitely something like I’d like to see. Coulibaly might be a better shout than Justin after the season he’s had, and I’d possibly start the season with Vardy and gradually integrate Evans into the team. It would be a bonus if El Khannous stayed, I suppose he’s tied to us for a few years yet so we could play hardball with him. There’s a few players not mentioned, if we can’t shift them, do we just leave them to collect their millions for no output? That’s the one thing that concerns me.
Some things never change. After every dismal performance or defeat Ruud can be guaranteed to trot out the same old self deluding guff about how none of this has been his fault and how he'd be the best choice to stay and improve the team next season. And then there's the reality that the fans can see. We can see that the team selection and formation have been the root cause of many of the problems. Yes, there have been long-term injuries to key players, but Mavididi, our best winger in the squad in the absence of Fatawu, has been frozen out while Ayew, De Cordova-Reid and other square pegs have been tasked with performing that role. Now that he's back we have that width and threat that a real winger gives you. Faes has consistently been our worst central defender but comes back straight away after one match out with a knock. What message does that send to Okoli? Sorry, Ruud, you are the weakest link. Goodbye. As for yesterday's match, it was a big improvement, and just pleased that we made Liverpool work for their victory. Some very good performances from several players and especially Luke Thomas against Salah. Shame that De Cordova-Reid wasn't able to play even though his name was on the team sheet.
Another whimpering performance and Van Nasalspray replacing one waste of space, de Cordova-Reid with another, Ayew, instead of giving Monga a whole half - instead give him 7 minutes ...
Luckily we had a like-for-like replacement in Ayew ... instead if immediately bringing on a kid with genuine pace and trickery.. and an eye for goal
I hope you aren't trying to lay the blame at the manager's door! How many times does he have to tell you that none of this is his fault? Do try and keep up.
It sums Ruud up, he bangs on about giving the youth game time, and like you say he could have given Monga more exposure to first team football but puts on someone who ideally isn’t here next season. Can’t we just put him on gardening leave until we can afford to sack him and let someone like Andy King finish the season off? I live surrounded by Wolves fans and they are just about the worst set of fans to have to listen to when they’ve beaten us.
Finally. Goals, a win and a clean sheet all in the same game. Magnificent strike from Vardy, just hope he gets one more. Good to see Monga get meaningful minutes as well.
How great would it be if we could hold on to El Khanouss? ... genuine top drawer prospect and likely to be a £50-£60 million player in a couple of years ... hopefully we can hold our nerve ... get anything we can for Hermandsen, Soumare, Ndidi, Faes, Coady, Daka, Winks, Vestergaard, Kristiansen, Ayew and De Cordova-Reid... (although Ayew might be effective in the Championship tbf) ...
I’d hope El Khannouss would show a bit of loyalty and give us at least one season in the championship. If we don’t go up next year then he should be allowed to leave, although we probably wouldn’t achieve much profit selling him, with him being a championship player. We should have some options in the final third next year with him, Mavididi, Fatawu, Monga, Alves and Mcateer.
Ayew might be fine in the Championship but, although he's not the future, he is a good professional and there is going to be a need for a couple of old heads to guide the younger players next season. If El Khanouss could be persuaded to stay he would be a good player to build the team round. Michael Golding, who came on after 90+4 yesterday , didn't he come as part of the KDH deal with Chelsea? He was supposed to be a real prospect. Where has he been all season?
Can't let his first appearance include touching the ball, just in case he hurts himself... same as for Evans and Monga ... meanwhile Chiba Obi, 17, starts for United today on his debut