United's defence is very settled. So much so, that last season when Rio was out injured and Smalling replaced him, you barely noticed a thing. Evra and Vidic and consistently there and Rafael and Fabio who are almost the same player are usually at RB. It doesn't change much.
You would want to hope it remains like that,as there is nothing more unsettling for a new keeper to have an unsettled back four in front of him.
Believe what you will, it matters not to me. I do know that the similarities are far closer than you may wish to think
Nothing would give me more pleasure than to see Utd knocked off their perch (and i am old enough to remeber the times when no one thought it possible to see Liverpool knocked off theirs but everything has an end) but I honestly don't think it will be their keeper but their lack of creativity in midfield,hernandez being found out and Rooneys attitude if the season starts to go wrong for them.Remember last season .according to Rooney. the rest of the squad weren't fit to lace his boots and they are no stronger now. My son-in-law is a Manure fan and even he has to he can't work out how they managed to win it. I think this year is going to be very exciting for a number of reasons and will see Liverpool back in the top 4 with utd,city and chelsea.Arsenal may not be able to keep up there without fabregas (if he goes) and spurs will fade as usual.Don't see anyone else threatening to break into the top 4/5
It's not the fact that those players did or did not play. They personified the spirit and the tradition within the club. They were the gel. It's not until you lose those people that you recognise the true significance of their contribution Maybe so, but there are more players that have replaced them with this 'spirit' ie. Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Rooney, Giggs. Just go back and look at the video. Look at the expression on Ferguson's face and how his staff were unwilling/unable to offer any advice. You don't need to be a psychiatrist and I did not just make it up So you're saying you can tell that Sir Alex Ferguson has been damaged psychologically and will not be the same manager, just because he looked helpless in one game? That's daft. Maybe if he turns into a useless manager and can no longer manage for a whole season I may believe you, until then I'll believe that his 25 years of experience will guide him through one loss. Believe what you will, it matters not to me. I do know that the similarities are far closer than you may wish to think i will, and I know that the similarities are not that close at all.
There's a long season ahead and we will see what transpires. If you are right then you should 'walk it'. If I am right then I can tell you the shock will be significant
I've not said we will walk it at any point. I've just argued that we should definitely be considered at least equal contenders to Man City and Chelsea.
Yes apart from the fact that utd conceded the most goals as champions for a long time. esp away from home where they conceded an average of 1.3 Goals per game. So yes apart from that the defence was brilliant I really do wonder what games you watch!
`Did they not teach you Comprehension at school? The only person to use the phrase 'walk it' was me therefore I did not claim that you did. You really should know the difference between ' ' and " " by now! At no point in your dialogue with me did you refer to United being equal contenders to City or Chelsea. I can only assume therefore that you are unable to understand what I typed and perhaps more worryingly what you typed! To continue would therefore be fruitless.
These threads frustrate me.So many of them start off well and degenerate into slanging matches as soon as someone has a difference of opinion..this one is a case in point.
Liverpool buy a few average players and they are suddenly title contenders. The arrogance of you scousers astounds me. spurs might 'fade as usual' but I still think we will finish above you AGAIN !!!
The arrogance of you scousers astounds me. spurs might 'fade as usual' but I still think we will finish above you AGAIN !!![/QUOTE] I refer to my comment previously!! Having confidence in your team is not arrogance,it may be blind faith but I prefer to call it support! As for the Again!!!...once in 30+ years doesn't give you bragging rights.
Does twice in two seasons? No offence, but claiming that Dalglish isn't a chequebook manager because he's 'only' spent £50m or so net is a little weak. Suarez was an excellent buy and Downing will definitely improve your side. Carroll gives you a powerful and dangerous option with potential, but Henderson and Adam are both quite risky, in my opinion. When everybody's fit, what's your first XI and how many of your new signings make it into that XI?
I dont see Adam as a risk..he was excellent last season.Henderson is an unknown but was bought for his potential.Of the 3 outfield players I would expect to see Downing and Adam playing most weeks.It is only 3 players we have bought (exc Doni) not a whole new team. Your other point regarding dalglish..is Fergie a cheque book manager..he has spent nearly as much.As stated earlier if you dont spend you cannot improve.Liverpool were in serious decline,even talk of relegation early last season.Kenny turned that round with the signings of Suarez and Carrol (net spend=minimal) but you cannot expect him to compete with the big boys without improving the squad.He is trying to bring young talent through (local talent too) but that has to be a gradual thing.No other manager is doing that..Wenger will bring in young players but few are British.Where is the youth policy at Chelsea,City and even Man Utd don't bring players through like they once did.Until then we have no choice but to spend but I think he has done it wisely following the owners remit.Young hungry players with potential and premiership experience. Who know if this is right?Time will tell.
Where does Adam fit into the midfield, though? I'm not knocking his ability as a player, but you'd assume that Lucas and Mereiles will take the two central places. What do you see Liverpool's starting XI being?
I think Liverpool fans are in for a rude awakening this season, Kenny has done well since he came in but there was no pressure as they were well down the table and had nothing to play for, rising from bottom half to top 6 is a lot easier than battling for top 4. Downing wouldn't get in any top 6 side, neither would Henderson and I don't think Adam would be anymore than a squad player at those clubs either. Suarez is a great player though and could be sensational next season but he alone won't be enough for top 4. Carroll has potential to be a good striker but atm isn't anything special. Your defence is still poor and with Gerrard and Carragher another year older I can't see anything other than a battle with us for 5th at best.
It depends on the system.I think he is looking at 3 formations so if Gerrard is fit I see this: (Reina is a cert in all formations) 3-5-2 Carragher...skrtel...Agger Kuyt..gerrard..Lucas..Adam..Downing Suarez..Carrol 4-3-3 Johnson...Carragher..Agger/Skrtel..Aurelio/Enrique(if he signs) Gerrard..Lucas..Adam Downing..Carrol..Suarez 4-4-2 same back 4 Downing..Gerrard..Lucas..Adam Suarez..Carrol The thing is some of these signings are interchangeable and give us far more flexibilty.One of our biggest problems has been lack of quality coming off the bench but now we have; Mereiles,maxi,Aqualani (if he stays) henderson (would fit in those formations if gerrard crocked) and the young lads like spearing,flanagan,robinson,coady. I still feel we are 3 players short,a leftback,centre back and back up striker.However,there is so much dead wood still there thanks to rafa and Roy that it needs to be cut out before bringing in more players.
No Mereiles? I thought he developed well into the creative midfield role as the season went on. You've used Downing twice in your first formation, too. I assume that one of them was supposed to be Johnson.
Yeah he did but you cant accomodate everyone but you need players of hs quality to put pressure on the ones who are playing which we didn't have before..even Gerrard is not guaranteed a place esp as he is injured and if the team start off well can't see him being selected straight off. i know the title is beyond us at the minute but with right investment and bringing the young players through I can see it happening within 3 years.Kenny will be under more pressure this year but I don't see that fazing him. Checked the formations and have edited it now.
I can't see Adam doing well in a wide role and I'm not convinced that Dalglish will go for Downing and Kuyt as wing-backs, either. We'll see, I guess.
