That's almost always the case tho'. You weren't streets ahead of us in head to head games in 2010. We weren't streets ahead in 2011, 2009, 2008 or 2007. Aside from the 6-1, City weren't streets ahead of any of the top clubs last season And so on and so forth. First XI wise there's no difference in quality apart from up top. But squad wise we are still some way ahead of you - you'll need more depth to challenge next season, as well as a good manager.
Its been a strange season,I dont ever remember seeing Utd playing so patchy so often yet still pick up 3 points time and again. If we are to assume its all down to the genius of the manager,then last nights tactics and line up with Giggs in midfield would clearly suggest otherwise as he couldnt have played much more into City's hands if hed tried. This City team lacks a bit of backbone when put under the cosh,as highlighted by any visit to goodison,either game this season v liverpool where we shouldve been beaten both times or even the pathetic limp performance at southampton where they demonstrated a team that wants it more is a great leveller. Clearly Utd will win the league with a healthy cushion this time around,but its certainly not a vintage group of players rather a side that simply know how to win
Agree, that's my point that 'streets ahead' is the wrong turn of phrase. Yeah I agree again, we've got too much depth in some areas and next to none in others. Our squad has no balance. But I still don't agree that yours is streets ahead, I just think Fergie is an expert in using the players and the fact he choses which ones he signs helps massively to fit his style of play.
I refer you to the point I made in that we are treading water and are virtually playing out the season. I believe this is now the mindset of the squad, sadly, and that getting knocked out of europe has affected their mental attitude. Put us up against you or City with all to play for and I'd still back United, every day. If City had been five points behind us instead of fifteen then I would expect to see a different performance entirely.
Yeah that's bound to be a factor don't get me wrong, but the FA Cup is still a major trophy at the end of the day and even I was expecting you to tonk us in that first leg.
The streets ahead refers to the fact we are twelve points ahead of City and nineteen ahead of Chelsea. It didn't mean the squad, that isn't clear in the post admittedly. A twelve point lead in a league which is supposed to be so good and so close is a metaphorical street or two in anyone's language. Ergo, the squad can not possibly be average.
Yeah, first half we did. Then that attitude came into place and they couldn't handle your comeback, there's been a major switching off in the last month or so. They need a competitive edge. It is not good.
I think a lot of your players seemed to have relaxed now they've won the league, maybe that'll change next season seeing United win it so comfortably but maybe a degree of overconfidence crept into you. I just hope next season it isn't so boring! Be great to have 3 or 4 teams in the title race again.
that arguement is a bit like when someone uses stats to back up a player you think is shi t.. well he cant be **** as he has x amount of assists and x complete passes. somehow we have a comfrtable lead without seemingly played well all year. we started of shaky, then had a phase of going behind then scraping winds and draws now we just grind out results. My point is more aimed at how the team make you feel / style of play and a bit of the players as no one really looks like a game changer that gets you on the edge of your seat when they are on the ball.
RVP had that earlier in the season but I agree nobody currently has it. I disagree about comparing it to the use of stats though Sweats. Things like passes completed alone etc are pointless stats however points on the board is the only relevant stat in a title race. Like I said earlier this side is alot more boring compared to the sides that have spoilt us but still equally as effective at getting the results. I agree they are currently far from exciting though.
Perhaps, but then under that argument no team is ever 'streets ahead' in the league as the matches between the top teams are almost always close. So the term becomes somewhat relative in its use. We're cul de sacs ahead at least
I've said plenty of times that in terms of its level of easy on the eye performances then it doesn't stand comparison to some of our more stellar eras but surely the question should be is this the least attractive team and not whether the squad is average. The squad isn't average, should it win the league it will have won the league and currently holds an enormous lead at this stage of the season. Or, is it indeed average and by some wierd coincidence all the other squads in the league suddenly and conveniently turned to **** at exactly the same time?
I have to say, this has not been a vintage UTD team, but we have been far more consistent, that all the other title challenger(s)
I do know what you mean an where you're all coming from.. I still think it would be one of the most average teams to win the title.. Just thought i'd spark a bit football related debate for once. As all my threads are off topic.. Tennisball needs to take notes on how to create debate
The team could play with far more flair and far less pragmatisim. Performance wise it is nowhere near the level of some of our finest, I wouldn't argue at all. I'm not saying it's particularly likeable either but I don't buy into this mad Liverpool/DL/EC theory that it is average. My first choice side, when all are fit and in form; de Gea Rafael Vidic Jones Evra Nani Carrick Cleverly Kagawa Rooney Van Persie Far from average. By the way, talking about football is good and it usually gets completely ignored. I'd rep you if I was about ten, but I'm not.
