I expected higher, but such is Van Gaal's reputation that I suspect it's a little unfair to say so. The acid test is around the corner, and it'll be really interesting to see how Man Utd compare against a top quality side. If the sum of the parts won football matches, Man Utd would probably be right up there. You've spent more in defence and attack than Leicester, so I think the point is fair. Everyone expected Man Utd to sweep them aside, but Leicesters more determined and selfless running paid off. Only Rooney looked like he gave a **** in that game, and he was pretty much useless. I think Everton have been quite obviously poor, both in the match against you and the season in general. Today they had so few efforts on goal, and created nothing, and not by any great defensive work by United (although, as I noted McNair has impressed)... Aiden gave the ball away so many times, and the only thing the midfield through attack did was close down well in the last 15 mins before half time. They looked shattered from midweek. It's normal, and historically the case that Europa wears down Premier League competitiveness. As for us being disappointing... No. We've spent £40 million on obviously inferior players, having sold many times that amount worth of premier league proven. We'd spent nothing in 3 consecutive transfer windows when it takes about £15 million a year to stand still in this division. It's only disappointing to neutrals who haven't been following the financial regime imposed by the owner in recouping his investment. The majority predicted struggles. Unfortunately, I am in a minority of one who doesn't blame Pardew. It's not his fault. Everyone accepts the players aren't good enough, there's not been enough investment, but suddenly Pardew gets all the stick? Bad craic to me. There is undeniable potential, but there are key players there not performing . Personally, watching your games closely this season (as any neutral is doing now... which should be exciting on your part, as that is what we as neutrals did four/five years back), I think Van Persie looks like he's either side of the cliff, and you look lightweight in midfield still. I think you're being proven right each week regarding your previous posts on how much needs to be spent to make Man Utd a top side again.
Firstly, my bad I thought you were speaking as an Everton fan When I said that it wasn't unusual you were disappointing today, I was talking about Everton who have not impressed anywhere near the level they did last season. I don't disagree with anything you've said about Leicester, but your original comment was solely about our attack against Leicester, which I still think seems harsh. I bet you wouldn't complain about your attack if Newcastle scored 3 at their ground Re: Newcastle, I look back at Pardew's starting season and he really impressed, and quietened a majority of the fans who felt Houghton had been unfairly dismissed. I can't help feeling that the sale of Cabaye was the tipping point for Newcastle's misfortunes. In that sense I agree with you about Pardew. It's like he's being asked to scratch an itch while the owner has him hanging off a cliff with one arm, while tying the other behind his back.
If we ever spend £150 million pounds in a transfer window on a handful of attacking players under Mike Ashley, I think I'd have a f***ing stroke But bloody Burnley scuffed two against Leicester, so even our blunt attack might get some! Like I say, I think Leicester were far better in attack (or, more fairly perhaps, a lot more clinical) that day, in particular Vardy. I think Man Utd could do with a pacey forward who makes similar lung-busting efforts, because Van Persie, Falcao and, to a lesser extent, Rooney aren't really that quick or workman like when the chips are down, but that sounds like Welbeck doesn't it There's just something about all that money and talent on the field, and them not looking like that much. I suspect the right balance hasn't been struck yet, but basically, what I was trying to say in my original post, was that I don't think it's right commentators hail this attacking force as special just yet, because it's not come together and comprehensively destroyed anybody but QPR thus far. Man Utd are still in a vulnerable developmental stage, and the attacking talent hasn't been put against a top quality team up til now.
I think United is still not the finished article yet (developmental stage?). I think it is unrealistic to expect the attacking players to just gel within days. It takes time to work with each other and also to work out the new systems wanted by the manager. Having said that, the attack has not been shabby. United have scored more than 2.8 goals on average per match despite some resolute defending by the opposition. So for a team still in development and not complete yet (I think we still need two top defenders) being 4th is very encouraging. I cannot wait for our matches against Chelsea and other top sides. Notwithstanding a severe thrashing, I am hopeful we'll score goals as well as concede. I suspect they won't be too keen to meet us.
