The Football Thread 2017-18

[Denster]

I'm confused by Denster Vs Blue Eyes, I've probably missed something.

I don't think it is unreasonable to point out that Mourinho has a tendency to deliberately stifle big games, personally I think he enjoys doing so. This irritates people, always has done, but it is undoubtedly effective.

You can hardly blame United fans for being perfectly happy with a draw at Anfield but you can hardly blame neutrals for being annoyed at how terrible the game was and pointing the blame at Mourinho.

You missed Blue Eyes complaining about Mourinho's tactics since last weekend. Lucky you!

Moaning about defensive tactics is absolutely fine. Going on and on and on about it, long after the game is over and picking fights with people about it when Manchester United aren't playing is annoying as strawberry float.

This.

[Denster]

Let's see how you feel about him in a couple of years when he's managing PSG and stifles the life out of a Champions League tie at Old Trafford. :p

People should be over him by now though.

And this.

[Denster]

twitter.com/boylesports/status/919994164535877633

So let’s just break that down.

Six games since he took over from United.
Three draws where we’ve parked the bus and taken a point.
An away point against top six opposition.
3 defeats
Loss to Chelsea where we tried the same tactic but it was undone with two early goals. We then folded.

Two defeats to arsenal and Spurs at the point where Mourinho has unashamedly admitted his priority was the Europa league and he rested players and played youngsters.

He’s in his second season at United having taken over a team that was blunted, plodding and unadventurous. He’s had a year to make them his team. He’s clearly succeeded in the defensive hard to beat sense but he’s also added goal threat and attacking potential as well.
Not evident on Saturday but evident by our points tally and league position and goal difference.
That’s why United are happy. The reason why you and all the others aren’t is because he doesn’t do it the pretty way?

[Preezy]

Haters gonna hate ¯\(°_o)/¯

[Denster]

Exactly.

He’s like my new Roy Keane.

[Tomous]

I'm not sure it's that a great point. I get that it's always a relief not losing a derby but I can't imagine City going to Anfield and parking the bus against Liverpool's dodgy defence. I assume United want to challenge for the title, so it's City they need to be competing against.

[Albert]

Good result for Spurs last night.

Sorry carry on.

[Denster]

City employ a greater risk and reward strategy than we do. Mourinho has a pragmatic win at all costs approach. Guardiola has a stronger attacking element.
The key difference is that Mourinho is happy to change tactics if and when it’s necessary.
Wenger, Guardiola and Klopp all have a style and when it’s effective it’s great. When it’s not - They have no plan B.
City’s plan A is so good that they don’t think they need a plan B. Like Barca when he was there. But the way to beat them is mourinho’s way. He’s done it to Guardiola with Inter Milan and with Madrid.
The intriguing thing is whether he can do it with United.

A pointed out though - we knew what we were getting with Mourinho so we’ve accepted it. Other people who don’t or won’t - tough gooseberry fool.

There isn’t one way to play the game or two or three. No team is ever unbeatable.

That’s why it’s the greatest game in the world.

[Photek]

[Photek]

There's not one decent tie on tonight.

[Rocsteady]

Bayern Celtic m8

[Mafro]

[Photek]

Bayern Celtic m8

Possibly, Bayern are a bit pants at mo, I'll check out the first 10mins and depending on that ill watch it or not.

[Denster]

Watch United, Photek. It’ll be a tight defensive display with hopefully a bit more quality going forward.

How will you be able to produce such startling insights into our team and manager if you only see a handful of games. That’s not analysis - it’s just unqualified opinionating.

You don’t do that. Ever.

[BOR]

I was told that United will be on Sky Sports Mix or BT Showcase tonight.

[PurplePenguin]

BT Showcase.

[Corazon de Leon]

Bayern Celtic m8

Can't wait

[Irene Demova]

Atleti drawing with Qarabag makes chelsea's draw seem much less impressive

[Mafro]

Atleti drawing with Qarabag makes chelsea's draw seem much less impressive

Yep. The English press were trying to spin that as one of the greatest away wins ever by an English team in Europe.

Lindelol and Smalling starting

[pjbetman]

twitter.com/boylesports/status/919994164535877633

So let’s just break that down.

Six games since he took over from United.
Three draws where we’ve parked the bus and taken a point.
An away point against top six opposition.
3 defeats
Loss to Chelsea where we tried the same tactic but it was undone with two early goals. We then folded.

Two defeats to arsenal and Spurs at the point where Mourinho has unashamedly admitted his priority was the Europa league and he rested players and played youngsters.

He’s in his second season at United having taken over a team that was blunted, plodding and unadventurous. He’s had a year to make them his team. He’s clearly succeeded in the defensive hard to beat sense but he’s also added goal threat and attacking potential as well.
Not evident on Saturday but evident by our points tally and league position and goal difference.
That’s why United are happy. The reason why you and all the others aren’t is because he doesn’t do it the pretty way?

I think you're clutching at scores with regard to that past 10 games stat. It's poor. Plus it's a little disingenuous to protect Jose from this criticism because, deep down, we all know it's true. But it works - long term, over a league campaign.

Your points tally, league position and goal difference could be skewed by only playing one team in the top half so far (Liverpool). I think they'll be found wanting in the games against higher quality opposition. Jose's team shouldn't be scared of anyone, considering the depth of quality they have (after spending an absolute fortune).