Quote:
Originally Posted by iadom
Just back home from OT, United's performance in a word 'functional'. Not always easy against a side bent on damage limitation from the off, Pantillimon was warned for time wasting after only 20 minutes so the first goal well into 'injury' time was poetic justice.
The defence still looks as though it is going to be ripped apart sooner or later, next three games, Arsenal, Everton and City will give a clearer indication.  |
Agree with all that. I'm getting tired of seeing other United fans saying "we're back". No we are NOT back and won't be until we have one or two more key signings plus the strength in depth we had from the mid 90s for a decade or so.
Top of the league? Yes I'm happy with that obviously but at this stage of the season it means nothing other than a feel-good factor for some fans. Personally I pay no significant attention to league positions until around December time, a good example is how SAF always made us start the season pretty slowly.
I still say LVG is the wrong man for the job. Yesterday's result was good obviously and it's great to see Depay and Martial performing, as well as Rooney hitting the net again although one goal does not mean he's back to form, he was abysmal at Southamption (although he had come back from injury).
Losing Shaw is a massive blow and although when he was fit our back line still wasn't as good as the Bruce/Pallister or Ferdinand/Vidic days it had improved from last season's colander defence so we're still weak there and yes the true test will be against Arsenal and to a lesser extent Everton. I would have said City too but Spurs.....
So no, we're not back yet. Martial is exciting but inexperienced, it won't be long before teams will learn how to play him plus at his age he'll have plenty of opportunities to drop form so another establish striker is needed IMO. De Gea will help to stabilise the back a bit and our midfield is looking greatly improved but there's more work to be done in the team. The FA Cup should be a target as form over essentially 6 games is achievable but the league? Unless we're helped by cock-eyed results like City yesterday and Chelsea recently I can't see that happening.