But maybe the season we needed?
Got rid of some deadwood and some players that weren't up to the challenge (Fellaini, Valencia, Lukaku).
Brought in 3 players who clearly see UTD as a good club to come to and won't be eying up their next move any time soon.
Ole has had plenty of chance to see what the next group of youngster can do, as well as some of the fringe squad players. With our progress in the cups, this should carry on for quite a few more games yet.
He's beginning to put trust in said players is now focusing on working out various formations and tactics to help us win against different types of opposition. The 3-4-3 (or however you chose to describe it) seems to be something that we can really utilise against the top teams, questions marks are still out on the park the bus type teams though, I think we will struggle here until we get some more attack minded signings.
We're starting to see little partnership form on the pitch.. Rashy and Martial look like they have a clear understanding now, and James has settled in quickly. McT and Fred seem to have a good understanding of each other and the backline look more settled than any time recently (though still a work in progress).
Maybe i'm being overly optimistic from the last 4 games, but I think we will come out of this season quite a bit stronger and with some really solid ideas on how to play. We needed to make 6-7 first team changes and that was never gonna happen quickly, but the signings we have made are looking like great ones as the season progresses and another summer getting it right could see us really start to recover from the last 7 year's mess.
Not the season we wanted...
posted on 31/10/19
Ole will leave this club in better condition than any of our other managers that’s for sure. It actually looks like we have a few leaders on the pitch now. McT, Maguire and De Ge to an extent.
If Ole is given 5 more players I’m confident this team can compete for trophies. He’s never had trouble organising his starting 11 for the very best teams, he just needs the personnel to break down weaker opposition.
At the moment our ball retention is horrible and we can’t pass in tight positions. We need more intelligent players who can receive the ball under pressure. If we are to continue playing a double pivot with an AM, then we need a player like Dybala if possible.
posted on 31/10/19
comment by (kash) I'm the Mané - 6 Times Baby (U1108)
posted 1 hour, 29 minutes ago
Pressure is off and now all of sudden you are putting some results together. Same thing happened last year but when you got close to top 4 it all went wrong.
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Kash mate, for once in your life, please stop talking utter bollox
posted on 31/10/19
How is the pressure off when we've been struggling for form prior to the last 4 games?
Our worst start to any PL season, and the pressure is very much on.
We needed these wins (they mean more as they have been away wins) to boost confidence back into the squad. But there is still a long way to go.
posted on 31/10/19
No doubt United will be back. Just don't believe it will be Ole to do so.
I believe your next manager (if it's the right choice) will reap the rewards of Ole blooding these youngsters in.
posted on 31/10/19
Nobody knows what Ole has got in him. It's all guess work.
posted on 31/10/19
Agree completely with the OP.
While the football has been atrocious for most of the season, I've actually enjoyed it in someways. It's a challenge and Ole is approaching it the right way. So I was always happy to give it a reasonable amount of time (1-2 seasons).
Form will dip again with injuries and inconsistency from young players but fans just have to be patience... Don't understand why this is so had for some...
posted on 31/10/19
comment by BigManVirgil (U22050)
posted 2 hours, 28 minutes ago
No doubt United will be back. Just don't believe it will be Ole to do so.
I believe your next manager (if it's the right choice) will reap the rewards of Ole blooding these youngsters in.
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Have a feeling this could be the case. The young players, signings and structure that's being put into place will help the next guy (as long as its the right choice).
We can see fans turning in just a few results. It's key we do get signings in this January.
posted on 1/11/19
Squids of joy and five stars
posted on 1/11/19
I think Ole can be the man. Not saying he will be, but has a good chance imo. He's done everything right so far, no reason he can't carry on.
posted on 1/11/19
Agree with you Ji. Like I said early on, this season is about establishing ourselves and building for the future.
I am especially pleased in some of our younger players who have grabbed the opportunities given to them.
They need to right senior players around them and the sky is the limit