Tight Games

I have to say that I haven't been impressed with Ole's tactics this season. I am just confused as to what preseason was all about. We are playing completely differently and I just don't get it. We have shifted out the players that weren't suited to how Ole had us playing in preseason, then played a different way. Confused as to why we are putting such an emphasis on getting the ball wide and getting crosses in the box, when we don't really have any strikers that are going to dominate in the air. Weird.

"Yes but with the right tactics and set up you give yourself a better chance"

What is to say Ole, and Jose/ LVG before him weren't doing exactly that?

Is it crap to watch? Yes.

Do we end most games creating as many if not more chances than the opposition? Yes.

"I have to say that I haven't been impressed with Ole's tactics this season. I am just confused as to what preseason was all about"

Agree here. Maybe it's just the players not able to replicate that is competitive games?

Fitness is a huge issue, a 21 year old Rashford was blowing out his backside and we are about 8 games into the season.

I would like to see the running stats this season so we can compare it to last season.

I didn't see much evidence of this high intensity, high pressing game yesterday. We looked lethargic, Rashford especially.

comment by Busby (U19985)
posted 5 minutes ago

"Yes but with the right tactics and set up you give yourself a better chance"

What is to say Ole, and Jose/ LVG before him weren't doing exactly that?

Is it crap to watch? Yes.

Do we end most games creating as many if not more chances than the opposition? Yes.
-------------------------------

We have created more chances against every team we have played, with the exception of Chelsea, who we beat 4-0.

I think that Ole has been a bit unlucky in that our players have already wasted some good opportunities this season. The defeats/draws have only been by fine margins and we could easily have won those games had we taken our chances. That said, he is still making some strange decisions this season.

comment by Busby (U19985)
posted 7 minutes ago
"I have to say that I haven't been impressed with Ole's tactics this season. I am just confused as to what preseason was all about"

Agree here. Maybe it's just the players not able to replicate that is competitive games?

Fitness is a huge issue, a 21 year old Rashford was blowing out his backside and we are about 8 games into the season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I can only think Rashford was carrying that injury before the game. There was definitely something wrong because it is so unlike him - one thing I cant fault him on his fitness.

That being said, what Nev highlighted in commentary was spot on in that he doesn't help himself by mindlessly trying to close down every play that has the ball.

The guy just doesn't seem to be developing a football brain. The age excuse is starting to wear thin too - yes he's 21 but he's a very experienced 21 year old. He desperately needs to start pushing on- the raw tools are there but he's still playing like a kid in his debut season

Utds bench yesterday was woeful and the team continues to leak goals.

If Utd are going to struggle for goals he needs to start getting clean sheets and there is absolutely no reason why this should not be possible with the players he has. Hodgson can organise a defence.

A tactically astute manager coupled.with intelligent & competent players that suit a system.would be my suggestion.

comment by Elvis (U7425)
posted 7 minutes ago
I have to say that I haven't been impressed with Ole's tactics this season. I am just confused as to what preseason was all about. We are playing completely differently and I just don't get it. We have shifted out the players that weren't suited to how Ole had us playing in preseason, then played a different way. Confused as to why we are putting such an emphasis on getting the ball wide and getting crosses in the box, when we don't really have any strikers that are going to dominate in the air. Weird.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Ole has made a rod for his own back I'm afraid. I am not entirely sure why he ditched our approach in preseason and I do not understand why he persists with some tactics.

Perreira should not be starting games. Fred is not great but is a much better football player.

Without Pogba, creativity in this team is basically zero.

I think Top 6 might be a struggle at this rate (Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, Everton, Wolves etc are doing their best to help us though). However, I'm of the mindset that its a case of taking 1 or 2 steps back to take more steps forward in the long run (I hope).

...............

Ole keeps on shooting himself in the foot with this formation and team selections.