As for the defence, we've all spoken to death about their limitations, but considering we've conceded just a shade over a goal a game and are on a very good run of clean sheets (with the exception of Swansea and Millwall where there were some extenuating circumstances), yet have only scored 33, it does imply there are bigger issues elsewhere on the field
Joint most clean sheets in the league as well. Defies belief sometimes compared with what we see with our own eyes.
I mean none of them are particularly good footballers (Cathcart the best of a bad bunch in that regard) which doesn't help our cause going forward, but, despite being out of their depth in the Prem, they can all do a job in the Championship, which speaks volumes about the gap between the two leagues
They were great last time in The Championship too! My concern being, IF and it’s a big if, we did go up, the defence would suddenly become our weakest area on the pitch IMO so I’d like to see the start of a gradual upgrade from now personally.
Indeed, the negative brigade really missed an opportunity yesterday particularly in directing their anger towards the youth players which would could have increased debutant anxiety and undermined the result.
Which is something we have been saying for last 4 years. Even when we were in the PL and had the funds to do so, we opted for signing people we didn't need. Our defense has been upgraded since we went up under Joka, but it needs a total overhaul, with only Serrialtra being fit for a sustained run in the team. WTE, Kabasele, Pollock are not good enough overall for a side that is looking to retain it's PL status for more than a single season. Cathcart is still good despite his age, but as you said, this is his level. This club needs clear out of a lot of players, but with so many injured and with so little funds, it's going to take a long time before we can even think about doing such a thing.
Well our striking options would be horrendously weak in the Prem too, and may very well stop us getting there in the first place, so I'd deal with that first
According to reports, Ten Hag has blocked Pellistri from leaving on loan this month. Oh well, onto the next winger.
I think there was one report in the Sun sourced to a Twitter account named United Muppetiers. Fabrizio Romano tweeted out this morning that United are having more meetings with his agent to confirm his loan destination, if any, with many other teams in the mix. Don’t think he’ll necessarily be staying put but you’d think Flamenga/Bologna/Valencia are all more likely.
Odd move, unless they think there is no point in getting him used to the English leagues as he has no future with them.
Still holding a grudge over that incredibly talented gods gift to football James Garner, who we didn't play for every second of all our matches when we had him.
I think we already knew this one wasn't happening, but The Daily Fail have just confirmed it. Facundo Pellistri and Anthony Elanga set to stay at Man United on deadline day | Daily Mail Online
From AF: 12:33 Erik Ten Hag saying to Sky Sports that Fecundo Pellistri could still leave Man Utd on loan today. No sign of him here (I've just had a wander to be sure).
Haven't seen such magnificent, thick luxurious hair on a player in a long time. It's a massive yes from me.
He’s looked great (when coming on for 20 min cameos). I’d love to get him, but I can imagine United would be hesitant to send him here, given he has lots of competition, didn’t play Garner and might sack our manager next week and bring in a manager who doesn’t play wingers.