Man Utd Thread:

[DuffleKing]

Credit where it's due that was a tactical masterclass and a highly motivated and committed performance by the players. The game was the exact same as the Cup game in Stamford Bridge bar the referee. In that game the crowd possibly had an impact but he bought Hazard and Costa's histrionic ca but thankfully yesterday's ref was spot on and did a great job. How Conte didn't realise what was coming was a mystery. Perhaps he did and was unable to to adapt.

I find it hard at times to reconcile preparation and tactics like yesterday with the repeated mistakes and style of play in other games against lesser teams though.

Lesser teams sit deep and leave no space in behind - happy to grind out a draw if they can. The top teams - like Chelsea yesterday - come to play and are exposed to counter attacks. You can't se up like yesterday against teams looking for a draw or you will draw.

[johnneycool]

Looks like Fellaini is key to José's plans, cheap at twice the price...

[magpie seanie]

Credit where it's due that was a tactical masterclass and a highly motivated and committed performance by the players. The game was the exact same as the Cup game in Stamford Bridge bar the referee. In that game the crowd possibly had an impact but he bought Hazard and Costa's histrionic ca but thankfully yesterday's ref was spot on and did a great job. How Conte didn't realise what was coming was a mystery. Perhaps he did and was unable to to adapt.

I find it hard at times to reconcile preparation and tactics like yesterday with the repeated mistakes and style of play in other games against lesser teams though.

Lesser teams sit deep and leave no space in behind - happy to grind out a draw if they can. The top teams - like Chelsea yesterday - come to play and are exposed to counter attacks. You can't se up like yesterday against teams looking for a draw or you will draw.

Yes, I know that and of course different tactics to Sunday are needed but I'm sure these teams defend like that against Spurs and Chelsea yet they seem to have no difficulty scoring goals.

[Maroon Manc]

I'd be worried if we weren't creating chances against the so called lesser teams but we have, it was only really against Hull & West Brom where we didn't create too much. In the home draws against Stoke, West Ham, Burnley, Bournemouth & Everton we created more than enough chances to win a game. Mata & Mkhitaryan have  both contributed in front of goal this season but Lingard, Rashford & Martial have 9 league goals between them this season, this is where the problem lies. Martial is a worry, he's been very poor apart from a few games especially considering how good he looked last season.

[stew]

Credit where it's due that was a tactical masterclass and a highly motivated and committed performance by the players. The game was the exact same as the Cup game in Stamford Bridge bar the referee. In that game the crowd possibly had an impact but he bought Hazard and Costa's histrionic ca but thankfully yesterday's ref was spot on and did a great job. How Conte didn't realise what was coming was a mystery. Perhaps he did and was unable to to adapt.

I find it hard at times to reconcile preparation and tactics like yesterday with the repeated mistakes and style of play in other games against lesser teams though.

Lesser teams sit deep and leave no space in behind - happy to grind out a draw if they can. The top teams - like Chelsea yesterday - come to play and are exposed to counter attacks. You can't se up like yesterday against teams looking for a draw or you will draw.

Yes, I know that and of course different tactics to Sunday are needed but I'm sure these teams defend like that against Spurs and Chelsea yet they seem to have no difficulty scoring goals.

Good point Seanie, this manager and these players have not yet figured out how to break down defensive teams, that is criminal at this time of the year.

[GJL]

How have they not scored a second? That could be a season ender for Zlatan. 

[Helix]

Thanks be to jaysus from rashford. Hopefully we hold out or push for a third!

[Tony Baloney]

Lads must be out celebrating the big win.

[johnneycool]

Thanks be to jaysus from rashford. Hopefully we hold out or push for a third!

Fellaini sprung from the bench to get over the line

[stiffler]

I doubt it. Utd should swat aside a team as poor as that at home.

Manchester United have failed to beat worse sides than Anderlecht in Old Trafford this season and a 2-2 or 3-3 result next Thursday will put the Belgium side through.

A 1-1 draw and penalties also.

Wasn't far away with this prediction.

Anderlecht showed little and really should have been put to the sword a lot earlier.

[Captain Obvious]

How have they not scored a second? That could be a season ender for Zlatan. 

Only seen it now at his age it could be career ender.

[Milltown Row2]

How have they not scored a second? That could be a season ender for Zlatan. 

Only seen it now at his age it could be career ender.

I'd go with that!! He never stays down but you just knew that once he hit the ground that there was an over extension of the knee! Awful for him, he was trying so hard but was way off the pace in my view, not a good night with injuries and amount of effort needed to win...

An offside goal decision going against them to.. need a killer instinct in fairness

On that form Utd will struggle with the other teams, impressed with Anderlecht, couple decent players

[Cunny Funt]

I doubt it. Utd should swat aside a team as poor as that at home.

Manchester United have failed to beat worse sides than Anderlecht in Old Trafford this season and a 2-2 or 3-3 result next Thursday will put the Belgium side through.

A 1-1 draw and penalties also.

Wasn't far away with this prediction.

Anderlecht showed little and really should have been put to the sword a lot earlier.

I thought Anderlecht showed more tonight than they showed in the 1st leg when their only chance was that late goal in Belgium. Tonight they could have scored more than the one goal.

Hard earned win for United but has come at big cost with probably losing their top scorer and arguably best defender this season to injury. Celta Vigo,Lyon and Ajax a difficult semi final awaits whoever it is.

[magpie seanie]

Must say I didn't really enjoy that even though some of the performances of United players were excellent. Confidence is the key word. Look at Rashford now. Rabona, Cruyff turn, beating players almost at will and terrorising the Anderlecht defence. I'm beginning to wonder, despite his massive contribution all season, if Ibrahimovic has been over used particularly at home. He's quite predictable and slow in general play.....the attack looks more vibrant and dangerous with Rashford (in this form) through the middle. Small sample size granted and to be fair ridiculous amount of chances missed again last night. Thankfully Anderlecht didn't capitalise on this and missed a few of their own. United's defence is really wobbly with Blind at centre back and the clown Pogba on the field constantly losing the ball. He seems to play the game as if it doesn't really matter or else, really infuriating player to watch.

Like the FA Cup last year United just seems to be doing enough to get through. Draw upcoming will ensure a tricky but winnable semi final. Don't want to express a pref for fear of hexing it!

[Milltown Row2]

Celta away, away first has helped them recently, still a tough draw but mucg better playing at home  in the second leg, as proved last night