Messages

I don't think the performance last night was as bad as its being made out.  The 1st half united were fairly poor, but still went in 2-1 up with 2 good finishes from Smalling.

Second half the game opened up a bit more, Di Maria and Januzaj played much wider than the 1st and on the counter attack united were dangerous & should have had at least 2 more goals.

I thought Falcao was doing more than RVP, but i suppose Van Gaal will always give his dutch counterpart the benefit of the doubt when making subs.

Herrera and McNair impressive again, Rojo looked more solid than usual, Evans lacks serious pace and although he was showing good signs in fergies latter years I think he may not be up to it.

[I know Southampton have probably made more changes, but I'd say they are an anomaly.]

One thing Moyes murdered himself with was his frequent comments like 'Ah sure Liverpool are favourites', 'We need to aspire to be like Man City' etc etc. Regardless, United fans don't want to hear that shit, no more than we wanted to hear it when Roy Hodgson was making similar statements at Anfield.

The reality of the situation at United, and at Liverpool, is that they've made a raft of changes, and whether we like it or not it takes a while for new players to bed in. I know Southampton have probably made more changes, but I'd say they are an anomaly.

United and Liverpool will both be playing better and getting better results, the question is really whether it will be in time to save their respective seasons. The difficulties other teams are having gives me hope for Liverpool. Obviously I hope United don't click until about May.

The Southampton comparison is one that bears exploring. Koeman brought in two fabulous players in Tadic and Pelle (and another very good replacement in Bertrand) that have hit the ground running and more than made up for the losses of Shaw, Lallana and Lambert (hey have certainly outperformed the 3 that left this season so far). He also had the likes of Clyne, Fonte, Schneiderlein, Wanyama - really good solid players - left at the club. Key thing though is what injuries have they had? I haven't monitored it closely but I'd guess not too many.

United have improved but are having a terrible run of luck with injuries, especially to defenders. That surely can't continue. The game yesterday turned on Smalling's sending off. I thought United were doing fine until then. Rojo's dislocated shoulder was the tin hat on it but even at that United could easily have taken a point. City were hanging on at the end. Last season United were eaten alive by City in both games. The progress is clearly there. Top 4 is the aim for this season. I think United cannot compete with Chelsea and City this season but despite a really bad run of injuries and suspensions and a lot of change, are well in touching distance of the other contenders for the top 4. I'm happy that the points will come.

It's absolutely hilarious seeing the Liverpool supporters on this thread complaining how United are so obsessed with comparing themselves to Liverpool. Ever hear of irony. No, it's not like silvery and bronzery!

As I said before this season - the only people saying LVG should be under pressure for his job are those who are big time worried that he is getting it right or simply do not have a clue.

One other thing - BCB - Moyes got huge support from United's supporters until about the end of January last season. The say the wolves were circling this time last season is simply wrong.

I don't think anyone is seriously saying his job is under pressure but if they fail to finish top 4 this season then he will most definitely be under pressure and more than likely gone. We can only judge him at this momnet on what he has done to date and it has been mediocre at best. They have one chance left of winning a trophy this season in early November and whilst top 4 is a consolation its not what Man United should be aiming for, in fact it is the bare minimum that should be expected. I think most Man Utd fans would take top 4 now but its in the hope that it will prepare them for a title assault next season. Van Gaal has benefited from a lowering of expectations after the Moyes era but now he has to start producing results starting this week. My own opinion after 10 gamesi s that they will fight it out for third spot with Arsenal.

Has the FA Cup been called off this year? That and the premier league would make it 2 trophies as neither of those have been completed yet!

Seriously, just give it up!

Your statement was incorrect so I suggest you do!

[I know Southampton have probably made more changes, but I'd say they are an anomaly.]

One thing Moyes murdered himself with was his frequent comments like 'Ah sure Liverpool are favourites', 'We need to aspire to be like Man City' etc etc. Regardless, United fans don't want to hear that shit, no more than we wanted to hear it when Roy Hodgson was making similar statements at Anfield.

The reality of the situation at United, and at Liverpool, is that they've made a raft of changes, and whether we like it or not it takes a while for new players to bed in. I know Southampton have probably made more changes, but I'd say they are an anomaly.

United and Liverpool will both be playing better and getting better results, the question is really whether it will be in time to save their respective seasons. The difficulties other teams are having gives me hope for Liverpool. Obviously I hope United don't click until about May.

The Southampton comparison is one that bears exploring. Koeman brought in two fabulous players in Tadic and Pelle (and another very good replacement in Bertrand) that have hit the ground running and more than made up for the losses of Shaw, Lallana and Lambert (hey have certainly outperformed the 3 that left this season so far). He also had the likes of Clyne, Fonte, Schneiderlein, Wanyama - really good solid players - left at the club. Key thing though is what injuries have they had? I haven't monitored it closely but I'd guess not too many.

United have improved but are having a terrible run of luck with injuries, especially to defenders. That surely can't continue. The game yesterday turned on Smalling's sending off. I thought United were doing fine until then. Rojo's dislocated shoulder was the tin hat on it but even at that United could easily have taken a point. City were hanging on at the end. Last season United were eaten alive by City in both games. The progress is clearly there. Top 4 is the aim for this season. I think United cannot compete with Chelsea and City this season but despite a really bad run of injuries and suspensions and a lot of change, are well in touching distance of the other contenders for the top 4. I'm happy that the points will come.

It's absolutely hilarious seeing the Liverpool supporters on this thread complaining how United are so obsessed with comparing themselves to Liverpool. Ever hear of irony. No, it's not like silvery and bronzery!

As I said before this season - the only people saying LVG should be under pressure for his job are those who are big time worried that he is getting it right or simply do not have a clue.

One other thing - BCB - Moyes got huge support from United's supporters until about the end of January last season. The say the wolves were circling this time last season is simply wrong.

I don't think anyone is seriously saying his job is under pressure but if they fail to finish top 4 this season then he will most definitely be under pressure and more than likely gone. We can only judge him at this momnet on what he has done to date and it has been mediocre at best. They have one chance left of winning a trophy this season in early November and whilst top 4 is a consolation its not what Man United should be aiming for, in fact it is the bare minimum that should be expected. I think most Man Utd fans would take top 4 now but its in the hope that it will prepare them for a title assault next season. Van Gaal has benefited from a lowering of expectations after the Moyes era but now he has to start producing results starting this week. My own opinion after 10 gamesi s that they will fight it out for third spot with Arsenal.

Has the FA Cup been called off this year? That and the premier league would make it 2 trophies as neither of those have been completed yet!