Man Utd Thread:

[magpie seanie]

That was better last night. They got to the Europa League quarters last season so they can't be all that bad but they did look a little more open than a Premier League team would. Great performance by Memphis and I especially liked the context - it really mattered last night when he stepped up and he kept it going right to the end. Once United got 2-1 ahead Rooney livened up a little (still bad though overall) which is worrying - he should be leading the team, not a new player who is just 21 in his 3rd game.

The new players are all showing encouraging signs. Carrick has gone from being close to United's best player to having his place in the first XI under serious threat. Thought Schweinsteiger just oozed class in the second half and offers that bit more. Schneiderlin brilliant too and Darmian looks like a more physically imposing version of Gary Neville. Memphis on last night's showing looks like he could be a major star. Romero looks a more than useful goalkeeper, really good feet - despite one hairy moment last night.

I hope critics of United's defense saw Smalling's performance last night. He was majestic and has really developed into a top centre half. Great to see Chicarito back also, his first touch looks miles better than previously - hopefully that continues. His introduction was important as he stretched things even more with his runs in behind, something Rooney can't/won't do.

Bigger challenges lie ahead but that two goal lead should be enough to see United through to the group stages.

[NAG1]

That was better last night. They got to the Europa League quarters last season so they can't be all that bad but they did look a little more open than a Premier League team would. Great performance by Memphis and I especially liked the context - it really mattered last night when he stepped up and he kept it going right to the end. Once United got 2-1 ahead Rooney livened up a little (still bad though overall) which is worrying - he should be leading the team, not a new player who is just 21 in his 3rd game.

The new players are all showing encouraging signs. Carrick has gone from being close to United's best player to having his place in the first XI under serious threat. Thought Schweinsteiger just oozed class in the second half and offers that bit more. Schneiderlin brilliant too and Darmian looks like a more physically imposing version of Gary Neville. Memphis on last night's showing looks like he could be a major star. Romero looks a more than useful goalkeeper, really good feet - despite one hairy moment last night.

I hope critics of United's defense saw Smalling's performance last night. He was majestic and has really developed into a top centre half. Great to see Chicarito back also, his first touch looks miles better than previously - hopefully that continues. His introduction was important as he stretched things even more with his runs in behind, something Rooney can't/won't do.

Bigger challenges lie ahead but that two goal lead should be enough to see United through to the group stages.

I think the CM area is now going to be a serious area of competition within the squad, Carrick as far as I can remember always plays better as the season goes along, the only problem with the system at the moment is the fact they cant get Herrera on the pitch I think he was one of the bright spots last season. Probably will get more game time as the season progresses but he seems to be being squeezed at the moment.

[ballinaman]

Shaw played well. Serious turn of pace down the right that led to the Memphis sitter, after initially making a mistake it must be said. No complaints around his fitness anyway.
Darmian looks a tidy player too.
Hernandez showed well when he came on, hope he stays, better option than Wilson off the bench at this stage.

[general_lee]

Solid performance last night. 2 goal cushion is crucial - despite the patronising shite from the commentators Brugge are a very handy side, virtually unbeatable at home last season. Going to Belgium 2-1 I imagine would have been very tricky. My first time seeing the new signings and I'm impressed. Memphis certainly announced himself in style, Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin look to fit in well, Darmain showed great aggression. The goalie wasn't really tested so hard to form an opinion, dicked about at one stage but shouldn't really have received the back pass. Was also good to see Shaw and Blind put in solid shifts. Rooney getting a lot of jip, I wouldn't worry, the guys a class act. I have no doubt he'll produce soon enough. 

[AZOffaly]

United looked decent last night from the bits I saw. Depay looked very good. That said Brugge looked like they could cause problems in Belgium and I'd say they were content at 2-1. You could see the ref about to blow up and he just said Ara I'll let this cross go in That goal might kill the tie because I couldn't see them beating United 2-0.  Having said that, United wouldn't want to drop the performance level. At home, if Brugge got an early goal again, you wouldn't know what would happen.

Is Rooney's hair affecting him?

[magpie seanie]

I just think he's playing at the top level for 12/13 seasons at this stage at a pretty high intensity (not the lightest on his feet either) and he's in decline. I think he suspects it himself and his confidence seems to be very low. You'd imagine with sports science and the monitoring of players performance levels that any drop off would be spotted but certainly to the eye, all is not right and hasn't been for quite some time.

[AZOffaly]

In fairness his little flick to set up DePay for what should have been a hat-trick was very good, and he made some good  centre-forward type runs across the centre halves to the near post and wasn't picked out.

With Rooney you always suspect he's about to launch on a streak. He's always been like that really, if I remember correctly. 10 game scoring 7 or 8 goals, followed by 4 or 5 blanks, followed by another streak. It just seems the blanks are getting longer and the streaks are getting shorter.

[Minder]

Pedro going to Chelsea by the looks of it

[magpie seanie]

Pedeo going to Chelsea by the looks of it

Disappointing as he's a good player though hard to see exactly how he'll fit into Mourinho's team. I would imagine he'd get more game time at United. Thought with FFP that Chelsea and City wouldn't be splashing the cash as much as they are - they'll probably buy their way out of it again.

[NAG1]

Pedeo going to Chelsea by the looks of it

Disappointing as he's a good player though hard to see exactly how he'll fit into Mourinho's team. I would imagine he'd get more game time at United. Thought with FFP that Chelsea and City wouldn't be splashing the cash as much as they are - they'll probably buy their way out of it again.

Pedro going to Chelsea by the looks of it

Yeah would be disappointing to lose him but equally dont see how he fits into the United team either. He doesnt strike me as an out and out centre forward and there are already about five number 10's in the squad. I would have thought a Diego Costa type would have been a better foil for Rooney. But sure what would we know 

[screenexile]

Pedro going to Chelsea by the looks of it

More evidence of United fall from grace on the European stage. . .

[nrico2006]

United ended their interest in Pedro, seems like a bit of panic buying from Chelsea though.  Reminds me of the Willian transfer and that didn't work out too well really either. 

[laoislad]

United ended their interest in Pedro, seems like a bit of panic buying from Chelsea though.  Reminds me of the Willian transfer and that didn't work out too well really either. 

Oh FFS 
All summer it's been Pedro this,Pedro that. What a great buy he'd be etc etc..
Now that it looks like he may go to Chelsea it's suddenly ah sure we didn't want him anyway and sure he wouldn't have fit into the team.
You boys are hilarious.

[magpie seanie]

Pedro going to Chelsea by the looks of it

More evidence of United fall from grace on the European stage. . .

Is it? Did you need evidence? United have slipped from their position at the top of European soccer, we all know that. Bit of a bitter comment there!

[NAG1]

United ended their interest in Pedro, seems like a bit of panic buying from Chelsea though.  Reminds me of the Willian transfer and that didn't work out too well really either. 

Oh FFS 
All summer it's been Pedro this,Pedro that. What a great buy he'd be etc etc..
Now that it looks like he may go to Chelsea it's suddenly ah sure we didn't want him anyway and sure he wouldn't have fit into the team.
You boys are hilarious.

LL I dont think that any United fan was falling over themselves to sign a player who didnt even want to leave the club he is currently at. Yes he is a quality player and yes he would strengthen the squad but I for one dont see the need for that type of player when other areas need help more.

For clarification the statements coming from the club now are more than likely to help save face for Woodward on his latest perceived failure to land a big name player. But I dont see many fans crying into their beer over this one, least for one I wont be.