Alert: Premier League: Manchester United v Newcastle - Dec 26 [R]

Agree with Karloski's opinion. 99% of the reason I'm feeling slightly good against Madrid is their own form, not anything of our doing.

 

Someone mentioned earlier that he wanted Buttner to come in for Giggs in this match. I think this idea has enough merit to at least try it while Young's out. He could definitely get back to help Evra. And, I think Evra needs a rest; he has played almost every game.

On a side note, it is now very easy to tell the da Silva twins apart.

 

Was always easy enough for me.

 

It'll be like having Valencia on the left except he'd actually go past people occasionally. Of course, the crossing will suck as well.

 

Going past people occasionally is an improvement, no? I recall several good crosses in the few times he's played on the left for the 1st team. I think it's worth a try; if he trains on it, who knows what might come of it?

 

I hadn't thought of it, but that seems like an idea at least.

 

The defence has been woeful throughout the season. The defence can't be expected the strikers to bail them out every time.

 

They have so far and unless a change comes, they will continue to do so.

The good thing is that Evans and Smalling have shown a lot of growth and maturity this season.

 

Smalling has been making mistakes since his return.

 

Yes, but they are mistakes that I think are appropriate with his age and time in the EPL. I still think he's been doing some small but perceptive things better than he has before.

 

He was much better at cb than at rb though.

 

true dat. i noticed some mistakes more when he is at rb.

 

hopefully the striker can keep scoring till the defence get their act up.

 

You're dead to me.

 

Of course, he hasn't played much there of late.

 

smalling never was and has never been a rb. not only that, his football education has been a fraction of what 99% of players in our current squad have received. his mistakes are expected.