Manchester United 06/07 - Your belief?

[Dark Savante]

So after our latest 4goal bonanza I wanted to gauge the thoughts of the board on what you believe this season’s side if capable of.

Slowly but surely people are beginning to believe, the folly of fans, all of us. It’s part of the cycle, you can’t help but be drawn in, even if you’re a tentative chap or one who doesn’t count eggs that haven’t hatched.

The league is the competition I’m totally focused on this season. The cups really are an irrelevance for me. If we win one, great, if we don’t, meh. As long as we can get our mitts on that League trophy, the season has been exceptional. AFAIC

I wonder what your thoughts are on the whole shebang. On us, on how we’re playing, on how we’re defending, on how you think we’ll do at Anfield and ‘The Bridge’ :rolleyes:

Thoughts.

For me, I feel there is a false sense of competence/security in a lot of fans. Not that anyone thinks we are great or anything, but that a lot of people think we’re playing great or well enough in our main system to take it to the true giants of the game. I think ‘great’ is a moniker that pertains to dismantling Bolton at their own place with 25 sumptuous minutes of football that I can comfortably say are the best I’ve seen from Manchester United since 1999 – that’s the kind of football I feel is as close to perfection as this team can get; True champagne football.

I think we’re in for a big wake-up call in Europe if we don’t fix the numerous errors I see us make from game to game, which I don’t mention as to not make doom clouds on joyous days.

I also think this team will go up a game before the league campaign ends. I see it in glimpses from game to game and I think it’s like a caged animal, and some teams are going to get it and be on the end of a 5 or 6 goal pasting. This team, as a team has a lot more to offer and when they all click again, like they did at Bolton…watch out!

I am extremely worried about the Larsson gig. If he’s gone in March after becoming so integrated in the team I am very concerned about us struggling to readjust.

Michael Carrick is now a player in his own right. Scholes hasn’t ‘held his hand’ in some time now and Carrick is getting better and better with each passing game. It’s clear he now feels he belongs and is no longer overwhelmed by his team-mates and the speed and movement ahead of him. He is so important to our European aspirations.

I don’t rate Kuzcscak, from what little I’ve seen of him, I’d much rather Ben Foster, who I think will be our #1 within 2yrs.

Rio has had his bar raised by Nemanja. Rio is still comfortably the best CB we have, but he now has a partner who can be more standout and outshine him if he has a below average game. Rio always aims to outdo his CB partner and it has really made him competitive this season. He goes ballistic when we make mistakes and he is really keeping that backline on its toes as unit. He and Vidic are our first proper pairing since Stam and Johnsen. Perfectly complimentary and both take immense pride in not making personal errors. It makes all the difference back there.

HAving a permanent threat on offensive set pieces makes a huge difference. Nemanja is as good as Terry at heading the ball and with time, and as the season has gone on, opposing managers have learnt to fear him and it is making a world of difference in how teams panic when conceding a FK in and around the box. This could also be vital in Europe, where Vidic may well get even more purchase on CB's who really aren't that good in the air for the most part. We also don't flap on defensive corners anymore. This had been a major problem for us since Stam left and it's a vulnerability we no longer have - if Vidic plays. It's certainly contributed to our defensive record this term.

Dream

We score 100goals this season!!! In 38games >_<

We win the league and a cup.



And youse?

[Vermont Red]

I never let myself get taken in, mostly because I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop. During the first half of the Tottenham match, I worried that we were going to spend the whole match playing down to our competition.

I'm still not completely convinced. When I see how each game we give up good chances to the other team, it bothers me. Maybe I expect too much.

My dream is the Prem. To finish ahead of Chelsea would be a huge achievement. To do while playing attractive attacking football is even better.

I couldn't be happier with Carrick, Vidic and Evra. Carrick was the one player I really wanted this summer and he hasn't disappointed. I have had all memories of Smith in midfield permanently erased from my memory.

A lot has been said about Vidic. The one thing I wonder is if Fergie knew what he was getting with Vidic on the offensive end. Even Vidic's shot from outside the box against Tottenham showed good technique.

Evra has done something that many of us would have thought was unthinkable; made Heinze an afterthought. I think we still have a need for Heinze but I really like Evra. Evra has adapted to that he is no longer susceptible to high balls.

Without jinxing the team, I think we will have enough to see Chelsea off, especially when they still have problems. I don't expect us to win at Stamford Bridge, but, then again, I expect that we will have clinched the league against City in the previous match. (The Chelsea match being rescheduled due to FA Cup commitments.) I expect us to at least draw with Liverpool, if only because they won't score more than one.

I don't have a lot of confidence about the Champions League, but I do think we'll see off Lille and continue the Redemption Tour at least one more round. I also think we'll see at least one more round of the FA Cup.

I've been very pleased with the season, more pleased than I've been with the team in some time. I feel like we're close. If we can keep the core together and bring in a couple more pieces, we have a chance. But for this season, my dream is the Prem. It'd be the greatest achievement in my short time as a United fan. I wonder where it'd rank for some longer-term fans.

[Stud83]

if we don’t fix the numerous errors I see us make from game to game, which I don’t mention as to not make doom clouds on joyous days.

Now might be a good time to list them (with fixes), as long as you brought it up.

My position about formation is known - I am yet to see a reason this season not to use the same strategy against European "giants". And seen plenty of reasons against it. I can't say I am very surprised by our performance this season - I actually predicted and expected us to get the Premiership trophy or at the very least battle it out to the very end.
If we got Hargreaves, I would've also considered us to be the main favorites for CL title, right now imo we are in the mix.
I dream about the second Treble :)

[Charleysurf]

All I want this season is for United to win the league. That would be exceptional given all the doom and gloom from the media (and many fans) about Uniteds chances during the Summer.

Every win takes United a little closer, but there's an awful lot of football to be played. It is crucial that Larsson stays. Helsingborgs must be paid whatever it takes to keep him until May. If United win their upcoming games against Charlton and Fulham (a tricky one) and get a result at Anfield then I will really start feeling confident. One bad day at the office in one of those games will let Chelsea sniff blood though, and the race will be on.

I don't think United are geared up to win the CL. The Arsenal game showed a lack of mobility in midfield when the team is under pressure.

[Charleysurf]

Without jinxing the team, I think we will have enough to see Chelsea off, especially when they still have problems. I don't expect us to win at Stamford Bridge, but, then again, I expect that we will have clinched the league against City in the previous match. (The Chelsea match being rescheduled due to FA Cup commitments.) I expect us to at least draw with Liverpool, if only because they won't score more than one.

The rescheduling of the Chelsea game is not official. I don't see how they can rechedule that game as it looks like it would be a big advantage to United to have it postponed until it may not matter.

[yikchi]

Very happy with how we are playing this year. Exciting attacking football and winning a lot. Seeing the resurgence of Giggs and Scholes makes me smiles :)

Winning the League will be a great achievement. With the right draw, I think we can win FA cup also but it's not important, regaining the league should be our priority.

I truly wish Larsson would stay for the rest of the campaign. Him leaving right now would be a disruption to our team.

Defense has been great with Rio/Vidic. Vidic on set pieces is something to watch. I feel there is a 50/50 he will score when there's a corner or freekick.

I am quite confident that we can the league this year. The only thing I am scare of are injuries losing. I can't imagine what would happen if Scholes goes down. We have been quite lucky with injuries so far this season, and I can only pray it stays that way.

[sdotsom]

My dream is the Prem. There is no doubt in my mind that it is the most important competition we are in. As a fan from 1996 on, the Prem has been my trophy of choice, and I suspect it has for others too. There is something to be said about showing longevity over the 7-8 months and still coming out on top. I.e., an undeserving team rarely ever wins the league. They can win the Champions League and FA Cup (See the scouse, 05, 06), but class is shown with a league victory.

I see us winning the league if we hold on to Larsson, if we let him go it's going to become tight. I also think we're going to win the FA Cup. Don't think we'll have the CL though.

[Charleysurf]

I dream about the second Tre***:)
:eek: Edit your post!!!!
The T word should be banned on this forum!!!

[Vermont Red]

The rescheduling of the Chelsea game is not official. I don't see how they can rechedule that game as it looks like it would be a big advantage to United to have it postponed until it may not matter.

If United or Chelsea or both are playing in the FA Cup that weekend then it has to be postponed. Not really sure what else could be done about it.

[Sapphire]

I'm with Vermont and sdotsom, it's the Prem for me this year. It seems like we have more high-caliber teams fighting for the prem title this year than in recent seasons, and ending up at the top of the heap would really be an accomplishment. Especially considering our problems last season with consistency. Everyone knows United can show up and beat the best English teams (ie, winning cups), but keeping our winning ways throughout the season has been so difficult in recent years. It is so refreshing to see us finishing off the big fish, the small fish, and everything in between in the League. The other competitions are just icing on the cake, afaic.

[Charleysurf]

If United or Chelsea or both are playing in the FA Cup that weekend then it has to be postponed. Not really sure what else could be done about it.
I guess you're right. All the more reason to get to the FA Cup semi-finals. It is probably an advantage to United to play Chelsea later (although there is always the chance we have more injuries if we play them later and the league is still in play).

[appoo]

it may not be the best Utd team, but it's certainly the most entertaining I can remember.

My belief is that this team wins the Prem by 3 or 1 points, or Goal Differential. There simply isn't enough depth behind Vidic and Rio, and the side is too dependant on 4 somewhat aging players in Gaz, Giggs, Scholes, and now Larson. There are going to mis-steps and Chelsea are going to round into form now that they are healthier (sort of), and with matches at Chelsea and at Liverpool....well, it won't be easy.

I suspect the side won't win the FA Cup and probably around the semis in Champion's League

[433tom]

Shot high and if you fall a bit short... you still have done well.

So I'm going for the Treble. We might be a little weak in the middle when compared to the best in Europe, but I would put our back line and our attack up against anyone in Europe. So why not?

[holytoledo]

I think we have the squad to win the league and the FA Cup as well, although at this stage I think that Europe is a bridge too far.

As far our domestic performances this season, the sqaud has a zip in it that I haven't seen for quite a while. Although there have been the hiccups (West Ham :rolleyes: ) the most of our domestic meetings with our first XI (and fletcher :D ) have produced displays that have been exciting to watch and could make one believe that we have the ability to score at will.

However, I can't see us getting away with more than a point from the Bridge unless its nil nil and we get one late, late, late on. Anfield is a match that I really rate us walking away with three (again). Despite their recent run they have shit the bed against proper teams, and we are getting into a nice groove to lead us into the last 2-3 months of the season.

The only weakness that this team has is a lack of depth in the central midfield. It is quite obvious when we are playing the "big" teams (Chelski, Arse) that we get caught out a bit, especially when we go up a goal. The gap between defense and midfield is quite obvious in those matches as well as our Euro games. We seem to switch off, and it has cost us both times in the League. I think that Gary as a captain needs to shoulder some of thise blame as well, as I think part of this problem is mental as much as it is tactical, and he should be the one on the pitch guarding against complacency. Unfortunately his position is part of the problem as the traditional (in my eyes) captain roams centrally. The bright side to this midfield dilemna is that we are one signing away from being a world class side, as far as I can see.

Following the Ruud sale some argued that we didn't have an adaquate "poacher" to put in the half chances. Ole has proved that he is not finished and the addition of Larsson has provided us with two top class finishers up front. (Not to mention all the other things Larsson brings to the squad). I cannot see us letting Larsson go in March. Helsingborg from what I have read are willing to let Henrik stay on till the end of the campaign, and I'm sure that we are more than capable of reaching fair compensation for them. It wouldn't be expensive I imagine to secure him for the end of the season, and it should be a priority.

The Defense? Vidic. Don't ask questions. With him Rio is allowed his brain farts. Evra can roam forward. Children can walk the streets at night without fear.

Van der Sar is quite possibly my 2nd favorite goalie of all time. One guess as to who is first. Hint: It's not Tim Howard. Hint 2: O'Shea is my #3 all time.

I remember NM telling me that he had a "feeling" about this season that he hadn't had in awhile. (or something along those lines, I'm sure one of us had been drinking :D ) I agree. I see something special in this squad. The aren't just a buch of parts, they really seem to be working as a unit and for each other. We have an exciting team with depth (except CM) and we have the best manager in the world. Great times to be a United fan.
Just don't think about Glazer and the debt. Like I said, we are just one signing away from being top class in Europe as well as the League.

And yes, I've got my rose-tinted specs on. Sue me.

[prymetyme]

it may not be the best Utd team, but it's certainly the most entertaining I can remember.

My belief is that this team wins the Prem by 3 or 1 points, or Goal Differential. There simply isn't enough depth behind Vidic and Rio, and the side is too dependant on 4 somewhat aging players in Gaz, Giggs, Scholes, and now Larson. There are going to mis-steps and Chelsea are going to round into form now that they are healthier (sort of), and with matches at Chelsea and at Liverpool....well, it won't be easy.

I suspect the side won't win the FA Cup and probably around the semis in Champion's League

its bad to rely on proven experience? it hasnt gotten us very far before...

[appoo]

its bad to rely on proven experience? it hasnt gotten us very far before...

no it's not, but older players tend to get injured and worn out as the season wears on

[Father Ted]

I had a feeling at the start of the season that we would do well:

Let make our predictions here....

United to win the EPL, knocked out in the quarters of the FA Cup and League Cup. Reach the semis of the CL. I know a lot of you will be laughing at my EPL prediction but I feel getting the likes of Scholes, Ole and Heinze back from long term injury is like getting 3 new players. Our defence is looking good and while we still have some open questions midfield and at striker, I feel we have a good mixture of youth and veterns to get the job done.

EPL Predictions:

1. Man Utd
2. Liverpool
3. Chelsea
4. Spurs
-----------
For the drop:

Boro
Charlton
Sheffield United

(Season Prediction thread: http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=396895 )

I'm still sticking with my prediction about us winning the league.

[benni...]

My thoughts on the season.

We have overachieved. We've had great luck with injuries, and we've been playing the best football in England and at times the best in Europe. As much as I want to win the league this season, I think winning it will be an overachievement. I say that because we are all agreeing, we are just 1-3 pieces away from another great side. We still havnt gotten those three pieces, but we are doing very well in the league.

This experience will make our players even better when they go into next season.

As far as players go, Giggs and Scholes have served my some humble pie.... and man does it taste GREAT!!!!!!! I am very very very happy to have been wrong about these two, and Ole who has contributed a good amount of goals for someone thats been through what he's been through with injuries, and plays a part time role. These three players stepped up. The way I saw it with Giggs and Scholes.... they werent in good form in prior seasons taht saw Scholes playing on the left, and giggs playing in a free role. Both werent playing up to their ability. For Scholes, his injury was a blessing in disguise... in two ways, it gave Oshea, Fletcher and to a smaller extent Alan Smith good experience in midfield. He also came back invincilbe.

Similar with Giggsy really.

Europe? As much as I debate about the formation and lack of quality Mr. Pink, I still think we can win it. Dont under estimate the luck of the draw. The tougher teams could knock each other out.

We will win the FA Cup.

[johno]

Its hard to describe just how I feel about United this season.

For starters, I'll say that I'm hopeful of a league title. Its far from a certainty, but even if we don't win it, I can say that I've been happy about this season for several reasons.

We've played by far and away, the best football in the league. We have a tough to score on defence and an attack that threatens to score multiple goals in most matches.

My dream is for us to win the League and the CL title. I know I know, crazy right? Well, I think if we keep it together and win all the games we're supposed to win, we'll take the league title. If we play well against Liverpool I can see us winning and beating Chelsea's current incarnation in the league won't be out of the question, but like some say, it could well be rescheduled to a later date when it could become irrellivant.

In the CL, we don't have the strongest midfield, but we may have something we lacked in the past 2 seasons. Mulitple weapons in Europe. Ronaldo as always will step up and deliver, but Rooney's rounding into some form and I truly believe he'll be a factor in Europe this season in the late stages. If we can concede just once or twice, its possible, nay probable that we can outscore our opponents. I'm booking Vidic for 10 goals this season, he's got 6 more to go :D

Ok, that's the optimist in me to be honest, but Porto faced Monaco in the CL final not too long ago, if Barca get knocked out before they reach full strength I don't see why we couldn't have a cinderella story run in the cup. Really, Valencia and Roma worry me outside of Barca and I don't think a CL Quarters place is out of the question, after that its just about the luck of the draw and playing our best football in Europe.

[Motterman]

If you can't enjoy the way we are playing, not to mention the place we are in the league, CL and FA Cup, then you'll never enjoy football fully.

Of course, you can't count on anything... but if you don't stop to appreciate these points in time, you'll be sitting there in June depressed that you didn't fully allow yourself to enjoy the journey....