PBP: EPL - Manchester United FC vs West Ham United FC - Apr 13, 2019 [R]

No excuses allowed, regardless of injuries, suspensions or otherwise. It's 3pts or bust here.

 

If we drop any point here, top 4 is gone. Time to show up.

 

More importantly, if Pogba doesn't show up, I will be resigned to him fvcking off.

 

Same. I've defended him and I still think he has the highest ceiling of any player not naming Messi, Ronaldo, or Neymar. But I'm tired of his mood swings.

 

I'd like to see us build something, and I think these last games determine whether or not it should be around him or not. If not, send him to Madrid and invest the 400MM we have this summer in talent.

 

To be honest, my biggest worry is that we pull a Ronaldo with Pogba. And by that I mean sell him for a huge sum and the Glazers take the profit and give us a fraction of it for his replacement.

 

I don't trust anything going on in the ivory tower, currently. This whole thing is a continual shit show.

 

Just seems like the heart of this team died in Paris after our lucky ass win. Haven't seen any killer instincts since. Tomorrow is our last final chance to piss away top 4 if all parties involved are not ready to lay it on the line.

 

Injuries have certainly played a part in our fortunes recently. And Ole's management of some of our players definitely has been an issue since he took over. I really hope for instance that Rashford does not start (or even plays, period tbh): he's been carrying an injury since the Pool game and it's clearly affected his game and performance levels recently. He needs to be shut down or played less at the very least, so he can get himself back fully fit and sharp.
And that goes for anyone else for that matter: as much as we need bodies now, healthy ones are the priority and what matters most right now. This is not the time where we can carry half fit guys, whose productivity is nowhere near what it is supposed to be. As such, the team I would go with for tomorrow would be something like this:
Dave
Dalot Smalling Lindelöf Darmian
McTominay Fred Pogba
Lingard Lukaku Martial
Darmian is a push, considering he's just coming back from injury, but I'd still prefer him to Rojo at LB. Always thought that he can be serviceable at CB at times, but he's always been a disaster at FB. Therefore a rusty Darmian would probably still be a better solution over Rojo, as far as I'm concerned.
This is a game where I'd have some of the kids on bench also, someone like Chong and Greewood both, ready to come on if necessary. Sometimes, you have to take risks and throw the dice. Greenwood especially against WH could make something happen in a sub role I feel.
As previously stated though, there are no excuses allowed and should be fail to get all 3pts, our top 4 hopes will be toast in all likelihood. Everyone needs to step it, but Pogba and Lukaku in particular need to show up big time. So let's get it done for the win, no matter what...

 

Provisional squad:
David de Gea, Sergio Romero, Lee Grant, Diogo Dalot, Chris Smalling, Matteo Darmian, Victor Lindelof, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Scott McTominay, Fred, Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, AP, Angel Gomes, Jesse Lingard, Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood.
Darmian is back finally. Great to see Greenwood and Gomes included. Guessing that Grant and Gomes will be the 2 missing the cut for the matchday squad, meaning Greenwood should make the bench, fingers crossed.

 

One hour until kickoff and everybody is jacked!!!

 

Interesting that McTominay is the one being 'rested' in midfield by Ole ahead of the Camp Nou Tuesday. This lineup is pretty much whatever, just need to get it done and win the 3pts.

 

Really not sure what to make of this lineup. Interesting is putting it mildly. Can't even wrap my mind around how they will line up and play. Marshall needs to come good today and Pogba as well

 

You can find today's #MUFC skipper between the sticks | 👐 |

➖ Marcos Rojo makes his third #PL start of the season
➖ @JuanMata8 comes into the midfield
➖ There's a place on the bench for Mason Greenwood pic.twitter.com/53mOsfpNiZ

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 13, 2019

 

Is this the Fred at 6 experiment?

 

What do people think we are seeing formation wise?

To me, Rojo's assignment will be more conservative, with Dalot free to get forward on the right.

Pogba sits deeper with Fred. Lingard and Mata will be in front of them, like a box, alternate pivoting to width while in possession, and central in defensive shape.

Lukaku and Martial in a two up front.

 

Lukaku needs to show up big today: this is the type of game and opponents he relishes and usually does well against.
Very much looks like a 4-4-2 to me, with Lukaku and Martial upfront. Fred the deepest of the 4 mids, Mata at the tip of the diamond supporting the 2 front men, with Lingard and Pogba on each side.

 

Very fluid system attacking wise. Reminds me of the old days. I am not sure about the two man midfield though.

 

West Ham's XI: Fabianski, Zabaleta, Balbuena, Ogbonna, Masuaku, Rice, Noble, Snodgrass, Lanzini, Felipe Anderson, Chicharito.

 

Unless Ole is making good on his comments to play Pogba deeper, than yes, it has to be.

 

Just win United. Just win.

 

Pretty much this. If we can't beat West Ham with or without Fred and Marcos, we have no right to even think about a top four spot.