I would've started Casemiro and Fred. Both offer more in some key areas and there's already a link between the two. Seeing we were away and who it was is my reason for such a midfield setup.
I don’t agree with the McT including, but I understand it. Personally, I don’t think Mct belongs on a top half PL team. But there’s no denying he’s improved under ETH while Case has struggled a little. I think the upside of Case is so much higher that ETH needs to force him into the team and give him some time to play into form. Thinking more about this game, it’s not as bad as some of our batterings last season. Less of the goals today were glaring solo mistakes and more so just City buzzing and licking us apart because they’re better. Last season in our beatings I would get pissed at our players because there were obvious mistakes made. Yesterday I was more just saying, damn they’re just way better.
IMO the mistakes weren't different, we just looked less goofy. Varane, Martinez, Dalot, Malacia, Ericksen, and McTominay gave away too much space. De Gea was too rooted to his goal and didn't communicate it seemed. The wide forwards didn't track back enough in support. No one took charge or raised spirits. We were afraid of Haaland. We treated Foden and de Bruyne with kid gloves. IMO we should have dropped Bruno and Ericksen, play a midfield three of Fred, Casemiro and McTominay. Look to shield the defense and starve Haaland of the ball, force him to drop back. Suck the life and energy out the game and then come more to life in the second half, with Ericksen for McTominay or Fred at the half. Once again Martial should have started with Cristiano from the bench. I think that would have been the smarter approach, but City are very good and always were the odds on to win this one.
the mistakes really weren't. no way anyone should be content with that kind of defending because that won't cut it regardless of what our amibtions are. it was atrocious. all six goals players were unmarked or goal side. even with numerical advantages for some of them. i genuinely don't get this. the only spectacular goal came from Antony. it was the same Brentford and Brighton level defending out there yesterday. unacceptable