PBP: Manchester United vs. Leicester (Community Shield) - Aug 7, 2016 [R]

http://www.skysports.com/football/leicester-vs-man-utd/preview/360527

 

The shield is interesting tactically as it may showcase a few issues that Jose needs to sort out over time.

We have had a weak pre-season. Our attack is far from gelled, and of course we have the Rooney problem. On defence, having Shaw back is a plus, but we could easily be leaky given there are question marks over all three starting CBs and all of our RBs.

Leicester is not an ideal matchup for us at this stage. Assuming Ranieri does not change system, we will not be particularly well setup to deal with their counter style.

Jose is playing with faster transitions, more counter attacking intent and more risk taking in the final third, compared to LVG (thank god). But that will mean more counter attacking opportunities for Leicester.

The result is meaningless of course, but I will be interested to see how Jose is managing some of our problems. I doubt it will be an easy game unless Leicester collaspe due to second season syndrome.

 

We will lose.

 

I think the most important thing is for our back 5 to get 90 minutes together. They need to gel because they can't rely on I individual brilliance to bail themselves out. DDG is great, but even he can't keep everything out.

The midfield is a concern only so much as Rooney is a negative contributor. We are far from ideal, but we can tread water in midfield and in attack for separate reasons.

Midfield can coast a bit due to style of play (we are going to play quick thru or quick past the midfield often).

The attack can't coast, but motivated Martial can work wonders. I expect that even as Zlatan and Mkhitaryan get used to the league and their teammates, they will contribute not just on the ball, but also as decoys.

Sadly, I expect Wayne to start well. He isn't injured and hasn't had a summer off to get fatter. He looked like shit for England (and United thus far), but he will get into position and score, particularly against dross or against teams that focus on Zlatan.

 

If how Chelsea usually played in that game under Mourinho any indication, we can expect to see the intensity level ramped up a couple of notches on Sunday.
There are still some question marks, issues related to lack of match fitness and one of the most important pieces of the team still not officially wrapped up, but Jose and United will be looking to put down a marker on the upcoming season, a signal that United will have to be reckoned with.
Will not be an easy game by any means and given how both teams like to play, I'm curious as to how it will all shape up.

 

Less than 48 hours away....my excitement is imminent.....

 

First and last match of Rooney and Zlatan together hopefully.

 

Unfortunately, I think Rooney will put up decent enough numbers this year to keep him in the side. He'll still play like shit, but our offense will be improved and with more weapons he'll get less attention. I'm betting he'll chip in enough goals for it to mask his actual play.

I hated typing that.

 

What's impressive is that, looking at them, you'd think Rooney was 4 years older than Zlatan, not 4 years younger ... Rooney really haven't aged well.

And I'm saying that as someone who aren't particularly fund of Zlatan...

 

Zlatan on tomorrow's game: "That is the first trophy game -- and that is the first trophy we will bring home.
"For me, every trophy is very serious. I have collected 30 trophies, and I want to collect more of them. I'm not satisfied until I collect everything. That's what we play for. I came here to win. I believe the philosophy is the same for the club, especially a club like this. They are made to win."

 

******** Vardy...that is all

 

I'm waiting to see Musa destroy our back line.

 

Luke Shaw will keep him in check.

 

With Mahrez playing on the right and Vardy thru the middle, Musa will probably out on the left, meaning he'll be Valencia's to look after.
Musa could be a major pickup for Leicester and should make Leicester's attack that much scarier, with his pace alone.

 

If we can properly defend on set pieces we should see this one through with a comfortable 2-0 win.

 

That's fine. Shaw will shut down Mahrez.

 

With up to 6 subs allowed on each side for tomorrow's game, Jose has decided to take everybody, his whole 25 men squad to London.

DDG, Romero, Johnstone, Valencia, Darmian, TFM, Smalling, Jones, Bailly, Shaw, Rojo, Blind, Carrick, Schneiderlin, Herrera, Fellaini, Mata, Lingard, AY, Miki, Martial, Memphis, Rooney, Zlatan, Rashford.

Add Pogba to this list and it appears that it looks like the 26 player squad he plans on going into this season with.

 

Januzaj is out. Loan for sure.

 

Sold for 10m hopefully.

 

Good luck for tomorrow. Not a big trophy, but the win will set things in good motion for the upcoming season.

 

Hoping our wee club can at least put up a fight against the mighty 'roided Champions. If we can hold our generations best player Jamie Vardy to a hat trick, I'll be happy. Be brave, lads, be brave......

 

Eric Bailly will use his electric pace to shut down Jamie Vardy.