Manchester Utd vs Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[Dave]

Can't, at the moment, think of a league season quite like this, started crap, then went on a brilliant run, then went back to crap, let's hope it can finish on, well a another brilliant run is perhaps asking for too much, but a better run than Liverpool and Chelsea.

If we count the 5-1 against Newcastle as "started crap", then 23-24 broadly followed the same path. That finished on an improved, if still inconsistent run.

Which would probably be enough this year if we can drag our form up to the dizzying heights of "inconsistent".

[jwarry]

Abraham needs to start a couple of games to get himself up to speed. UE isn't giving him that chance. Failing that, why not try starting them together. Just try something different ffs! That result was entirely predictable! A terrible 2026 so far.
 

He’s going to be another who takes half a season to be coached and learn how to play under Unai.  Hopefully he will come good next season

[eamonn]

Only silver lining was that we got a decision at Old Trafford (though fwiw, it was never a goal, Onana clearly interfering with play in my view).1

He didn't touch the ball nor block thr goalies view.

[Meanwood Villa]

Can't, at the moment, think of a league season quite like this, started crap, then went on a brilliant run, then went back to crap, let's hope it can finish on, well a another brilliant run is perhaps asking for too much, but a better run than Liverpool and Chelsea.

If we count the 5-1 against Newcastle as "started crap", then 23-24 broadly followed the same path. That finished on an improved, if still inconsistent run.

Which would probably be enough this year if we can drag our form up to the dizzying heights of "inconsistent".

We got nine points from our last eight in 23/24. I don't think that will be good enough this year.

[eye digress]

Only silver lining was that we got a decision at Old Trafford (though fwiw, it was never a goal, Onana clearly interfering with play in my view).1

He didn't touch the ball nor block thr goalies view.

Yes, am sure you're right that it conforms to the current laws.

However, in my view: since (i) Onana is the last player the ball must pass before the keeper, and (ii) the keeper has to factor in the possibility that Onana may divert the ball, he was most certainly interfering with the keeper's perception of the situation, and therefore with play.

In any event, I felt sure they would find some reason to disallow it, so was pretty surprised it was given!

[eye digress]

Can't, at the moment, think of a league season quite like this, started crap, then went on a brilliant run, then went back to crap, let's hope it can finish on, well a another brilliant run is perhaps asking for too much, but a better run than Liverpool and Chelsea.

If we count the 5-1 against Newcastle as "started crap", then 23-24 broadly followed the same path. That finished on an improved, if still inconsistent run.

Which would probably be enough this year if we can drag our form up to the dizzying heights of "inconsistent".

Think we were showing signs of rebirth about now - around the Arsenal away game? Or was this weekend of the pummelling by Spuds at VP?

[TheToffnar]

I'd also like to add that's it's the first time I've ever had to mute the comms whilst watching a match. Neville was beyond embarrassing, practically creaming into his boots the whole second half. 

[VinnieChase84]

Digne, Mings, Watkins, and Buendia - shouldnt be anywhere near starting players for us
Add Bailey into it as well and frankly its zero wonder

Squad players, come in for occasional impact fine, but starting - no chance

All need to be shipped out in the summer and we bring in some YOUNG fresh players who have upside. We now have a team where 75% are on a downwood trend of performance capacity - its now showing

[Baldy]

During the Chelsea game versus Newcastle, Reece James was given the man marking role of Woltemade. For the best part he nullified Woltemade who was eventually substituted. Man marking seems a dying act.

Against Man Utd, I was disappointed Unai didn't take steps to nullify Rat Face. He has been a curse on us for years and his return to the number 10 spot has catapulted United up the league.

Lindelof could have done that role. He has been one of our best performers but under utilised.

For the United game, I would have dropped Buendia and replaced him with Lindelof to man mark Rat Face. Moved Rogers into a central role and given our holding midfielders more licence to attack.

We all could see what was likely to happen and it did.

[brontebilly]

Watching the goals and main incidents back, lovely run and pass from Maatsen into Tammy for chance at end. He should finish it, Luiz probably finishes it if Garcia pulls out, Garcia definitely finishes it if Luiz pulls out. Comedy show. Tammy's touch to put us 1-2 up was Ollie esque, horrendous really. Should be hitting it first time in any case. Bailey did pretty well then. Didn't see Mings missed header in extended highlights.

First goal, Barkley doesn't track Casemiro it looks like but Watkins is beaten at front post anyway. Martinez should tip it over. Second, Bogarde is out of position should force Fernandes to go down line and cut out pass option inside. Konsa flat footed, maybe Martinez should be out quicker to narrow angle. Third a complete mess, Bogarde caught on cross field ball. Konsa a bit unfortunate and I'm expecting Onana to block the shot. Unfortunate with deflection. Sesko made a complete mess of another break down the Bogarde/Konsa channel late on.

[TheToffnar]

I still think overall we where pretty good, relatively speaking. Players of that quality will exploit any mistake at the back and with our high line it only takes a small break down in play to turn the ball over fast and get in behind.

Next two games will be the true litmus test.

[Chris Smith]

Only silver lining was that we got a decision at Old Trafford (though fwiw, it was never a goal, Onana clearly interfering with play in my view).1

He didn't touch the ball nor block thr goalies view.

Yes, am sure you're right that it conforms to the current laws.

However, in my view: since (i) Onana is the last player the ball must pass before the keeper, and (ii) the keeper has to factor in the possibility that Onana may divert the ball, he was most certainly interfering with the keeper's perception of the situation, and therefore with play.

In any event, I felt sure they would find some reason to disallow it, so was pretty surprised it was given!

It didn’t interfere with the keeper, the way it was hit he was never stoping that.

[Clampy]

I still think overall we where pretty good, relatively speaking. Players of that quality will exploit any mistake at the back and with our high line it only takes a small break down in play to turn the ball over fast and get in behind.

Next two games will be the true litmus test.

I didnt think we were that bad either. We just lacked that confidence and quality up front..

Oh and Cunha standing in front of the Stretford End grabbing the badge like a lunatic after he scored, even though he's only been there since August. He'd be off like a shot if a bigger club came in for him. Twat

[olaftab]

During the Chelsea game versus Newcastle, Reece James was given the man marking role of Woltemade. For the best part he nullified Woltemade who was eventually substituted. Man marking seems a dying act.

Not the most difficult task considering Woltemade is so crap.

[AV82EC]

From the main stand angle it was quite clear that the goalie view wasn’t obscured the only reason for the VAR check was did Onana touch the ball. As it was inconclusive no reason to over turn the onfield decision of goal.