January Slump

[Mark Garrett]

We are 2nd in the league and with a home FA Cup Quarter-Final to come.

We are the current League Champions, also won the FA Cup 2 years ago.

We have played in the Champions League for the past two seasons.

We have lost one home league match in 2 and a half years and that was undeserved and via a deflected free-kick.

We have the best defence in the league and one that is equally as strong last season.

So some just need to calm down and relax.

Where we need to improve is going forward and in the final third of the pitch specifically, both in terms of increasing our attacking variety i.e. buying a quick, skilful winger, but also converting more of our chances. That is the crux of why we are behind United, we have not scored enough goals - we have had the chances but not converted, so that lies at the feet of our forwards and attacking midfielders primarily.

Also United to be fair to them are on 71 points after 28 games. This is not a normal season, they have got more points at this stage of the season than at any other in Ferguson's entire reign and if they continue will break a record points total and why is that. Because their forwards have been more clinical and as a side they have been more clinical.
Take the Manchester derby, we were the stronger side in the game and created at least twice as many chances in the match but we missed too many. We scored 2 in about 12/13 attempts, they scored 3 in half a dozen. Also for this game, we didn't defend aswell as normal.

Overall though, it is not time to be concerned, worried, have faith in our manager who has delivered success, the spine of the side who remains intact and the patient owners we have in charge of the club.

[Im_Spartacus]

We are 2nd in the league and with a home FA Cup Quarter-Final to come.

We are the current League Champions, also won the FA Cup 2 years ago.

We have played in the Champions League for the past two seasons.

We have lost one home league match in 2 and a half years and that was undeserved and via a deflected free-kick.

We have the best defence in the league and one that is equally as strong last season.

So some just need to calm down and relax.

Where we need to improve is going forward and in the final third of the pitch specifically, both in terms of increasing our attacking variety i.e. buying a quick, skilful winger, but also converting more of our chances. That is the crux of why we are behind United, we have not scored enough goals - we have had the chances but not converted, so that lies at the feet of our forwards and attacking midfielders primarily.

Also United to be fair to them are on 71 points after 28 games. This is not a normal season, they have got more points at this stage of the season than at any other in Ferguson's entire reign and if they continue will break a record points total and why is that. Because their forwards have been more clinical and as a side they have been more clinical.
Take the Manchester derby, we were the stronger side in the game and created at least twice as many chances in the match but we missed too many. We scored 2 in about 12/13 attempts, they scored 3 in half a dozen. Also for this game, we didn't defend aswell as normal.

Overall though, it is not time to be concerned, worried, have faith in our manager who has delivered success, the spine of the side who remains intact and the patient owners we have in charge of the club.

United are always more clinical. They were also clinical last season, just had a leaky defence which leaked even more this season yet teams were still unable to beat them. We werent clinical for the bulk of last season, and in fact faced exactly the same problems last season of not being able to break teams down. We have not progressed in one single aspect of our game, and regressed in most

I share ted's disappointment in our showing, and just cant accept that uniteds 12 point lead is because of their clinical finishing, or because other teams roll over for them, in fact plenty of sides have given united a bloody good game maybe upto january and they overcame those games with spirit and attacking intent of "we'll score 1 more than you"

i cant accept that its everyone elses fault when its actually down to our own failure to give them a run for their money, because we have not built on our success....one, which I still say was the biggest slice of luck Mancini will ever have.

[Michael Brookes]

We are 2nd in the league and with a home FA Cup Quarter-Final to come.

We are the current League Champions, also won the FA Cup 2 years ago.

We have played in the Champions League for the past two seasons.

We have lost one home league match in 2 and a half years and that was undeserved and via a deflected free-kick.

We have the best defence in the league and one that is equally as strong last season.

to be an arse:

We are no way near the league leaders, and our best bet of silverware is a cup in which we had a very fortunate run

We are the soon to be former champs and last did well in a cup 2 years ago

we have been embarrassed for 2 years running in the champs getting progressively worse each year

We are over reliant on our home form and draw too many games

we have a poorer attack than last year

[Ted Hughes]

We are 2nd in the league and with a home FA Cup Quarter-Final to come.

We are the current League Champions, also won the FA Cup 2 years ago.

We have played in the Champions League for the past two seasons.

We have lost one home league match in 2 and a half years and that was undeserved and via a deflected free-kick.

We have the best defence in the league and one that is equally as strong last season.

So some just need to calm down and relax.

Where we need to improve is going forward and in the final third of the pitch specifically, both in terms of increasing our attacking variety i.e. buying a quick, skilful winger, but also converting more of our chances. That is the crux of why we are behind United, we have not scored enough goals - we have had the chances but not converted, so that lies at the feet of our forwards and attacking midfielders primarily.

Also United to be fair to them are on 71 points after 28 games. This is not a normal season, they have got more points at this stage of the season than at any other in Ferguson's entire reign and if they continue will break a record points total and why is that. Because their forwards have been more clinical and as a side they have been more clinical.
Take the Manchester derby, we were the stronger side in the game and created at least twice as many chances in the match but we missed too many. We scored 2 in about 12/13 attempts, they scored 3 in half a dozen. Also for this game, we didn't defend aswell as normal.

Overall though, it is not time to be concerned, worried, have faith in our manager who has delivered success, the spine of the side who remains intact and the patient owners we have in charge of the club.

The spine of the team in the last few years included Lescott, Barry, DeJong & Tevez. We don't know if any of those will be here next season. And as for the defence being great this season; Arsenal, Rags, Villa, Dortmund, Liverpool, Southampton, Ajax, Real Madrid are some of the teams who have run straight through it so far this season. We have yet to go to Spurs Swamp & Goodison.

Chelsea are the only decent side we have played home & away, who haven't pulled our pants down defensively at least once this season.

[Foreverinbluedreams]

We are 2nd in the league and with a home FA Cup Quarter-Final to come.

We are the current League Champions, also won the FA Cup 2 years ago.

We have played in the Champions League for the past two seasons.

We have lost one home league match in 2 and a half years and that was undeserved and via a deflected free-kick.

We have the best defence in the league and one that is equally as strong last season.

So some just need to calm down and relax.

Where we need to improve is going forward and in the final third of the pitch specifically, both in terms of increasing our attacking variety i.e. buying a quick, skilful winger, but also converting more of our chances. That is the crux of why we are behind United, we have not scored enough goals - we have had the chances but not converted, so that lies at the feet of our forwards and attacking midfielders primarily.

Also United to be fair to them are on 71 points after 28 games. This is not a normal season, they have got more points at this stage of the season than at any other in Ferguson's entire reign and if they continue will break a record points total and why is that. Because their forwards have been more clinical and as a side they have been more clinical.
Take the Manchester derby, we were the stronger side in the game and created at least twice as many chances in the match but we missed too many. We scored 2 in about 12/13 attempts, they scored 3 in half a dozen. Also for this game, we didn't defend aswell as normal.

Overall though, it is not time to be concerned, worried, have faith in our manager who has delivered success, the spine of the side who remains intact and the patient owners we have in charge of the club.

Excellent post.

[City64]

We are 2nd in the league and with a home FA Cup Quarter-Final to come.

We are the current League Champions, also won the FA Cup 2 years ago.

We have played in the Champions League for the past two seasons.

We have lost one home league match in 2 and a half years and that was undeserved and via a deflected free-kick.

We have the best defence in the league and one that is equally as strong last season.

So some just need to calm down and relax.

Where we need to improve is going forward and in the final third of the pitch specifically, both in terms of increasing our attacking variety i.e. buying a quick, skilful winger, but also converting more of our chances. That is the crux of why we are behind United, we have not scored enough goals - we have had the chances but not converted, so that lies at the feet of our forwards and attacking midfielders primarily.

Also United to be fair to them are on 71 points after 28 games. This is not a normal season, they have got more points at this stage of the season than at any other in Ferguson's entire reign and if they continue will break a record points total and why is that. Because their forwards have been more clinical and as a side they have been more clinical.
Take the Manchester derby, we were the stronger side in the game and created at least twice as many chances in the match but we missed too many. We scored 2 in about 12/13 attempts, they scored 3 in half a dozen. Also for this game, we didn't defend aswell as normal.

Overall though, it is not time to be concerned, worried, have faith in our manager who has delivered success, the spine of the side who remains intact and the patient owners we have in charge of the club.

Excellent balanced post.

Those not happy should consider following Blackburn Rovers where they can moan to kingdom fucking come !

[Patrick]

I agree with the above, yes we have been disappointing this season more often than not, but disappointing and still in 2nd place is still pretty fucling wonderful in my eyes.

Signing new players is not an exact science, you never really know who is going to fit and make a difference, have a look at all the money Chelsea have spent and, think about Nasri, remember Torres and countless others. The big difference this year was RVP. United became a much stronger team whilst we maybe stood still at best.

The biggest change for me over the last few years is that we have moved away from being a crap rich team who would sign anyone who would come for the money. We are now an established rich team who have a backbone of regular quality players..... it's going to be much easier to attract the right players with the right motivation now

The path to the top is never a straight line, but if you stand back and look at that line since our Sheik came along its a lovely trajectory

[City64]

I agree with the above, yes we have been disappointing this season more often than not, but disappointing and still in 2nd place is still pretty fucling wonderful in my eyes.

Signing new players is not an exact science, you never really know who is going to fit and make a difference, have a look at all the money Chelsea have spent and, think about Nasri, remember Torres and countless others. The big difference this year was RVP. United became a much stronger team whilst we maybe stood still at best.

The biggest change for me over the last few years is that we have moved away from being a crap rich team who would sign anyone who would come for the money. We are now an established rich team who have a backbone of regular quality players..... it's going to be much easier to attract the right players with the right motivation now

The path to the top is never a straight line, but if you stand back and look at that line since our Sheik came along its a lovely trajectory

HERE HERE !

[Im_Spartacus]

Excellent balanced post.

Those not happy should consider following Blackburn Rovers where they can moan to kingdom fucking come !

Or we could sit in silence, delirious at our latest underperformance from our expensively assembled squad of quality players

I'm all for being thankful for what we got, but bottom of the champs league group and out of the title race by FEBRUARY because of the same old mistakes and tactical issues we saw last season, is not my idea of a club moving forwards

[City64]

Excellent balanced post.

Those not happy should consider following Blackburn Rovers where they can moan to kingdom fucking come !

Or we could sit in silence, delirious at our latest underperformance from our expensively assembled squad of quality players

I'm all for being thankful for what we got, but bottom of the champs league group and out of the title race by FEBRUARY because of the same old mistakes and tactical issues we saw last season, is not my idea of a club moving forwards

Or follow Blackburn Rovers where you would be happy as a pig in shit.

[Blue Since 76]

Where we need to improve is going forward and in the final third of the pitch specifically, both in terms of increasing our attacking variety i.e. buying a quick, skilful winger, but also converting more of our chances. That is the crux of why we are behind United, we have not scored enough goals - we have had the chances but not converted, so that lies at the feet of our forwards and attacking midfielders primarily.

I'd agree we need to score more but I'm not sure I'd blame the forwards. How many good chances have we missed this season and how many where it's cost us points?

I just don't think we create enough quality chances. That may be down to poor movement from the forwards as well as the midfield, but the narrow way we play doesn't help. We clearly need the fullbacks to overlap to give width and maybe the loss of Richards hasn't helped, as Zab has to do it every game. On the left, Kolarov has been used less than last season, so again more pressure on Clichy.

In summer, we need pace and width, even if only on the bench. Sinclair has both, but they may as well have bought a blow up doll and saved £6m

[Ted Hughes]

We are 2nd in the league and with a home FA Cup Quarter-Final to come.

We are the current League Champions, also won the FA Cup 2 years ago.

We have played in the Champions League for the past two seasons.

We have lost one home league match in 2 and a half years and that was undeserved and via a deflected free-kick.

We have the best defence in the league and one that is equally as strong last season.

So some just need to calm down and relax.

Where we need to improve is going forward and in the final third of the pitch specifically, both in terms of increasing our attacking variety i.e. buying a quick, skilful winger, but also converting more of our chances. That is the crux of why we are behind United, we have not scored enough goals - we have had the chances but not converted, so that lies at the feet of our forwards and attacking midfielders primarily.

Also United to be fair to them are on 71 points after 28 games. This is not a normal season, they have got more points at this stage of the season than at any other in Ferguson's entire reign and if they continue will break a record points total and why is that. Because their forwards have been more clinical and as a side they have been more clinical.
Take the Manchester derby, we were the stronger side in the game and created at least twice as many chances in the match but we missed too many. We scored 2 in about 12/13 attempts, they scored 3 in half a dozen. Also for this game, we didn't defend aswell as normal.

Overall though, it is not time to be concerned, worried, have faith in our manager who has delivered success, the spine of the side who remains intact and the patient owners we have in charge of the club.

Excellent balanced post.

Those not happy should consider following Blackburn Rovers where they can moan to kingdom fucking come !

If now isn't the time to be concerned, when are we allowed to be concerned ? Perhaps we should abandon all talk of football until we either win the fucking league again, or Bob is sacked & just sit here with our dicks out saying FUCK ALL ?

And Blackburn is a good analogy as they are the last side to be this fucking weak defending a title (they never won another one).

Jesus Christ, if it was upto some people it would just be a bunch of fucking nodding dogs on here.

[Cocacolajojo1]

If now isn't the time to be concerned, when are we allowed to be concerned ? Perhaps we should abandon all talk of football until we either win the fucking league again, or Bob is sacked & just sit here with our dicks out saying FUCK ALL ?

And Blackburn is a good analogy as they are the last side to be this fucking weak defending a title (they never won another one).

Jesus Christ, if it was upto some people it would just be a bunch of fucking nodding dogs on here.

yadda yadda yadda yadda yadda yadda yadda yadda yadda.



















Yadda yadda yadda yadda yadda yadda yadda.

[Foreverinbluedreams]

We are 2nd in the league and with a home FA Cup Quarter-Final to come.

We are the current League Champions, also won the FA Cup 2 years ago.

We have played in the Champions League for the past two seasons.

We have lost one home league match in 2 and a half years and that was undeserved and via a deflected free-kick.

We have the best defence in the league and one that is equally as strong last season.

So some just need to calm down and relax.

Where we need to improve is going forward and in the final third of the pitch specifically, both in terms of increasing our attacking variety i.e. buying a quick, skilful winger, but also converting more of our chances. That is the crux of why we are behind United, we have not scored enough goals - we have had the chances but not converted, so that lies at the feet of our forwards and attacking midfielders primarily.

Also United to be fair to them are on 71 points after 28 games. This is not a normal season, they have got more points at this stage of the season than at any other in Ferguson's entire reign and if they continue will break a record points total and why is that. Because their forwards have been more clinical and as a side they have been more clinical.
Take the Manchester derby, we were the stronger side in the game and created at least twice as many chances in the match but we missed too many. We scored 2 in about 12/13 attempts, they scored 3 in half a dozen. Also for this game, we didn't defend aswell as normal.

Overall though, it is not time to be concerned, worried, have faith in our manager who has delivered success, the spine of the side who remains intact and the patient owners we have in charge of the club.

Excellent balanced post.

Those not happy should consider following Blackburn Rovers where they can moan to kingdom fucking come !

If now isn't the time to be concerned, when are we allowed to be concerned ? Perhaps we should abandon all talk of football until we either win the fucking league again, or Bob is sacked & just sit here with our dicks out saying FUCK ALL ?

And Blackburn is a good analogy as they are the last side to be this fucking weak defending a title (they never won another one).

Jesus Christ, if it was upto some people it would just be a bunch of fucking nodding dogs on here.

Nowhere near as bad as Blackburn's defence, herein lies the issue I have with the doom mongers, exaggeration, yes we fucked up, yes it's disappointing, yes there are issues that need sorting but it's nowhere near as bad as some are suggesting.

[City64]

We are 2nd in the league and with a home FA Cup Quarter-Final to come.

We are the current League Champions, also won the FA Cup 2 years ago.

We have played in the Champions League for the past two seasons.

We have lost one home league match in 2 and a half years and that was undeserved and via a deflected free-kick.

We have the best defence in the league and one that is equally as strong last season.

So some just need to calm down and relax.

Where we need to improve is going forward and in the final third of the pitch specifically, both in terms of increasing our attacking variety i.e. buying a quick, skilful winger, but also converting more of our chances. That is the crux of why we are behind United, we have not scored enough goals - we have had the chances but not converted, so that lies at the feet of our forwards and attacking midfielders primarily.

Also United to be fair to them are on 71 points after 28 games. This is not a normal season, they have got more points at this stage of the season than at any other in Ferguson's entire reign and if they continue will break a record points total and why is that. Because their forwards have been more clinical and as a side they have been more clinical.
Take the Manchester derby, we were the stronger side in the game and created at least twice as many chances in the match but we missed too many. We scored 2 in about 12/13 attempts, they scored 3 in half a dozen. Also for this game, we didn't defend aswell as normal.

Overall though, it is not time to be concerned, worried, have faith in our manager who has delivered success, the spine of the side who remains intact and the patient owners we have in charge of the club.

Excellent balanced post.

Those not happy should consider following Blackburn Rovers where they can moan to kingdom fucking come !

If now isn't the time to be concerned, when are we allowed to be concerned ? Perhaps we should abandon all talk of football until we either win the fucking league again, or Bob is sacked & just sit here with our dicks out saying FUCK ALL ?

And Blackburn is a good analogy as they are the last side to be this fucking weak defending a title (they never won another one).

Jesus Christ, if it was upto some people it would just be a bunch of fucking nodding dogs on here.

Or chill out and stop fuckin moaning !

[Patrick]

We are 2nd in the league and with a home FA Cup Quarter-Final to come.

We are the current League Champions, also won the FA Cup 2 years ago.

We have played in the Champions League for the past two seasons.

We have lost one home league match in 2 and a half years and that was undeserved and via a deflected free-kick.

We have the best defence in the league and one that is equally as strong last season.

So some just need to calm down and relax.

Where we need to improve is going forward and in the final third of the pitch specifically, both in terms of increasing our attacking variety i.e. buying a quick, skilful winger, but also converting more of our chances. That is the crux of why we are behind United, we have not scored enough goals - we have had the chances but not converted, so that lies at the feet of our forwards and attacking midfielders primarily.

Also United to be fair to them are on 71 points after 28 games. This is not a normal season, they have got more points at this stage of the season than at any other in Ferguson's entire reign and if they continue will break a record points total and why is that. Because their forwards have been more clinical and as a side they have been more clinical.
Take the Manchester derby, we were the stronger side in the game and created at least twice as many chances in the match but we missed too many. We scored 2 in about 12/13 attempts, they scored 3 in half a dozen. Also for this game, we didn't defend aswell as normal.

Overall though, it is not time to be concerned, worried, have faith in our manager who has delivered success, the spine of the side who remains intact and the patient owners we have in charge of the club.

Excellent balanced post.

Those not happy should consider following Blackburn Rovers where they can moan to kingdom fucking come !

If now isn't the time to be concerned, when are we allowed to be concerned ? Perhaps we should abandon all talk of football until we either win the fucking league again, or Bob is sacked & just sit here with our dicks out saying FUCK ALL ?

And Blackburn is a good analogy as they are the last side to be this fucking weak defending a title (they never won another one).

Jesus Christ, if it was upto some people it would just be a bunch of fucking nodding dogs on here.

If it was up to some people mancini would never have been in charge at the end of last season. Isn't that right Churchill?

[Ted Hughes]

We are 2nd in the league and with a home FA Cup Quarter-Final to come.

We are the current League Champions, also won the FA Cup 2 years ago.

We have played in the Champions League for the past two seasons.

We have lost one home league match in 2 and a half years and that was undeserved and via a deflected free-kick.

We have the best defence in the league and one that is equally as strong last season.

So some just need to calm down and relax.

Where we need to improve is going forward and in the final third of the pitch specifically, both in terms of increasing our attacking variety i.e. buying a quick, skilful winger, but also converting more of our chances. That is the crux of why we are behind United, we have not scored enough goals - we have had the chances but not converted, so that lies at the feet of our forwards and attacking midfielders primarily.

Also United to be fair to them are on 71 points after 28 games. This is not a normal season, they have got more points at this stage of the season than at any other in Ferguson's entire reign and if they continue will break a record points total and why is that. Because their forwards have been more clinical and as a side they have been more clinical.
Take the Manchester derby, we were the stronger side in the game and created at least twice as many chances in the match but we missed too many. We scored 2 in about 12/13 attempts, they scored 3 in half a dozen. Also for this game, we didn't defend aswell as normal.

Overall though, it is not time to be concerned, worried, have faith in our manager who has delivered success, the spine of the side who remains intact and the patient owners we have in charge of the club.

Excellent balanced post.

Those not happy should consider following Blackburn Rovers where they can moan to kingdom fucking come !

If now isn't the time to be concerned, when are we allowed to be concerned ? Perhaps we should abandon all talk of football until we either win the fucking league again, or Bob is sacked & just sit here with our dicks out saying FUCK ALL ?

And Blackburn is a good analogy as they are the last side to be this fucking weak defending a title (they never won another one).

Jesus Christ, if it was upto some people it would just be a bunch of fucking nodding dogs on here.

Nowhere near as bad as Blackburn's defence, herein lies the issue I have with the doom mongers, exaggeration, yes we fucked up, yes it's disappointing, yes there are issues that need sorting but it's nowhere near as bad as some are suggesting.

Depends how we finish. We keep pace with the rags from now on, it will be better, lose a couple more & it will be about the same.

The difference then though was there were other teams to contend with & lose to, not just one so imo, we have had it much easier than they did.

[Mark Garrett]

Ted, Blackburn finished midtable after they won it didnt they? Hardly the same is it. Didnt United finish 3rd in 03-04 as Champions from previous season. Constructive criticism is fine but it is the doom and gloom by some on here that is ott. By the way Spartucus we scored 93 goals in league last season, very clinical i would say.

[Ted Hughes]

Ted, Blackburn finished midtable after they won it didnt they? Hardly the same is it. Didnt United finish 3rd in 03-04 as Champions from previous season. Constructive criticism is fine but it is the doom and gloom by some on here that is ott. By the way Spartucus we scored 93 goals in league last season, very clinical i would say.

I'm talking about points difference & we may yet match them but it hardly matters anyway. We have been lousy at defending our title & had few quality performances all season. Nitpicking over whether Blackburn were a bit more shite is a waste of both our time. I think the gist of things comes accross, which is; we have been hopeless at it.

[Ted Hughes]

We are 2nd in the league and with a home FA Cup Quarter-Final to come.

We are the current League Champions, also won the FA Cup 2 years ago.

We have played in the Champions League for the past two seasons.

We have lost one home league match in 2 and a half years and that was undeserved and via a deflected free-kick.

We have the best defence in the league and one that is equally as strong last season.

So some just need to calm down and relax.

Where we need to improve is going forward and in the final third of the pitch specifically, both in terms of increasing our attacking variety i.e. buying a quick, skilful winger, but also converting more of our chances. That is the crux of why we are behind United, we have not scored enough goals - we have had the chances but not converted, so that lies at the feet of our forwards and attacking midfielders primarily.

Also United to be fair to them are on 71 points after 28 games. This is not a normal season, they have got more points at this stage of the season than at any other in Ferguson's entire reign and if they continue will break a record points total and why is that. Because their forwards have been more clinical and as a side they have been more clinical.
Take the Manchester derby, we were the stronger side in the game and created at least twice as many chances in the match but we missed too many. We scored 2 in about 12/13 attempts, they scored 3 in half a dozen. Also for this game, we didn't defend aswell as normal.

Overall though, it is not time to be concerned, worried, have faith in our manager who has delivered success, the spine of the side who remains intact and the patient owners we have in charge of the club.

Excellent balanced post.

Those not happy should consider following Blackburn Rovers where they can moan to kingdom fucking come !

If now isn't the time to be concerned, when are we allowed to be concerned ? Perhaps we should abandon all talk of football until we either win the fucking league again, or Bob is sacked & just sit here with our dicks out saying FUCK ALL ?

And Blackburn is a good analogy as they are the last side to be this fucking weak defending a title (they never won another one).

Jesus Christ, if it was upto some people it would just be a bunch of fucking nodding dogs on here.

If it was up to some people mancini would never have been in charge at the end of last season. Isn't that right Churchill?

True, but I wasn't one of them & am not now. I think Mancini has been shite this season but so has Joe Hart & Yaya quite often.

Don't want to get rid of any of them at this stage. Same this time next season though; different answer.