Sifu

Yaya Toure's playing upfront? Eh?

One thing people have to remember is that this is Pardew's first full season. Progress has certainly been made this season like, so really, if we want to continue progressing (and thus achieve success in the long term), time and patience will be needed imo. By that reckoning, Pardew should stay for the long haul. If we get rid of him at the end of the season, it'll almost definitely disrupt the camp (especially when it seems that Pardew is well liked by the players). Stability is definitely the key imho. There's also that saying, "Rome wasn't build in a day". Of course, if things go well on the pitch, Pardew deserves praise and if things go wrong, he deserves some criticism - it's all part of the package as a manager. Sure, there may have been some instances this season when it has looked like he hasn't learned from previous mistakes but what I'm thinking is that he's "playing it safe" so that he is able to maintain our current position. Pre-season didn't go well for us and it almost certainly led to Pardew to throw his initial plans (presumably pass and play, otherwise why would we sign Cabaye?) out the window. I'm confident that he wants us to play the passing game but circumstances have altered this view. Definitely stick with him I say.

Done and dusted.

Thought he messed up the chance when he decided to take another touch inside. Lucky for him and Man U, this wasn't the case.

And he scores. Meh.

that little shop downstairs within the club shop is a s/d owned shop aint it? Cant remember the name tey using there though Aye, it's called Soccer Scene.

1-0 Man Utd it is. Ha! Could very well happen and Nani will probably score the winner too..........

Average game. Ajax have been better in terms of chances whereas Man U have been really underwhelming. Nani has been crap.

Always loved seeing the Shearer salute like. Nolan's chicken dance last season was great too - loved seeing it against the mackems in particular.

"Thursday night, Channel 5!" Nice to see some of the Man U fans embracing their new home on Thursdays....

In any case though, I'd have Raylor over Obertan any day. But of course, to my mind, Ben Arfa should be ahead of both but I do have a belief that Raylor might be useful out there (primarily as protection for Simpson and I do think his crosses are decent enough like I said above) if Pardew decides to deploy a conservative system. I also thought he linked up well with Simpson actually (only at times though) in the Man U game at St. James'. Though, the best case scenario would be for Ben Arfa to get an extended run of games in the starting lineup whereby he'll properly understand/have a feel of his responsibilities (attacking and defending) in the team. Alternatively move Jonas to the right to give Simpson protection and start Ben Arfa on the left.

Man U are on C5 with a 6pm kick off, City are on ITV with a 8:05 KO. Stoke - Valencia are on ESPN at 8:05. Ah, thanks for that.

Which game's being shown on ITV1 tonight? Man U or Man City?

That is such a sweet story. Nice read.

That article je85 posted was a horrible read. Can't believe I actually read all of it. Cringeworthy and again demonstrates Liverpool fans' delusional mentality. Idiots.

Aye, we all knew, in the back of our minds, that the sign was going to be removed at some point. But the sign was left untouched for almost 4 months. It was almost as if it was actually going to stay (in my mind anyway) but now this sudden realisation that it is properly gone does hurt. Guess it's the case for me that, reality hurts.

It's actually happened! Ah f*** off! That really is f***ing horrible. I'm not liking the emptiness of that wall whatsoever. It's as if the last part of the stadium's soul has been taken away!

That really is tacky as fuck. Urgh.

Ha, Matt Barlow: fail. (So I suspect Chelsea will lose 4-0 to Napoli next week then! Actually may put a little bet on that happening......)

Little Man Syndrome.

Think they were close to signing him, then for some reason, the deal just never went through. Also, quality last sentence there! Ha. You saying they needed more lube? Ha, yeah, that would have helped!

Think they were close to signing him, then for some reason, the deal just never went through. Also, quality last sentence there! Ha.

Rosicky

Job done.