Unbelievable

Yeah, I expect him to be brought in for games where we need some more energy in attack. Might stay in if he does well too. Wijnaldum is indeed a big miss, but somehow Van Gaal was already ignoring him before he got injured.

It’ll pick up when Depay starts. He has some Bruno-Miggy like connection with Bergwijn and is a class act in the orange jersey. Then there is Gakpo who’s quality and in good form. We’ll be alright as long as we can get our first XI on the pitch, but the strength in depth up front is tragic.

Well that was utterly wank, but we’ll take the three points

We are fucking shit, faffing around in our own penalty area.

Van Gaal is either a genius or an idiot

Shoot FFS

De Ligt is fucking shite

Here we gan, howay

VAR that

Odd that he was allowed to be around the other players at the time, no?

Just the casual 400m you say…?

Surprised at how well and how quickly he’s adapted to the pace and physicality of the league. He’s a monster of a defender, yet also very cultured in possession, and he seems to be a good character and in time perhaps a leader too. He’s everything you’d hope for in a young defender really.

Took Raphina didn’t he? Sounds like bollocks to me.

Here’s a comparison between his characteristics and Callum’s: from around 2:20. Note the link up play and ball retention stats for example.

It wasn’t meant to be literal

You might be confusing Isak for Wood there. Against Liverpool Isak was very much a focal point, holding up the ball and laying it off, as well as consistently pressing their defenders. Wilson is good at the former, but not so much the latter imo. From what little I’ve seen it looks like Isak would be an upgrade on Wilson for the way we play.

I think many underestimate Isak and what he can offer in the centre forward position, assuming it will be Wilson’s to keep. I mean, what he did vs Liverpool in his first game after a few days of training with the team was already pretty special. I really think Wilson will be our super sub going forward, playing depending on what we need to beat the opposition, coming on to see games out, brought on as a second striker when we’re behind, etc. He’ll get plenty of playing time but before long Isak will be a mainstay in the centre forward position. This should hopefully aid Wilson’s longevity too.

I sincerely doubt he’ll go for anywhere near the quoted €100m in the end.

I think after the World Cup, with Isak hopefully fully fit and Wilson in need of a rest, Isak will be our centre forward and going forward they will alternate/Wilson will be used as backup. You don’t sign a mega promising 60m centre forward to play them out of position or as second fiddle.

Can’t say much for the others you mention, but Reiss Nelson is certainly not a great prospect. Couldn’t even hack it at Feyenoord last year. I’d have a “Howed” Murphy over him every day of the week.

Indeed. There’s an argument to be made that Howe is making do with what he has inherited and plans to develop tactically as he brings in players that suit his vision for the future.

Nice one! Unrelated to PIF I reckon?

Insane stat even taking into account the level of competition.