ExiledGeordie

I'd go with Sammy as part of a front 3 for this one. He has good pace, can finish ok and he looks like he's beefed up a little bit and he gives you something different. Definitely ahead of Obertan. Krul Simpson Saylor Colo Santo Perch Cabaye Jonas HBA Cisse Sammy

The problem with Shola is he's much better coming off the bench for 25--30 mins. The other problem is be puts in a few good shows in that role and then starts and regresses to how we often know him 433 with Cisse central for me

O'neill is an impact manager, nothing more. He always has that massive surge in performances when he takes over a team but he's got an awful record in the transfer market and he can never sustain that initial lift. Noel Gallagher was on talksport the other night and said "did you see Adam Johnson in the NE derby, that's why City sold him, does nothing when it matters"

Ofcourse this has nothing to do with the fact he sent two of their players off and they lost the game? lol #sourgrapes

It's one thing for a player to become a more complete footballer but if they start trying too many things to the detriment of his game then thats a worry. I remember Tiote just mopping up in front of the back four and playing simple passes to start attacks. I think he just needs to go back to basics a bit. It's also been a bit stop and start with niggles so I don't think he's been bang on pace at times which has probably contributed to miss timed tackles and bookings.

He still struggles a bit at centre half and we know his limitations there but as a holding player he seems to excel. Reads the game well and puts in blinding well timed tackles. Has good pace too

It was a stupid wreckless challenge in the context of the derby and red was the only card that the ref was going to show. Should never have given him the chance with a challenge like that. The bloody whistle had gone already anyway and we were in total control.

They'll come out of the blocks hard and no doubt try and unsettle us and turn it into a war. They'll get frustrated and increasingly nervous the longer the game goes on for them without goals and football wise we have the players to win it. Both teams have been poor though so it's nigh on impossible to predict really.

Shola is far more effective coming on with 20-30 mins to go. Plus as someone has mentioned they'll know we've always got our trump card to pull in case of emergency. 4-3-3 please, we looked our most dangerous last season playing like this and in this game we'll need the extra man in midfield.

What does he think he is, Director of football or something, fucking hell. He's such a smarmy little owl headed cock

Llambias is coming out with some right shite in his latest interview ffs. "We don't want to de-stabilize the team with new signings" Yeah alright Dekka, because you're a football expert and reckon Perc/Williamson are perfectly up to the job when (as expected) our first two players become injured. More cust cutting waffle

Evra and Vidic were written off by most Man U fans during their first season and look what happened there. Give the lad a chance to settle into the premier league ffs

Total gulf in class as Dave has said. Couldn't believe we sat back and watched them play in those first 20 mins, like rabbits in headlights even if Man U did start extremely well. When we lose key players we fill those positions with average players and it shows. They might be good pros but they're not good enough. I like what Pardew's doing here but I don't buy much of his spin on the depth of the squad at all. It's small and it's seriously weak in parts and it showed today. We really haven't turned up so far this season have we, some players look half the players of last season.

Difficult task for Fergie, but he's quick, scraps like a terrier and has a hell of a cross on him from the left so nice one I say. Jonas will cover him anyway

Fair play to Winter, did what he said he'd do.

Ashley having Sports Direct plastered all over St James' is an advertising wet dream because the whole world as well as the country gets to see his brand. I can't see him giving that up easily because financially he probably stands to make more keeping his Sports Direct stuff in place. That seems to add up if as Culkin says Wonga is for the shirt sponsorship only.

No I think many aspects of the financial model that's been set up has to be commended but I doubt whether there really is the committment to take the club forward because that would require more investment than is currently in place. I suppose in reality I've just got used to the hideous cringeworthy acts of Ashley and this latest one is a good'un no doubt.

It really is astonishing isn't it some of the decisions they make. More money in his pocket too, doubt the actual team will see much of this

I think it's total and utter bollocks about a said allegiance towards United, just my 2pence. Football fans get annoyed after defeats and come up with all sorts of theories about refs.

They're very one dimensional with Fletcher. With a fully fit side we have far more weapons to hurt them and the pressure is squarely on them to get a result too. The pressure will be turned up a notch too if we get a result tomorrow.

It is possible to have been really unlucky with serious injuries like the torn achilles and a fractrued jaw while ALSO being generally prone to less serious injuries. The lad has always had trouble with knocks, can't get away from that.

The utter folly of not bringing in another centre half ffs

Solid performance but they were awful. Pretty decent atmosphere down there to be honest. Obertan actually beat someone and put a cross in for a goal Cabaye looked sharper and glad Cisse scored. Hope we have one of Saylor or Colo back for sunday though. Saw the highlights in the Newcastle Arms after. Hate ITV That's my review

cash turnstiles tonight I'm guessing? Will probs head down later and grab a ticket

If ever there was a game to highlight the lack of investment into key areas namely central defence then this is it. Had the chance to strengthen again this summer after the issue became glaringly obvious last season and yet they didn't do so. Articles from Ryder with quotes from Pardew saying "I plan to strengthen in January" just annoy me even more