ExiledGeordie

My worry going into this game is if the injuries continue and we’re still iffy away from home come the match. In theory we should batter them but if Isak is out, and other key players are out then I’ll be more worried. Key players back and go into it after a few wins and I think we’ll be fine and so we should be really.

Im not playing it down at all. It would be a shocker to lose this but more in relation to the knackers down the road going on and on about it. It would be a knock to Howe for sure but in the grand scheme of things I don’t think it changes his position, it’s one game. Whether Howe stays for 2,3 or even 4 more years is open for debate but he’s dealt with crippling injuries pretty bloody well this season and has been awesome so far. No need to think about a manager being changed anytime yet.

That’s a great point

Yeah it’s an odd situation I agree. The fact he’s barely getting any game time when he was originally a midfielder, is technically solid and quick makes you wonder why he’s not getting games. Have they decided they have a better option (or as suggested above money needs to be spent elsehwere) and know that if they limit his appearances they won’t have to sign him? ?‍♂️ Time will tell I guess

So not under pressure insofar as losing his job so not really under pressure then? ?

It would be a tough one take but anyone thinking his position should be under ‘serious’ pressure needs their head read. Are you suggesting he’s moved on if we lose?

Nah no chance, he’s made mistakes but he’s not going to say “sorry son not you tonight” ?

I think tonight was down to players knackered and a complete lack of options again. It is what it is, we just have to ride it out

At the end of the day if he doesn’t want to be here and has been offered more money (and it’ll be a fuck load) to go to restructure Man U then fair enough, that’s how things go. Shame but there we are.

You know that for certain then, are you privy to all the medical information and see them in training day in day out? That’s a tongue in cheek comment really and it’s fine to have a pinion obviously, it’s just that injuries are complex and unless we know all the details you can’t say definitively. I would agree the injury crisis has meant players have played for more often than Howe would probably have liked but they have specific fitness tests to complete before matches so I highly doubt Howe is risking players injuries.

Yeah his lack of any use of his right foot is no good like, not at this level.

Great player for the squad but RW needs upgrading if we’re going to progress as a side imo.

I could actually see that we might’ve said with this they we didn’t want an obligation to buy. Or maybe we were never interested lol

Yeah I think if Ivan Toney signs for Arsenal they’ll probably win the league. City will be really strong again next year as they were probably always going to have a bit of a treble hangover. At this stage I think top four is very unlikely given our away form and injuries. If our injuries clear up and we have a good January we’ll be a serious team second half of the season and could go on a run. Villa are having a season like we did last year and have been lucky with injuries. That may change and they may also hit a dip in form but right now you’d say they’re nailed on for top 4.

Yeah I think players are written off too easily, just look at Gordon, I had my doubts about him like others did. If Howe wants Phillips and he comes in that’s good enough for me.

Yeah I’m not 100% convinced Phillips is the answer but I’m torn because I think Howe could have a massive impact on him if you look at players like Gordon and those who improved who were already here. Hes 28 in his prime and with a point to prove (you’d hope). I do think we’d benefit from a more designated defensive midfield just to give us more options but whether that player is Phillips or whether they have an eye on someone next summer or even if they see Tonali doing some of that role next season even if he isn’t that exact type player. A Phillips version from a fee years ago sitting with Bruno and Miley/Joelinton just ahead ‘could’ be awesome. I suppose with Phillips loan with option to buy if he does well is probably the best idea.

Spot on. We defo need a match winner on the right, someone to nab a goal in a tight game or create an opening. Plus if you’ve got someone out there who can create it opens up space for the strikers. Let’s be honest it’s rare that Miggy ever does that so teams can plan fairly effectively to deal with him and Murphy for that matter. Yes Miggy is very effective in certain situations, presses and defends well but he isn’t that clinical and isn’t going to scare defences. Agree on the other option to Bruno factor too.

I don’t have an issue with the Barnes deal, he’s been really unlucky with this injury, I think he’ll do really well and Gordon can shift over to the right at times. Gordon needs cover too. We absolutely need a new RW next summer though.

?

I’d be very surprised if he left given our project but I guess you never know ?‍♂️

He put one pass through (I can’t remember who too) which was a reminder just how much he offers other than top notch defending. Literally triggers fast moving attacks with raking through balls ?

Definitely agree and I think someone could come in for that role but whether it’s Jan or summer is the question (though they may see Tonali as an option for that next season). We really do need another striking option urgently too. Feels like we could do with someone in the final 3rd to give us a bit of a lift, RW or striker if we could get them. I still wouldn’t be surprised if someone comes in in midfield too though. Botmans fitness will probably influence January heavily too.

Hes been colossal particularly as there’s been no option to rotate.

Awesome player, has come on so well and proved a lot of doubters wrong. Hes only going to get better and when we sign a new RW next year he’s going be even more deadly.

There’s the spirit and positivity we need ??