Infinitely Content

...and also helps us score, yesterday for instance. No way would we score that goal if that had been anyone else at right back. He's turning into a very valuable player for us.

Wow, quite the analogy. Shame if true. Never been to Old Trafford, although all the Asian students from my course when I was at university organised a day trip there and took photos of seats, adidas badges and the likes. Probably says it all....

With or without the good spell at the beginning of his tenure? Who Pardew? Coleman.

It's a pretty well balanced argument between Darlow/Elliot. I'd say some of Darlow's strength are Elliot's weaknesses and vice versa, so at this time and in context to performances/goals conceded it's easy to want Darlow in over Elliot. I'd speculate however, that if this were the case Darlow's weaknesses would soon become exposed, the pendulum would swing back and people would call for the more assured and confident Elliot. Ultimately it points to the reality that we need a better goalkeeper going forward, as Rafa knows based on reports in the summer, but I can understand why at present he is opting for Elliot despite his shortcomings.

With or without the good spell at the beginning of his tenure?

I actually wrote it with that in mind. Matz Sels was particularly bad and it was much clearer to me why he was getting the stick he was. He looked nervous and unassured in the role that requires arguably the most confidence on the pitch. Rob Elliot hasn't been that bad, yes he's slow in getting down to shots sometimes, but that's a different conversation to Sels' performances. You may disagree like, and I'm more than happy to hear why as I do actually agree with a lot of what you're saying.

He'll get there. Yesterday Rafa had Ritchie on the left to help out defensively, but I think in the future, against weaker sides we will see Murphy play some of his most effective stuff from the left, he loves a shot for distance so that role suits him well.

I'll reserve any conclusive judgement until I've seen him perform similarly against a variety of opposition, but signs are promising yesterday. Man Utd gave us far more space than a Watford or a Burnley would though.

He really is a problem though. With so many of our games being so tight and ending 1-0 either way, a good 'keeper could really make a significant difference this season. I thought the same but tbf you could make that same argument for every position on the pitch. We're dealing in such fine margins at the moment that a good bit of play or a bad bit of play anywhere on the pitch could be the difference between winning/losing, not just the goalie. Yes and no. With outfield players you can often carry one or two that aren't good enough and still get away with things if you operate well tactically and as a unit. With a 'keeper this doesn't really apply. Yeah fair play, I get that. I will say though, it's much easier to highlight a goalkeeping error or shortcoming in relation to a goal conceded, but I would say those fine margins we're talking about can also be affected/decided by something seemingly as small as losing possession on half way and inviting pressure onto the team, making us drop deeper and maybe conceding from a subsequent corner. In that instance it's had the same deciding role in the game but is less glaringly obvious than a perceived goalkeeper error. I'd also say some of the criticism of Elliot has been fair at times this season, but in other times it's been unfair and unjust. He has become the scapegoat which is a shame because he gives his all and he's a really likeable guy, not only that but he has and continues to be a decent keeper for us. I wonder if we had bought a keeper for decent money, and he performed to around the same level as Elliot, would he get the same amount of stick or would people be going easier on him.

I liked how in that first half anything that went into Man Utd's half, they really tried to make something of it with reasonable success. Usually starting with Joselu finding Gayle before support arrived. They were a problem for a decent team, so I'd start them both in the same positions next time out. Bringing Mitrovic on for Joselu earlier than yesterday if we haven't scored or need another one.

He really is a problem though. With so many of our games being so tight and ending 1-0 either way, a good 'keeper could really make a significant difference this season. I thought the same but tbf you could make that same argument for every position on the pitch. We're dealing in such fine margins at the moment that a good bit of play or a bad bit of play anywhere on the pitch could be the difference between winning/losing, not just the goalie.

Ndong is improving like, fair play.

Interesting fact: David Beckham was born at a hospital called 'Whipps Cross', in Waltham Forest - which is what he would go on to do for a living. Dwight Gayle & Harry Kane were also born there.

The poet. The artist. She should feel honoured & humbled.

Starting to think he's a figment of my imagination. And that I dreamt up this dreamboat of a midfielder a few month ago after being let down in the window. Seems an age since he last played. Where art thou Mikel...

I sort of agree as I want to see Mitrovic playing for us, but Joselu done some really good things linking play up in the first half. It's easy to go unnoticed but he was important to our good play in the first half hour. Was particularly poor in the second but we weren't showing much by then other than the odd good moment from Murphy.

Consistently discontent, I like it.

He looks very solid imo. In that first half he saved our necks 2-3 times easily with his composure and decision making. But of course I get it goals conceded stand out and as a defender that's always going to be what you're judged on. ...but for what it's worth I love watching him play and can tell he's an outstanding defender, our best imo. Put a few better players around him and he will flourish.

That's it. Turn it off.

Just going to reinstate a bit of balance here given the above comments, which are fair enough observations but don't reflect fully the reality imo. Thought he showed (at times) unbelievable composure and class today. He really is a quality footballer. Just needs a bit more time settling into the team and league, days like this are inevitable, just look at Lindelof, Otamendi, Mangala etc... quality defenders who struggle at first. Lejeune has been immense for us most of his time on the pitch, and I look forward to seeing what more he has in store for us. Could be one of our best defenders in a long time imo.

Keep playing that team and we will be in serious trouble. The team is poor the squad is poor and players who shouldn’t be near the pitch are continuously getting games. We need this take over to be done as this fat c*** will see us on the verge again. Think people are seriously kidding themselves if they think otherwise. There is no plan B to fall back on during a game due to the simple fact that he players are not good enough. As soon as a team scores we are in trouble as we don’t have the ability or the goal power to change it. Rafa reiterating after the game against Bournemouth the players required were not purchased as he knows this team is severely lacking. The one criticism of Rafa is playing Manquillo and Joselu they offer totally nothing but to be fair they were probably so far down his list. Think people should be concerned but let’s see what happens in the next month. I see what you're saying, but despite all of the adversity we still look a relatively good side quite a lot of the time. I've seen enough good stuff from us to not be worried just yet.

"keep your head" said every manager that has ever lived in the universe in any industry Maybe, but given Murphy's clear lack of confidence, Rafa making a point of approaching him straight after the game to reassure him is class.

Rafa going up to Murphy making a gesture towards his head implying to keep his head most likely. Class act is Rafa.

Quality from our fans here like.