Carefree1991

To get 4 wins from 4 before the international break is absolutely brilliant, this will give Sarri time to evaluate and plan whats needed on how to move forward. He's said it will take a few months for us to start playing the football he wants us to play, so for as much as us just having meaningless possession is frustrating for some, we need to remember this is a work in progress and the biggest thrill is walking away with 3 points. For the amount I hate the international breaks, having them allows us to plan for a small number of games; when we get back there are only 7 games before the next international break (only 4 prem games). If we can pick up a good amount of points from those 4, it gives Sarri time to implement his ideas and identify areas he wants to improve. I thought RLC had a good 15mins today, it seems there is plenty of strength in depth with more than enough minutes to go around. Slightly worried about the defence, Alonso was brilliant today, but still feel opposition will see him as a target to exploit.

On what you're saying, which is 'Man U had a great season last season', that is not an objective viewpoint not a subjective viewpoint. Objective is fact, subjective is an opinion. It's not factual that Manchester United had a great season last season, as others, including myself, don't see it as a great season. They'd just won the F.A Cup, a trophy I'd prefer to over the League Cup and Europa League. Point taken in terms of league standings, but stature, resources and expectations United are at the very top. They were a big club when he joined. We hear great things about Spurs and Liverpool because they are smaller clubs with less resources, so for them to achieve a top 4 finish or a Champions League final is a success for them. Apologies, I'll stop with Jose talk.

That's a subjective opinion and not an objective statement. It's subjective because, as shown in this thread, people have differing opinions, none of which can be proven by facts (objective data) Here is some objective data though, Mourinho's win % at Manchester United is the lowest he's had at a club since he managed Uniao de Leiria. So since he arrived on the map at Porto, he has never performed this bad. However, Van Gaal and Moyes both had win rates of around 52% at Manchester United, to which Mourinho has improved by around 10% (up to 61.7%), so in that aspect, he's been successful in winning more football matches. I'm with Martin1905, yes he hasn't been terrible for them, clearly progressed. But in my book, they've not been successful as for a club that size they've been nowhere near the title since he joined.

Which is why I said if bought, then it should be as a squad in the first instance. Totally agree, great potential, but not someone I would look at to improve our first team right now.

For me, Martial should only be considered for a squad role in the first instance. If he's not good enough to start for Manchester United, then we shouldn't hang our hopes on him supplying the goods for us.

Agreed it is damp praise, but if he is able to offer something at that level (the level we are competing at this season) then, in my opinion, he's most definitely needed giving an option when better players need a rest. I hope we end up being in a position to win it. Using the group stages and early knockout rounds giving lesser players game time and better players rest, then hopefully we reach the latter stages to take it seriously. I would like to be sitting here in 12 months with a European trophy under our belts with a Super Cup to contend for as well.

Why do we want to fixate on one formation? I'm sure many on here would say it has been our downfall at times in the past. I think a club needs a way of playing or a preferred system, but having the ability to change could set us apart from the rest. Having a squad that can play in a 4-3-3 and 4-3-1-2 would be great; plus the squad having played 3 at the back over the last 2 seasons, it gives us options. In terms of wide men, Moses by trade is a winger so he could fill in on the right if needs be. I remember him having a good Europa league campaign last time out playing wide right and ultimately I think that's his level when playing as a winger.

The defence is at best good. But there is no excuse for the need of wanting players with better quality than what we have. Ivanovic is poor, Azpili is a right back, yes he can play left back and does a good job at it. But he is a right back, not playing him there is problem.

It's a joke how some players/clubs are protected and others treated like scum. Like someone posted earlier, I'm sure Mourinho's defensive football will now be tactically amazing and only a genius could pull it off. To be fair to TalkSport, DriveTime did pick up on the bias of MOTD regarding the Costa and Coquelin incidents.

If that fee is true then it could make sense to bring him, but not too sure at how true this fee is and where it comes from. The only reason I can think of is: that Chelsea and BMG have an agreement for him to play at BMG for the season. So the fee would be to cancel that agreement? As an inconvenience payment.

It's not vital.

Agreed, we are in desperate need of a LB and CB and a striker if Remy leaves. Everywhere else is fairly solid I think for this season.

I know, I think its more out of hope that I say it, seeing others buy sought after players, knowing we need to improve so much to close the gap is not a reassuring feeling.

With the reports of Madrid being interested in Alaba, I think we should join that race, if bids will be listened to. By far one of the best full backs in the world, If we want to be join that European elite again, he is the type of player we should be attracting; although no CL this year would clearly be a barrier.

I can see your point, and I think he does have a role, albeit a small role if he's going to play CM. Two seasons ago, he had an attacking midfielder in front of him doing some the work with the two holding players. You could argue that one of the strikers could now drop and do that. Also, that great form he did have has been missing in most parts over the past 18 months. I can see him playing in the role, can see the huge limitations he may have to succeed there this coming season. I hope he proves me wrong. I mentioned him in another thread about where he played for Barcelona, he could potentially do that for us with two men up top, how Loftus-cheek done for us in yesterday's game. I think its worth a try in pre-season.