CurlyHairLikeLuiz

link?

Honestly I don't thin PTB was the original plan, rather that Jose did not expect PSG to stop us playing. Firstly, Mikel-Matic-Cesc is too slow, and has no build up play quality. Secondly, we all know Cesc hates being pressed, which is why he should be kept away from CAM, where he is liable to be pressed by the defenders and the defensive midfielders. Even Matic-Ramires was still better simply because Rami has pace. But once Oscar and Willian were introduced, the midfield had some build up quality to it. I think we are so used to having a dedicated DM that we have forgotten that it is possible to play without one, a la pre 2004. It was nice to see, with Matic at the base it would be even more solid. It's obvious Oscar's future (maybe along with a little bulking up) is in central midfield, perhaps in the biggest games a midfield 3 of Matic Willian Oscar with no Cesc would work. Who knows? Oscar is tasked with creating for Brazil, maybe he can do it for us. It's also possible now we have a few more options in AM to use Willian elsewhere, playing Moses on the right for example.

I rate Cahill. I just think that ATM, Zouma deserves his place (I could have worded my coment better, actually) But Zouma improves our defence because of his physical qualities, that's not Cahill's fault at all but the point still stands. Personally both would look much better if Ivanovic decided to be an RB instead of a CF.

No no no no no Valencia-Jones-Smalling-Rojo/Blind/Shaw is not better than Iva-Cahill-Terry-Azpi, and once you put Zouma in our back line improves further. If there's one area where we are truly world class, it is defence. Even if Ivanovic tries his hardest to remove that reputation. We might as well invert our right side and play Cuad/Willian as an RB and Iva as an RW... I can see why Jose likes him, though. He does benefit the team offensively. United have "Argentina NT syndrome" - ie brilliant attack, awful defense.

Whenever anybody is disappointed with the club I believe it should be mandatory to have a recorded highlights reel of the 2-0 against Liverpool in 13/14, it's so relaxing and satisfying.

Oh, since Messi and Neymar are not playing... -normal back 5- Matic Oscar Cesc (deep) Moses Hazard Costa

Zouma should be the indisputable no 1 next to Terry next season. The fans love him, he's only getting better, and he's quickly becoming the best young CB behind Varane in Europe.

I really liked Falcao last night. He was totally up for it. -normal back 5- Matic Cesc Willian Hazard Costa Falcao would be a fantastic bus breaker if he rediscovers his form.

Well, you can't say Mourinho didn't experiment. We ended the game with a midfield 3 of Oscar-Ramires-Willian. And the biggest surprise? It worked. I'm pleased for Oscar, he's not ready to play in 2 man midfield but if everyone looks at him as playing as a CM suddenly his value among you increases.

Yeah tbh I'm beginning to lose faith now. I remember when people said Douglas Costa wasn't good enough for us, he would've been cheaper, wanted a move to CFC and is one of Bayern's best players in pre season atm.

Why? We do not need him, we have 3 + 1 CBs, in an emergency then we can recall one from our loanee stash, likely Kalas. We should buy an LB like Cresswell who can deal with the bench time and we're set.

Probably does not help that he has to watch his 6 to see if Ivanovic is in position or not...

could somebody like the post match Jose interview?

He is a good second choice but he cannot play next to Matic. That is my point.

You cannot ignore his mistake which led to the goal.

Cesc, please go back to being a DLP.

Just play Oscar there. Cesc must also play deep, he is simply awful at number 10, maybe a diamond formation would be better in normal games: IE, -Norm back 5 - Matic Cesc Oscar Willian/Hazard Falcao/Hazard-Costa/Remy

We all want to see Falcao-Costa but Barcelona will drown us in midfield if we play 2 up front, see City vs BAR R16 CL. Bego also deserves another start. Bego Iva Zouma Terry Azpi Matic Cesc Oscar Moses Costa Hazard HT changes: Courtois > Bego, Willian > Moses, Falcao > Costa

He must feel so bad atm...poor guy. How do you so spectacularly forget to play football?

The thing is, when Oscar actually plays CM instead of doing that role in the no 10, people like him. It's only because others see players with flair like Isco in that role that they think Oscar is poor, but he really plays like he does to allow Cesc freedom.

Erm ok so lesson learned no Mikel-Matic, Moses is better than we thought, Zoum Zoum is the man to partner JT this season, Courtois should take more pens, Falcao is actually pretty good, Oscar is good deep, and Remy-Falcao is pretty formidable!

Can courtois please be second choice pen taker from now on

Nice Oscar

I'M IN LOVE WITH THE FAL-CAO!

I'm in love with the Fal - Cao! And of course Cuadrado missed his pen