The Skipper

We definitely set up to counter last year and were far more daring going forward, but for me the major difference to this season's performance was that we set up way too conservatively. We never intended to break forward with players as soon as we did recover the ball, whereas last year we counter attack intuitively with several players. There was definitely a difference in how conservative we were.It's clear to me that it's due to Jose not fully trusting certain players in big games though, and because we lost the protection (+ flair) Luiz gave us in big games in midfield, we (or Jose) were naturally looking a lot more reluctant to break with numbers.

I think Solanke was listed somewhere as 186cm.

Hi hjperdeath. I have definitely missed your analysis on the site, this was an interesting read definitely, but it doesn't tell us too much about how United will actually set up IMO, instead it seems more about educating one of what a high line does (i.e. compress the pitch, making the 'APZ' as you call it smaller). What I would like to know more about is not just how compact United are, but how they transition from defence to attack, how they aim to retrieve the ball (I believe you have covered this), what functions each of their midfield three have, how their forward line interacts etc... and how CFC can stop that. Of course you probably don't have time to look into this because it is quite extensive of course . One thing very noticeable about this United (starting) side is how they don't seem to have a pure attacker; arguably all of their midfield plus forwards are midfielders - even Rooney is not a very pure forward. I think it is very important that we patrol our midfield area, the game will be won or lost in there. They'll be aiming to have Rooney as the focal points to build their attacks - he'll drop deep to receive the ball so it is very important we have an intelligent patroller like Mikel in front of what I think is the danger zone - the area in front of our back four. Of course we have to be very wary of the off the ball movement around Rooney as well - a simple lay off from Rooney to Herrera or Carrick who have the ability to find the likes of Mata and Fellaini who are great off the ball. It is important these sort of players are tracked of course. This is without getting into what we need to do to create chances against United. Simply put, we better hope that Remy is fit because there will be plenty of space in the 'IAPZ' should United try to remain compact and high on the pitch. I still wish we had Schurrle, he could've been devastating in this game. Shame Cuadrado is still adjusting to this league because he has decent off the ball runs as well and the likes of Hazard and Fabregas can find him. Just some food for thought pal.

This is why we need a 3rd AM who can produce something in the final third on a regular basis. Instead we usually have 2/3 water carriers (Willian + Oscar). Get in another threat like Reus or Bale on the opposite flank, get Ivanovic to stop thinking he's Maicon and stop overlapping too much and pretending to be an auxiliary winger, and you'll see Eden (and even Cesc) flourish a lot more as the opposition will have to worry about more than just 2 players when we're transitioning in attack.

Funny thing is I was one of Sturridge's biggest supporters on here and honestly there's a huge difference between the two. Sturridge didn't get anywhere near Oscar's playing time here and was never given a fair shot in his natural position, please do not compare.

Swap Oscar for Raheem?

Imagine owing someone on Talk Chelsea $100.

You should really not judge a player based on one game...

Says the person that has only watched Koke once ever.

I didn't even watch the game yesterday.

Koke is essentially a very rich man's Oscar.

So you've only actually watched Koke once. Great.

I'm pretty sure Mourinho thinks Ivanovic is like Maicon, and Azpi is like Zanetti.

How about Hazard - Willian - Mata? Pace problem solved.

MVG certainly has it in him to be a reliable squad player here. I'd be much more comfortable with MVG (fully developed) in the XI than Ramires for example.

Am I reading this right? Someone actually thinks Koke is just marginally better than Oscar?

Mikel can go months without playing and just slot into the team seamlessly. I would risk it. Tbh, I would play both but Cahill has been decent recently.

Fellaini has really good off the ball movement and knows how to find gaps between midfield and defence. Mikel is an expert at patrolling that area. Plus Mikel is far more comfortable in possession than Zouma and just offers more in midfield for us.

Why are you acting as if we've been playing like this for the whole season?

Mikel > Zouma as a CDM, not even questionable. If people think playing Zouma in midfield will nullify Fellaini then they're being very naive. Fellaini has more to him than just being a great headerer of the ball, and they still have other players like Mata, Rooney, Herrera that we need to worry about. Mikel can do an okay job in the air plus bring a lot more stability and experience in the middle of the park. Mikel Matic - Fabregas Should be our midfield three, with Willian, Hazard and Remy leading. Regular back 5.

Love this chap. Still gutted he's gone.

I've always said he's good enough to play on that right side for us because he's ready physically, technically and mentally. Tactically he's not fully ready but he's definitely got enough. Don't understand how he hasn't been used at all yet tbh.

Technically Colkett has always been great, I agree. He has a Xavi-esque essence about him, proper playmaker. He has made massive strides this season indeed, but I'm still not 100% on him. If he continued to develop this nicely however he might have be as exciting as RLC and Solanke for me.

What? Izzy Brown is not the best player in the youth team at all. Ask anyone that watches the youth regularly and they'll tell you that the likes of Musonda, Boga, RLC and Solanke are way more talented. Not even questionable. Colkett is an interesting talent but again, not as talented as the above individuals.

Hi. Let's drop Courtois everyone.