Jase

Lampard just doesn't fancy Giroud, does he? Looks like he'll be gone in January.

True but it's our stupidity to even let them have the set piece situation in the first place. I'll ignore the second goal because that was just "silly" but the first? What on earth was Alonso even doing? We know United are just going to counter attack, they aren't great in creating chances and yet, we gifted them opportunities to score. Plus, we kept giving away stupid fouls in the last 10-15 minutes when they were clearly trying to waste time and instead of passing the ball around, we lumped it forward aimlessly and took pot shots from ridiculous distance. We might have some young players out there but I expected a bit more know-how from them.

Pedro's sub performance today should be of no surprise considering how little he's played over the last month or so. But yeah, it does feel like his time is coming to an end here, especially if Willian continue to do what's asked of him by Lampard.

You and I have different definition here. Agree to disagree then.

A drop in performance level is to be expected given the young-ness of this squad and especially after seeing the XIs that were put out but the performance left a little to be desired (to put it kindly). Expected better than to fall into the same United trap again. Oh well...one less game to worry about in December.

Really? One run to the UCL semi-final out of nowhere and they're suddenly a big team? Tomo, I know you always look for perspective and all but you're clutching at straws here.

I don't know what you're going on about here. By big teams, I meant Liverpool, Man United (despite being crap) etc, not Ajax. Ajax may have reached the UCL semi finals last season but they aren't a big side, are they? That game at Amsterdam may have been a big game and we did well to win. But it wasn't against a big team and we still haven't beaten one this season, and that record will likely extend when we face City in November.

Yes but like I said, playing a big game and playing a big team are 2 completely different things.

Big game and big side are two completely different things and @LAM09 was referring to the latter.

0 wins against any of the big sides this season. 0 wins in 4 against Solskjaer's Man United (entering Conte v Wenger territory). 0 wins in last 5 against Man United.

Err, what's that solitary win? Don't tell me you're counting Ajax?

Lost to Liverpool because of two set-piece goals. Lost to Man United because of two set-piece goals.

Of course United score that free kick...set piece situation is the only way they will score goals these days.

No one else was. 60 mins without a shot on target Still shit.

Batshuayi has been crap all game and he does that all by himself.

This is bringing back bad memories of being tactically outdone by Dalglish or Wenger!

Ours or United or both?

Think Emerson has experienced a setback in his recovery? May explain why Alonso was taken off (early) at Burnley.

Strong XI from United...

Feeling mixed about this game. On one hand, I want us to win and get revenge for that dumb 4-0 loss back in August as well as continue our progress in our League Cup because the domestic cup competitions are arguably our best chance of winning silverware this season. It would be nice for the team, especially the young players, to get one over a big side (regardless of United's fortunes) - which we haven't done yet this season and even if it's just in the League Cup - and potentially win a trophy (that first one is always very important). But on the other hand, if we progress further, it means we will have more games to contend with - in this case, another game to add into the hectic December month - and it's only the League Cup (a bit contradicting, I know), where it feels like the Community Shield these days - you'll feel great if you win it but can't be too bothered if you don't.

Two underrated factors about Lampard are (1) he's English and (2) he articulates his points extremely well. Every time he answers a question, he always responds in depth, explains his reasoning in detail and because he also has a strong command of the English language, he is able to convey his points clear and precise. The language factor is not a criticism of past managers but with Lampard, there's no beat around the bush or read between the lines or things like that in the things he says. What you hear from him is what you get - clear, precise, direct. It's quite refreshing actually.

Chelsea’s Frank Lampard says dropping youngsters is only for ‘flip-floppers’ https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/oct/29/frank-lampard-chelsea-manager-manchester-united-carabao-cup