Strike

Dreading this fixture right after an international break.

How are United on 16 points as things stand and going top?

The two no 10s is an issue- We really need to find a combination that works. Ziyech was playing down the left yesterday and Havertz on the right - there was little or no movement in the forward line.

I would drop both Alonso and Azpilicueta and play Hudson-Odoi and Chilwell at wingback. Gives pace down the flanks for overloads

Chilwell over Alonso for the big games every time please.

Get up and play on FFS. There's a minute left

At least Villa scored

RLC to his credit has applied himself very well here

A change that should have been made for this match regardless of Alonso's form. This type of game needs Chilwell running up and down

Werner can go off and it would make no difference honestly

Close again.

Come on Kova. Great counter chance

Thank fuck for Silva on the line. Second time this season. Ashley Cole esque

Great save from Mendy from the Grealish shot too

We have no attacking plan. Just seeing the spare defender booting it long.

City are all over us now. Changes needed again at HT

City are targeting Alonso with their press

Yep. Need Kai or Ziyech in for one CM

City are pressing aggressively. Timo and Lukaku on their own up front is not looking enough here.

Tuchel just said Thiago had an issue in training yesterday and would have started otherwise

Always worried about these lunchtime kickoffs. It does feel too early in the day and performances are weird sometimes (WBA last season for ex)

Yep this. Also knowing that this is his most consistent phase at the club. Many here including me was open to selling him in 2020

At 28, I'm okay giving a high wage to Rudi on a 4 year deal. Mainly since we could lose Silva next year and Azpi at some point too.

I see comments by Rio Ferdinand saying he's the best center back in the league - seems like a cunningly thought out comment to up the pressure on Chelsea to spend the money or risk losing face by letting him walk.

As much as I love Bastoni's game, I'd go for a monster type defender since we would be lacking some power and muscle with Rudi gone.