Closed Man United v Chelsea

[YouNameIt 1,511]

Such a big game to trust Lukaku to start in BUT! big game to trust 'I fall over my own feet' Fernando Torres

Torres has played well against United a few times in his career

Like when he missed 2 clear chances, one of them being an open goal, plus he got sent off right?

[The Skipper 20,593]

Lukaku must start. Relishing seeing him destroy Rio Ferdinand.

[Pizy 18,368]

Welp. Jose's latest comments about Moyes/Rooney have certainly gone down well over on RedCafe. They're basically raging and calling him bitter and jealous that he didn't get the United job. Saying he's obsessed with them.

Don't think I've prayed for a victory harder since the CL final as I am now. I want to beat these cunts so fucking badly. I want to absolutely embarrass this lot and then steal their best player afterwards.

PLEASE FOOTBALL GODS!

[Blue Armour 4,278]

I'm not talking about the CC game. I'm talking about the home game in the PL where despite conceding two early goals through two defensive mistakes by the back four Mikel-Rami dominated the midfield and were key to us getting back on level terms; we were still on top even after going down to 10 men. I'm talking about the FA cup game at Old Traford where united were dominating the midfield battle until Rafa brought Mikel on for Lampard and we managed to win the midfield battle and pin them back and get back on lever terms and have a chance to win it. I'm talking about the repeat FA cup tie at the bridge when once again Mikel-Rami won the midfield battle. And finally I'm talking about the PL game at Old Traford.

Mikel-Rami performed in numerous big games last season and were our best pivot partnering. Let's be a bit fair.

Again, in that FA cup one at OT it worked only after United were ahead and decided to defend. The FA cup match at the bridge was the one good example.

And in the PL game at OT, Mikel did not play at all. Anyway, I'm not saying Mikel-Ramires WON'T work, I just don't trust it.

[Azpinator 2,325]

Lukaku must start. Relishing seeing him destroy Rio Ferdinand.

I would love to see Ivanovic vs Nani again... Aaah I just remembered Ballack vs Evra.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Again, in that FA cup one at OT it worked only after United were ahead and decided to defend. The FA cup match at the bridge was the one good example.

And in the PL game at OT, Mikel did not play at all. Anyway, I'm not saying Mikel-Ramires WON'T work, I just don't trust it.

They didn't just decide to defend. They started the second half as the better side and had us pinned back until Mikel came on and we started winning the ball in midfield and we pinned them in. Even SAF himself said after the game that they did not plan on sitting back and defending.

[mediator 2,026]

Are Luiz and Mata fit for this one?

[The Skipper 20,593]

Are Luiz and Mata fit for this one?

No one knows because Jose hasn't made either certain. Wouldn't be surprised if they do start though, Jose's done it before.

[Blue Armour 4,278]

They didn't just decide to defend. They started the second half as the better side and had us pinned back until Mikel came on and we started winning the ball in midfield and we pinned them in. Even SAF himself said after the game that they did not plan on sitting back and defending.

Maybe that's not what they had planned, but that's what they did nonetheless. Also, Hazard was introduced at the second half which could also have prompted United to think differently. I will concede though, that Mikel did a better job than Lampard when he came on, freeing up Ramires.

[bababoom 4,478]

Perfect time for Jose to start Lukaku, and i think he will.

Cech

Ivan - Cahill (Luiz if fit) - Terry - Cole

Ramires - Van Ginkel (Doubt he'll start, but one can hope)

De Bruyne - Oscar - Hazard

Lukaku

Experience back line, Fresh, young, fast front six.

We need to press and make it hard for United to keep possession, and with this team i think we can do that.

[OneMoSalah 8,776]

Mata must play. If we are going to keep him (I'm hoping we will), Jose must start him to show that hes here to stay. If Mata is not in the team I can see him going.

Cech

Ivan - Luiz - Terry - Cole

Rami - MvG

Mata - Oscar- Hazard

Lukaku

Lots of energy, legs in midfield (basically no Lampard and Essien) and a powerhouse upfront.

[Jase 43,479]

Mata must play. If we are going to keep him (I'm hoping we will), Jose must start him to show that hes here to stay. If Mata is not in the team I can see him going.

Cech

Ivanovic - DavidLuiz - Terry - Cole

Ramires - vanGinkel

deBruyne - Mata - Hazard

Lukaku

Mata is likely to be on the bench as he's not 100% match fit yet and judging by Mourinho's liking of Oscar, it would seem ridiculous if he doesn't start since his ability to link up the play and defend as well will be extremely crucial in a game like this.

[OneMoSalah 8,776]

Mata is likely to be on the bench as he's not 100% match fit yet and judging by Mourinho's liking of Oscar, it would seem ridiculous if he doesn't start since his ability to link up the play and defend as well will be extremely crucial in a game like this.

True but if Mata's fit and we are going to go attack them then surely Mata would be crucial on the wing or in the hole even if Oscar does play?

This Mata going on loan or just leaving in general business is annoying me very much. Even that we could be signing Rooney too as we all know what shirt number Rooney loves (not saying that Mata has to leave if Rooney signs but for marketing purposes Rooney 10 sells better than Rooney 22 or something)..... albeit very coincidental that hes not match fit.

[Jase 43,479]

True but if Mata's fit and we are going to go attack them then surely Mata would be crucial on the wing or in the hole even if Oscar does play?

As much as we all love Mata and want him to start, think we are all aware of his defensive deficiencies and knowing Mourinho, he would not want to gamble on that where he would surely want high workrate throughout the match and helping the team not just to attack, but also defend.

[OneMoSalah 8,776]

As much as we all love Mata and want him to start, think we are all aware of his defensive deficiencies and knowing Mourinho, he would not want to gamble on that where he would surely want high workrate throughout the match and helping the team not just to attack, but also defend.

Yes but also I can see Moyes playing a 4-5-1 and being quite cautious against us. We need to have our best player involved at some point. Also this speculation is fucking annoying the hell out of me.

[Jase 43,479]

Yes but also I can see Moyes playing a 4-5-1 and being quite cautious against us. We need to have our best player involved at some point. Also this speculation is fucking annoying the hell out of me.

Trust me, I'm also annoyed at the speculation as well. Think most of us are but just can't see Mata starting for the reason mentioned. And unfortunately, our best player here is not at 100% match fit yet. If anything, he will likely to come off the bench instead.

[Vybz Kartel 1,613]

Perfect time for Jose to start Lukaku, and i think he will.

Cech

Ivan - Cahill (Luiz if fit) - Terry - Cole

Ramires - Van Ginkel (Doubt he'll start, but one can hope)

De Bruyne - Oscar - Hazard

Lukaku

Experience back line, Fresh, young, fast front six.

We need to press and make it hard for United to keep possession, and with this team i think we can do that.

I would just replace Cahill with Ivanovic then put Azp at right back, dont fancy cahill battle with RVP also Mata to start since he always does well against united

[Alan Partridge 1,124]

Like when he missed 2 clear chances, one of them being an open goal, plus he got sent off right?

Scored a good goal in that match, but yeah he messed up.

He used to give Vidic a tough time, then again he used to score goals for fun in the PL