Musings on Manchester United Football Club

MUFC Monday Morning Musings - Matchday 2 Brighton 2 v 1 United  United players and fans were left scratching their heads on Saturday afternoon? How did United lose all 3-points from that game? United played well in the first half, passing, moving and creating chances, but yet again, we failed to take them. We could, and should, have scored 2 or 3. Perhaps the most notable opportunity was a Diallo chance following excellent wing play from Dalot on the left. Diallo played well, but opted to use his stronger left foot, when he either needed to put his right foot through it, or go in with a diving header. Regardless, he should have at least hit the target. Somehow, despite United's dominance, Brighton went into the half-time break a goal up. Mason Mount came off injured to be replaced by Zirkzee, but it was Brighton who looked galvanized following the break. Yet Diallo, courtesy of a deflection, equalised. There were chances at both ends in an open game. Both teams pushed for a winner,...

MUFC Monday Morning Musings - Matchday 1 United 1 v 0 Fulham Friday 16th August 2024 United kicked off the 2024/25 season under the floodlights at Old Trafford. The club has felt illuminated for a few months, basking in the glow of the FA Cup final victory over city. There is a huge sense of renewed optimism with a new club structure and strategy focused on onfield success rather than commerical profit. Ten Hag and Bruno have signed new contracts. Players like Garnacho, Hojlund, Amad and Mainoo have bloomed like the brightest flowers on a sunny spring day. Dead wood has gone or is going. New players have been signed. There is a plan. There is hope. Although that hope was tested up until the 87th minute on Friday night, United came good and they deserved it. Zirkzee played well in his 30-minute appearance, dropping deep to receive, feed and then move forward. He looked strong and comfortable on the ball. I think he'll fit in just fine. Positives - 3-points, debut goal from Zirkzee ...

Quick MUFC preseason musings New structure - What a difference Jim Racliffe is making. It's like the club have a structure and strategy geared towards football for the first time post Fergie. Not being held to ransom in the transfer market either! New signings - Yoro looks and sounds very promising, De Ligt brings experience yet is still only 24, Zirkzee loooks good and despite Wan-Bissaka's exceptional one-on-one defending, he created a mere 13 goals in his 5 seasons at  United, Mazraoui is an upgrade. Still to come - Ugarte in central midfield? Outgoings - Goodbye and good riddance to Mason Greenwood. Likewise to Martial. Good luck to Varane (already injured!) Wan-Bissaka and Donny van de Beek. Still to go - McTominay, Eriksen, Lindelof plus the likes of Hannibal. And please - Sancho! Mixed feelings - over McTominay, but he will be 28 later this year and should be getting first team football. Won't get that at United unless we have another disaster with injuries. Expect ...