The Van Gaal Era: Preformance Checks/Kpis

[Pilgrim Meister]

Thought I would start this here as it was an entertaining.

United won 2-0 today, however, they were playing QPR

 

[Stevencc]

And we were absolutely awful.

 

[Pilgrim Meister]

Val Gaal claims they played well, which was following by a bad smell by those who commented on it

 

[Jockney]

Spurs are also playing poorly but are picking up points.

Southampton are due another dip soon with all their injuries. Think the most important thing is keeping up the pace.

 

[Christian Slater]

van Gaal has acknowledged that the tactical shift today was beneficial, but you can bet your last, bogey laced penny that he'll start with three at the back in the next match. I'm not too impressed with him so far, too stubborn. If he gets top four he'll have done what's required but I don't see him being the one to take us back to challengers.

 

[Stevencc]

van Gaal has acknowledged that the tactical shift today was beneficial, but you can bet your last, bogey laced penny that he'll start with three at the back in the next match. I'm not too impressed with him so far, too stubborn. If he gets top four he'll have done what's required but I don't see him being the one to take us back to challengers.

Yep

Apparently the United fans were chanting "4 4 2" during the game today. Presumably because "4 4 2 diamond" or "4 2 3 1" don't quite have the same ring about them when chanted.

 

[Christian Slater]

Yep

Apparently the United fans were chanting "4 4 2" during the game today. Presumably because "4 4 2 diamond" or "4 2 3 1" don't quite have the same ring about them when chanted.

We need Mike Bassett in charge.

 

[Nilsson]

He's getting more wrong than he's getting right at the minute, which is a worry. And his constant reluctance to utilise Herrera is really starting to piss me off.

It's frustrating as it's only small tweaks that'd make us tick (as the game today showed).

But I'm pleased James Wilson scored today.

 

[Eamonn]

The issue is that with 3/5 at the back we have the 3rd best defensive record in the league and have been alot more solid but of course it limits us badly going forward. I would be happy for us to use it in tough away games but at home or against lower opposition we need to be the diamond and going forward it, we shouldnt be trying to contain others, we need to overwhelm them and it was no surprise when we switched formation we were alot better, thought Falcao worked his balls off as well, very unfortunate to not score but thats not whats it all about, has the passion and commitment of a United player.

 

[Nath]

The issue is that with 3/5 at the back we have the 3rd best defensive record in the league and have been alot more solid but of course it limits us badly going forward. I would be happy for us to use it in tough away games but at home or against lower opposition we need to be the diamond and going forward it, we shouldnt be trying to contain others, we need to overwhelm them and it was no surprise when we switched formation we were alot better, thought Falcao worked his balls off as well, very unfortunate to not score but thats not whats it all about, has the passion and commitment of a United player.

The problem is playing 3-5-2 against lower opposition when it is completely unnecessary (against Yeovil for example). It is embarassing. Van Gaal has talked about balance in the team, however the balance is much better in a diamond. Going forward in a 3-5-2 we have no shape. We have midfielders more than capable of defensive roles in midfield, so there is no reason we can't find a balance differently.

I wonder has Giggs said anything.

 

[Destruction]

Hope everyone remembers me tipping James Wilson donkeys years ago.

Should get more games when Falcao is binned off in the summer.

 

[silkyman]

I've not really seen much of him, but isn't that his first goal of the season? This isn't another of those young United players who is going to be the 'next big thing' before ending up at Doncaster, is it? Surely Falcao given time to settle and get used to the English game is a better bet than a lad who has scored as many this season as Stoke City's goalkeeper did last season? I know that sounds flippant, but surely it's too early days to be saying he's made it.

 

[Christian Slater]

I've not really seen much of him, but isn't that his first goal of the season? This isn't another of those young United players who is going to be the 'next big thing' before ending up at Doncaster, is it? Surely Falcao given time to settle and get used to the English game is a better bet than a lad who has scored as many this season as Stoke City's goalkeeper did last season? I know that sounds flippant, but surely it's too early days to be saying he's made it.

Is United giving another young player an opportunity getting boring for you? Wilson has talent, if he's good enough for this level remains to be seen, at least he's getting a chance.

 

[thespus]

Falcao—heralded as the best #9 in the world by many upon signing—is now being praised for having the "passion and commitment of a United player".

 

[Stevencc]

And the finishing skills of the man he replaced it seems although on double or triple his wages. It's really not worked out so far. I suppose there is time for it to work out but I don't know if he will ever be worth risking £40m on again.

 

[silkyman]

Is United giving another young player an opportunity getting boring for you? Wilson has talent, if he's good enough for this level remains to be seen, at least he's getting a chance.

Him playing isn't boring. Them always being being the next next next next George Best does start to grate after a while. I see the last best prospect in the world ever, has become something of a bit-part player and has only scored one in more than a year.

 

[Christian Slater]

Him playing isn't boring. Them always being being the next next next next George Best does start to grate after a while. I see the last best prospect in the world ever, has become something of a bit-part player and has only scored one in more than a year.

Players breaking into the United team are always going to be hyped up, given the club's standing and history.

 

[silkyman]

And it veers between tedious and amusing. Tedious at the time, and amusing when they end up being Frederico Macheda

 

[Christian Slater]

And it veers between tedious and amusing. Tedious at the time, and amusing when they end up being Frederico Macheda

At least they get a chance. It's also better than buying youth like Rodwell and not even playing him.

 

[silkyman]

I suspect his career would have been stunted further by playing him while he was injured, but, you know.

Not that that has even the slightest relevance to whether United fans and the media have a tendency to hype players beyond all logic or not.

 

[SALTIRE]

At least they get a chance. It's also better than buying youth like Rodwell and not even playing him.

Powell, Zaha?

 

[Christian Slater]

I suspect his career would have been stunted further by playing him while he was injured, but, you know.

Not that that has even the slightest relevance to whether United fans and the media have a tendency to hype players beyond all logic or not.

Of they're hyped, it's a big deal breaking in to the first team at a bug club.

 

[silkyman]

Ok. You crack on with that then. McNair looks like a young Beckenbauer, yeah?

 

[silkyman]

Powell, Zaha?

Bebe?

 

[Avatar]

To be honest they need a RB, a CB and a midfield general who can spot the runs of DiMaria et all, they probably need a striker because RVP and Falcao don't look up to it, and Rooney isn't an out-and-out goalscorer. They need to build their team around DiMaria, De Gea, Mata and Rooney. United would be shattered if they had to play every 3 games.

 

[Rotimi]

Him playing isn't boring. Them always being being the next next next next George Best does start to grate after a while. I see the last best prospect in the world ever, has become something of a bit-part player and has only scored one in more than a year.

You have to admit, its not strictly a United problem as this applies to every team, especially the big boys. There's the next Fabregas, the next Rush, the next Owen, the next Messi. Its a way for fans to cling on to some semblance of their idols

 

[thespus]

You have to admit, its not strictly a United problem as this applies to every team, especially the big boys. There's the next Fabregas, the next Rush, the next Owen, the next Messi. Its a way for fans to cling on to some semblance of their idols

The problem isn't the hype given. Every sporting club/franchise/etc in every sport in the world has fans guilty of hyperbole—excitement is a natural, human reaction. Every single one of us has been guilty of this. I think it's pathetic that any sporting fan get theirs knickers twisted by a excitement over a young talent.

The problem is the opportunities said clubs give for the youngster to warrant the hype. City fans don't hype many of their youngsters because everyone knows they'll be playing for Sunderland in two seasons once their stock has plummeted. The problem for these youngsters isn't the fans excitement for them, it's the clubs stockpiling expensive youngsters to sit behind a £500m squad.

 

[silkyman]

Eh?

When's that happened then?

 

[Pyeman]

they probably need a striker because RVP and Falcao don't look up to it, and Rooney isn't an out-and-out goalscorer.

I agree about RVP but I think with a run of games Falcao could come good and Rooney will usually bag you a fair amount too. Falcao and Rooney as first choice with RVP and Wilson as back-up isn't a bad strike force at all.

 

[Eamonn]

Maybe I have my tinted glasses on but I think Falcao has been very good thus far, hes only played about 13 games, only around 8 or so have been from the start. I would be concerned if he wasnt getting into positions or contributing in any other way but he is, he needs a run of games, when he got 3 or so games on the bounce around Christmas he scored twice, he assisted, he tracks back, drifts wide, hes a real team player. The goals will undoubtedly come, hes been a little unlucky in front of goal last couple of games but I think it stems from eagerness to impress, as his confidence returns, the goals most certainly will, his movement is superb, should be first choice for me, would love to see him and Rooney get a run up front with Herrera and Di Maria supplying.